Don’t miss this week’s excellent events that are fun for the whole family. E-mail newsletter@beijing-kids.com to get each issue sent to your inbox. Check the beijingkids website for full event listings, www.beijing-kids.com.
Thurs 26: Thanksgiving
Celebrate Thanksgiving with a turkey feast. Here’s our definitive line-up of last-minute options. Note – we’ve indicated which of these venues can prepare cooked turkeys and sides for you to take home to enjoy.
Chef Too (can order out)
The take-home Thanksgiving menu includes whole ready-to-slice-and-eat roast turkey with trimmings (12-14 lbs RMB 1,280, 18-22 lbs RMB 1,875) or gammon ham (RMB 680/3-4kg). Dinner at the restaurant is RMB 228 (RMB 98 for kids) and reservations are necessary. 4.30pm, 6pm, 7.30pm, The turkey set menu will be served till Saturday.
Chaoyang Gongyuan Xilu, Chaoyang District. (6591 8676) 美西西餐厅, 朝阳区朝阳公园西路枣营南里小区东门南侧
East 33
Boston clam chowder, honey-glazed ham and pumpkin pie are all on offer at this lavish holiday buffet, for RMB 298+15% per person, which includes unlimited house wines and local beer. The fun starts at 6pm, reservations a must.
Raffles Beijing Hotel, 33 Dongchangan Jie, Dongcheng District. (6526 3388 ext 5171) 东三十三, 东城区东长安街33号北京饭店莱佛士
The Orchard
The Shunyi hideaway’s global Thanksgiving buffet dinner includes American style roasted turkey, stuffing and all the trimmings, with soothing live jazz in the covered courtyard. RMB 220 (includes tea or coffee). RMB 120 for Children. 6-9pm.
The Orchard Restaurant (from Jingshun Lu, exit at Sunhe Market), Shunyi District. (6433 6270)
果园, 顺义区京顺路孙河市场出口
The Schoolhouse
The Schoolhouse hosts its annual family-style, all-you-can-eat Thanksgiving dinner under the Great Wall including whole roast turkey with trimmings, homemade pies, pudding, and ice cream. There’s also live music and fun games for the kids. Dinner on Nov 26 and a reprise on Saturday, Nov 28. Early reservations suggested. Adults RMB 360, RMB 120 for kids aged 4-12, free for kids under 4. 5pm.
12 Mutianyu Village, Huairou District. (6162 6506/6287)
小园, 怀柔区慕田峪村12号
Don’t Forget: Other places around town will provide birds for you lucky oven owners to roast at home, generally priced per kg. Check out Jenny Lou’s (RMB 58/kg), April Gourmet (RMB 46/kg), Schindler’s German Food Centre (RMB 40-58/kg) and beijinghomedelivery.com.
Fri 27: New Moon (P-13)
Teenagers everywhere rejoice! New Moon was released on Wednesday and it’s time to sink your teeth into this latest installment. Bella’s blood proves too much for vampire heartthrob Edward and his family to resist, so they decide to leave town to protect our heroine. Initially heartbroken, Bella finds comfort in reckless living and her friend Jacob Black. Danger ensues. Parents: If the names Edward and Bella mean nothing to you, watch this film so you know what all the kids are talking about.
Playing at Megabox, The Village.
Don’t Forget:You can pick up a copy of the fist installment, Twilight, from any good DVD store.
Sat 28: Rotary Charity Bazaar and Tree Lighting
This bazaar will be sure to bring Yuletide cheer to even the grumpiest of Scrooges. Activities include raffles, games, food and wine tasting, Christmas caroling, a kids fun land, and of course, Santa. If you’re looking to pick up a unique Christmas gift or two, browse through the many stalls from BJU, Comptoirs de France, IQ Air, Gymboree Lido Center, Suzhou Embroideries, and more. Festivities will culminate in a magical Christmas tree lighting ceremony. 11am-6pm.
Beijing Marriott Hotel Northeast (220m North of new US Embassy) (5927 8888)
Don’t Forget: The tree lighting ceremony commences at 6pm, so it’s worth staying until the end.
Sun 29: Little Rink for Littler People
Sure, The Village’s new ice-skating rink (located in front of the Orange) may be small, but that’s exactly why we like. It’s perfectly kid-sized and weeds out the bigger kids who are prone to whizzing around the rink. They have lockers and a wide range of ice skate sizes, so no need to worry about lugging gear around. When the kids are done sliding, I mean skating, there are plenty of kid-friendly food options in The Village including the old-favorite, Element Fresh, and new kid on the block, Hong Kong chain Oriental Kitchen.
Don’t forget:Bring a change of pants in case of slips.
