Christmas and non-Christmas things to do in Beijing this weekend
Photo: 247 Tickets
Make the most out of the capital with our weekend picks
With Christmas less than a week away, we're now heading to the home stretch. There's a corker of festivities in Beijing, but if you are feeling tired from all the shopping and boozing, take a break by checking out what else is going down.
Get into the Christmas spirit with these activities
Photo: Tribe/WeChat
Tribe (Solona). Sat 21. 7-9pm. 520RMB (for two)/288RMB.
Join Tribe for their Christmas dinner party this weekend. Enjoy a vegan-friendly three-course meal with drinks, and party with some gift-bearing, scantily-clad Santas who are ready to heat things up. There will also be a Secret Santa and a cookie sale that benefits the Migrant Children's Foundation. Bring one small knick-knack (second-hand items in good conditions are welcome) for the gift exchange, and win more gifts from Tribe.
A Haus of Lily Christmas Special. Anchor Bar. Thu 19. 9pm-2am. 50RMB
Haus of Lily is back with another Christmas drag special. This is your chance to party with some of the most fabulous gals in town, as six queens are out to get you going with plenty of naughty dancing and outrageous performances.
Photo: Red Dog Bar/WeChat
Christmas Ball. Red Dog Bar. Sat 21. 9pm-late. 60-80RMB
Speaking of naughty, Red Dog is throwing a Christmas costume party that will have you dressed as Christmas gifts (whatever that means), all while partaking in various raunchy competitions, from voguing, stripping to strutting the runway. Trophies and drink vouchers await for winners and whoever dressed in the best costume.
Get your last-minute shopping sorted at these markets
Photo: WeWork
WeWork Christmas Market. WeWork Parkview Place. Sat 21-Sun 22. 10am-6pm. FREE
WeWork’s annual Christmas Charity Market returns to Beijing this weekend. Browse through gems by indie designers, and partake in festivities alongside mulled wines and treats, including making your own gingerbread house and Christmas wreaths, all for a cause.
Photo: Camera Stylo/WeChat
Camera Stylo. Sun 22. 1.30-7pm. FREE
For quirky finds, head to Camera Stylo for their vintage holiday market featuring vendors selling everything from artworks, vintage clothing, to handmade accessories including scented candles and jewelries. Come dressed in your best vintage outfit for a chance to win a free drink.
Photo: Processrepeat/Unsplash.com
The Grand Summit. Sun 22.Noon-6pm. FREE
It's zero waste and zero guilt at Farm to Neighbors' (F2N) Christmas markets. The themed organic market features more than 50 vendors offering a wide range of farm-sourced produce, artisans foods, handcraft design and custom made products, as well as F2N’s signature 'zero waste' mulled wine and recycle gift wrapping station.
Unwind and kick back with alternative things to do
Photo: Pixabay
Camera Stylo. Sat 21. 7.30pm-late. 45RMB
Single and stuck in Beijing this Christmas? If the holiday is making you feel a bit lonely, or the looming prospect of celebrating New Year's Eve alone is making you feel particularly single, Camera Stylo is here to help with a silent speed dating event, for anyone who'd like to mingle or get into the festive spirit.
Ever been on a dates that's descended into awkward silence? Well, why not cut the chit-chat and make silence the starting point? Gone is the pressure to make small talk (speaking is banned so no need to have the same conversation over and over again). All you need to do is to write to someone anonymously and be creative. In the end, the recipient of the note will guess the writer's identity. Any matches will receive a special drink on the house. Click here to learn more and RSVP in advance.
Photo: 247 Tickets
Blue Note. Sat 21-Sun 22. 7.30-9pm, 6.30-8pm. 360RMB/280RMB
British singer-pianist Anthony Strong has an established reputation as a charismatic singer, pianist, and above all, a distinguished performer. Having performed at more than 300 shows in 26 countries, his latest album Me And My Radio features a collection of songs from classics like Louis Armstrong and Stevie Wonder to new repertoires of original hits.
Photo: Blue Note/WeChat
Wallace Roney. Blue Note. Fri 20. 7.30pm-late. 420RMB/320RMB
Catch Wallace Roney, the talented jazz performer live in Beijing. Beginning his musical career at the age of 16, he has been an integral part of the band with Tony Williams, Elvin Jones, Carole King and more and has earned the approval of Miles Davis, who after hearing him perform at Carnegie Hall, chose Roney to share the stage with him at the historic 1991 performance in Montreux.
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