Do you love Christmas and holiday markets? So do we! That’s why we’ve rounded up as many of the family-friendly Christmas markets that we could find around town.

The Beijing Flea Market Holiday Edition

The Beijing Flea Market Holiday Edition is back this Sunday, Dec 19 from noon-6pm at Beersmith. Go check out some great handmade gifts just in time for the holiday season. Beersmith is located at Hotel Jen L1, No.1 Jianguomenwai Avenue

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Christmas Bazaar

This Christmas Bazaar will feature some 30 vendors selling all kinds of handmade art and food in support of Migrant Children Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving the education and healthcare of disadvantaged youth.

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2021 Winter Market

Beginning Friday, Dec 17 and running through Christmas, this free outdoor market is taking place at Scitech Outlet. It’s a great place to spend a beautiful day outdoors and get some festive shopping done.

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The Night Market

It’s that time of year when we fill the hall with boughs of holly, and go fa la la la all merry Christmas time long! Few things are quite as good at getting us into the festive spirit as a good Christmas market, complete with eggnog, trinkets to be cherished for years to come, and fun for the entire family. That is why this December 5, the British Embassy and the British business community have prepared a festive Christmas market where you get to enjoy the Christmas period with friends and family.

Complete with a wide selection of food, drinks, souvenirs, and gifts from some of Beijing and Britain’s fave vendors, it will be a day full of fun, only topped by fun Christmas activities, workshops, and performances bound to keep the entire family entertained. There will also be a raffle where you get to try your luck and stand to win fantastic prizes. This event will truly be in the Christmas spirit of giving, as all sales proceeds will go to charity – The Migrant Children’s Foundation – which works with disadvantaged schools in Beijing, providing healthcare and educational opportunities to disadvantaged children. The Christmas market will also be green and sustainable as no single-use plastics will be allowed on-site, so if you do decide to attend, bring along a bag to stow your goodies, and a bottle to enjoy the assortment of drinks available on the day.

Please register with a valid passport/ ID number, and bring your physical photo ID/ passport upon arrival on the day. 

If you’ve been singing Christmas carols since before Thanksgiving and want a place to shine, head over to Carols for a Cause next weekend as well! The Beijing Riviera Country Club also joins with Migrant Children’s Club for a fun day of kids’ fun, Christmas shopping (can you ever get enough?), and of course, carols. Entry is free.

KEEP READING: Walking in a Winter Camp Wonderland: First Look at Camps for Dec 2020 – Jan 2021

Photos: Unsplash, courtesy of Britcham Beijing, Beijing Riviera

Christmas is almost here. It’s so close that I can smell the pine cones and nutmeg, but for some reason, every year I wait until the very last minute to buy presents. For fellow last minute shoppers, the next Farm to Neighbors (F2N) is your last chance to pick up Beijing’s artisan crafts in time for Christmas.

F2N partners with Beijing Kerry Center to host this year’s Christmas market on Christmas Eve and Christmas day. F2N is a community platform dedicated to promoting sustainable lifestyles and green vegetable consumption. Aside from vendors, F2N is where you can go to find out all about recycling in Beijing as well as where the recycled products go, what they’re used for, and even purchase some cool apparel made from recycled plastic. It’s a market that brings together the local community to share a select group of organic vegetable vendors combining a low-packaging, low-waste system with handmade gifts, jewelry, crafts, and art.

Head over for some farm fresh fruits and veggies, freshly baked bread, and cakes for your Christmas Eve home dinner or snag some last minute gifts by Beijing’s Christmas market veteran Liuba Draws. Her watercolors capture the vibe of local Beijing life and are one of my all-time-favorite gifts for friends and family back home.

Enjoy healthy, guilt-free shopping.

Free. Dec 23 – 24 from 11.00 am -7.00 pm
Beijing Kerry Center
3/F Beijing Kerry Center, North Tower 1 Guanghua Lu Chaoyang District 朝阳区 朝阳区光华路1号

Beijing Badaling Airport – 1 Hangkong Lu, Badalingzhen, Yanqing, RMB 1980 For 15 minutes/ RMB3800 for 30 minutes

Old Beijing Dinner By UnTour Food Tours –  Dec 17-31  

DIETARY RESTRICTIONS

• Vegetarians – Non-meat eaters are welcome and will find plenty to eat. Substitutes will be provided where possible.
• Vegans – This tour offers a limited selection of dishes, but excellent substitutions will be with excellent veg and tofu options at some stops.
• Celiac Disease – Celiac disease substitutes cannot be provided as soy sauce is widely used in dishes to be featured in the tour.
• Nut/Shellfish Allergies – There are no guarantees that utensils and other cooking tools have not come in contact with these ingredients or that dishes to be sampled do not contain said ingredients. If you are allergic, please bring an epi pen and other medication where applicable.

 The exact tour meeting point will be emailed upon booking.

Please contact contact@247tickets.com for booking. Please contact organizer for tour route. Adults RMB 420/ Children RMB 210/ Private tours RMB 2470 , 9am – 12pm .

Christmas Charity Market – Dec 21-22

Beijing Playhouse Kids Theater Camps – Dec 23 – Jan 4 

Daystar Academy Winter Camp – Dec 23 – Jan 3

Black Sesame Christmas Celebration – Dec 15 – Jan 31

We all know that Christmas is a time for giving, an opportunity to find those special people in your life a special something to light up theirs. When I was a kid, the presents I gave my parents were usually handmade. Namely, a coupon book full of free hugs (confusing, seeing as how I wasn’t normally in the habit of charging for these) and pancake breakfasts (the pancakes were invariably made by the parent who wasn’t using the coupon, the mess was invariably made by me). At any rate, as they say, it’s the thought that counts, and my parents regularly delighted in my thoughtful gestures.

While my gifts were cute in their own right, they pale in comparison to the student vendors at Dulwich College Beijing’s (DCB) Christmas Bazaar and Concert this past Monday and Tuesday (December 9 and 10).

These students, displaying a level of initiative I never could have mustered at their age, bolstered by the entrepreneurial spirit currently nurtured amongst younger generations, were selling crafts and goods that made my coupon books look as worthless as the paper they were printed on (admittedly, they were worthless, but adorable nonetheless).

One such student-run business was Porteur de Savon, a group of Year 10 girls who create artisanal, natural soaps. The team, which consists of Aviva C., Jackie H., Cathy M., Angela Z., and Jenny Z., learned how to make the soap using a small instructional booklet that came with a kit, and refined their processes by watching videos online. Moreover, if it’s truly thoughtfulness that dictates the value of a gift, then these bars of soap are invaluable, because all of the proceeds are donated to Smile Angel Foundation, a charity founded by Chinese celebrities Faye Wong and Li Yapeng, which helps Chinese children born with cleft palates receive much-needed surgery.

Whereas Porteur de Savon was there to help people get clean, and children get healthy, Year 12 student Jadelle C.’s board game, Problem Planet, was there to tackle climate change and environmental justice, and is a perfect gift for the eco-warrior in your life. Using RMB 18,000 she was awarded as part of DCB International’s Pioneering Spirit Grant, Jadelle C. created almost the entire game on her own, even going so far as to write 170 of the 180 playing cards herself. Perhaps more impressive is the fact that, of all the applicants for the Pioneering Spirit Grant, which is open to DCB’s sprawling network of schools, Jadelle C. was the only recipient to have been awarded a grant as a one-student operation. Proceeds from Problem Planet support the World Wildlife Fund, Greenpeace, and Earth Justice, and you can learn more about the game here.

While the bazaar was a wonderful amalgamation of veteran vendors, budding business owners, and festive food and drinks, the night didn’t end there, but was capped off by the Senior School Christmas Concert (December 10), with the Junior School Christmas Concert having taken place the evening before.

The Senior School recital opened with “Once in Royal David’s City”, a hymn originally written by Cecil Frances Alexander, and set to music by organist, Henry John Gauntlett. The number was led by vocal soloist, Ava L., Year 11, a beautifully delicate rendition that possessed all the softness of a field freshly blanketed with snow.

The chamber orchestra then regaled the audience with “In the Bleak Midwinter” by Gustav Holst and arranged by John Leavitt, and “The Sleigh”, by Richard Kountz with arrangements by James Kazik. The former was an aural journey through a snowy park in a horse-drawn carriage, the latter evocative of snowball fights, elves constructing toys, and other merry mischief makers.

The talent of all involved was then on full display as they worked through various lineups including the boys’ choir, The Testostertones and the girls’ choir The Gracenotes, each of which performed Christmas favorites alongside hits such as Marvin Gaye’s “I Heard it Through the Grapevine” and Katrina and The Waves’ “Walking on Sunshine”, respectively, followed by the school’s big band medley of Motown tunes and more yuletide jingles from the concert band and chamber choir.

The evening closed with a standout finale by the symphony orchestra, whose powerful crescendos and expertly timed dynamics throughout “O Holy Night” shimmered with all the brilliance of the star of Bethlehem, hanging over that first Christmas night.   

Photos: Courtesy of Dulwich College Beijing

Christmas is in the air and holiday markets are everywhere!

If you’re torn what to do this upcoming weekend, head to Beijing Riviera Country Club and sing along at Carols for a Cause: Riviera Xmas Market, a charity fair and holiday market on Nov 26 hosted by Beijing Riviera and the Migrant Children’s Foundation (MCF).

The market will take place at the East Lake Garden in Beijing Riviera from 11am to 8pm, with activities like carol singing for both kids and adults. And to make sure our young merrymakers will have more Christmas fun, there will be booths where they can play bubble football, do rock climbing and horse riding, and even make their very own gingerbread house.

If you’re planning to stock up for your Christmas feast, it’s a good market to go as there will be vendors selling essentials like mulled wine, Christmas cookies and chocolates, German stollen (fruit loaf), and punch.

Carols for a Cause: Riviera Xmas Market, Nov 26
All ages. Free to attend. 11am-4pm. For more info, scan QR code in the poster or add Julia on WeChat (ID: chenshihhan) Beijing Riviera Country Club and MCF. No. 1 Xiangjiang Beilu, Chaoyang 北京市朝阳区香江北路一号.

Photos: Wikimedia Commons; courtesy of Riviera Country Club

I have visited my share of markets over the world and always love how people sell their home grown, handmade, and crafty goodies. It gives me inspiration, and a chance to support a local business. This year, I started visiting the Beijing Christmas markets, there’s no shortage of those. I am impressed how many makers are spending time away from home to sell us fun goodies! I’m more impressed with the mommies I found selling at these markets last Saturday; The Beijing Flea Market a Holiday affair at The Pop Up, and The Bookworm.  I decided to make a little list of the creative makers that made a great impression on me and that are worth visiting the markets for. Let’s show these makers some love and appreciation for their hard work and time spend away from home and their families. This list is a inspiration for some last minute Christmas shopping for our loved ones. Please don’t hesitate to send this list to my husband so he can find me a Christmas gift!

The Green Room

I met these two lovely mothers Jess and Astra, who set up this skin serum business, together with another lovely mother, Victoria. They were tired of taking skin care products from home and started to produce skin serums themselves about one year ago. The Green Room’s products are worry free, completely organic, 100% vegan, and only tested on humans. Safe for all ages and during pregnancy.The Green Room is running a fantastic offer that lasts till the December 20. A deluxe Sampler discovery kit with 4 face serums and a voucher for a full size bottle of your choice, a perfect gift for mothers. The serums smell delicious and I can’t wait to see them again at the next market.

Available in selected stores:  Pop-Up Beijing, The Orchard, Yoga Yard, London Loft, Weidian.

WeChat ID:  thegreenroom

NAKED nut butters

NAKED nut butters sells almond, peanut, and cashew butters with minimal ingredients. These girls are an answer to my prayers to find some good almond butter in Beijing. Naked nut butters were founded by two health food enthusiasts Meredith and Katie this year.

They deliver in the Gulou area. Available at GLO and The Crib

WeChat: NAKEDnutbutters

The Yoganda Bag

Theresa put together a team of seven women in Uganda with skillful hands and provides them with a fulfilling occupation while creating amazing bags for yogis and mothers. This project is a self-sustaining way of lifting woman and their families out of poverty. Theresa’s bags are a must on my wish list this year.

Email: www.taozitreeyoga.com  WeChat:TheresaRae

Flora and Fauna

I met Anita Boladeras and her bold jewelry, She makes these pieces with organic materials like wood, shells, leather, and fabric. I am always on the lookout for some great over the top pieces that don’t break the bank and that my child can’t break. Flora and Fauna fits that description and I can’t wait to see more of her work.

WeChat: anitaboladeras

Migrant Children’s Foundation (MCF)

MCF is a United Kingdom registered non-profit organization that aims, “to enrich the lives of disadvantaged migrant children in China through voluntary work, sponsorship vocational activities, and events.” They work with migrant children and their families to offer them access to social services they would otherwise not have because they don’t have a Beijing Hukou (residence permit). They were selling beautiful Christmas decorations made by the children and their parents. A “feel good” way of decorating your tree this year.

www.mcfchina.org

Jennie’s Oven

Jennie bakes American style pies, bars, cookies, and more. Her pecan pie was divine at the market. Many recommendations come trough WeChat, especially when people are looking for homemade pies. If you can’t find her at a market, you can order through WeChat, and she’ll bake it to order, with one or two days notice.

WeChat: jennieannchow

Summer Arts

Summer Arts sells art and washi tape. Washi tape is handmade “Happy Tape”, almost too pretty to use. The unique designs will take you on a journey through Chinese history, and is made with love by a crew of people who are passionate about Chinese culture, history, print, folk art, and design. Check out their website for more great designs.

WeChat: SUMMERARTS

www.happytape.net

Pauline van Hasselt has just started working for Beijing Kids. Born in Wassenaar, The Netherlands, she moved with her husband and her 3 year-old daughter to Beijing in June of this year. Prior she lived in the Netherlands, Belgium, Paraguay, Texas, and London, studying and working as a chef. Pauline enjoys biking around Beijing, finding markets and new restaurants, reading crime and fantasy books in bed, and most importantly, turning her house into a home for her family.

It used to be that this past weekend’s Hutong Fayre was the last of the season. This year, Farm to Neighbors’ (F2N) are extending the season with a two-day Christmas Market at Fat Dragon Cafeteria on the B1 floor of The Grand Summit in Liangmaqiao December 19-20, from 12-6 pm.

Erica Huang started F2N last year, and it’s quickly grown across Beijing recognized by the community as a reliable place to go for safe, fresh ingredients, locally-made, international artisanal foods, and at this weekend’s markets – festive fun!

With more than 50 vendors selling gourmet foods and drinks and last minute gifts handcraft vendors, the festival also  includes several workshops where you can craft something special. F2N will even provide an onsite gift wrapping service for purchases made at the market. 

Workshops include a DIY Gemstone Necklace workshop from jewelry designer Dujuan on Saturday, December 19 at 12, 2, or 4pm. The workshop costs RMB 100 and crafters can use crystals, agate, coral, pearls, and gold-plated pine cones and antlers. On Sunday at 12pm the Christmas Decorations Kids’ Zone shows little ones how to turn paint and paper plates into Christmas decorations.

Other workshops include bookbinding and Christmas wreathe or bouquet arranging. You can find complete details on the workshops here.

Photos: Courtesy of Farm to Neighbors

Russian-born artist and illustrator Liubov Vladimirova, of Liuba Draws, has lived in Beijing for over four years. Art has always been a passion, but she made a pragmatic choice to study Chinese. After graduating, she returned to her first love, drawing.

She gets her ideas from her surroundings and mixes Chinese and western culture in original and quirky ways in her illustrations, particularly for her holiday cards. "I would like to see an ice rink in front of the Forbidden City and I imagine a Chinese family eating their traditional Christmas cake using chopsticks," she says. "I think my customers like my products because they are produced in small batches, and everybody doesn’t end up with the same stuff."

Vladimirova’s cards are RMB 20 for one, or RMB 100 for six. She also has originals and prints available ranging from RMB 50-100. Plus iPhone cases featuring her designs for RMB 50 each.

For now her products are only available at markets around town, or by contacting her directly. You can catch Vladimirova tonight, November 19, at Modernista’s Night Market, this Saturday November 21 at WAB Christmas Bazaar, on December 5 at The Bookworm Christmas Bazaar, and December 12 at the Hutong Fayre.

Vladimirova has worked with many local businesses, including designing menus, event posters, and beer signs for Jing A and painting a mural at Kenny’s Burgers. She also is available for commissions for original gifts, business cards, event posters, and more.

Liuba Draws 柳芭插画师
(185 1069 3383, liubadraws@hotmail.com) www.liubadraws.com

Photos: Courtesy of Liuba Draws