The best Christmas markets in Beijing this year

Too early to mention the C-word? Christmas markets kick off this weekend

Are you thinking about the gifts you want to get for Christmas yet? Well, now you are. If you're searching for present ideas or just an excuse to drink lots of mulled wine with friends, pretend it's a snowy scene of Yuletide out there and head out for some pre-holiday shopping. Mark your calendars for these upcoming wintry fairs and markets across Beijing.

Rumble in the Jumble: Christmas Edition

Rumble in the Jumble is back right at the beginning of December, with this edition of the monthly market themed 'Aloha Christmas', they say – time to string up the fairy lights on the palm tree and pair up the ukulele with jingle bells plus the usual mix of haberdashery and homemade goodies.

 Modernista 44 Baochao Hutong, Gulou Dong Dajie, Dongcheng district.

 Sat 1 Dec. 12-6pm. Free.

Give a Present Christmas Market

Step away from the brightly lit stores this Christmas and take a local approach to gift-giving. Instead, 'Give a Present' this Christmas at Zarah's Christmas Market. Donate pre-loved gifts to the Migrant Children's Foundation or support local businesses by getting a gift of homemade jam, jewellery or other DIY handicrafts. 

 Café Zarah 46 Gulou Dong Dajie, Dongcheng district. 

 Sat 1 Dec. 11am-4pm. Free. 

The Hutong Winter Fayre

To celebrate this holiday season, The Hutong brings back its annual Winter Fayre, where they'll serve up mulled wine and hot food, with plenty of vendors selling handicrafts, paintings, baked goods, cards and so much more. 

 The Hutong 1 Zhongxiang Hutong, Jiudaowan, Dongcheng district.

 Sat 8 Dec. 11am-4pm. Free. 

Rumble in the Jumble at The SLab

Rumble in the Jumble holds its second holiday market of the season at The SLab, with a night market combined with Christmas ornament and wrapping paper-making workshops. 

 The SLab Room 102, Building 5, 15 Dongzhimenwai Dajie, Dongcheng district. 

 Wed 12 Dec. 5-9pm. Free. 

The Bookworm's Jolly Christmas Fair

An all-day happy hour to celebrate your gift shopping? Yes please. Also think gifts, mulled wine, a cappella singers (starting at 8pm) and free admission. Browse for your best gifts amongst the books.

 The Bookworm Courtyard 4, Gongti Bei Lu, Chaoyang district.

 Sun 9 Dec. 4.30-9.30pm. Free. 

The Beijing Flea Market Holiday Edition

The Beijing Flea Market is back for its holiday edition. With more than 40 vendors featuring some of the best local, independent design and crafts from both established and emerging makers, this is a great opportunity for any last-minute Christmas shopping. There'll also be mulled wine from The Local and spiced rum from Bonne Nani. 

 Tech Temple Third Floor, Room 80, Courtyard 4, Gongti Bei Lu, Chaoyang district.

 Sat 15 Dec. 12-6pm. Free. 

Treasure Trove Last-Minute Market

Always leave your Christmas shopping to the last minute? No problemo. Get your last-minute gifts at the Treasure Trove Christmas Market. Hosted at Yoolee Plaza and sponsored by Cultural Keys, the market stays open late for you to get in and get some shopping done, with a range of gift items available including jewellery, bags, art, scarves, handmade beauty products, toys, preserves and more – not to mention mulled wine, mince pies and other baked goods.

 Yoolee Plaza 21 Gongti Bei Lu, Chaoyang district. 

 Sat 22-Sun 23 Dec. 10.30am-9.30pm. Free. 

BCIS Christmas Bazaar

Celebrate Christmas by giving to a great cause with Migrant Children's Foundation (MCF) and Beijing City International School (BCIS) as they once again hold their Christmas Bazaar. With over 70 stalls selling a wide range of products, attendees will be able to browse for those perfect holiday gifts for their loved ones. All funds raised will go to MCF, which helps provide essential health check-ups for migrant children in Beijing. The Christmas Bazaar will be open to the BCIS community and general public, so invite friends and family. However, non-BCIS community members need to bring photo ID to gain access to the campus.

 BCIS Main Campus 77 Baiziwan Nan Er Lu, Chaoyang district. 

 Sat 24 Nov. 10am-2.30pm. Free. 

British Embassy Christmas Bazaar

Warm up from the winter winds with a glass of mulled wine and a Christmas market featuring gifts, food, drinks, a raffle and more. All proceeds go to SOS Children's Villages, so get registering now to secure your place. Scan the QR code below to register and pay. 

 British Ambassador's Residence 15 Guanghua Lu, Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang district. 

 Fri 30 Nov. 3-7pm. 50RMB (anyone over 17 years old). 

3e International School's Christmas Bazaar

Find gifts and stocking stuffers for all your family and friends (and yourself!), with a broad selection of wares, from jewellery and clothing to beauty products and delicious food from many of Beijing's well-known vendors. Children will have the chance to create Christmas gifts of their own with various activities and seasonal-inspired crafts. There's also a charity raffle helping raise funds to support Roundabout. For non-3e families, register in advance by scanning the QR code below. 

 3e International School 9-1 Jiangtai Xi Lu, Lido, Chaoyang district. 

 Sat 24 Nov. 4-8pm. Free. 

German Charity Christmas Bazaar

The German Embassy's beloved annual German Charity Christmas Bazaar sees over 40 stallholders and market sponsors donate 100 percent of their revenue towards carefully selected charity projects in and around Beijing. Visitors can enjoy delicious traditional German food, festive music, books, beautiful handmade Christmas decorations, activities for the children, a gigantic raffle with valuable prizes and more – all for a good cause. Tickets can be purchased at the door (while they last; expect a queue) and visitors must bring a valid passport or ID. 

 German Embassy 17 Dongzhimenwai Dajie, Chaoyang district. 

 Sat 1 Dec. 11am-6pm. 100RMB (adults); 10RMB (children). 

CISB Charity Bazaar

The Canadian International School of Beijing's (CISB) annual Charity Bazaar features over 40 vendors and their crafts including handmade gifts, jewellery, art, food and more. The event will also have live entertainment and food. 

 Canadian International School 38 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang district. 

 Sun 2 Dec. 10am-3pm. Free. 

BSB Shunyi Christmas Fayre + German Market

BSB's fayre brings the sights and flavours of a traditional German Christmas market to Beijing – with added traditional wooden huts! Keep warm with German delicacies including bratwurst, pretzels, waffles, hot chocolate and glühwein.

 BSB Shunyi 9 Anhua Lu, Tianzhu Town, Shunyi district.

 Sat 24 Nov. 4-8pm. Free. 

WAB Winter Charity Bazaar

With more than 100 vendors taking part, Western Academy of Beijing's charity bazaar is set to be one of the biggest in the city. The elementary school building will be transformed into a holiday hub filled with handmade gifts, festive food and drink, live entertainment and a Christmas raffle.

 Western Academy of Beijing 10 Laiguangying Dong Lu, Chaoyang district.

 Sat 24 Nov. 10.30am-3.30pm. Free. 

Riviera Christmas Market

Come out to Beijing Riviera Country Club in Shunyi exactly a month before Christmas, for a market where you can get – you guessed it – mulled wine, festive food delights, and enjoy special offers on Christmas gifts sales from many vendors.

 Beijing Riviera 1 Xiangjiang Bei Lu, Chaoyang district.

 Sun 25 Nov. 10am-6pm. Free. 

Polish Christmas Bazaar

Head to Roundabout's boutique store for a day of mulled wine, hot chocolate, baked goods and other delicious foodstuffs. Get Christmas shopping, with ceramics, jewellery, decorations and more on offer. Finally, SANTA (!!!) will be there for the kids to meet, as well as live music and craft activities.

 Roundabout Boutique and Community Centre Cathay View Plaza, 2 Xiangjiang Bei Lu, Chaoyang district. 

 Sat 8 Dec. 12-6pm. Free. 

For all things Christmas in Beijing, hit 'Read more'. 

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