Sweets & Deli, the pastry shop at the Palace Hotel Tokyo, is offering a Christmas menu again this year. Cakes will be available from December 20th to 25th, and breads from December 1st to 25th, for a limited time only.

The cake selection has been expanded from last year, with eight variations available. Based on the reaction from last year, the shop anticipated that surprise-inducing 3D designs would continue to be popular, and they went through a process of trial and error to come up with the designs and lineup. Since Christmas falls on a weekend this year, many pop designs are perfect for spending Christmas with family.

The "Hexenhaus" (30,000 yen), a gingerbread house covered in powdered snow with Santa Claus's feet peeking out from the chimney, is a piece that evokes a heartwarming story. Last year's popular cake, "Reve," depicted Santa Claus delivering a gift so large it couldn't fit through the chimney. The Hexenhaus depicts a "sequel" in which Santa Claus successfully enters the chimney and delivers the gift. Inside the house, a rich chocolate cake accented with sweet and sour orange cream is placed, adding a playful touch.

"Bohomme de Neige" (30,000 yen) is a masterpiece with a brownie cake base topped with a humorous snowman and colorful mini-tree cupcakes. The chocolate snowman is filled with carefully crafted bonbons. It is alcohol-free, making it safe for children. Also, "Sapin de Noel" (10,000 yen) resembles a Christmas tree, with large, round chocolate pieces and plenty of berries layered on top of a light soufflé fromage, and its adorable appearance will add a touch of elegance to any holy night.

The "Coffret de Rêve" (8,000 yen), shining like a jewelry box, is recommended for couples' Christmas or girls' nights out. A raspberry and chocolate mousse cake appears from a glossy crimson chocolate box. The "Bouche Opera" (13,000 yen), a modern take on the traditional French opera cake, features a delicate chocolate stump. Its sliding mechanism adds a chic yet surprising surprise. Other special Christmas offerings include the "Blancheur" (8,000 yen), a pure white cake with a smooth blend of caramel-flavored pineapple jelly and coconut mousse, the ever-popular "Mont Blanc" (6,000 yen), and the "Strawberry Shortcake" (5,000 yen). Pre-orders for all cakes will begin on October 1st. The German Christmas treat, "Stollen," is available in three varieties: the classic "Bohnen Stollen," finished with plenty of soybean flour and the aroma of yuzu, and the "Kaga Hojicha Stollen" (both 2,300 yen), which combines the flavor of Kaga Hojicha with the sweetness of dainagon beans and the tartness of raspberries. The traditional Italian bread "Panettone" (1,600 yen) is finished with a cute, pop design, and the traditional French salami-like pastry "Bella Vecca en Soncin" (1,100 yen) is pear-flavored. All of these will be available in stores from December 1st to 25th.

The limited-edition Christmas hampers are also a collaboration with French children's clothing brand "Bonpoint." There are two types: the "Noel Box" (16,000 yen / limited to 10 pieces), which comes in a cute floral bag filled with a bunny plush toy and special Christmas sweets, and the "Circus Box" (13,000 yen / two types, limited to 5 pieces each), which comes with a humorous mask and hat for Christmas parties and Christmas sweets. Reservations are required and will begin on October 1st.