Many families are currently snatching up Frozen dresses and pirate costumes in preparation for Halloween, the most hyperactive holiday of the year. This year, beijingkids‘ annual Halloween bash is moving to CISB for the first time, with both sessions already sold out and a third one just added. If you’re not sorted out yet, read on for our first list of Halloween picks.
Trick-or-Treating and Other Halloween Fun
Sat, Oct 25
Sixth Annual Jack-O-Lantern Carving Contest at The Schoolhouse
All ages. Think you got pumpkin carving skills? Bring it at The Schoolhouse’s annual competition. Prizes will be awarded in three age groups: kids up to age 12, teens up to age 17, and adults. The prizes are a free birthday party for up to 12 guests, a free sleepover in a Schoolhouse property for up to eight guests, and a getaway weekend for two people. If you want to stay, there’s a Halloween dinner after the contest (costs extra). Free. 2-4pm. The Schoolhouse at Mutianyu
Beijing Improv Halloween Spectacular
For teens and adults. The funny guys and gals from Beijing Improv are putting on an evening of spooky comedy and improvised theater. Show up in costume for a discount on tickets and a chance to win prizes. RMB 50. 8-10.30pm. Penghao Theater
Sat, Oct 25 and Sun, Oct 26
beijingkids 8th Halloween Costume Party
All ages. Our popular annual Halloween event is already sold out, but you’re in luck – we just added a third session on October 26 from 8.30-11am. There will lots of spooky games and activities for younger kids and school-age kids. beijingkids Club members: RMB 100 (adults), RMB 200 (kids). Non-members: RMB 200 (adults), RMB 300 (kids). 2-5.30pm (Sat-Sun afternoon sessions), 8.30-11am (Sun morning session). Canadian International School of Beijing
Blue Bridge Art Lab Halloween Workshops
Ages 5-9 and 10-14. Blue Bridge’s Art Lab program is hosting original art workshops divided into morning and afternoon sessions. In the AM sessions, students will explore Halloween through the works of artists like Francis Bacon and Otto Dix. In the PM sessions, they’ll make 3D works based on the iconography of Mexico’s Day of the Dead. RMB 100 per participant, free for members. 9am-noon, 2-5pm. Blue Bridge CBD and Lido centers
Fri, Oct 31
Happy Halloween Trick-or-Treat for Pets
All ages. Include your pets in the Halloween fun by taking them to ICVS; every pet will receive a Halloween treat and gift (while supplies last). If your pet performs a trick for the staff, they’ll get an extra treat. Free. 9am-6pm. International Center for Veterinary Services
Beijing Riviera Halloween Party
All ages. Here’s one for the Shunyi families: Beijing Riviera is once again hosting a Halloween celebration with a paid buffet (free-flow soft drinks and local beer), games for the kids, trick-or-treating around the compound, and a movie. RMB 238 (adults), RMB 119 (ages 4-12), free for kids under 4. 5pm (trick-or-treating), 6pm (dinner), 6.30pm (movie). Beijing Riviera
Ongoing
Happy Valley Halloween Festival
Ages 10+. From October 11 to November 16, Happy Valley is holding its annual month-long Halloween celebration with spooky decorations, a haunted house, costume parades, ambling ghosts, and scary rides. Leave the younger kids at home for this one! Mon-Fri 9.30am-10pm, Sat-Sun 9am-10pm. Happy Valley Amusement Park
Spooky Dinners
Fri, Oct 31
Aroma Halloween Dinner Buffet
All ages. This "trick-or-treat" buffet features a variety of Halloween treats, spooky desserts, and dishes from China, India, Japan, Southeast Asia, and the West. Prices subject to 15% surcharge. RMB 386 (adults), RMB 198 (kids). 6-10pm. The Ritz-Carlton, Beijing
Promotions and Other Events
Fri, Oct 31 and Sat, Nov 1
No Tricks Just Treats at IDC Dental
All ages. Don’t neglect those teeth! On Halloween and the day after, IDC Dental is offering free candy as well as information for families worried about their child’s dental health. Free. 10am-5pm. IDC Dental
Sat, Nov 1 and Sun, Nov 2
Scary Movie Workshop at Atelier
For teens and adults. Always wanted to make your own horror film? Now you can with Atelier’s post-Halloween, two-day workshop. Participants will write their own script, build their own film set and props, create special effects, act, film, edit, market, and screen a short scary movie. RMB 1,000. 2-6pm. Atelier
Ongoing
Halloween Afternoon Tea – Trick or Treat?
All ages. Throughout October, Conrad Beijing promises an afternoon tea with "gruesome yet tasty" delights. RMB 110 per set (includes pot of organic tea, subject to 15% surcharge). 1.30-5pm. Conrad Beijing
We’ll be updating this list as more events are finalized (many venues hadn’t sorted out their details when we called), so stay tuned for more Halloween fun!
Photo: Casey Fleser (Flickr)
