Even though we’re barely into November, one great Beijing tradition has already swung around again: bazaar season! The holidays will be here before you know it, so might as well get your shopping done early – and benefit a good cause while you’re at it. Bring the kids for holiday crafts, seasonal treats, and other fun and games.
Mon, Nov 5 and Tue, Nov 6
Embassy House Early Bird Bazaar
Embassy House’s annual Early Bird Bazaar includes vendors like Tai Tai, Desert Diamonds, Little Tackers, Shangri-La Botanicals, Sheets & Duvets by Gustavo, and more. The event will benefit Magic Hospital and other charities, as well as act as a drop-off point for Roundabout on both days. Nominal charge at the door for charity. 10am-4pm. Embassy House (6415 4724)
Thu, Nov 15
Bling It on Again Private Sale
Browse for jewelry, artwork, textiles, gifts, and more in Hegezhuang. Combine the trip with a massage at Green T. House Living’s spa facilities, or enjoy one of the restaurant’s cutting-edge culinary creations (reservations required). Free. 10am-4pm. Green T. House Living (8456 4922 ext 8)
So French Bazaar at Le Petit Gourmand
Francophile? You’re in luck! Couleurs de Chine is holding a French-inspired bazaar with sixteen exhibitors. They’ll be selling clothes, jewelry, bags, accessories, artwork, home decorations, jam, and more. Free. 10am-4pm. Le Petit Gourmand (cdcbeijing@gmail.com)
Sat, Nov 17
River Garden Clubhouse Winter Bazaar
This event attracts around 500 people each year. This year, around 30 vendors will be present and the proceeds will benefit charities like The Starfish Project, which helps exploited women obtain alternative employment through jewelry-making. Free. 10am-4pm. River Garden Clubhouse (8046 1918)
Christmas Charity Bazaar
The Children’s House’s Kempinski campus hosts a morning of festive shopping, with all proceeds donated to Little Flower Projects. RMB 20. 10am-noon. The Children’s House International Montessori Kindergarten (6465 1305)
Sun, Nov 18
The Gift Charity Bazaar
Once again, Stage One Productions is holding a charity bazaar at CISB. Imploring visitors to “say no to silk robes and fake Rolexes,” the organization scours Beijing for unique gifts that are appropriate for all ages. There will also be live music, food, and DIY Christmas crafts. RMB 10 (adults), free for kids under 10. 10am-4pm. Canadian International School of Beijing (6465 7788)
Sat, Nov 24
WAB Parent Link Charity Bazaar
WAB’s annual charity bazaar is back! Organized by Charity Link, this event will benefit New Hope Foundation and Yearn to Learn. Free. 10.30am-3pm. Western Academy of Beijing (charitylink@wab.edu)
Sat, Nov 24 and Sun, Nov 25
Rotary Club of Beijing Holiday Bazaar
Highlights of this hotly-anticipated, two-day event include over 90 vendors, performances, Christmas carols, a raffle draw, a Christmas tree lighting, a kids’ corner, free wine tastings, and more. Free. 11am-5pm. Kempinski Hotel (139 1072 9087, rotaryclubbeijing@gmail.com)
Thu, Nov 29
British Embassy Christmas Bazaar
Enjoy mulled wine and fish n’ chips while browsing for jewelry, gift wrap, Christmas cards, seasonal decorations, chocolate, homemade cakes, tea, coffee, and more. Take part in the raffle tombola for a chance to win Christmas hampers and prizes! Foreign passport holders only. Free. 10am-2pm. British Embassy Beijing (5192 4000)
Sat, Dec 1
German Christmas Charity Bazaar
This annual event is organized by a group of German women who periodically get together during the year for charity projects. They produce items like needlework, Advent wreaths, biscuits, and other handicrafts for the bazaar. Free. 11am-5pm. German Embassy Beijing (186 1185 5970, monikagossler@yahoo.de)
BCIS Christmas Bazaar 2012
This year’s BCIS Christmas bazaar features over 70 vendors with a range of products, live music and performances, a children’s corner and entertainment, raffle draws, a Christmas tree lighting, wine tasting, an appearance by Santa Claus, and more. Free. 10am-4pm. Beijing City International School (8771 7171)
Sun, Dec 9
The British School of Beijing’s Christmas Fayre
Get into the Christmas spirit with BSB’s annual Christmas Fayre; all the money raised goes to local charities supported by the school. Free. RMB 10 (adults), free for kids. 11am-3pm. The British School of Beijing, Sanlitun Campus (8532 5320)
Mon, Dec 10
Harrow Winter Fair
Taking place at the Upper School campus in Anzhenxili, vendors at Harrow’s Winter Fair include Lollipop Bakery, Two Guys and a Pie, The Hutong, Green T. House, and more. There are performances throughout the evening, with mulled wine and minced pies available. The night ends with a brief carol service around the Christmas tree. Note that, due to space, constraints, the event is open to Harrow students and parents only. Free. 3.30-6.30pm. Harrow International School of Beijing (6444 8900)
Sat, Dec 15
The Hutong’s Winter Fayre
Billing itself as “the last Christmas bazaar of the year,” this one’s for all the stragglers and last-minute shoppers. Find piping-hot vin brulé, homemade jam, tea, cheeses, handicrafts, photography, jewelry, and more. Free. 11am-3pm. The Hutong (6404 3355)
beijingkids will be present at the following bazaars this year: The Gift, WAB Parent Link Charity Bazaar, BCIS Christmas Fair, BSB Winter Fayre, and Harrow Winter Fair.
It’s still early in the season, so keep checking back for more bazaars here!
Photo courtesy of Stage One Productions
