Dec 3: Star Horse

Swedish dream-pop band Star Horse embark on a six-city China tour early this month. First formed in early 2011, the four-piece put out their debut self-titled release later that year, which quickly received recognition online. Catch their shoegazey tunes at Yue Space.

Tue Dec 3, 8.30pm; RMB120 (presale), RMB150 (door); Yue Space, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

Dec 5: BimBamBoom

Formed by Japan's supreme drumming machine Miyoko Yamaguchi and music producer S-Ken, BimBamBoom is recognized for their mainly instrumental hits infused with lots of funk and sprinkled with cheery chants. From their deliciously groovy cover of 'Lowrider' to the high-energy bop 'O.E.C. Tiger Roll,' the eccentric quintet mixes feel-good soul with edgy rock 'n' roll. Their danceable jams will have you moving and grooving all over the dance floor so get ready for a wicked good show at Omni Space. 

Thu Dec 5, 8.30pm; RMB150 (advance), RMB200 (door); Omni Space, see event listing. Buy tickets here. 

Dec 7: Murder & Mulled Wine Talk 

Beijing Postcards has uncovered documents in British National Archives to show a portrait of a young Pamela Werner, before her grisly murder, and a collection of historical photographs and antique maps that will open a window to the Beijing she knew. Using three original maps from the 1930s, the talk will retrace her steps presenting places like the Fox Tower, the French ice-skating ring, Hotel Des Wagons Lits and the notorious badlands. 

Sat Dec 7, 3-4.30pm; RMB150; Beijing Postcards, see event listing.

Dec 7: Christmas Party for Pets & Their People 

The jolly Christmas spirit is extended to your four-legged friends at ICVS’ Christmas party. Bring the family and have fun at their party for pets, owners, pet rescuers and pet lovers. There will be delicious treats for both pets and humans, as well as a chance to adopt or sponsor animals and win the grand raffle draw, with all proceeds donated to ICVS Non-Profit Humane Animal Welfare Programs. Reserve your spot via email to reception@ICVSASIA.com by 10am on December 7. 

Sat Dec 7, 2-5pm; International Center for Veterinary Services (ICVS), see event listing.

Dec 7 & 8: Lakecia Benjamin

With her charismatic presence and fiery performance, saxophonist Lakecia Benjamin keeps the dancefloor packed and grooving. After joining the esteemed jazz program at New York’s New School University, Benjamin was soon in demand as an arranger and horn section leader for artists such as Stevie Wonder and Alicia Keys, as well as curating an extensive list of recording credits. Find soul and funk aplenty at Blue Note Beijing. 

Sat Dec 7 & Sun Dec 8, various times; RMB280 (side seat), RMB360 (table seat); Blue Note Beijing, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

Dec 8: Urna Chahar-Tugehi 

Born into a family of herders in Inner Mongolia, Urna was raised in a community where song was an integral part of everyday life. She has since had extensive experiences across the world, first studying at the Shanghai Conservatory, touring internationally, and now being based in Bavaria, Germany, and Cairo, Egypt. Urna was also awarded the RUTH Prize in 2003 for Best International Artist. Don’t miss her musical prowess this month. 

Sun Dec 8, 7.30pm; RMB160-360;Forbidden City Concert Hall, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

Dec 12: indigo la End

Bringing a unique twist to the genre, Tokyo-based indie rock band indigo la End is hitting Beijing stages. Despite several changes in membership early in the band’s career, they have had a series of successful EPs and albums under their belt as well as performing at Countdown Japan’s New Year’s Festival in previous years. Let indigo la End’s upbeat and wistful music bop your head and move your feet. 

Thu Dec 12, 8.30pm; RMB200 (presale), RMB280 (door); Omni Space, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

Dec 14: Hologram Dreams

Get ready for another Beijing installment of one of Shanghai’s freshest nights out. DJs Heatwolves and friends are getting ready to take you on a funky hyperloop journey into the future, with detours into city-pop, Italo disco, Chicago house and new wave. Open your mind to seminal classics, brand new tracks and unknown pleasures as you feast your eyes on electric animated visuals. 

Sat Dec 14, 10pm; RMB30; Dada Beijing, see event listing.

Dec 15: Luke Thompson

New Zealand-born singer-songwriter Luke Thompson performs an honest blend of folk, singing of road-weariness and the limbo between old and new. After an extensive tour around New Zealand, Australia, and Europe, Thompson took a hiatus from writing and performing, before his guitar beckoned the artist back into the realm of music. Enjoy his tender, autumnal compositions at the Omni Space this month. 

Sun Dec 15, 8pm; RMB180 (presale), RMB280 (door); Omni Space, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

Dec 19: Aida 

Egyptian warrior Radames goes out to fight against the king of Ethiopia Amonasro. The princess of Egypt Amneris has fallen in love with Radames, but the latter loves female slave Aida, who turns out to be the daughter of Amonasro. Radames divulges military secrets and sentenced to a live burial, and Aida, who hates to live on just for the sake of remaining alive, is determined to die with him. Oh, the drama! See the entire Giuseppe Verdi opera on film for yourself at the NCPA. 

Thu Dec 19, 7pm; RMB60; National Center for the Performing Arts, see event listing.

Dec 19-29: Les Choristes 

Les Choristes’ plot involves a widely successful orchestra conductor Pierre Morhange, who returns to France when his mother dies. During childhood, as a badly-behaved son of single mother Violette, he is enrolled in a boarding institution. A new teacher Claymont Mathieu assembles a choir to brighten up the school, leading to the discovery of Morhange’s musical and physical talents and transformation in the students. 

Thu Dec 19-Sun Dec 29, various times; RMB180-616; Er Qi Theatre, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

Dec 21: Immortal Valley Loop Hike

Join Beijing Hikers as they take adventurers on a picturesque journey through the Miyun hills and valleys. Expect to see frozen waterfalls, ridged cliffs, and pine trees in abundance on this 14-kilometer hike. Climbing to a high peak, you’ll have the opportunity to take in the stunning scenery during your ascent and descent of the trail. Due to the relative difficulty of the hike, this is recommended for experienced hikers and those with a higher fitness level. 

Sat Dec 21; RMB350 (members), RMB390 (non-members); see event listing. For tickets and more information, visitbeijinghikers.com. 

Dec 25: Christmas 

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Wondering where to eat, drink and be merry this holiday season? We’ve got you covered with the best Christmas dinners and events. Stay tuned for our complete guide.

Wed Dec 25, various venues

Dec 31: New Year’s Chime Concert 

What better way to ring in the new year than with a night of impeccable classical music? Accomplished conductor Zhang Yi and mezzo-soprano Zhu Huiling have trained and performed internationally, bringing with them a unique stage presence. Alongside the duo, the National Ballet of China Symphony Orchestra invite you to experience a jam-packed program including works by Rossini and Tchaikovsky, with a climactic ringing of the bell at midnight. 

Tue Dec 31, 11pm; RMB200-1,080;National Center for the Performing Arts – Concert Hall, see event listing. Buy tickets here.

Through December

‘Deep Cover’ Exhibition

Enrico Bach’s recent works tread a fine line between sculpturally plausible paintings and artworks that joyfully embrace their own self-sufficiency. With their casual references to real and daily necessities, his current compositions exude a surreal charm that you can enjoy through his second solo gallery exhibition Deep Cover. 

Through Tue Dec 31, 10am-6pm; PIFO Gallery, see event listing.

Themed Weekly Events @ 50/50 

After celebrating a successful year, Xingfucun cocktail lounge 50/50 is hosting weekly themed events to keep things lively. On Wednesdays, ladies can feel comfortable getting their drink on with deals like 20% off all cocktails from 7-10pm, while an LGBT-friendly night on Thursdays will create a safe space to party for all. Don’t miss out on 50/50’s new enormous punch bowls (which will be buy-one-get-one-half-off all night on Thursdays), like the Sichuan Sass – a refreshing watermelon punch sweetly spiced with Sichuan pepper. 

Wednesdays & Thursdays, 7-10pm (happy hour); 50/50, see event listing.

2-for-1 Pizza Mondays @ Jing-A Taproom 

Jing-A Taproom in Longfusi is giving you a reason to love Mondays. Treat yourself with a delicious two-forone deal on their sourdough pizzas, like the Yunnan Mushroom or Spicy Italian, every Monday from 5pm. (Note: You must purchase one alcoholic drink per pizza.) 

Mondays; Jing-A Taproom Longfusi, see event listing.

Mulled Wine Happy Hour 

Take refuge from the sharp, blustery winter at craft beer powerhouse Slow Boat and cozy up with their signature mulled wine. Infused with winter spices and garnished with a sprig of rosemary, this wintertime beverage is sure to bring on the warmer times. Enjoy it at a special happy hour price at both Slow Boat locations this season. 

Daily, 4-7pm; Slow Boat Brewpub (Sanlitun) & Slow Boat Taproom (Dengshikou), see event listing.

Hutong Breakfast Tour

Authentic snack and breakfast options in Beijing often hide in plain sight once you get off the crowded roads and into the backstreets of the hutongs. UnTour Food Tours is encouraging you to wake up early to enjoy the city’s vibrant yet seldom seen culinary scene, eating your way through 5,000 years of history over the course of three hours. 

Through Sun Dec 29, 9am; RMB210 (6-12 years old), RMB420 (adult); see event listing.

Happy Hour @ Oh Yeah! Brewing 

Occupying two stories in the CBD, this 250-seat, 20-tap microbrewery boasts a lounge, beer garden and an impressive open brewery. Oh Yeah! Brewing serves eight core brews with rotating seasonal releases, which you’ll be able to enjoy for RMB30. You can also treat yourself to their extensive menu, counting wood-fired pizzas, tacos, salads and barbecue amongst their classics. 

Daily, 5-8pm; Oh Yeah! Brewing, see event listing.

[All images courtesy of promoters]

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