It’s not hard to have a Happy Merry Christmas in Phnom Penh. There are lots of things to do in town during the holiday week, or of course, the possibility of an island getaway. If it’s a traditional or not-so-traditional Christmas dinner you’re after, you’ve got lots of choices, from low-budget to posh.

How to say "season's greetings" in Khmer: Happy Merry Christmas!

Here are some of the options for Christmas dinner in Phnom Penh this year:

The Lazy Gecko will be doing a Christmas dinner on the afternoon of the 25th that will feature roast turkey, ham, home-made turkey gravy, Yorkshire pudding and dessert. The price hasn’t been set yet, but it will definitely be under $10. They’ll also be playing a game of street cricket on St 258 after dinner. Reservations are recommended. T: (077) 569 484.

Hagar is offering a Christmas buffet for $17 or $7 for kids on the 24th and 25th. They’ll be featuring roast turkey, beef, lamb and lots of fish options. If you’re a dessert lover, they’re promising six or seven desserts including Christmas cookies and mince pies. Reservations required. T: (070) 221 501.

The Pickled Parrot/Tonle Sap Guesthouse bar is doing a three-course spread that includes roast pork, roast turkey and ham, plus a real Christmas fruitcake for dessert. December 25 at 14:00. Cost is $19.50 and they ask that tickets be bought in advance at the bar. T: (023) 986 722.

Alley Cat is offering turkey with sage and onion stuffing, ham with cranberries, lamb and all the fixings. They’re also be serving mince pies and eggnog. Mains are $14 or the three-course blowout costs $19.50 and reservations are highly advised. The three-course dinner is a single sitting at 16:30 on Christmas day. Call (012) 306 845 for reservations.

Green Vespa is offering a traditional spread that includes turkey and ham with all the fixings, or a vegetarian pie or a Black Angus fillet steak and Christmas pudding. Cost is $17.50-27.50 depending on which options you choose. They’ll be offering dinner on the 24th, 25th and 26th, but booking in advance is required. T: (012) 887 228.

Aussie XL does roast turkey, honey-glazed ham and roast beef with roast potatoes, pumpkin and a Christmas pudding for $24. First come, first served, starting at 12:00 on Christmas day. T: (023) 301 001.

The FCC is doing a lavish spread that includes duck confit, turkey, ham and lamb, something involving feta cheese and dessert for $55 on December 24 and 25. Reservations required. T: (063) 760 280.

The Cambodiana Hotel is hosting a Christmas day barbecue by the pool for $30 per person. They promise that Santa Claus will make an appearance. No word on whether you’ll be allowed to sit on his lap, however. Reservations required. T:  (023) 426 288; (078) 809 984.

Raffles will be recreating “a typical European Christmas marketplace” with a five-course dinner menu which will “offer traditional family favourites that will bring warm memories of prior Christmas’ in colder climes.” [Ed: We guess they are not targetting Australians!] The price? $105++ or $155++ with wine, and dinner will include a piano concert. December 25, 18:30 to 22:30. Formal dress, and reservations are required. T: (023) 981 888.

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Tags: Alley Cat, Aussie XL, Cambodiana Hotel, Christmas, FCC, Green Vespa, Hagar, Lazy Gecko, Pickled Parrot, Raffles Hotel