Beijing’s Best Family and COVID-Safe Events Dec 31-Jan 3

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This week, due to the new COVID-19 cases that have been discovered in Beijing and increased security measures, we’re focussing on a range of super fun family-friendly NYE events that you can attend virtually as a family from around the world.

As always, scan the QR codes for further details and ticketing info.

Thursday, Dec 31 New Year’s Eve

Fun At-Home Ways to Usher in The New Year 

Let’s face it, due to the increased number of COVID-19 cases in the city, many of us are choosing to stay in this year. But never fear because we’ve rounded up a great assortment of ways to celebrate without leaving home. From Chinese card games to family classic board games and even family-friendly drinking games (yes really!) you won’t get bored with these fun activities. Click Here for the full article. 

Friday, Dec 1 New Year’s Day

The Time Square Ball Drop - Online 

It’s the 1st of January, and even if you stayed in last night there is a strong chance you’ve woken up with a hangover… but of course, the kids still need entertaining. Lucky for you, due to the significant time difference, one of the greatest NYE events in the world is just getting started! This year, as even those living in NYC can’t attend the event live, a host of interactive and online events have been planned instead. Firstly, you can live-stream a series of live performances from the square for free from 7am Beijing time, culminating in the famous midnight (1pm Beijing time) ball drop and an epic live performance of ‘I Will Survive’ by Gloria Gaynor. To keep the kids entertained throughout, get them plugged into VNYE (Virtual New Year’s Eve), who have created a virtual reality and augmented reality online platform, where you can create and customize your own avatar and explore Times Square.

From 7am Beijing time. Online. Free

Edinburg's Hogmanay 2020

Hogmawhat? Hogmanay is the Scottish word for New Year’s Eve celebrations, and generally, this 3-day festival is one of the biggest in the region (if you have ever heard of the Edinburg Fringe Festival you know the Scots can throw a party!) This year it’s going totally virtual with three short films that feature one of the UK’s largest-ever drone shows, which are choreographed to create words and symbols, birds, animals (like the stag above), and mythical creatures, streamed live on their website. Beijing is 8 hours ahead of Edinburg, so you can catch the final hour of the show from 7am Beijing time (or even earlier if you’re up).

From very early morning Beijing time. Online. Free

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Saturday, Dec 2

Draw and Write the New Year 

This free event is all about drawing and writing, freeing up your creative spirit, and setting intentions for the new year. Probably better suited to tweens and adolescents or better yet, done as a whole family, the first two hours are dedicated to fun interactive exercises, while the last is all about creating something new with live music accompaniment.

4pm Beijing time. Online. Free

Sunday, Dec 3

Origami for Wellbeing: New Year Fold 

Ring in the new year with Dr. Lizzie Burns, who helps people of all ages discover origami to relax and lift their mood. Learn to create a peace dove and other folds. No experience needed, just bring paper. Try something new and wonderful this New Year’s weekend. During the session, you will create a peace dove and other folds to lift the mood.

9am Beijing time. Online. Free

Children's Art Webinar 'Pop Art Emoji' 

Join a fun Children’s Art Webinar with Artist and Art Teacher Grainne Roche, who will discuss the artist, demonstrate how to work in the artist's style, and set children to work on their own creations.

Improvise at home by using any materials you have. Demonstration will be in pen, pastel, paint & inks. Any paint is fine! Acrylics preferred.

8.30am Beijing time. RMB 44 (5 GBP)

Dancing in the New Year  - Kid-Friendly - Teacher-Led Meetup 

You and your family can come dance in 2021 with kid-friendly music and no judgment on your dancing skills.

12 noon Beijing time. Free

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Photos: Courtesy of Event Organisers 

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