Christmas may be just 12 weeks away, but the planning for the festive party season is already in full swing.

And locally, people are being advised to start booking their places for festive party nights, Christmas Day meals and New Year events at venues across Waveney to ensure the best seats around.

Among the numerous hotels and restaurants that have already started planning for Christmas and the party season, is the popular Wherry Hotel – which is situated on the shores of Oulton Broad and offers comfort, friendly service and exceptional views over the Broad.

Throughout December, in the Wherry's Brown Boat Suite, a red hot evening lies in store with 'sparkling Red Tie and Tiara party nights' planned.

The red tie and tiara party nights are due to be held on December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20, and a spokesman for the Wherry Hotel said: 'You'll be looking your sparkling best as you enter the red and diamond themed suite, where your table will be set with party novelties, crackers and streamers to add to the fun and laughter.

'The party starts at 7pm, with dinner served at 8pm, followed by dancing the night away to East Anglia's premier soul and funk band The 45s and resident DJ until 1am.'

The hotel in Bridge Road, Oulton Broad, started planning for the Christmas season a few weeks ago, with the festive menus finalised and printed out, along with organising the Christmas party night dates and a special New Year's Eve Gala.

The spokesman said: 'We also have a few Christmas weddings, which we are very excited about. We embrace Christmas as much as we can, people can celebrate in whichever way suits them.

'We have festive menus available throughout December, and along with our popular red tie and tiara party nights running every Friday and Saturday in December, our Platinum Club Christmas event is also held in the middle of December,' the spokesman added.

The hotel remains popular throughout the year, and the spokesman said: 'We are always busy but especially over Christmas, so we do have more members of staff to help over Christmas and New Year.'

So what is on offer food-wise over the festive season? 'Although turkey is popular throughout the year, we order more turkeys over Christmas,' the spokesman said. 'Customers can still choose from six meats or our homemade pie – inevitably turkey is a festive favourite.'

And sending out a message to the people of Waveney to keep it local, the spokesman added: 'There is such a big sense of community throughout Lowestoft and Oulton Broad, but to keep that going we all need to support local businesses as much as possible.'

? Visit www.WherryHotel.com or call 01502 516845 for booking information.

Click here to find out more about the Shop Local This Christmas campaign.