Top 10 Things

The Jolly Man
Santa continues his Beijing tour by appearing at the Fairmont Beijing’s Christmas-themed teddy bear buffet on December 24 and 25. Kids can nibble on scones, cookies, sandwiches, and other treats as they wait to take a picture with old St. Nick.

On December 25, Santa will cap off the holiday season with the Ritz-Carlton Beijing Financial Street’s Christmas buffet. The food selection includes fresh seafood, meat roasts, and various kinds of desserts.

For complete information, see Events.

The Decor
Tianyi Market in Fuchengmen has everything you can think of, including fake Christmas trees, Santa Claus suits, Christmas lights, and more. The chain Hola branches across Beijing selling Christmas wrapping, garlands, snow globes, scented candles. Also, the furniture store Ikea has Christmas stockings, tree ornaments, festive tableware, window decorations, tree lights, and wrapping paper.

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beijingkids’ Santa on Ice
On December 18, beijingkids hosts a fun-filled afternoon of skating with Mr. and Mrs. Claus at the China World Trade Center’s ice rink, Le Cool. There will be hot chocolate, Christmas treats, gifts, Santa hats, picture opportunities, and more. For details, see listing.

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Celebrate Thanksgiving
American Thanksgiving is a time to be with family, count one’s blessings and gorge on great home cooked food. On November 24, treat yourself to loads of turkey, cranberry stuffing, mashed potatoes, and pumpkin pie. Order your own bird or reserve your place at one of the many Thanksgiving dinners to be held around town. For a list of providers and restaurants, see Event listings.

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A beijingkids Halloween
Pirates, pumpkins and princesses convene for Halloween with beijngkids at the Hilton Beijing Capital Airport Hotel on October 29 and at the Hilton Beijing Wangfujing on October 30. See here for details.

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Study Dinosaurs
At The Bookworm’s Explore Festival, kids will squeal with delight at the seven-meter triceratops and the ability to touch real fossils. Older children can also appreciate the history of transportation with Beijing Postcards. For more information and exclusive interviews with some of the festival’s guests, see Playing Inside.

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Fun in the Sun
Paddle boats, fishing ponds, go-karting, a zoo, an organic farm and amusement parks. With an endless number of activities, Crab Island is an ideal locale for a day of fun in the sun. For details, see What’s Fun In.

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Happy Father's Day For Dad's special day on Sunday June 19, make him breakfast in bed, then burn it all off with some family-friendly Heyrobics in Chaoyang Park. There's more fun to be had with a day of activities at The Familier. Or go to a delicious brunch at either the Ritz-Carlton Beijing, Hilton Beijing, or The Westin Beijing Financial Street. See June 19 listing. Make it a weekend of fun and head to the beijingkids Father's Day Pool Party at The Westin Beijing Chaoyang on Saturday June 18. See here.

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Happy Mother's Day
Make Sunday, May 8 a special day for Mom. Treat her to a luxurious Mother's Day brunch at Hilton Beijing Wangfujing, Beijing Marriott Northeast, The Ritz-Carlton (click here), or Hilton Beijing Capital Airport (see May 8 listing). Make her day extra special and send Mom off for some post brunch pampering.

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Kid Art
Price: USD 0.99
For ages: 2-6
This parent-designed app is great for younger tech-heads. The super-simple controls are designed with little hands and first-time users in mind. Kids can draw a range of school- or sea-themed scenes. They can also drop, move, and resize animals in their drawings. Saving pictures is easy and to erase - just shake your iPhone.

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1. Giddy Up
Saddle up and ride a horse at Equuleus. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced rider, qualified bilingual instructors can guide you through the basics or help refine your skills. Daily 7am-12pm, 2pm-6pm (call ahead). Equuleus International Riding Club, Sunhe Zhen, 91 Shunbai Lu, Shunyi District (8459 0236, 6432 4947, equuleushorse@yahoo.com.cn) www.equriding.com 顺义区顺白路91号孙河镇

2. Tango with Life-Size Dinos
Get up close and personal with some of history's largest and fiercest reptiles. At Dino Dream Park's three exhibition halls, kids can oogle a collection of fossils as well as interact with life-size mechanical dinosaurs. Closes August 31. RMB 90, RMB 60 for children under 1m and senior citizens. 9am-8pm. 300m north of National Stadium (Bird's Nest), Olympic Green, Beichen Lu, Chaoyang District. Tickets on sale at Piao.com.cn (400-610-3721, ponypiaoen@hotmail.com) www.en.piao.com.cn, www.dinodreampark.com (Chinese only)朝阳区北辰路奥林匹克公园

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