Christmas Cheer to Reach Full-Throttle at This Year's Hutong Winter Fayre, Dec 14

With eyeball-freezing Siberian winds, a craving for gallons of mulled wine, and the nagging stress that only gift shopping can bring, it must mean that Christmas is just around the corner. Luckily for us, The Hutong Winter Fayre has heard your cries and will take you in its warm bosom on Saturday, Dec 14 at 11am-4pm. The perfect panacea for all that ails you, this beloved annual Fayre sees shoppers huddle together on The Hutong's terrace sipping on steaming cups of spiced wine and browsing some of the finest goods from local sellers.

This year, products on sale include homemade jams, teas, baked goods, and chocolates as well as handmade handicrafts, photography, jewelry, paintings, cards, and more, meaning that you can both get into the holiday cheer while avoiding any potential awkwardness of turning up to Christmas empty-handed.

Meanwhile, notable vendors and organizations will include Naked Butters, Tasty Bites, Taozi Tree, Beijing Postcards, Liuba Draws, Andy’s Craft Sausages, Lost Plate, The Blck Lab, Miss Muesli, Parwaaz, Yellow Pummelo, Rainbow Classroom, MuMu, Miss Tian Sweet Bakery, Wo Baby Basics, Global Environmental Institute, Hutong'er Pie, and Jing-A.

For Morgan O'Hara, managing partner at The Hutong, the appeal of the fayre is obvious: "Though Beijing is a constantly changing city, our Winter Fayre has remained pretty much the same over the years: it's a fun community event that brings together a diverse collection of Beijing's local vendors and small businesses for a day-long celebration of the holiday season. Whether you're looking to buy Christmas gifts or just want to enjoy some delicious food and mulled wine with friends, come by our courtyard for good times and a good dose of holiday spirit."

"The fayre is a special community event, and we feel fortunate we’ll be able to host it again this Christmas season. With so much change happening in the hutongs, it’s a reminder we can’t take things for granted, and so in some ways, it will feel a bit more poignant. Certainly, a gathering for us to cherish and enjoy!” added O'Hara.

So, climb into your trusted pair of long johns, take a bag to stuff full of presents, and make your way over the Beixinqiao hutongs for one of the city's longest-running Christmas festivities.

Join The Hutong's Winter Fayre this Saturday, Dec 14 between 11am and 4pm. Entry is free.

Christmas is a go-go! Browse all of this year's markets, fairs, and dining events here.

Photos courtesy of The Hutong