It's still November, so too early to be really talking turkey, but there are a few events being held in December at various hotels and restaurants that are worth putting in the diary. <b>Traditional cake</b> For anyone who missed Stir-up Sunday and doesn't fancy making a fruity Christmas cake from scratch, the chefs at the Movenpick hotel in Bur Dubai have, according to tradition, been marinating the ingredients for their cakes for the past three months, so it should taste good. Finished with marzipan and presented in an organza box, they are available to buy from the December 11 and cost Dh176 for a 1-kilo cake, Dh90 for 500g. For more information call 04 3366 000. <b><br/>Carols at the InterContinental Abu Dhabi</b> Visitors can watch the hotel's Christmas tree being lit at 7pm on the 13th, before doing a spot of carolling by the gingerbread house, to really raise festive spirits. If cooking Christmas dinner from scratch doesn't appeal, you can order food (from the whole shebang to individual items) from the hotel in advance. For more information call 800 IC DINE (800 423 463) or e-mail dine@icauh.ae <b>Markets and more</b> From the 1st of the month, the lobby lounge at the Movenpick Jumeirah is apparently being transformed into a winter wonderland/ Christmas market selling mince pies, gingerbread houses, turkey with trimmings and marzipan truffles. They will be switching on their Christmas lights on Thursday 8 at 7pm - look out for carol singers, festive sweets and seasonally inspired drinks. For more information and reservations, call +971 4 449 8888, or e-mail maureen.pamanano@moevenpick.com. <b>Take home the turkey</b> If the thought of cooking a full Christmas feast makes you shudder and you simply want everything taken care of for you, then the Take Home the Turkey offer from the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr is probably your best best. Available from 24-26 December, prices start from Dh410++ and include: "whole roasted turkey, all the trimmings, (cranberry sauce, stuffing, Yorkshire puddings), Yule logs, Christmas puddings and so much more". Reservations can be made at The Chocolate Gallery or through the restaurant concierge. Orders must be placed 72 hours in advance. <b>Buon Natale</b> Carluccio's is selling plenty of Christmas treats this year, all with an Italian slant of course. Their festive range includes panettone (both chocolate and original), pandoro (sponge cake), custom-made La Festa gift sets and chocolate coins. On Wednesday, December 7, from 6pm onwards, Carluccio's restaurants in Dubai will be offering a 10 per cent discount on all its Christmas products, which visitors can browse while sampling complimentary piccoli assaggi (festive canapes). <b>Gingerbread galore</b> Children and parents are invited to the Sheraton Abu Dhabi on December 14 from 4pm-6pm to have a go at painting a gingerbread house. They will also receive a gift from Father Christmas. The event is followed by carols and Christmas tree lighting in the lobby, starting at 6pm. Tickets cost Dh100 per child, Dh60 per adult. To make a reservation call 02-677 3333.