Did you know we have a family events WeChat group? Join two hundred other internationally-minded families for the latest information on what’s going on in Beijing. Send an email to editor@beijing-kids.com with your WeChat id or add vanessajencks on WeChat. Please note that readers should confirm with each organizer if events are cancelled or scheduled as planned.
Free
A Dulwich Christmas, Dec 13
All ages. Join in DCB’s annual Christmas time festivities that features Christmas themed gifts and trinkets on sale, Christmas foods including carved turkey, smoked ham, minced pied, fruit cake, apple cider, mulled wine, and more. This year’s celebrations will also include traditional Christmas carols by candlelight for all to join in. Free. 3-8pm. Dulwich College Beijing (DCB) 北京德威英国国际学校 (6454 9068, Flora.Zhang@dulwich-beijing.cn)
Xmas Meet Market, Dec 14
All ages. If you’re looking for something to do mid-week, check out this market with a special Hatchery flavor. Five percent of profits go to the Migrant Children’s Foundation (MCF). Free. 5-9pm. 5Lmeet
Farm to Neighbors Christmas Market, Dec 17-18
All ages. It’s the typical quality to expect from Farm to Neighbors, but with all the Christmas trimmings and workshops with a merry flavor. Free. Noon-6pm. The Grand Summit (Farm to Neighbors Farmers’ Market Workshop Area)
Emperio Christmas Bazaar, Dec 17
All ages. Mandarin Pro, a leading school in Beijing for professionals pursuing mandarin education, has organized cozy bazaar with handmade creations, mulled wine and fun workshops for kids (or the child at heart). Chat with the teachers and students of Mandarin Pro. Free. 11am-5pm. Mandarin Pro Institute. (13581826014 / 18810603302).
Unique
Light, Sound, and Action Workshop, Dec 12 to Dec 16
Ages 5-12. Discover ephemeral art and artists that work with light & shadow, inspired by music, or draw with movements in space, for example, Picasso’s light painting, and Olafur Eliasson’s reflective mirror light installations. RMB 1500. 10am-12pm (ages 5-8), 1.30pm-4pm (ages 8-12). Atelier Art School.
Beijing Christmas Market at 5Lmeet, Dec 14
Adults. Come join the new 5Lmeet space in celebrating the holidays. There will be plenty of holiday tunes, hot beverages and food by new 5Lmeet residents, Hatchery, and shopping. RMB 10. 5pm to 9pm. 5Lmeet.
House of Knowledge Christmas Camp, Register by Dec 14
Ages 3-6. This action packed camp will have many activities including letters to Santa, festive stories and play, Christmas art’s, baking and crafts galore. Merry music and jingles jams, festive games and so much more! RMB 1,350-2,200. December 19-23, 9am-3.30pm with half days available. House of Knowledge (admissions@hokschools.com)
Register for TLC Winter Weekend School, Register by Dec 15
Ages 8 to 18. The Learning Center (TLC) is running a 3 Saturday only Winter Weekend School for various ages from January 7th to January 21st. All classes are designed with the primary focus of helping improve your child’s overall English reading, writing, and vocabulary, in a fun and engaging way. RMB 3,600 (full day), RMB 1,890 (half day). All day. The Learning Center. (8046 3886, registration@hyde-education.com).
Register for TLC Chinese New Year Programs, Register by Dec 15
Kids from Grades 3 to 6. From February 6-10, The Learning Center (TLC) will have classes for a variety of topics for students from grades 3 to 6. Subjects include test taking and reading strategies, oral communication, English, social studies, science, and history. RMB 6,000 (full day), RMB 3,150 (half day). All day. The Learning Center. (8046 3886, registration@hyde-education.com).
Swan Lake, Dec 17
Ages 6+. If your family enjoyed Alice and Wonderland by On Pointe, or missed out, check out this superb ballet by Russia Royal Ballet. RMB 180-880. 7.30-9.30pm. Beijing Exhibition Theater. Book tickets here.
Christmas Eve/Christmas Day Lunch at Opus Lounge, Dec 18
All ages. Enjoy a buffet of festive favorites pus decadent desserts such as chocolate log and Christmas bread pudding. RMB 498, RMB 598 (with free-flow champagne). Noon-3pm. Opus Lounge.
Ongoing
Hidden Surface, Tuesday – Sunday
All ages. Renowned Korean artist Kiwon Park takes over Galleria Continua Beijing with a range of installations focusing on light and color. Park is inspired by space and the interaction between artwork, the space it is presented in and the audience. Free. 11am-6pm. Galleria Continua.
Christmas Tree of Knowledge at EAST, Beijing Hotel, Dec 1 – Dec 25
All ages. This year EAST, Beijing Hotel has teamed up with Roundabout, MOBO Design and Penguin Books China to create a Christmas tree made up of books donated by the local community. The Christmas Tree Of Knowledge will be on display in the EAST, Beijing hotel lobby from December 1st with a donation drop off box available in the lobby. Free. All day. EAST, Beijing Hotel.
3 weeks of Drawing and Painting Masterclass at Atelier, Shunyi, Dec 12 to Dec 30
Ages 9+. This year Atelier is offering a three-week painting course for all children ages nine and above. Begin with basic drawing and sketching, move on to oil painting, and lastly ascend to acrylic painting. RMB 1,800. 9.30am-Noon. Atelier Art School, Shunyi.
Best of Next Week
Kids Christmas Theatre Camp, Dec 19-31
Ages 6-14. Kids are off for Christmas, but maybe you’re not? Check out this camp to encourage a bit of theatre learning and solve the problem of what the kids will do while you work. RMB 8,000. 9am-4pm. Harrow International School Beijing (broadway@beijingplayhouse.com)
One Week Fashion Course, Dec 19-30
Ages 7-12. If your kids aren’t into theatrics, try fashion instead. RMB 1,888 (lunch included). 10am-4pm. The Slab WeChat Id: JenPohland
Christmas Eve Dinner at Mosto, Dec 24
Adults. Enjoy a cosy candlelit evening at Mosto featuring Chef Daniel’s South American inspired 4 course dinner. Open a bottle (or two) of the finest, hand-picked red, and celebrate Christmas in style. RMB 398. 5.30pm-10.30pm. Mosto.
Christmas Day Lunch at Mosto, Dec 25
Adults. Celebrate Christmas this year with a Mosto meal. Choose from a range of dishes from our carefully chosen holiday menu. Our meal includes such dishes as eggs benedict, Wagyu beef burger, and apple pie. RMB 248. 10am-3pm. Mosto.
Christmas Eve at Capital M, Dec 24
Adults. With roaring fireplaces and one of the best views in town, Capital M is a great choice to kick off your Christmas celebrations with Champagne and canapés, followed by a four-course menu of Christmas classics. RMB 688. 6-10.30pm. Capital M.
Christmas Eve Lunch/Dinner at Mercante, Dec 24
All ages. At Mercante we love traditions and this year we double our time with you: at lunch time we propose both a 3 or a 5 courses set following the classic meat free, “di magro”, recipes from Emilia Romagna. Only 30 seats available. RMB 250 to RMB 350. 6pm-11.30pm. Mercante. (86 010 84025098, mercante@thegoodfoodgroup.asia)
Christmas Eve Dinner at Tian Tian Kitchen (New World Hotel), Dec 24
Adults. There’s a bit of something for everyone at New World Hotel’s free-flow Christmas extravaganza, including roast turkey, fresh seafood, and Chinese specialties. RMB 688, RMB 588 (before December 15). 6-10pm. Tian Tian Kitchen.
Christmas Eve Lunch/Dinner at Fiume, Dec 24
All ages. According to tradition, Fiume have prepared a meat-free menu for the 24th. Lunch time includes three or five-course set lunches inspired by classic dishes from Emilia Romagna. At dinner a five-course set dinner is proposed with an optional pairing of five Italian wines. Only 30 seats available. RMB 250 (three courses), RMB 350 (five courses), RMB 250 (wine pairing). Noon-Midnight. Fiume.
Christmas Eve/Christmas Day Lunch at Opus Lounge, Dec 24 and Dec 25
All ages. Enjoy a buffet of festive favorites pus decadent desserts such as chocolate log and Christmas bread pudding. RMB 498, RMB 598 (with free-flow champagne). Noon-3pm. Opus Lounge.
Christmas Eve/Day Dinner at Sureno, Dec 24 and Dec 25
Adults. The Opposite House will present an array of dishes at the award-winning Sureño this Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Menu items will include (but is not limited to) chickpea and truffle, grilled beef tenderloin, and seared foie gras. RMB 588. 6-10pm. Sureno.
Christmas Eve/Christmas Day Dinner at Bistrot B, Dec 24 and Dec 25
All ages. Kick things up a notch with dinner at Rosewood Beijing’s Bistrot B, where they will be serving a five-course fine dining menu, including Alaskan king crab salad, duo of Australian wagyu beef, and Bûche de Noël. RMB 920, RMB 1,380 (with wine pairing). 5.30-10.30pm. Bistrot B.
Christmas Day at Capital M, Dec 25
All ages. Capital M has created a special four-course brunch menu of modern European food just for Christmas day. Enjoy it while looking out over one of the best restaurant views in town! RMB 588. 11.30am-3pm. Capital M.
Christmas Day Lunch/Dinner at Mercante, Dec 25
All ages. At Mercante we love traditions and this year we double our time with you: at lunch time we propose both a 3 or a 5 courses set following the classic meat free, “di magro”, recipes from Emilia Romagna. Only 30 seats available. RMB 250 to RMB 350. 6pm-11.30pm. Mercante. (86 010 84025098, mercante@thegoodfoodgroup.asia)