As magnolias burst into bloom and winter clothes are put away, it’s once again time for to celebrate the annually-sanctioned chocolate coma that is Easter. Like many western holidays, the go-to activity is a Sunday brunch where kids can run around while the grownups tuck into a lavish buffet spread. Several events will have chocolate egg hunts, a guest appearance from the Easter Bunny, and Easter crafts. All events are on Sunday, April 5 and hotel brunches carry a 15 percent surcharge unless otherwise noted.
Hotel Brunches
Hunting for a Sweet Easter
All ages. The Four Seasons’ Opus Lounge hosts an Easter brunch with an Easter egg hunt and dishes like traditional Easter lamb, pork roast, organic carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, and more. The hotel also offers Easter afternoon tea for RMB 248 per person and chocolate eggs at Opus Gourmet for RMB 38-148. RMB 488 (including soft drinks), RMB 548 (including free-flow house wine and local beer), RMB 220 (ages 6-12), free for kids under 6. 11.30am-3pm. Beijing Four Seasons Hotel
Easter at the Waldorf Astoria Beijing
All ages. Brasserie 1893 hosts a family-oriented Easter brunch with sparkling, red, and white wine pairings available for grownups. There’s also a themed afternoon tea at Peacock Alley (RMB 388+ per person) and Easter treats available at Patisserie Couture. 11.30am-3pm. RMB 688 per person.
Easter Day Celebration at the Kempinski
All ages. For Easter, Kranzler’s will have bunnies, colored eggs, an egg hunt in the garden, special prizes, and photo ops with the Easter Bunny. Each family is entitled to free brunch for one child (age 10 and under). Until April 5, Kempi Deli will also have traditional pastries like Simnel cake, hot cross buns, and bunny bread for sale. RMB 498 (without champagne), RMB 598 (with free-flow Mumm champagne), RMB 248 (ages 6-12). 11.30am-3pm.
Easter Sunday Brunch at the St. Regis Beijing
All ages. To celebrate the return of spring, the St. Regis is hosting an Easter egg hunt at Garden Court and a champagne brunch with hundreds of choices. Kids can also make their own chocolate eggs and decorate cupcakes with pastry chefs at Rui. RMB 588 per person, RMB 294 (ages 4-10), free for kids under 4. 11.30am-3pm. The St. Regis Beijing
Asia Bistro EGG-CITING Easter Brunch
All ages. Enjoy grilled seafood, roasted salmon, hot cross buns, chocolate Easter eggs and more. RMB 498 (adults), half-price for ages 3-12. 11.30am-3.30pm. JW Marriott
FEAST Easter Sunday Brunch
All ages. FEAST offers a wide selection of seafood, meats, and desserts, with a visit from the Easter Bunny and an egg painting station for the kids. RMB 428 (includes free-flow wine, beer, juice, and soft drinks), RMB 488 (includes free-flow Mumm champagne).11.30am-3.30pm. EAST Beijing
“Share of Love” Easter Bunny Brunch at Aroma
All ages. Aroma hosts a brunch, egg hunting, egg and spoon races, a petting zoo with real bunnies on the terrace, and Peter Rabbit toys as prizes. In addition, the hotel is inviting the Golden Wings Charity School t’nho present an exhibition called “Design an Easter Egg” at Aroma. All products are hand-painted by autistic children, with all proceeds going to the school. RMB 598 (includes free-flow champagne), RMB 298 (ages 6-12), free for kids under 6. 11.30am-3pm. The Ritz-Carlton, Beijing
Hop to Kerry’s Easter Sunday Brunch
All ages. Continue the egg-based puns at Kerry Hotel, with face painting, family photos, egg painting with panda mascot Jiabao, and Easter egg hunting. RMB 538 (includes free-flow champagne, wine, beer, and Easter cocktails), RMB 229 for kids (includes access to the Adventure Zone). 11.30am-3.30pm. Kerry Hotel Beijing
Dream Land Easter Brunch
All ages. VIC is hosting Easter Sunday brunch with supervised activities like a colorful egg hunt, clown show, and drawing corner. RMB 420 (includes French beer, wine, or Patrick Font juice), RMB 520 (free-flow of aforementioned drinks and half bottle of champagne), RMB 620 (free-flow of all), free for kids under 6. 11.30am-3pm. Swissotel Beijing
Bunnies, Eggs and More!
All ages. Matrix’s Easter brunch features a petting zoo with rabbits in the lobby, face painting, Polaroid photos, a kids’ corner, and a buffet feast. RMB 388, free for kids under 6. 11.30am-3pm. Crowne Plaza Beijing Lido
Non-Hotel Brunches
Easter Sunday Brunch at the Great Wall 2015
All ages. The Brickyard hosts an Easter Sunday brunch at the Great Wall with an egg hunt and face painting for kids between 11am and 2pm. The food selection includes Easter ham, cassoulet, shaobing, seasonal vegetables, lemon tarts, and more. Weather permitting, there will also be live jazz on the yoga terrace. Meal tickets must be purchased by Friday, April 3 on Yoopay. RMB 268 (adults), RMB 138 (ages 4-12), free for kids under 4. 11am-3pm. The Brickyard Inn and Retreat
Zarah Easter Sunday Brunch
All ages. This newly-reopened Gulou fixture is hosting an Easter brunch with a buffet downstairs and children’s activities upstairs. There will be colored eggs, Easter dishes, an egg hunt, and activities led by a kindergarten teacher. RMB 198 (brunch with one coffee or juice), RMB 248 (brunch with Prosecco, wine, one coffee or juice), RMB 50 (all-you-can-eat buffet and activities for kids aged 2-12, includes one hot chocolate or juice). 9am-5pm. Zarah
Bubbly Easter Brunch at FACTORY
All ages. FACTORY’s Easter brunch features two- or three-course set menus with dishes like grilled rack of lamb, seared tuna, honey parfait, white chocolate cheesecake, and more. RMB 200 (two courses), RMB 250 (three courses), RMB 350 (two courses with free-flow champagne or beer), RMB 400 (three courses with free-flow champagne or beer). 11.30am-4pm. FACTORY
Other Events
Comptoirs de France Easter Egg Hunt
Ages 2-12. Comptoirs de France’s annual Easter egg hunt is once again being held at the East Lake Villas branch. All you have to do is register your child at this location before the hunt. There will be two sessions, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. Free. 9am-12.30pm, 2-5pm. Comptoirs de France (East Lake Villas)
Easter Sunday Service
All ages. The River of Grace Church is hosting a religious program for the entire family, including classes for kids of all ages and an Easter egg hunt after the service. Free. 10am-noon. The River of Grace Church
Easter Eggstravaganza
All ages. NCC’s Easter Carnival includes prizes, crafts, face painting, balloon animals, and a large Easter egg hunt. Sandwiches, pizzas, and Easter desserts are also available from the onsite café. RMB 50. 11am-1pm. The New City Center
Photos: Courtesy of NCC, The Brickyard, Zarah, Atelier, and Waldorf Astoria
