It’s the holiday season, and if there’s one Christmas thing that’s surprisingly difficult to do in Beijing it’s getting a photo with a proper Santa Claus. No disrespect to all those putting in the festive effort, but a Taobao-purchased Santa suit on a young guy wearing a beard that’s dangerously close to falling off his face isn’t too impressive.
Over the years, however, there have been at least TWO places in Beijing that have made an effort to create high-quality Santa costumes and find convincing actors to play the merry gift-giver.
The Peninsula Beijing
Every Christmas, the Peninsula’s impressive, gigantic tree is coupled with a festive backdrop and a children’s activity that’s second to none. You make a dessert (that’s different each session) with the hotel’s pastry team, watch a performance by Santa and his helpers, sit down for a storytime by Santa, line up for photos with Santa and his helpers, and receive a holiday gift.
Find it:
8 Jinyu Hutong, Dongcheng District
东城区金鱼胡同8号
Tel: 8516 2888
Right behind the Christmas tree inside the Universal gates is an opportunity to meet Santa in the flesh! Every half hour or so, snap a memorable photo of the kids greeting Santa at this outdoor spot, or head over to Santa’s Cottage for a cozier meet and greet indoors!
Find it:
Northwest corner, Intersection of Huanqiu Dadao and Yirui Donglu, Tongzhou District
通州区环球大道与颐瑞东路交叉口西北角
If you know of other places where kids can meet Santa, leave them in the comments below and help spread the holiday cheer!
Images: The Peninsula Beijing, Mina Yan, Shu Qi
