Finding a place to eat for the special Christmas meal can be a challenge. But look no further, Local Secrets collects and lists the full Christmas menus of numerous restaurants and pubs vying for your Christmas and New Year celebrations. Compare and contrast, contact the venues and make your next holiday feast the most special yet. Here is some advice on getting what you want at the time you want in the season:

• Book early. The best dates are quickly taken. Booking by late summer is not too early. Many places have menus ready by August, although you can still probably get good places well into October or November.
• Look at all the options. Prices for special seasonal meals reflect the higher demand but you do have choices, particularly if you are flexible in when you can schedule the seasonal meal. Lunch tends to be less expensive and with all the rush before Christmas, many just schedule the meal after New Year, when prices are again likely to be more flexible.
• Large groups can bargain. If you are booking for sizeable groups, say over 15 or 20 persons, restaurateurs often will throw in extras or make special deals. Don't be shy about asking. Nothing special may be on offer, but you have to ask to get the deal.
• Plan ahead for New Year's Eve. If you really want to make a statement and close the year with celebrations, reserve ahead. Many of the places who offer special evenings will be listed on Local Secrets.

For Cambridge and the surrounding towns, St Ives, Huntingdon, Ely, Newmarket, Haverhill, Saffron Walden, Royston, St Neots and Bury St Edmunds, Local Secret has the most comprehensive listings and reviews. You'll find more here than at any other online location.