Christmas At The Flick Of A Switch: Tree Lightings Galore!
When we were kids we remember seeing reports about Christmas tree lightings on the news, or on some shows about celebrities. They always looked amazing. The tree was huge, there was always a baying crowd counting down for the lights to go on like their lives depended on it, and the switcher-on was always someone really famous, like a boy band or a kids' TV presenter. Sometimes it was even someone who was really actually famous, like a footballer. But these exciting events only seemed to happen on the telly, or in the biggest of big cities. We looked on, thinking we'd never get the chance to watch the lights get switched on live.
We're not sure what's changed, but now, in Beijing, we actually get invited to Christmas tree lightings! So many that we can hardly count. Not all are open to the public, but a good few of them are, so we've put together all the details for you in one handy roundup of Christmas tree lightings. Most do not require a reservation/RSVP but please do contact the venues ahead of time just in case.
Nov 27 (and Dec 4, 11, 18 and 24)
6pm | Kempinski Hotel Beijing Lufthansa Centre
You don't need a ticket, just a bit o' holiday cheer. The Kempinski really get into Christmas this year, with five separate events. The tree will be lit on Nov 27, but there'll be a "warm celebration" on the three subsequent Sundays and Christmas Eve. Expect adorable carollers (Choir Deutsche Kantorei), cookies, mulled wine and German Christmas stollen. Contact 6465 3388 ext 4200 for more information.
Dec 1
6.30pm | Sofitel Beijing Wanda
Completely open to the public, this promises to be a heartwarming affair with cookies, drinks and of course, the sort of Christmas tree you could never fit inside the house. Contact 8599 6666 for more information.
Dec 1
6.30pm | Westin Beijing Chaoyang
If you've ever dreamed of cruising down cobblestones on the back of a candy-apple red Vespa, this is the lighting for you. Not only is there a glorious tree, all attendants have the chance to win a trip to Rome. Understandably, reservations are essential. Contact Ms. Lyn Mao on 5922 8888 ext 8007. Dress code: smart casual.
Dec 2
6pm | Westin Beijing Financial Street
Held in the plush Lobby Lounge, this tree lighting has an optional buffet dinner in Senses afterwards (RMB 398+15%). And if you've ever been to the Westin Financial Street, you know it'll be a damn decent feed. Contact Ms. Natasha Ma on 6629 7522 or natasha.ma@westin.com for more information and reservations for dinner tickets.
Dec 3
5.30pm | Hilton Beijing
Three events in one! Shop for holiday gifts at the Christmas Charity Bazaar (2-8pm), and stop by the lobby to witness the Christmas Tree lighting. The lighting ceremony will get off to a start with the launch of the Hilton's famous Christmas Train at 5.30pm, with all proceeds from events going to Project Hope Schools. Contact Ms. Betty Zhang at betty.zhang@hilton.com for more information.
If you're less interested in tree lightings but like the sound of Christmas charity bazaars like the Hilton's, click through for a full roundup of all the bazaars taking place in the coming weeks.
Photos: Courtesy of Kempinski Beijing Lufthansa Centre, Westin Beijing Chaoyang, Westin Beijing Financial Street, Hilton Beijing and Flickr user matt_in_a_field
