Best Places to Celebrate Christmas and New Year in Beijing, China

Beijing, the vibrant capital of China, offers a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern festivities for the holiday season. While Christmas isn’t a traditional Chinese holiday, Beijing has embraced the festive spirit with markets, lights, and events. New Year’s in Beijing is equally exciting, as the city gears up to welcome the year with celebrations that reflect its rich culture. Here’s your guide to the best places to visit, dine, and explore during Christmas and New Year in Beijing.

Top Christmas Markets to Visit in Beijing

Although Christmas is more of a cultural celebration in China, Beijing hosts several markets inspired by European traditions. Here are some must-visit markets:

• Beijing Lufthansa Center Christmas Market
  This German-inspired Christmas market at the Lufthansa Center offers traditional holiday food like sausages, pretzels, and mulled wine. You’ll find plenty of festive decor, handmade crafts, and holiday treats, making it one of Beijing’s most popular Christmas markets.

• Solana Lifestyle Shopping Park Christmas Market
  Solana’s Christmas Market is known for its charming decorations, including Christmas lights and a giant Christmas tree. This market has stalls selling holiday gifts, seasonal snacks, and winter clothing, creating a festive atmosphere perfect for holiday shopping.

• Shangri-La Hotel Christmas Market
  The Shangri-La Hotel in Beijing hosts a boutique-style Christmas market with luxury holiday goods, artisanal crafts, and seasonal foods. The market’s elegant setting and warm holiday decorations add a touch of sophistication to the festive experience.

• Taikoo Li Sanlitun Holiday Bazaar
  Located in the trendy Sanlitun area, this market features unique, artisanal gifts and seasonal food stalls. The atmosphere is lively, and the market is surrounded by designer stores, creating a festive shopping experience.

• 798 Art Zone Winter Fair
  The 798 Art Zone transforms during the holidays into a vibrant winter fair, featuring unique handmade items, contemporary art, and local food. The market’s art district location adds an edgy, creative twist to traditional holiday shopping.

Best Restaurants for a Festive Meal

Beijing’s dining scene is eclectic and sophisticated, with many restaurants offering special holiday menus. Here are some top choices for a memorable Christmas or New Year’s meal:

• TRB Forbidden City
  Overlooking the Forbidden City, TRB serves a Western-style holiday menu in an elegant, historic setting. The restaurant’s refined ambiance and festive decor make it a perfect spot for Christmas or New Year’s Eve dinner.

• The Georg by Georg Jensen
  Known for its modern Nordic cuisine, The Georg offers a festive tasting menu using seasonal ingredients. The restaurant’s minimalist decor and cozy ambiance make it a stylish choice for holiday dining.

• Jing Yaa Tang (The Opposite House)
  For a unique experience, Jing Yaa Tang serves a special Peking duck feast for the holidays, blending Beijing’s culinary heritage with festive flair. The upscale setting and expertly prepared dishes make it a standout choice for a holiday meal.

• Morton’s Steakhouse
  For a classic holiday meal, Morton’s Steakhouse offers Western holiday staples like prime rib, seafood, and decadent desserts. Located in central Beijing, it’s a convenient and delicious spot for Christmas or New Year’s dinner.

• Jaan Restaurant (Raffles Beijing Hotel)
  Known for its French cuisine and elegant decor, Jaan offers a festive menu that includes traditional holiday dishes with a gourmet twist. The restaurant’s sophisticated ambiance is perfect for a special celebration.

Enchanting Places to Visit During Christmas Time

Beijing’s landmarks and public spaces take on a festive glow during the holidays, creating a magical atmosphere. Here are some must-visit spots:

• The Great Wall of China (Mutianyu Section)
  A winter visit to the Great Wall offers breathtaking, snow-covered views. The Mutianyu section, with its scenic surroundings, is an ideal spot to take in the beauty of the Great Wall during the holidays, away from the city crowds.

• Wangfujing Street
  Beijing’s popular shopping street, Wangfujing, is beautifully decorated with holiday lights and festive displays. It’s an excellent place for holiday shopping, with luxury brands and local stores offering seasonal specials.

• The Forbidden City
  Visiting the Forbidden City during the winter offers a serene, almost magical experience. Snow often dusts the rooftops of this ancient palace, creating a picturesque backdrop for exploring one of Beijing’s most famous landmarks.

• Houhai Lake Ice Skating
  Houhai Lake transforms into an ice-skating rink during the winter, attracting locals and tourists alike. Renting skates and enjoying the frozen lake is a fun way to experience Beijing’s winter atmosphere.

• CBD’s Christmas Light Displays
  Beijing’s Central Business District (CBD) lights up with impressive Christmas decorations, especially around the CCTV Headquarters and China World Mall. The displays are perfect for a holiday evening stroll.

Celebrating New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in Beijing

New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day in Beijing are celebrated with a mix of modern festivities and traditional practices. Here are some popular places to welcome the New Year:

• The Temple of Heaven
  Visiting the Temple of Heaven on New Year’s Day is a longstanding tradition in Beijing. Many locals come to pray for good fortune and health for the year ahead, making it a meaningful and spiritual way to start the new year.

• The Great Wall Countdown
  The Great Wall hosts a New Year’s Eve countdown event with live music and cultural performances. Watching the sunrise on the Great Wall on New Year’s Day is a memorable experience that combines adventure with tradition.

• Sanlitun Bar Street Countdown
  For a lively New Year’s Eve, head to Sanlitun, where bars and clubs host themed parties and countdown events. The area is known for its nightlife, and the celebratory atmosphere is perfect for welcoming the new year with friends.

• Summer Palace New Year’s Eve Fireworks
  While large fireworks displays are less common in central Beijing, the Summer Palace occasionally hosts smaller fireworks displays for New Year’s Eve. The stunning lake and historic buildings provide a serene backdrop for a winter evening.

• Lama Temple (Yonghe Temple)
  Many people visit the Lama Temple for New Year’s prayers and blessings. This Tibetan Buddhist temple is a beautiful and peaceful place to begin the new year with positive intentions.

Your Beijing Holiday Adventure in Christmas, New Year

• Dress for Cold Weather
  Beijing winters are chilly, so dress in layers and bring a warm coat, gloves, and a hat to stay comfortable while exploring outdoor markets and historical sites.

• Try Traditional Chinese Holiday Foods
  Chinese dumplings (jiaozi) and longevity noodles are commonly eaten during New Year’s celebrations, symbolizing luck and long life. Be sure to try these holiday dishes for an authentic experience.

• Book Ahead for Holiday Events
  Beijing’s holiday events, especially those at high-end restaurants and hotels, can fill up quickly, so make reservations in advance.

With its mix of modern holiday festivities and ancient traditions, Beijing offers a memorable Christmas and New Year’s experience. Whether you’re browsing festive markets, dining at top restaurants, or celebrating New Year’s Day at a historic temple, Beijing provides a unique holiday experience filled with culture and warmth.