The holiday season is now in full effect. We don’t know about you, but we’re pretty excited about all the holiday hullabaloo going on around Beijing lately. And it looks like hotels and restaurants around the capital are getting into the spirit of things, too. Here's our guide on where to celebrate Christmas in Beijing this year.

Christmas Express @ Indigo 

Courtesy of promoters

All aboard the Christmas Express! Indigo invites you to put on VR glasses and take a journey to the Christmas Town of Elves via an amazing immersive video experience. Visit the Christmas Post Office, where you can write down your best wishes on postcards and experience interactions, and sit on the sleigh at Reindeer Garage, where you can enjoy sending Christmas gifts out with Santa. 

Through Tue Jan 1; Indigo, see event listing.

Christmas Menu @ Boxing Cat Brewery

Courtesy of promoters

Boxing Cat Brewery is serving a special Christmas menu from now until the end of December featuring roasted chestnut apple soup, deep fried turkey and more festive treats. Don't feel like going out? They are also taking to-go orders for the big day! Sets range from RMB1088-1388. 

Through Dec 31; Boxing Cat Brewery, see event listing.

Dec 12-16: Christmas Markets

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Winter is coming... and that means Christmas is just around the corner. It's officially time to start making a holiday gift list and checking it twice. What better place to buy presents for friends and family than at these unique Christmas markets full of handcrafted goodies? We've put together a list of several markets taking place this holiday season. Get a head start now! (Or just do it at the very last minute. There's a market for that too.) 

See our Christmas market guide

Dec 13: Christmas in the Caribbean

Courtesy of promoters

Grab your best tiki shirt and get ready for a sun-kissed Christmas in the Caribbean this Thursday night! There's nothing like rum-based tropical cocktails and DJ Dirty Dishes to get you into the holiday spirit... Are we right?

Thu Dec 13, 9pm; D. Lounge, see event listing.

Dec 14: Haus of Lily's Ho Ho Hoes Christmas Special

Courtesy of promoters

Haus of Lily proudly presents a fabulous Christmas special featuring ten queens putting on an especially fabulous show for the holiday season. Entrance includes a shot at the door (you have to take it then and there) and a Haus of Lily holiday cookie. There will also be drink specials all night, including Slow Boat's Zombie Pirate Pale Ale!

Fri Dec 14, 10pm; RMB80; Ramo, see event listing. 

Dec 15: Jing-A's Ugly Christmas Sweater Party

Courtesy of promoters

It's the holiday season, which means it's time for Jing-A's annual Ugly Christmas Sweater Party and launch of their seasonal Jing-A-Ling Celebration Ale. As always, don your favorite holiday sweater and drink the night away with happy hour from 2-7pm. They'll also be collecting clothing donations for Roundabout at the event! 

Sat Dec 15, 2-7pm; Jing-A Brewpub, see event listing.

Dec 16: Christmas Brunch @ Zarah

Courtesy of promoters

Zarah is ready to pamper you with holiday treats like Yorkshire pudding, roasted candied almonds, freshly baked Christmas cookies and more at their classic all-you-can-eat brunch this Sunday. Opt for the all-you-can-eat-and-drink option and pair the hearty brunch with some mulled wine.

Sun Dec 16, 10am-3.30pm; RMB198 (all-you-can-eat), RMB298 (all-you-can-eat-and-drink); Zarah, see event listing.

Dec 16: Christmas Tree Lighting

Courtesy of promoters

For a really unique and traditional Christmas tree lighting ceremony, head to Kempinski this holiday season! They will be hosting their last Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Sunday, accompanied by a children's choir.

Sun Dec 16, 6pm; Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center, see event listing.

Dec 20: Jing Sing A Capella Christmas Show @ Modernista

Courtesy of promoters

For a special holiday treat, Modernista invites a capella group Jing Sing to astonish you with their very merry vocals. Their whimsical performance is sure to spread Christmas cheer! 

Thu Dec 20, 9pm; Modernista, see event listing.

Dec 23: Almost Christmas Hike

Courtesy of promoters

Join Beijing Hikers for a special Christmas hike that will take you up the Gubeikou Great Wall. Together with a local guide, participants will follow the trails of surrounding hills. You'll also have the chance to climb up the 24-Eye Tower, the tallest in Gubeikou, boasting a gorgeous panoramic view. After lunch, there will be a chance to experience traditional Chinese culture: a dumpling-making contest, with prizes for the best dumpling-makers. 

Sun Dec 23, 8am-6pm; RMB450 (RMB405 for members); departure from Lido Hotel Starbucks, see event listing. For more info, visit beijinghikers.com.

Dec 24-25: Christmas Sharing Program @ Cravings

Courtesy of promoters

At Cravings, sharing is caring. The Chaoyang award-winning sensation that made a name for itself serving delicious and healthy food invites you to their Christmas special sharing program, asking you to join the celebrations, while thinking about those who can't. On December 24 and 25, half of the proceeds from the holiday dinners will be donated directly to the pediatric wards of hospitals in Beijing via 'Magical Hospital.'

Mon Dec 24-Tue Dec 25, 6-11pm; Cravings; see event listing.

Christmas Eve & Christmas Day:

NUO Hotel Beijing

Courtesy of promoters

At N’Joy there will be Christmas brunches, lunches, dinners and lots of champagne to be enjoyed throughout the very merry holiday season. On Christmas Eve they’ve cooked up a special dinner menu including delectable roasted meats, seafood and lots of seasonal treats, while on Christmas Day they’ll have a themed lunch and dinner with free-flow wine and beer. Over at Jia they’ll be hosting a Christmas-inspired lunch and dinner five-course set menu. Warm up with a festive afternoon tea at Lobby Lounge featuring pastries, seasonal goodies and spiced drinks. As always, U’Deli has you covered with sweet treats to take home this holiday season.

Sat Dec 22-Tue Dec 25; N'Joy Christmas-themed lunch & dinner RMB388/person, N'Joy brunch RMB598/person, N'Joy Christmas Eve dinner RMB988/person, Jia Christmas-themed lunch & dinner RMB888/couple; N'Joy, Jia & Lobby Lounge @ NUO Hotel Beijing, see event listing.

EAST Beijing

Courtesy of promoters

Christmas isn't complete without a feast. So this year, Feast will have the roast with the most at their Christmas Eve dinner and Christmas Day all-day buffet. Taste the best of the holiday season with traditional roasted turkey, roasted lamb leg, baked salmon, oysters, lobster, as well as an extensive selection of other festive delights and Christmas-themed sweet treats. All kids are invited to visit Santa's Grotto, where they can meet Santa himself and receive a special gift! Village Cafe will also be hosting a holiday dinner featuring a delicious turkey, fresh pumpkin pie, tasty side dishes and plenty of mulled wine.

Mon Dec 24 & Tue Dec 25, Christmas Eve dinner 5.30-10pm, Christmas Day buffet 12-9pm; RMB488/person (Christmas Eve dinner at Feast), RMB388/person (Christmas Day buffet at Feast), Village Cafe set dinner RMB168/person, RMB1188 (for 4-6 people); Feast & Village Cafe @ EAST Beijing, see event listing.

New World Hotel Beijing

Courtesy of promoters

Get ready to rock around the Christmas tree at New World Hotel Beijing, where they're hosting plenty of cozy holiday celebrations. At Tian Tan Kitchen they'll have a buffet full of festive favorites. Prepare for a fa-la-la fabulous feast on Christmas Eve featuring highlights like Peking duck, suckling pig, homemade vegetable-infused noodles and deep-fried lamb leg with cumin, along with European specialties like turkey with stuffing and cranberry sauce, brussel sprouts with chestnuts and pancetta and more. Festive sweets like minced pies, panettone, chocolate yule logs and gingerbread cookies complete the hearty feast!

Mon Dec 24, 5.30pm; RMB688/person; Tian Tan Kitchen, see event listing.

Eudora Station

Courtesy of promoters

Spend a magical Christmas Eve this year at Eudora Station! They’re celebrating with a special dinner full of holiday-inspired dishes. There will be two set menus to choose from featuring an Iberian ham and melon roll with fig and sweet vinegar, French baked oysters with caviar, Australian scallops with stewed mushroom and quinoa salad, Boston lobster soup and more. During the holly jolly event, they’ll also have live entertainment for both children and adults, from a live band and prizes to an appearance by Santa Claus himself!

Mon Dec 24; RMB598/set menu; Eudora Station, see event listing.

Hotel Eclat Beijing

Courtesy of promoters

Spend your holiday at George's Restaurant at Hotel Eclat Beijing. Celebrate the festive season with loved ones as you indulge in a six-course set menu, featuring decadent dishes such as the roasted half Boston lobster and steamed Iceland sole fillet, available on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Mon Dec 24 & Tue Dec 25; RMB488-688; George's Restaurant @ Hotel Eclat Beijing, see event listing.

CHAO

Courtesy of promoters

From December 21 to December 25, CHAO Living Room will offer several special Christmas-inspired dishes for dinner, combining creativity with fresh ingredients. Indulge in spiced foie gras terrine with mustard apricot chutney and black truffle jam, a whole turkey with lobster mac & cheese, gravy and honey-roasted carrots and pecans, Spanish pork tomahawk with potatoes and caramelized apples and more! They will also be serving a festive afternoon tea, featuring snowman macaroons and ginger pumpkin pie. Now that's a cheerful holiday!

Fri Dec 21-Tue Dec 25; afternoon tea RMB398/two people; CHAO Drawing Room, see event listing.

The Westin Beijing Chaoyang

Courtesy of promoters

Spend Christmas Eve at The Westin Beijing Chaoyang, where they'll be hosting festive buffets at each of their signature restaurants: Mai, Seasonal Tastes, Grange Grill and more. Savor festive flavors including a decadent seafood selection, roasted turkey, char-grilled steak, decadent desserts and more! There will also be a lucky draw for guests. For those looking for something special, Mai and Grange Grill will whip up holiday set menus for the joyous night.

Mon Dec 24; RMB988/adult, RMB1888/two adults, family package RMB2288 (all include free-flow drinks), Christmas Eve set menu - RMB 899/person, RMB1699/couple; Mai, Seasonal Tastes & Grange Grill @ The Westin Beijing Chaoyang, see event listing.

The Peninsula Beijing

Courtesy of promoters

The Peninsula Beijing is putting on an enchanting celebration with a selection of feasts. The first is a Cantonese feast held at Huang Ting, featuring dishes such as deep-fried bean curd roll with matsutake mushroom and braised Boston lobster with spicy glutinous rice sauce. Jing will have an exquisite five-course European dinner including chilled Maine lobster with ossetra caviar and tomato marmalade, along with Australian beef tenderloin and truffled potatoes. At The Lobby, they are also hosting a weekend family brunch, a festive afternoon tea set and activities for children, which feature Christmas garland and gingerbread house decorating workshops, that will take place every weekend through the end of December 

Mon Dec 24, various times; Huang Ting menu RMB1288/couple, Jing five-course menu RMB1280/person (includes a glass of champagne), afternoon tea RMB398/two adults (RMB180/children's set), brunch RMB480/person (all packages have an additional 15 percent service charge); Huang Ting, Jing and The Lobby @ The Peninsula Beijing, see event listing.

Hotel Jen Beijing

Courtesy of promoters

Let Hotel Jen Beijing take care of your holiday dinner parties with festive menu packages at both Beersmith and San Wu Tang. With its warm and laid-back atmosphere, Beersmith is the perfect place to host end-of-year gatherings. For those looking for festive fusion, San Wu Tang is all about the flavorful dishes from around Asia. No matter what your vibe is this holiday season, Hotel Jen Beijing has you covered. 

Mon Dec 24 & Tue Dec 25; Beersmith & San Wu Tang @ Hotel Jen Beijing, see event listing. See more details here.

Bottega 

Courtesy of promoters

On Christmas Eve, Bottega has prepared special dishes at their Jinshang and Nali Patio locations, featuring beef tomahawk, a seafood bisque and sweet pannetone with vanilla gelato. They will also be available at both locations on Christmas Day, with their Jinshang spot serving a festive brunch as well.

Mon Dec 24 & Tue Dec 25; Bottega, see event listing.

Q Mex

Courtesy of promoters

Q Mex has a very merry celebration planned this year at all three of their locations. They're debuting a set Christmas dinner including roasted pumpkin soup, chipotle-glazed Christmas ham and grilled turkey breast, along with a cheese flan topped with sweet syrup and coconut flakes for dessert. They'll also have a sharing platter and holiday-inspired drinks, like cranberry margaritas.

Mon Dec 24-Wed Dec 26, 5pm; Q Mex, see event listing.

Migas Mercado

Courtesy of promoters

Christmas is around the corner and Migas Mercado have prepared a festive menu for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Celebrate the holiday with traditional and Mediterranean-style dishes, like stuffed baby squid with hollandaise sauce. There will also be a live band set to perform.

Mon Dec 24 & Tue Dec 24; Migas Mercado, see event listing.

Paulaner Brauhaus @ Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center

Enjoy a Bavarian Christmas Eve with Paulaner Brauhaus, where they'll have authentic German specialties, like the seasonal favorite roasted duck leg covered in chestnuts and accompanied with honey ham, crackling pork knuckle, cheese meatloaf and classic side dishes. Hear catchy live jazz tunes and purchase a ticket to be entered for a chance to win in the lucky draw!

Mon Dec 24, 6-10.30pm; RMB688/person (includes free-flow beer, wine and soft drinks); Paulaner Brauhaus @ Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Center, see event listing.

Kerry's Kitchen @ Kerry Hotel Beijing

Courtesy of promoters

Kerry Hotel is throwing two big holiday events, starting on Christmas Eve. Celebrate in cozy style at Kerry's Kitchen with a feast of goodies. On Christmas Day, get stuffed at their festive buffet featuring roast turkey, roast beef, honey glazed ham, log cakes, Christmas pudding and more. 

Mon Dec 24 & Tue Dec 25, 5.30-10pm; Kerry's Kitchen @ Kerry Hotel Beijing, see event listing.

Regent Beijing

Courtesy of promoters

Regent Beijing has prepared not one, but two special culinary events for this year's Christmas festivities. Jinbao 99 Restaurant will host a big party featuring an extravagant seafood and grill buffet, while Daccapo Italian Restaurant will celebrate with a special dinner menu, including venison tartare, potato soup and of course panettone. Don't forget to try your luck at the Jinbao 99 lucky draw. 

Mon Dec 24, 6-9pm (Christmas buffet), 6-10.30pm (Christmas dinner); RMB1388/person (Jinbao 99 buffet with free-flow drinks), RMB888/person (Daccapo dinner set menu, includes prosecco); Jinbao 99 Restaurant and Daccapo Italian Restaurant @ Regent Beijing, see event listing.

29 Grill & Chapter @ Conrad Beijing

On Christmas Eve, indulge in a regal feast at 29 Grill at the Conrad Beijing, featuring black truffle ragout, home-cured salmon with caviar, Jerusalem artichoke soup with Alaskan king crab, followed by buttery Canadian lobster and beef sirloin with pistachio mousseline. Chapter is also hosting a festive dinner with dishes like roast turkey, succulent Peking duck, prime beef ribs and smoked ham with pineapple, all followed by a visit to the dessert bar for a festive holiday treat or two.

Mon Dec 24, 6-10pm; RMB1288/person (plus an additional 15 percent service charge); 29 Grill & Chapter @ Conrad Beijing, see event listing.

Lily's American Diner

Courtesy of promoters

Enjoy a Christmas Eve or Christmas Day dinner for RMB219 per adult and RMB179 for children at any Lily's American Diner locations. For those wanting to enjoy the holidays at home with friends and family, the restaurant is taking delivery orders too! Visit their website for more information.

Mon Dec 24 & Tue Dec 25; Lily's American Diner, see event listing.

Grand Cafe @ Grand Hyatt Beijing

Indulge in a grand Christmas Eve buffet with a live band, a fabulous lucky draw and more at Grand Cafe. Featuring seasonal delicacies including roast turkey with cranberry sauce, oysters, lobster, honey glazed ham and a lovely range of Christmas desserts and puddings, the Grand Hyatt is the place to be this holiday season. There will also be a festive brunch buffet on Christmas Day.

Mon Dec 24 & Tue Dec 25; Christmas Eve dinner - RMB698/person, RMB798/person (includes free-flow drinks), RMB298/person for Christmas Day brunch; Grand Cafe @ Grand Hyatt Beijing, see event listing.