EVENTS

New Expressions on the Block, an exhibition of paintings by eleven artists. 21 December to 17 January, Siddhartha Art Gallery, Baber Mahal Revisited, 4218048, 4438979, www.siddharthaartgallery.com

Old Images of Valley, Anil Maharjan paints the rich culture and traditions of the Newar community. 23 to 30 December, Park Gallery, Pulchowk, 9841775055, 5522307

Vootoo New Year's Eve, party all the way to next year with rocking Djs and beautiful beauty queens. 31 December, 7pm to 1am, Hotel Annapurna, Durbar Marg

Christmas Dance Party, usher in the festive season with dance, music and more. Tickets: Rs 500, 25 December, 1pm onwards, Cube, Kamaladi, 4438017

Christmas Eve Special, wining and dining fit to welcome Santa and keep you up all night. 24 December, 4.30 pm onwards, Vintage Pub and Bar, Durbar Marg, 4254831

Life in the Sacred Himalayan Landscape, WWF presents breathtaking images of the Himalayan region and its the people. Until 17 December, 11am to 5pm, Siddhartha Art Gallery

Hamro Shorts, enjoy the screening of short independent movies in this chilly December weather. Till 29 December, Food Court, Times Square mall, Durbarmarg

Tavern Tales, Quixote's Cove presents Thomas K. Shor in conversation with Kunda Dixit on his latest book, Step Away from Paradise. 18 December, 3.30 pm, Caf� Cheeno, Krishna Galli, Patan

Bouddha Street Festival, organised by Yuwa Sarokar the festival features live music, fashion shows and food stalls. 17 December, 10am onwards, Boudha, 9808525924, 9808213636

KJC Winter Camp 2012, ten days winter camp for children between the ages of 6 and 13 organised by Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory. 2 January to 13 January, 5013554

Shiamak Davar Dance Fiesta, concluding dance concert presented by the second batch of Shiamak Davar Workshop dancers. 21 December, 980101101

Art Workshop, learn how to paint and draw under the guidance of Neera Joshi Pradhan. 18, 20 and 24 December, Park Gallery, Pulchowk, www.studiopetals.com

Music

Live Music at Jazzabella Caf�, Every Wednesday and Friday 6pm onwards, Jazzabella caf�, Jhamsikhel, Patan. Call 2114075

KUSOM GigExpress, join performances by bands like Mukti n Revival and X Mantra in the annual music festival. Tickets at Rs 150, 17 December, 12.30 pm to 7.30 pm, Fun Park, Bhrikuti Mandap, for tickets call 9841594926, 9841518212

Baja Gaja, playing live every Tuesday 7.30 pm onwards at Mosksh, Pulchowk. Call 5526212

Voiceless Scream Nepal, best of underground bands featuring Satanic Sabotage and Psychic Tower Nabis.
17 December, 11am onwards, Neon Pub, Thamel

Dining

Lazy Gringo, one of the best places in town to sample Mexican cuisine. Free refills of refreshing lemonades won our hearts, but the food is mighty fine. Jawalakhel

Upstairs Cafe, provides customers with a delicious range of Vietnamese cuisine. Maharajgunj, near the US embassy

Attic, newly transformed lounge and bar ideal for Friday night cocktails before hitting the dance floor. Uttar Dhoka, Lazimpat, 984161476

New Dish, you will be in for a treat here as it serves one of the best pork momo in town. Khichapokhari

Black Pepper Caf� & Pub, cosmopolitan dining and drinking in a traditional style courtyard, try the apple sauce pork chops and enjoy the good service. Kopundole Height, Lalitpur, 5521897, 5536926

Ghangri Caf�, a quiet place with comfortable sofas and charming courtyard, perfect for those sunny afternoons. Although famous for their open sui mai, they offer a few other great dishes as well. Pulchok

Higher Grounds, enjoy the rich Oreo Milky with comfort. Kumaripati

The Factory, a trendy restrobar perfect for a refreshing stopover in the chaos that is Thamel. Great food and drinks, with zesty music. Don't miss out on their cheesecake, it's a must. Mandala Street, Thamel
Yin Yang Restaurant, east meets west as you choose from a variety of Thai and continental dishes. Add a little spice in your life with their pad thai or green curry. If you can't handle the heat, fall into the safety net of their western dishes. Thamel, 10am to 10pm, 4701510

Dragon Caf�, try your favorite snacks at a reasonable price. Kumaripati

Just Baked, a cozy caf� with amazing pastries and friendly ambience. Old Baneshwor

The Yellow Chili, Sanjeev Kapoor's restaurant with Indian cuisine and local delicacies. Bluebird Complex, Thapathali

Getaways

Holiday at Grand Norling Hotel, Gokarna, one night and two days at Rs 4500 and two nights and three days at Rs 7000. Call 447948

The Last Resort, be a part of the Bungy or Swing Jump Event over the Bhote Khosi river 160 metres below or mountain bike to the Tibetan border. Fees: Rs 2700 per person for one day or Rs 4500 per person for an overnight stay, valid until December, the Last Resort Sales Office, Mandala Street, Thamel, 4700525