Photos With Santa and DIY Gingerbread Fun

Original Mina Yan Jingkids

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December is all about gingerbread houses for me. I love the smell and I love spending hours sitting at a table chit-chatting with friends while getting my hands dirty. They’ve been a part of my holiday traditions ever since I was a kid, and when I became a mom, I couldn’t wait to share them with my daughter – even though she’s still too young to actually help out or eat it.

While Beijing may not deck the halls with boughs of holly like 5th Avenue does, there are still more than enough gingerbread options so that kids can join in on the holiday cheer.

Domain at East Hotel

A long holiday tradition that yours truly helped start many many years ago, Domain’s gingerbread house classes are one of their most popular. Now part of their year-round Little Chef program, the DIY kits are all made in-house by their pastry kitchen, and kids – with the help of the chef – get to build 30cm high gingerbread houses and decorate them with friends.

The classes are every Saturday and Sunday throughout December at either 10.30am or 2pm for RMB 328 per kid, which includes a glass of juice. Each class lasts about one hour.

Booking is definitely recommended for anyone who wants to participate since Domain will need to prepare everything in advance. To book, call Domain at 8414 9898.

Peninsula Hotel

The Peninsula Hotel has an amazing Christmas setup for kids. Aside from a stunning photo backdrop that’s there every day, on Saturdays and Sundays at either 11.30am or 4pm they have an edible craft class that’s the whole show and dance – literally!

Each week the craft changes between cupcakes, gingerbread Christmas trees, or gingerbread houses. Nobody knows what they’ll get, so you’ll just have to find out when you arrive.

Kids sit around tables where elves and Peninsula’s chefs help them build their gingerbread house (or tree or cupcake…). Meanwhile, parents are asked to wait outside the velvet rope so that the kids can enjoy each other’s company and practice some independence.

Following the class, the families are ushered to the foot of The Peninsula’s grand ballroom staircase where elves literally dance their way down the steps and make way for the big man himself.

While the song and dance are happening, the craft tables are cleared away as if by Christmas magic and replaced with satin pillows all ready for storytime with Santa.

To wrap up the magical Christmas festivities, Santa leads the group and selects one lucky kid to help him illuminate their giant Christmas tree, and before everyone heads home blissfully happy, the kids line up for gifts and photos with Santa and his elves.

The classes for the remainder of the month are unfortunately sold out. But! You can still partake in the festivities and watch the elves dance, as well as the tree lighting, and get your photo taken with Santa if you go for afternoon tea or chocolate fondue in their lobby bar during that time.

Pre-booking is highly, highly recommended as they’re expected to be super busy during these times. Please call 8516 2888 in advance.

Gingerbread coloring sets

If going out isn’t your thing but you still want to play with gingerbread at home, there’s a DIY kit made by Malika Li of Malika’s Cakes that can be ordered by scanning the QR code below.