Christmas is mere days away, so if you haven’t been around town and checked out the capital’s Christmas trees on display, we’re bringing them to you! Here, we’ll highlight some of the contenders for Beijing’s Most Outstanding Christmas Tree, and then ask you to vote for your favorite in the poll below!

East Beijing

East Beijing Hotel continues its tradition of displaying a unique upcycled Christmas tree, made from the repurposed wood flooring of a previous restaurant tenant. This sustainable initiative is also charitable, as guests are invited to donate idle books which decorate the tree until they are donated to the local non-profit Roundabout.

JW Marriott

Are you dreaming of a white Christmas? Then you’ll definitely like the snow-covered Christmas tree at the JW Marriott Hotel behind SKP mall. Beyond the tree though, they have an entire Christmas store selling trinkets and goodies that’ll really put you in the festive mood!

Kerry Hotel

Eco-warriors will be proud of Kerry Hotel’s environmentally-friendly efforts, as they’ve displayed a Christmas tree made entirely out of recycled plastic bottles this year, a testament to their wider company campaign of saving the planet.

Rosewood Hotel

The Rosewood chose to go all Silver Bells for their Christmas decorations this year, a look that certainly suits the hotel and their fancy champagne Christmas tea afternoons.

Solana

This one’s for the traditionalists! Year after year, Solana has made great use of the sprawling evergreen tree in the courtyard of their main entrance by decorating it with twinkle lights and shining ornaments.

Universal Studios Beijing

Standing at 22m tall and decorated with nearly 100,000 ornaments, the Christmas Tree lighting which begins at dusk every day, is not to be missed. There’s also special edition winter-themed merch on sale at Universal Studios Beijing stores during this time, and the Minions in Minion Land transform into cool ice and snow players. Both on-site hotels are also offering Christmas dinners and New Year’s Eve countdown parties as well.

WAA Riverside

This restaurant overlooks Liangma River and they’ve set up a 4m tall Christmas tree, providing a picturesque backdrop, especially at dusk.

Waldorf Astoria

It’s not always about size though. The Waldorf Astoria may not have the tallest Christmas tree around, however, it’s what’s hanging on the tree that really counts. In this case, they have dozens of premium Steiff teddy bears decorating the tree. Just make sure your kids don’t try to snag one… Instead, sign up for the afternoon tea and get a free bear to bring home!

KEEP READING: Places In Beijing To Get Into the Christmas Spirit, For Free!

Images: Courtesy of the hotels, Dianping

Oh, the weather outside is frightful
But [inside]is so delightful
And since we [can’t leave Beijing]
[Here’s where to go to get that Christmas-y glow]

Okay clearly I’m not cut out to be a songwriter, but those holiday tunes have ear-wormed their way into my brain and are stuck there until Christmas, so we might as well throw ourselves into the festive season wholeheartedly! We’ve looked around the city and found some of the places, outside of hotels, with the nicest holiday decorations to help you get into the Christmas spirit, and most of them are free!

IKEA

Need more twinkle lights or Christmas ornaments? Well then, IKEA is a great place to go for those, because you’ll see the very same items displayed all over the shop in Siyuanqiao right now. The Strala Christmas stars are particularly eye-catching! While you’re there, check out their family Christmas menu for four, priced reasonably at RMB 158. Don’t forget to grab a DIY gingerbread house on your way out!

Solana

A top favorite with locals and expats alike, Solana Mall is known for imaginative decorations peppered throughout its many outdoor spaces. This year’s theme is the Winter Olympics, so you’ll find decorations such as a ice hockey player sculpture and an inflatable ice-skating donut all around the huge shopping area. Restaurants such as Wood Garden House and Kitty and Daniel’s also sport great decorations and a Christmas menu to match!

*Also worth mentioning is the Urban Glamping site just across Solana in Chaoyang Park, which features Santa Claus meet & greets included in the price of tea.

QiHao Mansion 北京启皓

This hidden gem is tucked away in an office building north of Sanlitun near the Liangma River but boasts a great backdrop for photos on a sunny afternoon. It’s just a little nook in the building lobby that is all decked out with Christmas trees, a cushy armchair, and all sorts of lovely decorations, but it’s not far from Solana so it might be worth combining the two to make it worth the trip!

Livat Mall

This mall may be new to you, but if school’s already out, you may as well explore the further reaches of Beijing and check out this spot down south by the fifth ring road. The mall is currently exhibiting a huge Christmas tree where they’ll periodically have a countdown and spray confetti – which as we all know, kids love to play with. There’s also kid-friendly live performances throughout the day, as well as a fun exhibition space to explore with some games and activities for little ones.

KEEP READING: Tea And Christmas Treats? Yes Please, At Beijing’s Finest Hotels

Images: Pexels, Dianping