Where to Spot Santa in Beijing This Christmas

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We've heard about many a parent searching for Santa sightings in the capital to keep that good ol' Christmas tradition alive, so we've sent WeChat messages to all our elves, phoned Mrs. Claus, and tracked down Rudolph to bring you a list of places where you can meet Father Christmas in the flesh! Prepare your cameras...

Urban Glamping at Chaoyang Park

You've probably seen their bubble tents displayed along the alfresco dining strip at Solana, but the glamping grounds themselves are actually in nearby Chaoyang Park. Don't worry, you don't have to stay the night (though reviews are great if you're looking for a staycation – they even have in-room hotpot), as they offer afternoon tea options where you can hang out for a couple of hours. Right now, they have a special Christmas treehouse complete with decorations, twinkle lights, and best of all, Santa Claus! There's no fixed time for appearances, but it seems that around dusk, aka 4pm, is when the Christmas lights get turned on and there's a higher chance of spotting him then!

On Christmas weekend, Urban Glamping will offer a special four-hour-long morning and afternoon program with a buffet spread, Christmas activities, and Santa visits scheduled throughout the day! The afternoon session that starts at 2pm seems the more attractive option with a special Christmas tree lighting ceremony and a final Santa Claus visit at 6pm. Search 帐篷一家 zhàngpéng yījiā on WeChat and Dianping for more details or scan the QR code below!

Cafe Royal at Universal Nuo Hotel

Help yourself to the scrumptious Christmas buffet dinner at Cafe Royal of the Nuo Resort Hotel at Universal Beijing on Christmas weekend and you'll be treated to a dose of Santa himself! While the Christmas buffet will be available starting from Christmas Eve through Jan 2, Santa will only be making his appearance during the big holly jolly weekend, so be sure to secure your spot for Dec 24 or 25 if you want to lay eyes on the man of the hour! For more information, use the contact info in the poster below.

Gubei Water Town

Santa will also be gracing the steps of Gubei Water Town on Christmas Eve from 6-8pm. He will be going door-to-door, visiting the hotels so get ready for a chance encounter with him then. Gubei Water Town also has other Christmas activities going on, such as Christmas Carol singing every day at 7pm and the Runaway Gingerbread Man where you have to find nine gingerbread men for a chance to win fun prizes!

A special mention goes to Pennisula Hotel for their Christmas extravaganza which has sold out completely, but you can still watch the elves dance and get your photo taken with Santa if you go for afternoon tea or chocolate fondue in their lobby bar after 4pm.

At the very least, you can always swing by Kerry Center which has an exhibit of automated Santa Clauses on display, and one of them even plays the piano from time to time! That's one way to keep the Santa spirit alive.

Images: Courtesy of the vendors, Dianping, Mina Yan

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