Christmas might still be many weeks away, but an assortment of holiday bazaars and fairs have announced the arrival of the holiday season in Beijing. These family friendly occasions are very welcome indeed as both a comfort for the soul and for the stomach. While you gift hunt, feel good in the knowledge that you're contributing to charity, and enjoy all the Christmas delicacies you're craving as well. Here's our rundown of the various events spreading the joyful spirit around town:
WAB Parent Link Charity Bazaar
It's a perfect family day out. Toddlers will be entertained with stories, arts and crafts, while parents can browse and complete their holiday shopping. Over 100 vendors will be selling items not available in stores. All proceeds will support local charities such as Change for Life, Roots & Shoots, Crazy Bake, Magic Hospital, Starfish Project and Pengcheng Special Education School. Lunch options are available, as well as hourly raffle draws.
When: Saturday, Nov. 26, 10 am - 3:30 pm
Where: Western Academy of Beijing, 10 Lai Guangying Dong Lu, Chaoyang district
Admission: free entry
Contact: 5986-5588
Beijing City International School (BCIS) Christmas Bazaar 2011
With over 60 Christmas shopping stalls in the school grounds, the event is a great occasion to pick up Christmas gifts and cards while enjoying the festive atmosphere. There'll be live music and performances, a raffle draw, wine tasting, Christmas tree lighting and of course Santa Claus. The funds raised will be used to support migrant school projects in Beijing.
When: Saturday, Nov. 26, 10 am - 4 pm
Where: BCIS, No.77 Baiziwan Nan Er Lu, Chaoyang district
Admission: free entry
Contact: 8771-7171
German Christmas Charity Bazaar
If not the biggest, the German bazaar is probably the most popular. Organized by expat women at the German Embassy, the sale features lots of unique handicrafts, Christmas wreaths and decorations, as well as a secondhand book market. The tasty German treats are also a very good reason to visit. There'll be bratwurst (German sausage), homemade cakes, biscuits and marmalade, as well as gluhwein (mulled wine), beer and champagne. Santa Claus is also rumored to be making an appearance.
When: Saturday, Nov. 26, 11 am - 5 pm
Where: Embassy of German, 17 Donzhimenwai Dajie, Chaoyang district
Admission: Admittance free with passport or a document with valid picture only. Get there early so you're not stuck waiting in line.
Contact: 8532-9000
Hilton Tree Lighting and Bazaar
Watch a three-storey tall Christmas tree - the tallest in town - lighting up the joyful season. The occasion also marks the launch of the Christmas train, alongside musical performances by children choirs and a charity bazaar. All profits will be donated to Project Hope to help improve teaching facilities in different Hope schools.
When: Saturday, Dec. 3, 2 pm bazaar; 5:30 pm tree lighting
Where: Hilton Beijing, 1 Dongfang Lu, Northeast 3rd Ring Road, Chaoyang district
Admission: free
Contact: 5865-5000
British School of Beijing Christmas Fair
Grab those gifts while listening to carols. There is a festive fix for everyone, from Santa's grotto and balloon reindeers to mince pies and mulled wine. All the money raised on the day goes to the school's charities.
When: Sunday, Dec. 4, 11 am - 3 pm
Where: British School of Beijing, Sanlitun Campus. 5 Xiliujie, Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang district
Admission: 10 yuan for adults; free for kids
Contact: 8532-3088
Christmas Book Bazaar
Fiction, nonfiction, cookbooks and even notebooks… almost anyone will appreciate one of these as a gift this Christmas. So browse through the shelves at The Bookworm for used books and new books at deep discounts. Take a break from your shopping with hot chocolate and a gingerbread cookie.
When: Saturday, Dec. 10, 10 am - 1pm
Where: The Bookworm, Courtyard 4, Sanlitun Nan Lu, Chaoyang district
Admission: free entry
Contact: 6503-2050
The Hutong Christmas Fair
True to the ancient spirit of "fairs," The Hutong sale features "a range of locally produced goods made and sourced from, and connected to the local community." You can find homemade jams and teas, cheeses and baked goods, as well as handmade handicrafts, photography, unique cards, jewelry and cashmere scarves. All of this whilst enjoying a comforting cup of vin chaud. 10 percent of all proceeds will be donated to the Little Flowers Project to help orphan children in need.
When: Sunday, Dec. 11, 11 am - 3 pm
Where: The Hutong, 1 Jiudaowan Zhongxiang Hutong, Dongcheng district
Admission: free
Contact: 159-0104-6127
Orignal From: Winter wonderland
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