Sing Along with High School Musical
From November 7-14 (excluding Nov 8), Disney’s High School Musical: On Stage debuts in Beijing. The musical centers around popular high school basketball star Troy and shy newcomer Gabriella. Together, they discover their love of singing and try out for the school musical. Tickets from RMB 80-1,280; Family package (for three): RMB 1,500; Couple package (two adults): RMB 1,000. Poly Theatre, 14 Dongzhimen Nandajie, Dongcheng District. Book tickets at 6504 6966, 6504 6962, 800 810 8798. www.xdrculture.com
Celebrate Thanksgiving
If you love eating, then you’ll love this American holiday. On November 25, feast on succulent turkey, savory mashed potatoes and warm pumpkin pie. Carve up your own turkey or attend one of the many Thanksgiving buffets in town at The Schoolhouse, Raffles, Marriott Northeast or the Culture Yard. To buy a turkey, see Noticeboard (p20). For places to enjoy Thanksgiving, see Nov 25 listing.
Baby in Harmony Charity Music Event
For ages 0-3. Calling all aspiring Beethovens! On November 28, join Beijing2Fun and Little Mozart Studio for classical music designed for families with young children. Babies and toddlers can jump, twirl and dance to a live performance by professional musicians. This event is organized by dedicated moms who share a passion for bringing classical music into children’s lives. Proceeds go to Ping An Foster Home. For details, see Nov 28 listing.
Experience Beyou
What do you want to be when you grow up? At Beyou, kids can dress up and portray any of the 48 professions, including firefighters, doctors and pilots. This career-themed experience center, complete with streets, houses and gardens, lets children explore the "grown-up" world. For ages 3-12. Beyou Shopping Center, 111 Jingshun Lu, Chaoyang District (400 630 6000, beyou@beyou.cn) www.beyou.cn朝阳区京顺路52号
Explore Beihai Park
Before temperatures drop too low, head to Beihai Park. Enjoy a stroll around this giant lake and admire the examples of classic Yuan dynasty imperial gardens. For those who like to paddle, the boat rental station is just across from the temple that is this park’s namesake. For lunch, exit the park via the north entrance and cross the road to Houhai to find for an abundance of restaurants. For details, see Directory under Parks & Gardens.
How Bazaar
Gift-giving season is just around the corner, so head to one of the many charity bazaars this month to purchase unique gifts for your loved ones. Beginning November 20, the Marriott Northeast will host a two-day Rotary ChristmasBazaar with shopping stalls, live performances, a kids’ corner, a Christmastree lighting and more. Other exciting charity bazaars will be held at WAB on November 27 and at the Hilton Beijing on December 4. For details, see Event listings under their respective dates.
Educational Fun
Come see what everyone is raving about at the China Science and Technology Museum. With over 4 million square meters of exhibition space, there is plenty of interactive fun to be had. Kids will love spinning a life-size waterwheel, sliding down an aircraft emergency exit slide and taking a spin in a space simulator. For more information, see What’s Fun In, p32.
Some Like It Hot
There’s nothing better than hot pot to warm up on a cold day. Head to Haidilao Hotpot, order the pulled noodles (lamian). Watch as a noodle expert pulls a strip of dough into a multi-strand delight, with more agility than a ribbon dancer. If the wait is long, get a free manicure, or play Chinese chess while munching on popcorn and slices of watermelon. There is a kids’ play room at the Sanlitun branch. See Directory for listing under Chinese.
Happy Hanukkah
This year, eight days of Hanukkah begins on December 1. Invite your neighbors over for a game of dreidel or whip up some traditional Jewish food at home, like latkes (potato pancakes). Join Beijing’s Jewish community and light a menorah at Chabad House or munch on kosher food at Dini’s (temporarily operating out of Chabad house). Dini’s (139 1074 0109, info@kosherbeijing.com) www.kosherbeijing.com. Chabad House, 1/F, King’s Garden Villa, 18 Xiaoyun Lu, Chaoyang District (info@chabadbeijing.cn) www.chabadbeijing.com
Play Indoors
Beijing is cooling down, so cozy up at home for a fun family night, starting with craft time. See p34 to learn how to make your own paper. Next, use the homemade paper to prepare holiday greeting cards. Round out the night with a family-friendly movie. If you missed the theater premiere in Beijing, be sure to pick up a copy of How To Train Your Dragon, Toy Story 3 or Shrek Forever After – movies that please all ages.
