The start of December is always a time for reflection. This year, for instance, we’ve already questioned our life choices as we brace ourselves for the coldest (and potentially most polluted) winter China has seen in years. So why not distract yourself with mulled wine, gingerbread cookies, annoying themed music and… decorations? Because there truly is nothing better than fake office trees and budget ornaments (we’re looking at you, Ginza Mall) to get into the spirit of celebrating sweet, sweet baby Jesus.
So if you’d like to bring some of that holiday cheer into your own home but are unsure where to go, here’s our list of the best places – from Shunyi to Liangmaqiao – to pick up all things festive. And if you're interested in doing a little shopping at one of Beijing's many holiday markets and bizarres, we've got a guide for that too.
Fuchengmen
Tianyi Small Goods Wholesale Market (天意小商品批发市场)
Opened in 1992, the largest small goods wholesale market in Beijing is at its busiest just before Christmas. Don’t be deterred – there’s all kinds of festive buys here.
259 Huchengmenwai Dajie, Xicheng 西城区阜成门外大街259号
Liangmaqiao
Beijing Laitai Flower Trade Center (莱太花卉)
The largest flower market in Northern China offers wholesale, retail services and flower auctions. It has Christmas trees of every size and ornaments galore.
Mon-Thu: 9am-6pm, Fri-Sun: 9am-6.30pm; 9 Maizidian Xilu, Chaoyang 朝阳区麦子店西街9号
Liangma Flower Market (亮马花卉市场)
Another solid inner-city stop for loading up on decorations and trees (both real and fake). Prices range from RMB200 to over RMB3,000 and delivery can be arranged for a small fee.
Daily, 8.30am-6.30pm; 758 Dongsanhuan Beilu, Chaoyang (South bank of Liangma River) 朝阳区东三环北路758号, 燕莎商城南, 亮马河南岸
Nuren Jie (Ladies Street Market)（女人街）
During December, this permanent market hosts a row of pop-up Christmas-themed stalls across the street. Get in quick to ensure your pick of the best.
Nuren Jie, Tianze Lu, Chaoyang 朝阳区天泽路女人街
Shuangjing
Dongjiao Flower Market (东郊花卉市场)
This flower market offers real Christmas trees in a variety of sizes at reasonable prices (plus a few extra kuai for delivery).
9am-6pm, 12 Xidawang Lu, Chaoyang (200 meters south of SOHO New Town) 西大望路甲12号, 现代城南200米
Shunyi
Tai Tai Shop
A good selection of greeting cards, ornaments and Christmas crackers.
Daily, 10am-6pm; Tianbei Lu, Baixin Zhuang, Shunyi 顺义区后沙峪白辛庄天北路
Beidong Floriculture Garden (孙和大北东花艺苑)
A huge range of Christmas essentials including (fake) Christmas trees, lights, spray-on snow, dancing Santas and festive ornaments.
Daily 8.30am-6.30pm (summer), 9am-5.30pm (winter);150m south of Sundahe Qiao, Jingshun Lu, Shunyi 顺义区京顺路孙大河桥南150米
Other
Carrefour
Purveyors of fine wines, French cheeses and… fake trees.
Multiple locations but try out the new megastore, two minutes’ walk from Ikea, Futong Xi Dajie, Chaoyang 朝阳区富通西大街
IKEA
Walk in to buy a tree and some lights, walk out with dozens of other home items you never needed until now. Damn you IKEA, you minimalistic Swedish powerhouse.
59 Futong East Street, Chaoyang 朝阳区富通西大街59号
Jenny Lou’s
Pick up your Christmas groceries, decorations and latest issue of That’s Beijing simultaneously at J. Lou’s.
Multiple locations
Wal-Mart
Go Christmas crazy at Wal-Mart (it’s so massive you might just).
Multiple locations
Zara Home
Indulge in some classy ornaments and tableware courtesy of your home girl Zara.
Multiple locations, try the one at The Place and Central Park朝阳区光华路9号; Solana Lifestyle Shopping Park朝阳公园路6号
READ MORE: Christmas 2016: Beijing Winter Holiday Market Guide
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