Mercury levels are surely dipping, but not people's spirits, usually on a high around Christmas time in the city.

The party animals, city hotels and clubs have all geared up to soak in the festive spirit of Yuletide. The hotels, discotheques, shops and restaurants are all decked up in green and red with colourful neon lights signalling the arrival of the festive season.

The Discman, the first discotheque in the city, has decided to make Christmas grand. 'Christmas is like the beginning of the year-end spirit which continues till New Year, complete with parties and fun all around. We have decided to make this Christmas grand for the revellers. From electric high voltage music to mouth-watering food to cocktails, the party will have all the cool quotients,' said The Discman's manager Ravi.

Hangover, the elite lounge located at the Boring Road crossing, is all set to celebrate the festival with zeal. 'We have organised a contest of DJs from Calcutta, a ramp walk and many fun games for party freaks, along with unlimited snacks and drinks on December 25,' said Ravi, owner of the lounge.

Those not keen on letting their hair down in front of strangers at the public parties organised by hotels, restaurants and lounges can look forward to private ones.

'There are very few places which organise Christmas parties but these gradually become overcrowded on festival day. A private party is the best option these days. We can organise it our way. Many of my friends have invited me to private parties this year,' said entrepreneur Anu Bijpuria.

As the temperature levels dip and the chill sets in, most of the hotels are not planning any open-air events. 'We do organise some activities in our restaurants, including the special Christmas menu, but we have not organised any Christmas bash in the open this time. There has been a sudden spurt in private parties because of which all the halls are booked for the day. There are three private parties on Christmas eve. But neither the guests nor us are arranging open-air parties keeping the cold weather in mind,' said B. D. Singh, general manager, hotel Maurya.

Patna Golf Club, however, chose to beat the heat with bonfires and organised a Christmas carnival for revellers on Sunday evening itself. Spread over 40,000sqft with more than 50 stalls displaying automobiles, cloth lines, jewellery and food stalls, the club had been decorated with red and white balloons to give the feel of Christmas.

'I avoid public parties at lounges and discotheques. They are jam-packed. I love this carnival because it is in an open space and gives us some breathing space,' said Ila Mittla.

Youth in the city are gearing up for the Christmas Eve party.

From shopping forred outfits, hot during christmas, to booking tickets for events at the lounges and discs, they have left no stone unturned to make Christmas happening.

'We plan to go to The Hangover lounge. We have completed the first round of shopping and are waiting for offers to come. I am really excited about the War of DJs and the ramp show,' Amity College student Rithika Raj said.

The discman
High voltage music 
Mouth-watering food 
Cocktails
Party on: From 11am-11 pm on December 25
Entry charge: Rs 500 per couple, Rs 800 for stags, free entry for girls

Hangover

War of DJs from Calcutta
Ramp walk
Unlimited snacks and drinks 
Party on: From 6pm-11pm on December 25
Entry charge: Rs 1,000 per couple, Rs 1,200 for stags, free entry for girls