It’s hard to shake the imagery of the traditional Christmas Eve dinner/Christmas day lunch from my imagination – the wide spread of turkey, Brussels sprouts, cranberry sauce, occasional seafood with smattering of greens, as the air is swallowed by the aroma of a baked good or two, with the promise of a sweet dessert to end on.

The truth is of course, that such a feast is easier to imagine than it is to actually conjure up, on your own at least.

And that is why the buffet exists, ladies and gentlemen -- for your convenience, to help you deliver that spectacular family dinner or lunch without actually having to slave in the kitchen. But with only a week to go, I'd suggest you get to a little slaving on your phones and lock down your reservations, or you just might have to, God-forbid, turn the oven on.

Here are 5 options for a feast worthy of a festive Christmas:

---

Shangri-La KL

The entire Christmas spread, interspersed with some Asian delicacies will be present at Arthur’s Bar and Grill on the night before Christmas, as well as the afternoon of Christmas itself. The Christmas Eve dinner is priced at RM288 nett per person, while the Christmas lunch is available at RM235 nett per person. For reservations, call 03 2074 3900.

---

InterContinental Hotel

InterContinental Hotel is taking the traditional and rustic route too at Serena Brasserie, with the roast turkey taking centre stage, while decadently competent players like duck confit and grilled lobster play back-up in a gastronomical symphony that’s sure to delight. Learn more about the Christmas Eve and Day offerings in our review.

---

Hilton KL

While Hilton KL’s other outlets have curated set menus and the likes, Vasco’s is where you want to be for the Christmas feast you and your family deserves. The buffets are available throughout the month with signatures like roasted dry rubbed Black Angus prime rib and Turkey gumbo soup, but take on an especially festive tone come Christmas. Learn more.

---

Mandarin Oriental KL

Mosaic is the venue for the Christmas Eve and Day buffet dinner, priced at RM258 nett per person, but it only serves as the starting point for the Christmas Day Mega Brunch that will take diners on a literal journey across the hotel’s five venues while delighting in the widest spread you can imagine. The brunch is priced at RM438 nett per person. For more information, visit their official website.

---

Grand Hyatt KL

Grand Hyatt KL is taking two routes with its Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas Day lunch buffets – the traditional western spread is available at THIRTY8, but a slightly less traditional, but no less familiar feast is available at JP teres, featuring the roasted turkey percik-style as the star. As a bonus, there will also be a kids section at THIRTY8. Learn more.

---

Here's an alternative Christmas, without the buffet but with a view to die for, at Fuego.