Party like its Christmas 2010. Photos: Courtesy of the clubs

Fear not lonely partygoers! There are escapist options for all those who embarrassed themselves at the office Christmas party by rugby tackling the tree, forgot to do the shopping, and have been abandoned by all remaining family and friends. Hear those sleigh bells ring as the Global Times takes you through the yuletide celebrations that most definitely aren't for the vicar. Glad tidings we bring.

A very reggae Christmas

The Uprooted Sunshine Soundsystem is providing reggae in a Christmas style tonight in their third noel party since their inception. Expect to hear plenty of Roots, Ska, Dancehall and Dub blasting through the speakers aimed at brightening up those coming in from the cold.

"The uprooted Christmas party is always one of our favorites of the year," said organizer Gaz Williams. "There's nothing better than straight up feel-good music at Christmas time."

According to Williams, patrons should get down to the Shelter early as Special Uprooted Christmas gifts are to be given away.

Time: Tonight, 10 pm

Add: 5 Yongfu Road, near Fuxing Road West

Price: 30 yuan ($4.52)

Masked celebrations

Entertainment for all the family is available at the Crowne Plaza in Pudong this evening with a masquerade-themed soiree.

And attendees are encouraged to show up in masked costume. Those who stick around until later can enjoy a sumptuous Christmas dinner and dance show.

Time: Today, 5:30 pm

Add: 1433 Minsheng Road, near Yingchun Road

Price: 588 yuan for adults and 188 yuan for children

Disco chrimbo

Another youthful alternative to avoiding the dowdy living room scene on the joyous day itself is Paulaner's Kiddies' Christmas Party. Highlights include games, a Christmas corner, a DIY magic balloon station and Christmassy music for the littleun's to rock around the tree to. Chicken fingers, mini pizzas, cotton candy and the like will be available in a buffet tailored for the very young while adults can sip on steins and brews.

Time: Tomorrow, 11:30 am to 3:30 pm

Add: 150 Fenyang Road, near Taojiang Road

Price: 45 yuan for adults and free for kids

80s' themed snowman

Retro-themed shenanigans are on the menu at Dada bar's Christmas day party featuring the talents of Mr DJ Sacco on the ones and twos. The theme is "moonwalker" so expect to hear stomping tracks and rewinds to remind you of times when the synthesizer wasn't used sparingly. The weather outside is frightful but the 1980s were so delightful (weren't they?).

Time: Tomorrow, 10 pm till late

Add: 115 Xingfu Road, near Fahuazhen Road

Price: Free

Santa is wearing pink!

The Box is going extra man friendly for two nights on December 24 and December 25. The nights will feature scantily-clad go-go boys, special performances, and prizes - what more do you want for Christmas, chaps? DJ Cavia will be on the decks accompanied by two days of an open bar.

Time: Tonight and tomorrow, 10 pm till late

Add: Basement Level, 10 Hengshan Road, near Yongjia Road

Price: 120 yuan on Christmas Eve, 100 yuan on Christmas Day