1 beijingkids Santa on Ice
For age 3-10. This December 12 join beijingkids for an afternoon of festive fun. Go ice skating with Santa, take part in Christmas games and enjoy some traditional Christmas treats. You can even get your photo taken with Mr. Claus! See Dec 12 listing for details.
2 See A Christmas Tree
Go and see a giant Christmas tree in all its festive glory. Beijing Marriott Northeast, Legendale Hotel Beijing and Hilton Beijing will each have a tall decked-out pine. And be sure to see Hilton Beijing’s delightful Christmas train, as it travels through a mini winter wonderland. For more festive cheer, see Feature (p60).
3 Dig Into Christmas Dinner
Gorge on a gourmet feast of turkey, cranberry sauce, stuffing and the like. Don’t fret, because on this day, gluttony is obliged. For details on where to dine or pick up your own ingredients, see Dec 24 listing and Feature (p60).
4 Build a Gingerbread House
Let the kids play with their food as they assemble a house of gingerbread, gumdrops and icing. Purchase an expertly-designed gingerbread house or create your own from scratch. For details on where to buy supplies or pick up a ready-made creation, see Feature (p60).
5 Sing-A-Long
Get into the spirit by singing your favorite holiday tunes. Join the community for some caroling at Hilton Beijing Wangfujing (Dec 9 listing), Fairmont Beijing’s Teddy Bear Tea Party (Dec 11 listing), or Care For Children’s The Centre in Shunyi (Dec 12 listing). To participate in Christmas mass, see Feature (p60) or inquire for details at your local church.
6 Fun at UCCA Family Day
Looking for the perfect event to tire your kids out in one day? Join UCCA for Family Day on December 18. The day will be divided into four parts: a guided tour with designed booklets, a short French animation showcase, an artist workshop with contemporary artist Liu Xiaodong and a percussion workshop. Families may choose to attend activities independently or attend all four. There will also be a play area and a special menu. For details, see Dec 18 listing.
7 Warm Up With Hot Chocolate
The weather out there is frightful, so cozy up with a mug of piping hot cocoa. For places to sip the best winter concoction, see Dining (p27), or why not make your own? Pick up supplies at your nearest foreign supermarket. Our tip: Add marshmallows, cream and a stick of cinnamon for a special touch. For a healthier hot chocolate, raw organic cocao powder can be purchased from the World Heath Store. See Directory for listings under Supermarkets.
8 Play Inside
Tired of bundling up? Play inside, where it’s warm instead. Beijing is full of indoor playgrounds from Fundazzle and A-Z Kids. More expansive centers include the Magic Bean House, Family Box and The Familier. For details, see Directory under Play Centers.
9 Cold Day Crafts
Keep little fingers and minds busy with some creative crafts. Scissors, glue and imagination are all you need to create a string of gingerbread men or your very own Christmas ornament. Use the crafts to decorate your abode or make them as presents – see Feature (p64).
10 Deck the Halls
Get into the spirit of the season and decorate your home from head to toe. Pick up a Christmas tree, festive baubles, gold tinsel, twinkling lights and pots of red poinsettias. Don’t know where to find them? For details, see Feature (p60).
For more details and more events in December, visit our Events page at www.beijing-kids.com/events
