Christmas Cheer Once Again Overfloweth in Ye Olde Beijing

Though Christmas itself is still 12 days away, Beijing's expat circles tend to clear out over the holidays and thus this weekend is the last big blast of public holiday cheer before people board planes or nestle into their hutongs for private celebrations with close friends and family.

Here's how to get your Ho Ho Hos this weekend in the 'Jing:

Today (Dec 13): The Hutong Fayre
The Hutong is the place to be for intimate Beijing holiday jollies with a artisinal twist. Participating vendors include: BJ Postcards, Great Leap Brewery, Little Animal Knitwear, Puddington Pies, Tai Tai, TooToo Organic Farm, Shangrila Farms, Rager Pies, Cuju, Sweet Tooth Bakery and more.

Today & Tonight (Dec 13): Santacon
If dressing up as Santa and bar-hopping your way around the city is your idea of fun, you'll want to go to Santacon. The event kicks off at 11:30am at Sugar Shack in Wudaoku, 4 Corners in Gulou and The Brick in Shuangjing, with the event continuing throughout the day. The party ends at Parlor, featuring a special performance by Tavey Lean and the Solid Gold Dream Machine.

Today and Tomorrow (Dec 13 & 14): beijingkids Mini Christmas Fair with Santa
Unfortunately the reservations-only beijingkids' Santa On Ice is already sold out, but we're coupling that event with a free mini Christmas Fair by the Tiffany & Co. Store in the China World Mall to get our readers into the holiday spirit. From 10am-4pm, Santa will be there for portraits, along with a bouncy castle and a live pony for the kids. Hot beverages will be supplied by VCleanse; Eatalia will be there with crepes, paninis, hot wine and hot chocolate. Other vendors inlude Big Bear Cookies, Truefitt & Hill, Laurent Falcon, Papabubble and others.

Today (Dec 13): ICVS's holiday for pets and their people
Pet owners know that it's downright cruel to leave Fido and Fifi out of the annual holiday cheer, and Beijingers are lucky to have ICVS to throw a party for pets and their human owners. Treats, raffles and a bunch of other surprises await all species.

Today (Dec 13): The Wine Republic Christmas Warehouse Sales
Tis the season to be jolly, as they say, and nothing makes you jollier than great deals on fine wine. The Local and The Wine Republic are teaming up to offer a wide selection of fine wines at warehouse prices. Finger food and tastings will be on hand; entrance to the event is RMB 100 but that charge will be credited to any wine purchases over RMB 800. Stock up for your own holiday meals or score a case to knock off half the names from your Christmas gift list in one fell swoop!

Today (Dec 13): Teddy Bear Tea at the Ritz-Carlton
This tradition celebrated by The Ritz-Carlton worldwide is a great way to create timeless memories for the kids. A life-sized teddy bear will be on hand along with toys for guests and an elegant afternoon tea featuring games and legendary holiday tales told by a story-teller.

Today and Tonight (Dec 13): Aotu Studio's Christmas party
There will be food, drinks, music and a Secret Santa gift exchange at Aotu Studio, the minimalist hair cuttery-cum-cultural hub. Please bring a small gift (50 RMB max) to put around the Christmas tree and then Santa will pass out the gifts at the end of the evening.

Tonight (Dec 13): Internations Christmas Party
Join Beijing's biggest networking organization for their year-end Christmas bash at the Fairmont Hotel. Canapes, Christmas shopping, a DJ and more.

Tonight (Dec 13): Party with Ivy League Alums
Special drinks and more will be on hand at 8mm for Columbia alums, their Ivy League pals and friends. Dance the night away and get in some quality networking at the same time.

Daily through Dec 25: Meet the real Santa
If you're over on the west side of town (or care to venture there), the "real" Santa Claus is at the InterContinental Beijing Financial Street each evening from 6pm to 8pm to tell stories, give out candies, take pictures and of course take toy requests.

Tomorrow (Dec 14): Farm to Neighbors Christmas Markets
Farm to Neighbors is camping out at Culture Yard for the Christmas season. Beyond the usual Sunday offerings of fresh organic produce, artisanal French cheese, authentic Tibetan yogurt, and traditional rice wine, you'll be able to find last-minute holiday food and gift items such as specialty coffees and teas, seasonal homemade pies and jams, natural skincare products, and professional handcrafted gifts.

Tomorrow (Dec 14): The Great Canadian Christmas Luncheon 2014
The annual Great Canadian Christmas takes place once again this Sunday. Warmth and laughter will fill the air as Santa Claus arrives with gifts for all boys and girls.