No-Kids-Allowed Christmas: 8 Parties to Rock Your Stockings
Over the past week or so, we’ve shared plenty of holiday events, from dinners and buffets on Christmas Eve and Christmas day, to various markets and bazaars for all your gifting needs. But what is there for the folks who want to get a little wild? After all, you spent the whole year being nice – if you act a little naughty at this point, it’s probably too late for Santa to return your gifts, right? We’re willing to take our chances.
Dec 12: SantaCon Pub Crawl
SantaCon is coming to town! The annual global fundraising event – in which a bunch of loonies dressed as Santa Claus take to the streets to spread Christmas cheer, drink too much beer, and generally have a merry ol' time – returns to Beijing Dec 12. Per tradition, details remain scant, however, if you scan the QR code in the poster on our event listing, you’ll be among the first to find out where Santa’s sleigh will be throughout the day, and what you can expect from the festivities. In the meantime, check out last year’s exclusive interview with St. Nick. Free. Location & Time TBD
Dec 19: Jing & Tonic Christmas Sparkle Party
The folks behind Beijing’s finest variety show, Jing & Tonic, are back with a special Christmas Sparkle Party at EAST Hotel’s Xian Bar featuring laughs, live music, and a whole lot of tomfoolery. Performers Sunny, Taylor Hartwell, and Bobbi Benet Ramsey will be joined by The Grembles and The Latin Rockers, with DJs Caballe and Boss Cuts spinning throughout the night. What’s more, the whole thing is being sponsored by Slow Boat (and Sherpa’s – damn Jing & Tonic, you’re really comin’ up in the world) who will be doling out BOGO pints of their Zombie Pirate Pale ale for RMB 55 throughout the night. RMB 160 online; RMB 200 at the door. 8.30pm. Xian Bar
Dec 19: The Mac Daddies Christmas Party
Add a little old school swagger to your holiday season with The Mac Daddies, one of Beijing’s most fiercely beloved bands. Expect the ever-expanding jazz-pop troupe to bring their irresistible and vintage charm to contemporary music and audiences rejoicing in style. Hark, these herald angles swing! Free. 9.30pm. The Bricks
Dec 20: Speed Dating at Kakikopi
Most people don’t know this, but Santa’s elves are as handy with matters of the heart as they are wooden horses and dollhouses, and lucky for Beijing’s singles, they’ll be whipping up some of that romantic holiday magic on Dec 20 at Kakikopi’s Fall in Love Under the Mistletoe speed dating luncheon. In fact, we have it on good authority that at least two marriages have resulted from events hosted by the same organizer, so the possibility of finding your soulmate is as real as Santa himself! Following the speed dating portion of the day, there will be a White Elephant gift exchange, so no matter how you slice it, you won’t be going home empty-handed. For more info, scan the QR code in the event listing. RMB 138. 2.30-5.30pm. Kakikopi
Dec 23: Dirty Santa and Ugly Sweater Holiday Party
Camera Stylo is hitting all the holiday party must-haves with their Dirty Santa and Ugly Sweater Holiday Party on Christmas Eve-Eve. From a gift exchange to an ugly sweater contest and holiday games to a cookie exchange, it’ll be like every Christmas party you’ve ever attended all rolled into one. Free. 7pm. Camera Stylo
Dec 24 & 24: Frozen Party at Yin on 12
The kiddos will be sad to miss out on this one. On Dec 24 and Dec 25, the city’s Elsas, Annas, and Olafs will descend on New World Beijing Hotel’s rooftop bar Yin on 12 as it transforms into the Kingdom of Arenedelle for a Frozen Christmas party. There will be a DJ to help you stay warm on the dance floor, plus an artificial snow scene and free flow Mamm Champagne, red and white wine, beer, juice, and soft drinks. Purchase your tickets by Dec 20 via New World Beijing Hotel’s official WeChat account (ID: newworldbeijinghotel) and get an RMB 30 discount. RMB 168 early bird; RMB 198. 8pm-1am. Yin on 12
Dec 25: Back to the Jazz Age
RE Bicycle Cafe is teaming up with the hepcats over at Blue Note to bring you Back to the Jazz Age, a unique night of food, drinks, dancing, and of course, jazz. While the event doesn’t say anything about dressing up in your flapper and sheik best, we would highly encourage it, because why the hell not? They didn’t call ‘em the Roaring 20s for nothing, folks. After you work up a real hunger dancing the foxtrot, enjoy a buffet filled with salmon sashimi, pan-fried snapper with Champagne sauce, Thai salad, BBQ roasted pork, pasta, and of course, the requisite Christmas turkey, plus plenty of drinks and dessert to make for a truly decadent evening. RMB 398 early bird; RMB 598. 7:30-10pm. RE
Dec 25: St. Domingo Christmas Party
And of course, it wouldn’t be a holiday – or any weekend in Beijing for that matter – without some thumping bass and dance madness. If that’s your speed, then St. Domingo’s got what you need with their Christmas Party featuring live DJs and a twerk performance. We’re not entirely sure what that will entail, but hey, ’tis the season! Whereas entrance for dudes is RMB 80 – which includes one free drink – ladies are as free as Rudolph 364 days a year. RMB 80. 4.30pm-late. St. Domingo
READ: O Christmas Tree: Where To Find a Real Tree in Beijing
Images: Murad, SantaCon, Fan Pop, Steven McKinney, Photo Hoteam (via Unsplash), Camera Stylo, Disney, Jazziz.com, DigitalDJTips
