Christmas dining in Beijing: Festive feasts for every budget

Where to eat, drink and be merry this festive season

Forget all the gifts and presents, the best part of Christmas is gorging on vast quantities of food followed by that oh-so-necessary mid-afternoon nap. Can't be bothered doing the work yourself? We don't blame you. Check out this comprehensive round-up of all the places to dine in Beijing so that you can have a merry Christmas this year.

Arrow Factory

What is it? Christmas dining specials from December 21 to 24 including Trueben turkey sandwiches (98RMB) and four-person meat platters (498RMB). Arrow Factory will also be serving up a traditional turkey meal with all the trimmings on Christmas Day, but bookings must be made by December 21. For more information, click here. 

When? Dec 21-Dec 25, 6pm-late. 

How much? 198RMB (for Christmas Day meal). 

Where? Liangmahe Nan Lu, Chaoyang district. 

Bottega

What is it? Special festive dishes served at both Nali Patio and Jinshang locations, including a 1kg Australian beef tomahawk (698RMB) served with baked potatoes, carrots and black pepper sauce, a seafood bisque (228RMB) of mussels, scallops and sea bass, as well as panettone topped with vanilla gelato and cappuccino purée (58RMB).

When? Dec 24-Dec 25, 12-11pm.

How much? By dish, around 228-698RMB.

Where? (1) Second floor, Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Bei Lu, Chaoyang district (2) First floor, 20 Xinyuanli Xi, Chaoyang district. 

Boxing Cat Brewery

What is it? New Christmas menu items such as roasted chestnut and apple soup (48RMB), a Southern-style deep-fried turkey plate – featuring cranberry relish, sage stuffing, gravy, sweet potato gratin and roasted brussels sprouts (158RMB) – and spiced pumpkin chocolate gingerbread trifle (48RMB).

When? Until Dec 31, 11am-10pm.

How much? 158RMB for the main meal.

Where? First floor, 20 Xinyuanli Xi, Chaoyang district.

Buona Bocca

What is it? A four-course Italian set dinner plus wine pairing, featuring shrimp cocktail, cod with rosemary baked potatoes, shrimp risotto and pandoro cake with chantilly cream. Reservations required at least one day in advance. To make a booking, contact 130 5123 7322 (English) or 5642 2236 (Chinese).

When? Dec 24, 7.30pm-1am.

How much? 358RMB per person.

Where? First floor, Building 4, Shoukai Bojun Xingfu Sancun Sixiang, Xingdong Lu, Chaoyang district.

Feast (Food by East)

What is it? A Christmas Eve dinner buffet featuring traditional roasted turkey, roasted lamb leg, baked salmon, oysters, lobster, as well as an extensive selection of Christmas-themed sweet treats. Diners will also enjoy free-flow soft drinks, coffee, tea, beer, red, white wine and sparkling wine, while kids will also be able to visit Santa's Grotto, meet SANTA himself and receive a special gift.

When? Dec 24-Dec 25, 5.30-10pm. 

How much? 488RMB per person; half-price for children aged 7-11; free for children aged 6 and under. 388RMB per adult on Christmas Day. 

Where? East Beijing, 22 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang district.

Fiume

What is it? A three- or five-course set lunch, and a five-course set dinner inspired by cuisine from the Italian region of Emilia-Romagna. Only 30 seats available per session, reservations recommended (call 6501 9878).

When? Dec 24, 12pm-12am. 

How much? 250RMB per person (three-course); 350RMB per person (five-course, optional wine pairing available for 250RMB during dinner).

Where? 39 Maizidian Xi Jie (on the river at the back of FX Hotel), Chaoyang district. 

Hatchery Arcade with Tianmi Bakery

What is it? A festive feast on December 23 featuring slow-cooked brisket, mashed potato, quinoa and cranberry salad, vanilla cheesecake, gingerbread cookies and more. Supper is limited to only 24 people, so extract the QR code below to book your spot.

When? Dec 23, 5-10.30pm. 

How much? 208RMB per person; 356RMB per person (plus free-flow house wine and Kirin for two hours).

Where? 5Lmeet (formerly Trader's Hotel), 1 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang district.

Jing A

What is it? A Christmas party menu featuring a whole rotisserie chicken with cranberry sauce and gravy (150RMB), plus optional sides of brussels sprouts, honey-glazed carrots, kale pumpkin salad and roasted garlic mashed potatoes (50RMB each). Pumpkin pie and apple pie in a jar are also available for 30RMB each. Available for both dine-in and takeaway; contact Jing A at least 24 hours in advance to book via phone [phone] or WeChat (ID: Emmy_Andreasson).

When? Until Dec 30, 11am-11pm. 

How much? From 150RMB. 

Where? First floor, Lee World Building, 57 Xingfucun Zhong Lu, Chaoyang district. 

Kerry's Kitchen

What is it? A Christmas buffet brunch featuring roast turkey and beef, honey-glazed ham, log cakes, Christmas pudding and more. Children also have access to Kerry's Adventure Zone. Also served during Christmas Day dinner. 

When? Dec 22-Dec 23 (brunch, 12-3.30pm), Dec 24 (dinner, 6pm-1am).

How much? 488RMB per person; 688RMB per person (includes free-flow wine and beer). 

Where? First floor, Kerry Hotel Beijing, 1 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang district. 

Mercante

What is it? A five-course Italian Christmas Eve dinner featuring seafood-based and di magro recipes from Emilia-Romagna. Only 30 seats available, reservations are recommended (call 8402 5098). 

When? Dec 24, 6pm-12am.

How much? 350RMB per person (add an additional 250RMB for wine pairing).

Where? 4 Fangzhuanchang Hutong, Dongcheng district.

Modernista

What is it? A five-course dinner menu featuring potato purée balls with duck meat stew, roasted pigeon with Iberico ham, dark chocolate orange cake and more. Served on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year's Eve. Space is limited, so contact 136 9142 5744.

When? Dec 24-Dec 25, Dec 31, 7-11pm.

How much? 398RMB per person; 588RMB per person (with free-flow prosecco).

Where? 44 Baochao Hutong, Gulou Dong Dajie, Dongcheng district.

Mosto

What is it? A three-course Christmas Eve dinner featuring mulled wine, appetisers to share, your choice of main and a duo of desserts. 

When? Dec 24, 5.30-10pm. 

How much? 450RMB per person, add an additional 188RMB for free-flow beer, house wine and bubbles.

Where? Third floor, Nali Patio, 81 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang district. 

Pachapapi

What is it? A four-course dinner on both Christmas Eve and Day featuring classic Peruvian soup chupe, a mix of three appetisers (papas a la huancaína, causa limeña, classic ceviche), Peruvian-style turkey with sweet potato purée and quinoa guisada, plus a dessert platter of crema volteada, picarón, chocolate brownies and panetón. Call 182 1066 2861 for reservations. 

When? Dec 24-Dec 25, 8pm-midnight. 

How much? 348RMB per person, add an additional 188RMB for free-flow wine, or an additional 288RMB for free-flow wine, Chandon, pisco sours, chilcanos and soft drinks.

Where? Jinshang, 20 Xinyuanli Xi, Xindong Lu, Chaoyang district. 

Q Mex

What is it? A choice of either a set Christmas menu or sharing platter featuring chipotle-glazed ham and grilled turkey breast served with mashed potatoes, Oaxacan stuffing, roast vegetables and guajillo gravy. 

When? Dec 24-Dec 26, 5-10.30pm. 

How much? 188RMB per person (set menu); 218RMB (sharing platter). 

Where? Served at all three Q Mex locations (Q Mex Sanlitun, Q Mex Shuangjing, and Q Mex Taqueria).

The Local

What is it? A full-blown festive spread served for lunch (12-3pm) and dinner (6-8pm) on both Christmas Eve and Day. The menu features the likes of roast turkey with rubbed sage stuffing, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, apple cinnamon cobbler and more. A vegetarian option is also available, featuring all the same sides, plus spinach ricotta lasagna instead of turkey. Reservations for Christmas Eve must be made by Friday 21 December, and reservations for Christmas Day by Saturday 22. Contact The Local on WeChat (ID: localKenn) to make a booking.

When? Dec 24-Dec 25, 12-3pm, 6-8pm. 

How much? 348RMB per person; 248RMB per person (vegetarian option). 

Where? 4 Gongti Bei Lu (around the corner from Q Mex), Chaoyang district.

Bistrot B

What is it? A four-course French set menu served on Christmas Eve (dinner) and Christmas Day (lunch and dinner). Also available during New Year's Eve (dinner) and New Year's Day (lunch) priced at 980RMB per person.

When? Dec 24-Dec 25, Dec 31-Jan 1, 11.30am-10.30pm. 

How much? 880RMB per person. 

Where? First floor, Rosewood Beijing, Jing Guang Centre, Hujialou, 1 Chaoyangmenwai Dajie, Chaoyang district.

Daccapo

What is it? A curated festive menu featuring venison tartare, traditional Italian potato soup, thyme-infused Boston lobster or an Angus beef filet, plus classic panettone.

When? Dec 24, 6-10.30pm. 

How much? 888RMB per person (includes one glass of prosecco).

Where? Second floor, Regent Hotel, 99 Jinbao Jie, Dongcheng district. 

Grange Grill

What is it? A Christmas Eve set menu dinner featuring Australian wagyu beef and more.

When? Dec 24, 5.30-10pm. 

How much? 899RMB per person; 1,699RMB per couple.

Where? Second floor, The Westin Beijing Chaoyang, 7 Dongsanhuan Bei Lu, Chaoyang district. 

Kerry's Kitchen

What is it? A buffet dinner accompanied by live Christmas carols and lucky draw on Christmas Eve.

When? Dec 24, 5.30-10.30pm. 

How much? 538RMB per person; 738RMB per person (includes free-flow beer and wine). 

Where? First floor, Kerry Hotel Beijing, 1 Guanghua Lu, Chaoyang district.

Migas Mercado

What is it? A five-course set menu (with optional vegetarian menu) served on both Christmas Eve and Day. Highlights from the regular menu include stuffed baby squid with ink hollandaise sauce (pictured), Australian wagyu beef strip-loin served with chestnut purée, and wine-poached pears tatin with vanilla ice-cream.

When? Dec 24 (dinner), Dec 25 (lunch), 11am-10.30pm. 

How much? 648RMB per person. 

Where? Seventh floor, China World Mall, 1 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang district. 

Nuo

What is it? A four-day series of dining events at Nuo's N'Joy and Jia restaurants running from December 22 to 25, including roasted meats, fresh seafood and indulgent desserts offered for either lunch or dessert. All prices are subject to service charges and tax. Bookings are a must – for more information or to make a reservation, call 5926 8281.

When? Dec 22-Dec 25, 11.30am-10.30pm.

How much? 388-988RMB. 

Where? Nuo Hotel, 2A Jiangtai Lu, Lido, Chaoyang district.

Paulaner Bräuhaus

What is it? A German-style Christmas Eve dinner with whole platters of roasted duck legs covered in chestnuts, honey-glazed ham, pork knuckles, cheese meatloaf as well as classic side dishes. Purchase a ticket and be entered for a chance to win in the lucky draw.

When? Dec 24, 6-10.30pm. 

How much? 688RMB per person (includes free-flow beer and wine).

Where? Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center, 50 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang district. 

Signature's Restaurant

What is it? A gluttonous buffet served on both Christmas Eve and Day featuring classics such as goose with cranberries, pie, Christmas log cakes, plus live crêpe, cotton candy and waffle stations.

When? Dec 24-Dec 25, 10.30am-10.30pm. 

How much? 628RMB per person (Christmas Eve brunch, includes free-flow beer and wine); 688RMB (Christmas Day brunch, includes free-flow beer and wine). 

Where? Kempinski Hotel Beijing, Lufthansa Center, 50 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang district. 

St Regis

What is it? A festive buffet brunch featuring fresh seafood, live cooking stations, as well as a cocktail station serving coffee and tea. Brunch includes free-flow house red and white wine, but you can add an extra 100RMB on for sparkling wine. 

When? Dec 23, Dec 30 (every Sunday), 11.30am-3pm. 

How much? 588RMB per person. Half price for kids aged 4 to 12.

Where? St Regis, 21 Jianguomenwai Dajie, Chaoyang district. 

The Westin Beijing Chaoyang

What is it? A Christmas Eve buffet dinner featuring seafood, roast turkey, chargrilled steaks, festive desserts plus a classic Nordic smörgåsbord. They'll also be hosting a lucky draw, in which there's said be a 100 percent (!) chance of winning something.

When? Dec 24, 5.30-10pm. 

How much? 488RMB (children aged 6-12); 988RMB (per adult); 1,888RMB (two adults); 2,288RMB (family package, 2 adults and 1 kid aged between 6-12). 

Where? The Westin Beijing Chaoyang, 7 Dongsanhuan Bei Lu, Chaoyang district. 

29 Grill

What is it? A six-course dinner featuring home-cured salmon with caviar, Jerusalem artichoke soup with Alaskan king crab, sous vide beef sirloin with pistachio mousseline and Christmas pudding. Call 6584 6300 to book.

When? Dec 24, 6-10pm. 

How much? 1,288RMB per person, plus 15 percent service charge (includes one glass of sparkling wine and free-flow wine, beer and soft drinks). 

Where? Conrad Beijing, 29 Dongsanhuan Bei Lu, Chaoyang district. 

Cépe

What is it? A gourmet Christmas menu served on both Christmas Eve and Day. Menu highlights on Dec 24 include veal carpaccio with foie gras and Angus tenderloin with a mushroom reduction, while highlights on Dec 25 include a lamb loin with Italian smoked bacon and carbonara, plus an array of Italian desserts.

When? Dec 24-Dec 25, 11.30am-10pm. 

How much? 1,388RMB per person (Christmas Eve dinner); 988RMB per person (Christmas Day lunch).

Where? The Ritz-Carlton Financial Street, 1 Jinchengfang Dong Jie, Xicheng district.

Morton's The Steakhouse

What is it? A New York-style four-course Christmas Eve set menu including plenty of prime cuts, fresh seafood and trio of desserts. The four appetisers include lobster bisque, caesar salad, jumbo crab cake, baked shrimp Alexander and bacon-wrapped scallops or jumbo shrimp cocktail. The entrée selection features three must-try Morton’s signature dishes for you to choose from: Chilean sea bass, New York strip (340g) and center-cut filet mignon (240g). However, for those wanting more seafood, the prime ocean platter is served for an additional 300RMB. 

When? Dec 24, 5-11pm.

How much? 1,188RMB per person plus 15 percent service charge. 

Where? Second floor, Regent Hotel, 99 Jinbao Jie, Dongcheng district.

The House of Dynasties

What is it? An extravagant eight-course Cantonese banquet available for both lunch and dinner on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

When? Dec 24-Dec 25, Dec 31-Jan 1, 11.30am-10.30pm. 

How much? 1,280RMB per person.

Where? Fourth floor, Rosewood Beijing, Jing Guang Centre, Hujialou, Chaoyang district.

The Ritz-Carlton Beijing

What is it? A lavish buffet filled with seafood, Christmas delicacies, a roast turkey with traditional stuffing, various desserts plus live music.

When? Dec 24, 5.30-10pm. 

How much? 1,688RMB per person; 855RMB per child (6 to 12 years). 

Where? The Ritz-Carlton Beijing, 1 Jingchengfang Dong Jie, Xicheng district. 

Bistrot B Lounge & Bar

What is it? Afternoon tea at Rosewood Beijing's luxe lounge and patisserie featuring gingerbread, scones, sandwiches, mulled wine and more. To make a reservation, call 6536 0066.

When? Until 25 Dec, 11am-late. 

How much? 220RMB per person; 580RMB per person (includes free-flow champagne).

Where? First floor, Rosewood Beijing, Jing Guang Centre, Hujialou, 1 Chaoyangmenwai Dajie, Chaoyang district.

Chao Hotel

What is it? A fine afternoon tea featuring adorable snowman macarons and ginger-spiced pumpkin pie.

When? Dec 21-Dec 25, 1-3.30pm. 

How much? 398RMB per set.

Where? Chao Hotel, 4 Gongti Bei Lu, Chaoyang district.

Hulu

What is it? A Christmas-themed afternoon tea with macarons, adorable festive tarts, scones, sandwiches and more. 

When? Until Dec 26, 2-4pm. 

How much? 168RMB for two people. 

Where? S4-32, Taikoo Li South, 19 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang district. 

InterContinental Sanlitun

What is it? An afternoon high tea with gingerbread, scones and more running throughout December. To book, call 8516 0062.

When? Until Dec 31, 3-5pm. 

How much? 388RMB per set. 

Where? 1 Sanlitun Nan Lu, Chaoyang district. 

Kempinski Hotel

What is it? A ritzy afternoon tea with sweet and savoury items, plus coffee, tea and other warming winter drinks.

When? Until Dec 26, 2-6pm. 

How much? 228RMB per person.

Where? 50 Liangmaqiao Lu, Chaoyang district. 

The Peninsula

What is it? A gourmet afternoon tea with mandarin and clove-scented salmon with caviar, honey-glazed ham, sage and hazelnut tartlets, mandarin and hazelnut edible Christmas ornaments and more.

When? Until Jan 3, 2-6pm. 

How much? 398RMB per couple; 598RMB per set (includes two glasses of champagne). Prices are subject to 15 percent tax.

Where? 8 Jinyu Hutong, Wangfujing, Dongcheng district. 

The Westin Beijing Chaoyang

What is it? A Nordic-inspired afternoon tea with mini stollen, mince pies, pumpkin cheesecake, turkey sandwiches and more. Enjoy high tea with your choice of Christmas glühwein, hot chocolate with marshmallows, coffee and a range of teas. 

When? Until Dec 31, 1.30-6pm. 

How much? 268RMB for two people. 

Where? 7 Dongsanhuan Bei Lu, Chaoyang district. 

Turkey set from Boxing Cat Brewery

What is it? Festive dinner to go including Basic Turkey, Deluxe Turkey and Santa Special Ham sets. Contact 6461 6737. 

When? Until Jan 1.

How much? 1,088RMB (Basic Turkey); 1,388RMB (Deluxe Turkey); 1,388RMB (Santa Special Ham). Add an additional 300RMB to supersize your turkey.

Turkey set from Char

What is it? A festive dinner set with options such as a roast turkey (7kg) complete with cranberry sauce and giblet sauce, or a honey-glazed ham (5kg) with apple and sweet mustard sauce. For more information or to make a booking, call 8516 0065.

When? Until Dec 31.

How much? 1,088RMB (turkey set); 1,688RMB (ham set).

Turkey set from The Local

What is it? A holiday feast for eight to ten people featuring a 15.5lb turkey plus an array of sides such as brown butter mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, honey roasted butternut squash with cranberries and more. Vegetarians can opt to replace turkey with spinach and ricotta lasagna. Available for dine-in, take-out or delivery. For more info, click here.

When? Until Dec 31.

How much? 2,288RMB (turkey feast, dine-in or take-out. Delivery costs additional); 1,480RMB (vegetarian feast).

Turkey set from The Westin Chaoyang

What is it? Christmas turkey sets with choice of 5kg, 7kg or 10kg turkeys, including traditional sausages, pumpkin pie and more. Free delivery available within the Third Ring Road. To order, call 5922 8888 ext. 8189.

When? Until Dec 31.

How much? 780RMB (5kg turkey); 980RMB (7kg turkey); 1,280RMB (10kg turkey).

For all things Christmas in Beijing, hit 'Read more' or scan the QR code below. 

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