Patna: Christmas is in the air with the markets, shops and restaurants decked up in festive finery.

Food joints and restaurants in the city are especially cheerful at this time - the interior and exterior themed on Christmas theme and decorated with lights.

A special menu isn't too far off too.

Pukhtaan in Bandar Bagicha's Nutan Plaza have plans up their sleeve for next week, said general manager Debdutta Bapuji and restaurant manager Sneha Singh. "The preparations are on," said Sneha. "This year, we will decorate the restaurant in golden colours. There will be a Christmas eve celebration where we expect footfall to increase by at least 30-35 per cent.

"We will have exotic Italian food apart from the regular menu to offer our clients. Special attraction would include different mocktails and Yule Log and other special desserts. The buffet will be open from 6.30pm-11.30pm. Besides, there will be special discounts for students of Patna Women's College."

Patliputra Exotica's manager Bipin Jha said: "We will celebrate Christmas with basic arrangements and a buffet from 1pm-4pm."

Lemon Tree Premier has completed its preparations and are "waiting for customers eagerly", said manager Ankit Kumar, while hotel Gargee Grand's manager Sunil Kumar Singh said they will especially focus on confectionery on December 24 and 25.