[Photo provided to China Daily]

Kempinski's Countdown Party at the Rendez-vous Bar & Lounge features a live band and midnight snack buffet. 200 yuan net per person. Also in the hotel, Kranzler's gala dinner buffet offers scrumptious seafood, salmon bellevue, live cooking and ice carving. 788 yuan (plus a 15 percent service charge, includes entry to Countdown Party) per person; half price for children ages 6-12.

50 Liangmaqiao Road, Chaoyang district. 010-6410-4200.

Opera Bombana

The eight-course menu includes Nova Scotia lobster tagliolini, New Zealand scampi, Australian beef tenderloin, cured pork leg with lentils and black-truffle ice cream－plus traditional Milan-style Christmas bread. 1,088 yuan per person plus a 10 percent service charge; add 500 yuan for wine pairing.

Lower level, Parkview Green Fangcaodi, 9 Dongdaqiao Road, Chaoyang district. Reservations: operabombana.com. 010-5690-7177.

SHANGHAI

Ritz-Carlton, Pudong

Enjoy a free-flow of Perrier-Jouet, selected wines, beer, spirits and "Asian tapas" at the Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong's Rooftop Chalet Party. The Flair rooftop party will feature Asia's highest ice-skating rink, where guests can skate in front of the Pearl Tower with live music played by DJ Sugar. For couples, the entrance fee is 2,015 yuan, plus a 15 percent surcharge.

8 Century Avenue, Lujiazui, Pudong district. 021-2020-1612.

HONG KONG

Mandarin Oriental

The Mandarin Oriental's French gourmet New Year's Eve celebration starts with a glass of Dom Perignon and cocktail reception at M bar, and then moves to Pierre restaurant for a nine-course dinner with entertainment provided by a live jazz band and a magical view of the Hong Kong skyline; HK$4,888 ($114) per person. Other offerings at the hotel include the expansive family-style seafood buffet at the Clipper Lounge, where guests can enjoy a glass of 'R' de Ruinart while enjoying live jazz between 9:30 pm and 12:30 am. Two seatings will be offered, with the earlier priced at HK$898 per adult and HK$418 per child. The second seating starts at 9 pm and includes free flow of Champagne, and is priced at HK$1,688 per adult and HK$758 per child.

5 Connaught Road, Central district. Reservations: mandarinoriental.com. 852-2522-0111.