Christmas Tree Lightings For That Festive Feel

In the West, Christmas means carols, puddings, TV specials, trees, shopping and, of course, presents. There are also Christmas pop songs – my personal favourites are John Lennon’s "Happy Christmas (War Is Over)" and Mariah Carey’s "All I Want for Christmas Is You." In England, goose is traditionally the favoured bird, while there is a semi-ironic observance among Britain’s youth that Christmas spirit doesn’t officially start until we see Coca Cola’s ‘Holidays Are Coming’ advert on TV.

Another Yuletide festivity that warms the heart and helps softens the bitter cold is the switching on of Christmas lights. Over the next month, several of these tree-lighting events will be brightening up Beijing. Expect mulled wine, children’s choirs, Christmas cakes and treats – there’s nothing better to get into the festive spirit.

Here's a list of Christmas tree lightings that are open to the public:

Kerry Hotel
November 30 (Friday). 6.30pm.

This is the Kerry Hotel's first Christmas tree lighting, so expect them to pull out all the stops.

Hilton Beijing
December 1 (Saturday). 5.30pm.

Santa Claus and Miss World in the same room? It just might happen. That unlikely matchup will round off an afternoon of gift-buying at the Hilton's traditional Christmas bazaar. Look out for our sister magazine beijingkids at the bazaar.

Kempinski Hotel
December 2, 9, 16, 23 (Sundays), 24 (Monday). 6:00pm. December 25. 12.30pm.

The Kempinski loves a good Tannenbaum-lighting. So much so that they're giving you multiple opportunities to enjoy glühwein, Christmas carols and festive fun in the lobby.

JW Marriott
December 6 (Thursday). 6.30pm.

Christmas carols and festive drinks will be the order of the day at the JW Marriott's tree lighting.

InterContinental Financial Street
December 7 (Friday). 5pm.

The InterContinental Financial Street ensures that westsiders aren't left out of the tree-lighting merriment. They'll be throwing open its doors for an evening of warm refreshments, music and the arboreal illuminations.

Photo: Dailymail.co.uk