He, He, Hello, Santa!

Now that we’ve officially passed Halloween and Thanksgiving, normal Christmas fans are happy to start spreading the merriness around. (Look, we don’t mind that you played Christmas music in October, but it’s just quirky. Dub yourself a Christmas superstar.)

Nothing makes a Western-style Christmas complete like an appearance of Santa Claus – even the Grinch was inspired by his giving and acted as Santa in Whoville!

Here's Where to Find Him in Beijing

meet santa

Meet Santa, Dec 4
All ages. Stop by the Roundabout Community Centre for a photo, gingerbread decorating, Christmas card making, and a treasure hunt with the jolly man himself! A minimum RMB 100 donation is requested to support children in need. 10am-4pm. Roundabout, Yuyang West Road, Off Anhua Lu (Behind Yosemite Villa Compound) 众爱商店，顺义区榆阳路（优山美地别墅后街，从安华路转入). 137 1877 7761 (English), 137 1805 3814 (Chinese).

bca

Christmas Charity Bazaar at Beijing Collegiate Academy, Dec 10
Enjoy indoor activities for all ages, student performances, over 20 Christmas shopping stalls and a visit from Santa at the Beijing Collegiate Academy International School’s Christmas Charity Bazaar. Free. 10am-4pm. Beijing Collegiate Academy

French market

French Christmas Market, Dec 10-11
All ages. Meet Santa and enjoy French crafts, carols concert, kids activities, and plenty of delicious cuisine. Free. 10am-9pm. Phoenix Center Mall, Sanyuanqiao. Wechat: Assozerodistance

If you’re a parent who isn’t comfortable with Santa and glad he’s hard to be found in Beijing, here are some tips if you happen to spot him around town:

Teach kids about the historical St. Nicholas and explain the current cultural Santa.
Explain that parents and Santa are playing a game with their kids, and they can play along while these kids are around.
Remind kids not to say, “He’s not real!” when friends ask, “What do you want from Santa?” It’s OK to respond, “For Christmas, I want (fill in the blank),” to avoid the asking child from experiencing pre-Christmas trauma.

Just because you’re not a fan of the big red guy doesn’t mean you can’t have fun, too. Beijing is busting wtih Christmas bazaars, and plenty of places to ice skate are open during weekdays.

Photos: Courtesy of BCA, Roundabout, and Zero Distance