Photo: Jonathan Borba/Unsplash.comWe may currently be residing in a country that traditionally doesn't celebrate Christmas, but thanks to our bustling international community, the city was brimming with festive glee even before December began.
For those of you staying in Beijing this Christmas, here's a mini-guide to celebrating the season here in the Capital. From places to celebrate and events to attend to where to buy decorations and gifts, we've got you covered.
For events specifically happening this week, scan this:
Start sorting your holiday cooking
Photo: Jackmac74/Unsplash.com
If you're thinking of preparing a home-cooked Christmas meal this year, then it's time to start researching for sources. If you'd like to check out the local markets, head for Sanyuanli market where you'll find international produce, fresh produce and dry goods. If you're looking for turkey, try April Gourmet, Boucherie Michel in Liangmaqiao, Schindler's German Food Centre in Maizidian or in Shunyi.
Start searching for recipes
If you're planning to bake cookies or cake with the kids or add some party recipes to your Christmas spread, then it's better to start researching ahead. Buy your ingredients online or at some of the international groceries around town, or check out some party recipes on our website such as canapés, Struffoli and Barcelona Bomba.Photo: Tim Mossholder/Unsplash.comChristmas also means the arrival of Santa, that bearded man in that red suit bringing good cheer to believers everywhere. Find the jolly old man at these events around town. Check out a Christmas party and some festive markets
This week, we see at least nine festive events happening: the International Medical Centre of Beijing's Christmas party this Friday, ICVC's pet-friendly Christmas party, The third annual Polish Club and Roundabout Charity Christmas Bazaar, the British School of Beijing, Shunyi's Christmas Fayre and German Market and The Beijing Flea Market this Saturday and CISB's Charity Bazaar and Rumble in the Jumble's holiday market this Sunday. There's also Dulwich Beijing College's Christmas Bazaar happening next Monday.
Start researching Christmas lunch or dinner plans
Photo: Paulaner Bräuhaus
Café Zarah is starting off the Christmas dining festivities with a festive brunch this weekend. For your Christmas eve dinner or Christmas day lunch, Signature's Restaurant and Paulaner Bräuhaus' have also started accepting booking reservations. Make sure to regularly check our website as we continuously update our listings.Get extra creative with a Christmas twist
Are the kids feeling crafty? Then sign up for Blossom Montessori's upcoming watercolour Christmas card workshop or get the kids to make their own Christmas decor at Moka Bros' upcoming Kids' Christmas Craft Party, both happening on Saturday 14. Or make something in the comfort of your own homes with one of KingdomKids' Christmas-themed craft boxes, which contains various items such as pompoms, pipe cleaners, buttons, glitter, stickers, paper plates and more. Each box costs 250RMB. Contact Gemma Jiang (kingdomkidschina@yahoo.com) for more information.Fancy a different view come Christmas day? Then join Beijing Hikers as they take you through Hemp Village to Gubeikou in this alternative way to celebrate the holiday.Start your festive shopping
Have you started with your Christmas shopping? Then check out some of Beijing's best toy shops (Hamley's, Toys R Us and the Xin Shi Model shop to name a few), go sustainable by purchasing secondhand from places such as Roundabout or check out some unique gift shops such as Plastered 8, Jingcheng Baixing (where you can find #JustBeijingThings) and items from Beijing Postcards. Alternatively, give your friends or their kids the gift of experience, such as our V-Fly trampoline promotion here.Get extra-giving through charity
Give the less fortunate an extra reason to smile this season with the gift of giving. Donate some of your pre-loved items at East Beijing, under their Christmas tree, or at Cafe Zarah who is collecting for their upcoming Gift A Present bazaar or straight to Roundabout, where donated items are resold to raise funds for those in need.Pretend you're a reindeer-less Santa
Photo: Husky Friends dog cafe
If you're already reminiscing that beautiful snowfall that covered the city last weekend, here's another chance at both snow and a unique experience. This weekend, join Husky Friends at the Chinese Sled Dog Sports Club as they take you for a ride with these trained huskies. 198RMB includes lunch, either to watch or to try your hand at this dog sledding adventure and a photo with these lovely animals. The event will take place at the Pinggu district, and sign-ups are required. Communication might be a challenge, however, so best to go with a Chinese-speaking friend.
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