Enjoy the best that Beijing has to offer to families this weekend. As always, click the link in the event title or scan the QR codes for further details and ticketing info.
Friday, Nov 27
Opening Day of Christmas Charity Market at Kempinski Hotel Beijing
For years, the German Embassy Christmas market has been known as the festive market to attend. Due to COVID-19, the embassy will not be hosting this year, but the Kempinski Hotel is stepping up to the plate and putting on a three-day extravaganza that will surely satisfy even die-hard fans. Friday marks the opening of the market, which will feature more than 50 vendors of food, drinks, gift ideas, and decor. There will be plenty of free activities for the kids, as well as a dedicated holiday-themed movie room, playroom, and cookie decorating station. Families can take advantage of the professional photographer for an updated holiday portrait, and don’t worry parents, there will be enough Glühwein for everyone. Best of all, kids under 12 are free on Friday and Sunday. Half price for kids aged 6 to 12 on Saturday.
5-9pm. Kempinski Hotel Beijing. RMB 100, Early Bird: RMB 88
Thanksgiving Weekend at Qianmen Kitchen by BSK
Enjoy an Asian-spiced Thanksgiving feast at Qianmen Kitchen by BSK, the new location from renowned local cooking school and restaurant Black Seasame Kitchen. Feast on delicious fusion Thanksgiving appetizers, mains (including a huge turkey, of course), and desserts. Kids will love the special screening of A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving and A Looney Tunes Thanksgiving along with plenty of other fun activities. Afterward, why not take a stroll through the restored Sanli River park and explore the ancient Qianmen neighborhood. Reservations are essential.
11.30am-9.30pm. Qianmen Kitchen by BSK. RMB 228 / RMB 138 kids under 12.
Saturday, Nov 28
This Saturday, 3e International School is hosting a fun charity walk, where families can explore the Lido neighborhood in either a short (1.1km) or long (1.7km) course while completing fun challenges and activities along the way. All proceeds will go to Living Water Children’s House, a non-profit organization that provides medical care, rehabilitation, and a supportive family environment for orphaned children, specializing in supporting those with serious medical conditions and disabilities. All are welcome, and this can serve as a good opportunity to learn more about 3e International School if you are interested in enrolling your kids. There will also be snacks and drinks available for purchase.
From 10am. 3e International School. RMB 88/family pre-registration, RMB 100/family on the day.
The 4th Period Lesson: Thinking Routines
Thinking… something that happens automatically, right? Wrong. Whether we realize it or not, we actually learn how to think from infancy onwards based on a wide range of social cues. Learning to think well is even more essential for kids in today’s constantly changing world, a concept that will be developed during this two-part online course led by Dr. Paul Epstein. Epstein is a Montessori teacher and professor with more than 40 years of experience, and the co-author of The Montessori Way, a definitive work on the Montessori experience. During the course, he will describe thinking routines that can be used by teachers in the classroom and by parents in their homes. The course will also introduce an additional, new set of routines that Dr. Epstein calls “the 4th-period lesson.” Whether your child is at a Montessori school or you are just interested in broadening their educational experience, this is a great opportunity to learn from one of the industry’s best.
8-9pm. Online. RMB 89.
Sunday, Nov 29
You’ve heard of Mozart’s The Magic Flute, but what about a Christmas flute? At this fun Christmas workshop, kids aged 3-6 will be introduced to the flute (also known as the recorder), which is a classic among entry-level instruments for children, as it is perfect for small hands and also for the lip muscles of children. Every child will be given their own high-quality recorder to take home afterward, a special early Christmas present.
10.30am-12pm. Solana Shopping Center. RMB 220.
The Dowager and the Dynasty: A Walk and Discussion at the Summer Palace
Here’s one for families with older kids: a vivid discussion and walk through the beautiful grounds of the Summer Palace, learning all about the Dowager Empress Cixi. Hosted by The Hutong and led by expert tour guide and historian Jeremiah Jenne, on this walk you’ll learn all about one of the most notorious figures in Modern Chinese history, and how she ruled China for nearly half a century. Jenne has a great knack for digging out juicy stories and details to really bring history alive, so this is sure to be a fascinating day. The walk will last about three hours so it’s best to leave the very young kids at home.
Need to keep the kids occupied over winter? Take look at these Beijing Camps for Dec 2020 – Jan 2021
Images: Courtesy of the event organizers, Pexels,
