Yule Be Sorry If You Miss These: Beijing's 2015 Christmas Bazaars

Each year in mid-November, holiday bazaars galore begin to fill Beijing's social calendar, marking the return of that end-of-year spirit, and this weekend the season goes into full gear with three biggies: WAB, BSB (Shunyi) and The Very Gift in Sanlitun.

Fill your sack with seasonal vibes at one (or more, you fiend!) of these bazaars over the coming weeks!

You can keep track of the full list of these happenings here at thebeijinger.com/events/holiday_bazaar (we'll add 'em as we find 'em), or take a look at some of the highlights here:

Nov 21: WAB Charity Bazaar
This year, at the annual WAB Charity Bazaar, there’ll be a collection of unique gift items, exceptional raffle prizes, Roundabout books, a bake sale, and international food and beverage vendors. There’ll also be DIY projects for the kids and child-minding is offered by WAB’s Grade 12 students. Free. 10.30am-3.30pm. Western Academy of Beijing


Nov 21: Christmas Fayre and German Market
The BSB Parents' Association has organized a traditional German Market at the Shunyi campus: expect traditional wooden huts offering a selection of hot food including wurst, roast pork, pretzels, waffles, hot chocolate, and gluwein. There will also be lots of shops and the school choir. Free. 4-7.30pm. The British School of Beijing (Shunyi)



Nov 22: The Very Gift Holiday Bazaar
The Very Gift Bazaar offers local handcrafts, food, music, mulled wine, and special gifts. The bazaar is also a drop-off point for Roundabout if you’ve got anything you don’t use anymore. Free. 12-6pm. Crossboundaries Architects, Bldg 10, 4 Gongti Beilu, Chaoyang District (above Homeplate BBQ)

Nov 26: Couleurs de Chine Bazaar
The Couleurs de Chine Bazaar kicks off at the Italian Cultural Center Nov 26. Founded in 1998 by Françoise Grenot-Wang, Couleurs de Chine supports the building of schools, dormitory blocks and annexes in the Great Miao mountains of southern China, promoting access to school education for girls, and working to preserve local traditions. A percentage of all sellers' proceeds will go towards sending vulnerable children from the Great Miao Mountains to school. Free. 9am-5pm. Italian Embassy Cultural Office

Nov 26-Dec 2: French Christmas Market
Association ZeroDistance has organized a French Christmas Market for the third time in a row, with surprises, stands, activities, and gifts. The more the merrier, and the market is open for an entire week! Free. 9am-7pm. Shimao Department Store


Nov 28: 3e Christmas Bazaar
3e International School’s Christmas Bazaar is family friendly: expect fun games and activities for the entire family, a bake sale, festive foods and drinks, and special holiday gifts for the coming season. Free. 10am-12pm. 3e International School


Nov 28: BIBS Winter Bazaar 2015
Beanstalk International Bilingual School invites the festive among us to the BIBS annual Winter Charity Bazaar on the Shunyi Campus. The event is a non-profit function, with all proceeds being donated to cooperating NGOs. There’ll be candy, toys, drinks, food, souvenirs, gifts, wine, decorations, and more. Free. 11am-4pm. Beanstalk International Bilingual School


Nov 28: German Charity Christmas Bazaar
The beloved annual German Charity Christmas Bazaar is back, with a new admission concept. Tickets are RMB 100, but include vouchers for every beverage or food item sold at the bazaar. As always, proceeds go to carefully selected charity projects. Don’t forget to bring your passport. RMB 100 (adults), RMB 25 (children). 11am-6pm. German Embassy Beijing


Nov 28: BCIS Christmas Bazaar 2015
Beijing City International School and the Migrant Children’s Foundation are working together on their Christmas Bazaar once again this year. Activities include family-friendly games, activities, a prize raffle, a live stage show, and more. Free. 11am-3pm. Beijing City International School


Nov 28-Dec 31: Traditional Christmas Train and Village
The Hilton Christmas Train and Village is back again, promoting social responsibility. It has brought compassion, healing, and hopes to countless children in need for the last five years. Expect booths full of Christmas goods. Free. 6-8pm. Hilton Beijing
 

Nov 29: Christmas Fayre at BSB Sanlitun
The British School of Beijing is also hosting a Christmas market at their Sanlitun campus with games set up in the gym and plenty of international cuisine on offer for those who are hungry. This is a great option for families with children as there's tons of children's activities. Free. 10.30am-3pm. The British School of Beijing (Sanlitun)


Dec 9: Winter Fayre at Harrow Beijing
Get into the festive mood with Harrow Beijing at their annual charity winter fayre, visitors will be able to catch up on their Christmas shopping and enjoy warm drinks and seasonal snacks. Free. 2.30-4.30pm. Harrow International School Beijing


Dec 12: The Hutong’s Christmas Fayre
The Hutong will continue its tradition of hosting the year’s last Christmas Bazaar with a bazaar full of vin brule, homemade jams, teas, baked goods, chocolates, handicrafts, photography, jewelry, paintings, and unique holiday cards. Free. 11am-4pm. The Hutong

Dec 13: Kid-Run Charity Bazaar
This bazaar, run by Ganeinu International School is run for families with children. There'll be books, toys, food, baked goods, games, holiday surprises, and plenty of festive cheer. Booth hosting is open to all children and their families. Free. 11am-4pm. Dini's Kosher Restaurant 

If this avalanche of bazaars can't get you in the mood for Christmas then nothing will!