Have you ever left milk and cookies out for Santa? I know I did when I was young. There was even a year when I debated how Santa got into our house with my dad and took our a ruler to measure the bite marks on the leftover cookie that I thought Santa had left. Looking back, props to him for keeping a straight face while humoring a 7-year-old.

It was one of my favorite Christmas memories and one that I’ll definitely be passing down to my daughter for as long as she believes in the big man in red.

This year, we’re going with Chef Jacopo Bruni’s chocolate chip cookie recipe.

Chef Jacopo Bruni has worked all over the world and his desserts have landed him positions at The London EDITION and The Peninsula Beijing, as well as a role with Beijing’s entertainment crown jewel, Universal Beijing Resort, where his sweet creations were loved by guests at both NUO Resort Hotel and The Universal Studios Grand Hotel.

Ingredients:

•  600g Dark chocolate
•  375g Butter
•  450g Caster sugar
•  300g Brown sugar
•  6 Eggs
•  380g Flour
•  135g Cocoa powder
•  9g Baking powder
•  2g Sea salt

Method:

Making Jacopo Bruni’s famous chocolate sea salt cookies is actually easier than one would expect. If you can measure properly, you can make cookies!

First, whisk the eggs with sugar. Then, melt the butter and chocolate and mix them in with the eggs and sugar. Next, add in all the remaining ingredients.

Scoop out approximately 35g of cookie dough with a spoon and put the spoonfuls on a cookie sheet.

Sprinkle a bit of sea salt in the center of the cookies and bake for about 8 minutes at 180 degrees Celsius.

Images: Jacobo Bruni

Looking for cinnamon rolls, crispy scones, pumpkin pie, or some really good cookies? Then you might want to seek out Choc-A-Lot, a well-kept Beijing secret that editor Julie Wolf uncovered in the Liangmaqiao neighborhood earlier this year.

Tucked away inside the narrow Yudong Business Building Shop behind the US Embassy and across the street from the Hyundai Motor Mansion along Xiaoyun road, Choc-A-Lot is easy to pass by without giving a second glance to. Its taste for minimalism is clear from the front of the shop – which states the main categories of its menu in bold lettering: “Coffee. Big Cookies. Cinnamon Rolls. Chocolate Drinks.” There’s more to what they offer of course, but they know what their selling points are.

Once you step inside the industrial looking granite walls of the cafe, you’ll be greeted with a three-tiered shelf of goodies. The pastries of the day vary according to available ingredients and what’s trendy at the time, but you’ll almost always find a Cinnamon Roll Scone among other savory flavored ones like my personal favorite Parmesan, Tomato & Spiced Scone, one or two cakes, brownies, and more flavors of cookies than you could hope to eat. If you’re in luck, you’ll see the Ultimate Sticky Bun, which I must say lives up to its name. So far, everything we’ve tried has been excellent, and we cannot wait to try more!

The cosy cafe is perfect for an afternoon tea and has an inviting atmosphere. While we were there, we saw a cyclist bring her foldable bike right up to her table, and pet owners will be happy to spy the giant water bowl set up in a corner of the cafe just for furry companions. While they don’t offer delivery services officially, they have been happy to accommodate delivery requests on WeChat, so if you’re jonesing for one of their pastries but unwilling to leave the house, go ahead and add them to see if they’ll deliver to you!

KEEP READING: Five Amazing Beijing Cake Bakers For Kids’ Parties

Images: Pexels, Vivienne Tseng-Rush

While trick-or-treating is still just for kids, there’s nothing stopping grownups from treating ourselves to a box of treats. No tricks attached.

Check out this year’s boo boxes from a few of Beijing’s favorite bakeries.

Compotirs de France Halloween dessert series makes for an extra-sweet party treat.

Treats offered range from mummy eclairs (RMB 46) to Halloween cupcakes (RMB 42) and chocolate Oreo mousse cake. To order, scan the QR code below.

The Patisserie at the Grand Hyatt has a mix of delicious treats for Halloween, from hand-crafted chocolates and cookies to Halloween-inspired chiffon cakes.

For those who prefer DIY treats, Malika’s Cakes has a set of Halloween cookies that come with icing and makes for a fun family activity to do together for the holiday. Each box is RMB 78 and includes six big gingerbread cookies along with icing. To order, add her on WeChat at Malika-08 or scan the QR code below.

Another local favorite is Cameron Nicholas who makes big, yummy cupcakes. The Halloween box is RMB 148 and includes three chocolate and three vanilla-flavored cupcakes decorated for Halloween. Pre-ordering is required. To get yourself a box, add him on WeChat at CameronNicholas or by scanning the QR code below.

KEEP READING: Last-Minute Halloween Costume, Props and Decoration Rentals

Images: Courtesy of organizers, pexels

While no food should be considered a “guilty” pleasure (remember, moderation is key!) it is an unfortunate fact that some of our favorite indulgences don’t exactly provide the most in terms of nutritional and health benefits. After all, as much as it is perfectly fine to satisfy your sweet tooth with the occasional cookie, we all know that no one—parents and kids alike—should be chowing down on that delectable doughy, sweet confection all day, every day. Wouldn’t that be nice, though?

This post is perfect for anyone trudging through one of those dreaded mid-week cravings! Moderately priced, convenient, and (most importantly) both healthy and delicious: don’t hesitate to check out these five vendors selling wholesome homemade treats made with fresh and natural ingredients of all varieties. And if you’re worried about convenience, these vendors all host WeChat pages through which you can place your order and simply wait for your delicacies to be delivered straight to your doorstep!

Morning Lab
Want a cookie? Morning Lab offers a plethora of your and your family’s favorite classics, from the likes of cookies to brownies. Their goodies are guaranteed to be fresh—baked and shipped on the daily. Indulge also in a selection of yogurt and granola bowls featuring some of their signature recipes. All products use only simple and whole ingredients and contain minimal to no sugar as well as no oil, butter, or flour. Note: Products are also suitable for Ketogenic diets. WeChat: morninglab

Yeyo Yogurt
Tired of the sugar and preservative packed yogurt options that plague the fridges of every convenience store? Yeyo Yogurt offers a unique selection of different flavors of hand-crafted yogurts paired with simple ingredient toppings and all-natural sweeteners. Their yogurt range is all dairy-free, and features healthy coconut milk as its primary component, in the stead of regular cow’s milk. WeChat: yeyo-yogurt

Dali Bars
Let’s steer clear of that Snickers bar for a moment. Look here instead—Dali Bars is a Chinese business started by a trio of entrepreneurs from the United States, offering specialty all-natural fruit and nut bars with no added sugars and whole ingredients. Their range offers a variety of unique flavors including Apple Pie and Cocoa Almond. WeChat: dalibars

NAKED Nut Butters
Just as their CEO and co-founder proudly claims: “Less is more”! NAKED Nut Butters offers a delicious deviation from the distinct and widely recognizable flavors of processed peanut butter of brands like Skippy and Jif. But let’s face it: from the hydrogenation to the added sugars and artificial flavors, these big name brands aren’t exactly helping our healthy lifestyles. Try NAKED Nut Butters—their specialty almond and cashew butters all use no more than two to three ingredients, and are sure to delight. WeChat: nakednutbutters

Bu Shao
Bu Shao offers a homemade range of locally sourced whole-ingredient snacks such from the likes fruit leather to granola. Forget the additives, sugars, and fats of store-brand snacks—this is the place to go for some convenient on-the-go eats that will benefit your daily schedule (and your waistline). Also: don’t forget to check out their variety of uniquely flavored kale chips with only one key ingredient—kale! WeChat: bushao2015

Photos: Feedspot.com, TheBeijinger.com, Iliangcang.com, Dalibars.com

The Cookie Monster Charity Bake-Off returns for its fifth year at The Hutong this Mar 25 for a day of fun, cookies, and a guaranteed sugar rush, all in the name of charity. Well, charity and massive bragging rights, for if you win not only will you have raised money for a local (yet to be named) organization but you shall forever be cookie bake-off champ!

A hopeful contestant at last year’s competition

If you’d like to take part in the competition, the rules are simple: submit a recipe for your best cookie before Mar 2, and then if your creation is selected, you must prepare enough samples to go around (enough for about 80 people) as well as extra bags that you would like to sell (a bag of five cookies for RMB 20, of which RMB 5 is donated to charity).

Attendees will then be able to browse the lucky 15 hopefuls and nibble to their heart’s content as well as wash it all down with warm milk courtesy of The Hutong. There’ll also be hot chocolate and hot toddies for those who want to kick it up a notch as well as a raffle later on in the day.

The Cookie Monster Charity Bake-Off contestants don’t mess

Although the Cookie Monster Charity Bake-Off is largely a great way to spend a day in the name of a good cause, it has led to bigger things for some of those who have previously taken part. One example would be that of Jonathan Ellis, who first broke through into the city’s F&B scene as a baker at the inaugural Cookie Monster Bake-Off in 2013, and left Beijing this past month. Upon entering, Ellis considered himself a mere hobbyist but after being crowned the winner, he went on to found his own Big Bear Baked Goods business, selling cookies at restaurants around town.

If you’d like to enter this year’s bake-off, email kristen@lumdimsum.com with your cookie recipe and a photo before Friday, Mar 2. Tickets for attendees cost RMB 150 or RMB 100 for Hutong members, a portion of which, along with the raffle tickets and a part of the cookie sales, will go to charity. You can read more about the competition here.

Photos courtesy of the organizers

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
Riviera Chic, March 8 and 9
Ages 8+ The Riviera Clubhouse and Juice by Melissa will be presenting unique designs at a fashion show in honor of Women’s Day. Free. 10am-6pm (Wed, March 8), 10am-4pm (Thurs, March 9). Beijing Riviera.

Little Bamboo Program, Fri through Sun
Ages 13+ Little Bamboo Program (PBKids) is a program designed to provide Chinese children outside metropolitan cities with the opportunity to learn English. Volunteers are invited to help continue this program. Before every trip to Bengbu, PBKids will show the volunteers the proper teaching method and course content for the upcoming weekend. Free. Fridays through Sundays. Purple Bamboo. (Joyce_777, info@purplebambooschool.com).

Unique
Women’s Wellness Health Check, Mar 1 to 24
Adult women. To celebrate Women’s Day, Distinct HealthCare will be providing discounted women’s health checkups. RMB 680. By appointment. Distinct HealthCare. (ellvawang@distinctclinic.com, 186 1817 2006).

Future Technology STEAM Courses at TLC, Mar 5 to June 11
Grades 3-6. The Learning Center (TLC) is pleased to announce a partnership with TechTrek for TLC’s upcoming Spring Term Weekend School! The workshops introduce students to the amazing tech that’s shaping the world we live in. Learn about everything from 3D printing to drones, virtual reality, to programming. RMB 6,480. 9.30am-12.30pm (Grades 3-4); 1.30-4.30pm (Grades 5-6). The Learning Center. (registration@hyde-education.com, 010- 8046-3886).

Job Readiness Workshop at YCIS Beijing, Mar 7
Adults. This workshop, positioned through the eyes of a seasoned leader and hiring manager, acts as a valuable chance for review of a teacher’s CV and cover letter if they have never been reviewed by a teacher’s peer or supervisor. Only 30 spots available. Free. 6-7.30pm. YCIS, Beijing. RSVP here.

6th Annual WOW Awards, Mar 8
Adults. The WOWs are an amazing way to celebrate the success and achievements of some of Beijing’s Wonderful Outstanding Women. The ceremony recognizes them for their achievements during the last year. The ceremony will be attended by the WOW Award 2017 nominees, their guests, and the general public. RMB 388 per person or RMB 630 for two. Dini’s Kosher Restaurant. (info@fcgroup.com, 5240 1938).

International Women’s Day Panel, Mar 8
Adults. Join the Beijing Women’s Network and The Hutong on Wednesday, March 8 for an International Women’s Day Panel celebrating successful women across industries, ages, and backgrounds. They will candidly explore the fine balance between having a successful career and a family – and society’s expectations for both. RMB 80 (non-members), RMB 50 (members). 7.30-9.30pm. The Hutong.

Beatles for Babies, Mar 9
All ages. This brand-new concert is family fun at its finest and a tribute to The Beatles. Four experienced musicians (violin, clarinet, cello and percussion) plus one dancer from Spain will be performing live eminent tune to your kiddos in a respectful vibe. RMB 280. 4-5.30pm. China Millennium Monument Premiere Theatre. (ponypiao@damai.cn, 10103721).

DCB Senior School Open House, Mar 10
All ages. Prospective parents are invited to take a campus tour led by DUlwich College Beijing’s (DCB) own Senior School students. Watch lessons in action and have a chance to ask questions. Free. 9-11.30am. Dulwich College Beijing, Legend Garden Campus. (6454 9068, Maggie.Jiang@dulwich-beijing.cn)

5th International School Snow Sports Championships, Mar 10 to 12
Ages 7-18. In its fifth year, the International Schools Snow Sports Championships China (ISSCC 2017) is a fun ski and snowboard race weekend for international school students. Families may sign up students individually and choose whether to accompany the student themselves or nominate a friend or a school teacher. Each student must be accompanied by an adult. The minimum ability level is controlled turns. RMB 1,000 for competition entry. 9am-6pm. Wanlong Ski Resort. (010 5739 4933).

Free Flow, Mar 11
Adults. Join this mini-retreat to join in on yoga and workshops that will help guide you away from fear, frustration, and anger towards power, action, and love. RMB 350 (register by March 4), RMB 400 (register after March 4th). 9am-12.30pm. International School of Beijing.

Children’s Magic Show, Mar 12
All ages. Kids will enjoy the ‘Magic Journey’ live action show, which helps children to discover the ‘magical world.’ With help from the audience, the magician in this popular show guides kids through a series of tricks and enchantments which thrill and delight younger audiences. RMB 100-200. 2.30-4.30pm. Legends Small Theater. (https://www.douban.com/event/28126370/).

Job Fair at CISB, Mar 12
Adults. Innovative Educators of Beijing is happy to announce that all job seekers and schools can find an easier platform for connection at Connect the Dots Job Fair. The fair will be held at Canadian International School Beijing (CISB). Free. 1-4pm. CISB. (Candidate registration here; School registration here).

Hike to Longevity Village and the Ming Tombs, Mar 12
Ages 9+ On this 13km hike the Beijing Hikers will journey along sections of two good Changping trails by visiting what remains of two valley villages that were abandoned as a quarry expanded. Starting off with a stroll through Longevity Village, hikers will head into the hills, passing pine trees, closed mines, abandoned villages, and one of the closed Ming Tombs on the way to the end. RMB 380 (RBM 340 for members). 8am-6pm. Beijing Hikers.

Best of Next Week
Mommy & Baby Fitness Class, Starts Mar 14
Mothers and their children (11 months to 3 years). Every Wednesday morning, Park Apartments will host a mommy and baby fitness class. RMB 1,440 (12 class package) to RMB 200 (single class). 9.45-10.45am. Park Apartments. (WeChat: sabinakerchher).

3D Printing Workshop for Families, Mar 18
Ages 6+ Parents and their kids work together to learn 3D modeling software to produce a physical object, such as a small toy that can also be 3D printed. The workshop provides a taste of what will happen when the family returns home to learn how to create many other objects on the 3D Roundhouse website (http://3droundhouse.com/). RMB 600 per family (1 adult +1 child). 10am-noon. Beijing Kerry Center.

Kids Writing Workshop, Mar 11, 18, and 25
Ages 6-12. On March 11, 18, 25, and April 1st, R3 Discovery will host a writing workshop for kids. The workshop aims to boost students’ abilities to share their experiences, communicate, and share their feelings. RMB 2,000. 2-4pm. R3 Discovery.

60’s Go Go Dance Classes, Mar 12 and 19
Adults. Moonglow Burlesque will be offering 60s Gogo Dance classes every Sunday until March 19th. Instructor Trixie Royale will teach you to shimmy and twist while leading you through a fun cardio routine. RMB 120 (drop-in), RMB 400 (4-classes). 1-2pm. Cat’s Corner Dance Studio.

Cookie Monster Charity Bakeoff, Mar 19
All ages. The Hutong and LumDimSum.com will be co-hosting a Charity Bake Off to indulge Beijing’s most indulgent cookie monsters by showcasing some of Beijing’s Best Bakers and supporting a local community charity – all at the same time! If selected, each cookie contestant must provide enough small cookie bite samples to go around (for about 50 people) and contestants will also be allowed to sell their own cookies (each bag of 5 cookies for RMB 20, of which RMB 5 will be donated to our select charity). RMB 150 (non-members), RMB 100 (members). 2-5pm. The Hutong.

WAB Open House, Mar 20
Grades 6-11. WAB Open House will bring you into the classroom to feel the schools experience first-hand. The school offers and innovative education, access to cutting edge technology, and a warm and diverse environment. Free 9.30am-12.30pm. Western Academy of Beijing. For registration, please email: admissions@wab.edu

Chinese new year is over, but we will continue with festivities to warm the heart. Valentines day is upon us, and what a great excuse that gives us all to bake cookies and decorate them for our loved ones. This is a great activity to do with kids and can easily be carried out with a majority of the ingredients common to most homes. This should be a easy Valentine’s Day for mommy and daddy.

This is a recipe that is dear to my heart. I will not pretend that I came up with this recipe, as it comes from one of my most treasured (and most expensive) cookbooks I own. However, I did study under one of the authors of this cookbook while in culinary school, Pastry Chef Eddy Van Damme. I have taken this book with me around the world, and will continue to for the rest of my life. I have tested and tasted this cookie recipe many times and it never fails. With love I share this sweet recipe.

Sugar Cookies From The Pastry Cookbook On Baking

240 gram all purpose flour

2 gram baking powder

180 gram unsalted soft butter

120 gram granulated sugar

60 gram powdered sugar

3 gram salt

1 egg

5 ml vanilla extract

1. Sift together the flour and baking powder and set aside.
2. Cream the butter and the sugars until light and fluffy. Blend in the salt, egg, and vanilla extract. Add the flour mixture, beating just until combined.
3. Wrap the dough in plastic and refrigerate until firm (around 1 to 2 hours).
4. Work with half the dough at a time, keeping the remainder refrigerated. On a lightly floured board, roll out the dough to a thickness of approximately 3 millimeters. Cut with the heart cookie cutters. Carefully transfer to lightly buttered baking sheets.
5. Bake at 160 degrees Celsius until set and golden (10 to 12 minutes). Let the cookies stand for 1 minute then transfer to wire racks to cool.

Decorative Cookie Icing

480 gram powdered sugar

120 ml lemon juice or water

60 ml corn syrup

5 ml vanilla extract

Food coloring as needed

1. Combine the sugar, lemon juice or water, corn syrup and vanilla extract. Blend until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth. Adjust the consistency of the icing by adding more water if necessary. Color as desired.
2. Apply the icing to the cookies and let them air dry until the icing hardens.

Pauline van Hasselt has been working for beijingkids since October 2016. 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.

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
Christmas Charity Bazaar for Couleurs de Chine, Nov 29
All ages. Come experience some Italian culture while also helping to raise money for a worthy cause. The Italian Cultural Institute will be hosting a charity bazaar to raise money for vulnerable children at Great Mao Mountains. Free. 10am-5pm. Italian Cultural Institute.

Women’s Only Self Defense Classes, Nov 25 to Dec 10
Ages 6+. November 25th is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against women so from Nov. 25th until Dec. 10th, the Beijing American Center will be celebrating 16 days against gender-based violence with women’s only self-defense classes. Free. 6.30-8.30pm. East Gate of the US Embassy.

Open House at La Maison Montessori de Pékin, Dec 3
All ages. The French-Chinese Montessori kindergarten for 2-6 years old, La Maison Montessori de Pékin will hold open day on Saturday December 3, from 10am to 1pm. The event will include a school visit, Montessori education introduction, meeting the teachers, and activities for children. Free. 10am-1pm. La Maison Montessori de Pékin.

Star Kids Book Fair at BSB Shunyi, Nov 30 – Dec 2
All ages. Adults and kids can increase their libraries or buy loved ones gifts at the Star Kids Book Fair at the BSB Shunyi foyer. The new titles and popular authors will be available for immediate purchase. This will take place from November 30 to December 2. Free admittance. 9am-4pm. The British School of Beijing, Shunyi. (8047 3588 www.bsbshunyi.com)

BCIS and MCF Christmas Charity Bazaar, Dec 3
All ages. This joint bazaar between BCIS and Migrants Children’s Family is a fundraising event for MCF that features live performances, shopping, food, and mingling with friends and the wider BCIS and MCF community at the main BCIS campus. Free. 11am-3pm. Beijing City International School. (Zhuofei.yang@bcis.cn)

WAB Charity Bazaar, Dec 3
All ages. The Western Academy of Beijing’s Charity Bazaar features hundreds of vendors offering homemade gifts, holiday food and drink, and dozens of unique items for sale. Proceeds from the event will go to assist several charity organizations, including the Chi Heng Foundation, supporting HIV-affected children in rural China through education. Free. 10am-3.30pm. Western Academy of Beijing. (5986 5588, wabinfo@wab.edu)

Hilton Beijing Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony & Charity Bazaar, Dec 3
All ages. Hilton Beijing once again celebrates the holidays with its Traditional European Christmas Train & Village from December 3 to January 2017. The Christmas Village features a Giant Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony and a children’s chorus from 5.50-6.30pm. There will also be over 70 bazaar booths (2-8pm) with all proceeds from sales going to support the Morning Tears Organization. Free. 2-8pm. Hilton Beijing. (jane.yin@hilton.com)

The Hutong Winter Fayre, Dec 10
All ages. This fayre brings food and artisanal products to the hutongs for a spot of shopping. There a wide selection of different goods on sale. Free. 11am-4pm. The Hutong. (159 0104 6127, info@thehutong.com)

Christmas Tree Lighting @ Langham Place, Dec 2
All ages. Join Langham Place guests and staff in ringing in the Christmas cheer with their annual Christmas tree lighting. There will be food, drinks, and a raffle! Free. 6-9pm. Langham Place. (6450 4202).

Integrating Technology with Education, Dec 1
Adults. Parents won’t want to miss the Yew Chung International School of Beijing’s (YCIS Beijing) Open Day on December 1. This Open Day presents a unique opportunity for parents to learn how technology can be effectively utilized in schools and at home as well as the undeniable benefits that these tools provide. Free. Begins at 9.30am. YCIS Beijing. (8583 3731).

Unique
Viva Beijing’s Christmas Gathering & Cookie Making, Nov 29
Adults. Celebrate the winter holidays with Viva Beijing Network’s annual Christmas gathering! There will be appetizers, drinks, and cookies on cookies to decorate and take home. RMB 180. 6.30-9.30pm. Lily American Diner.
CISCA Annual Gala, Dec 3 to Dec 4
All ages. This year The Conservatory of International Style and Cultural Arts will be performing Sleeping Beauty. The night will be full of wonder and one that will be sure to remember. Free. 4.30-7.30pm. The Conservatory of International Style and Cultural Arts.
Startup Grind Beijing, Nov 30
Adults. Founded in Silicon Valley, Startup Grind is the largest independent startup community, actively educating, inspiring, and connecting 400,000 founders in over 200 cities. To celebrate their return in Beijing, Startup Grind has prepared one big and fun event with delicious food, drinks, and food in technology at the Hatchery. RMB 150. 6.30-9.30pm. The Hatchery. (info@jingjobs.com)
A Christmas Carol: A Twisted Musical Comedy, Dec 2-8
All ages. This is not your grandmother’s A Christmas Carol. Be prepared for a zany twist on a classic story. Beijing Playhouse also invites audience member to cheer, boo, hiss and sing along as Tiny Tim, Bob Cratchit, a crazy man in a dress, and the Ghosts teach Scrooge the true meaning of Christmas. RMB 210 (Adults) and RMB 140 (kids and students). 7.30-9.30pm. 77 Theater, C&C Creative Park. Register here.

JZ Atelier Children Class-Bejeweled Christmas Ornaments Workshop, Dec 4
Ages 6+. This year let the children lead the way, JZ Atelier is proudly present a three weeks of special featured Christmas bejeweled ornaments making workshops. Children will make their own Christmas ornaments, wreath in their own term. RMB 990 for 3 sessions. 10am-Noon. LaiTai Flower Market. (182 1063 4921, WeChat: suttech)

Handel’s Messiah Performance, Dec 3
Ages 7+. For the 14th year running, International Festival Chorus and Peking Sinfonietta continue their annual tradition of performing Handel’s Messiah. This year’s concert will benefit Future Forest,a charity tasked with planting trees in Inner Mongolia’s Kubuqi desert to stabilize the sands and improve the local ecosystem. With every two tickets sold, one tree will be planted during next year’s expeditions. RMB 280-380. Harrow International School of Beijing. (For group tickets contact: tickets@beijingifc.org; buy tickets here).

Ongoing
Art Jamming with Eva, Saturdays
All ages. Come join kids, families, and Eva and paint your heart out every Saturday. Paint supplies are included in this pleasant Saturday afternoon activity. RMB 100. 2-3pm and 3-4pm. Fella’s.

Active Parenting Workshops: Primary School, Mondays
Adults. Parents of Primary School-aged students are invited to attend Active Parenting Workshops every Monday from October 24 through November 28 at Yew Chung International School of Beijing (YCIS Beijing). Parents will learn a set of techniques to help their child develop their human potential. Free. 10am-Noon. YCIS Beijing. (8583 3731).

Active Parenting Workshops: Secondary School, Tuesdays
Adults. Active Parenting uses entertaining and informative programs, activities, and discussion to show parents ways to raise responsible, cooperative children who are able to resist negative peer pressure. These workshops will run from October 25 through November. Free. 10am-Noon. YCIS Beijing. (8583 3731).

Best of Next Week
Morning Tears at the 2016 Winter Ball, Dec 10
Adults. Morning Tears China strives to ensure that the rights of the child are available to all children of convicts, and to enable these children to grow up in dignity and develop their full potential. RMB 650. 6.30-10.30pm. Hilton Beijing Infinity Ballroom.

Hope International School Christmas Concert, Dec 9
All ages. This show is a great opportunity for our students to perform and for the community to come together and have a good time. All proceeds will go to the expansion of the music department. RBM 50-120. 7-8.30pm. Hope International School. (wood.kaliyah@hopeintlschool.org)

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. (6454 9068, Flora.Zhang@dulwich-beijing.cn)

Photos: The Beijing Playhouse (Zhang Xi), Ulrich Dregler, Kati, Gerhard Gellinger

Photos by petitshoot, ilovemypit, AnneCN, Andrea Christman and Michael’s Cookie Jan (Flickr)