Bazaar Beijing: 2012 Holiday Shopping Starts Early

Holiday shopping is back and so is Beijing's expat tradition of Christmas bazaars and fairs. Serving as an unofficial kick-off to the holiday season, the gift-buying events also serve as a handy reminder that we need to shop early if we plan on shipping anything back home in time for Christmas. For the next month and a half, if you want to pick up something a bit nicer than what's available at Yashow and the Silk Market, you have plenty of events to choose from.

Mon, Nov 5 and Tue, Nov 6
Embassy House Early Bird Bazaar
Will feature vendors like Tai Tai, Desert Diamonds, Little Tackers, Shangri-La Botanicals, Sheets & Duvets by Gustavo, and more. The event will benefit Magic Hospital and other charities, and serve as a donation drop-off point for Roundabout on both days. Nominal charge at the door for charity. 10am-4pm. Embassy House (6415 4724)

Thu, Nov 15
Bling It on Again Private Sale
Browse for jewelry, artwork, textiles, gifts, and more in Hegezhuang. Combine the trip with a massage at Green T. House Living’s spa facilities, or enjoy one of the restaurant’s cutting-edge culinary creations (reservations required). Free. 10am-4pm. Green T. House Living (8456 4922 ext 8)

So French Bazaar at Le Petit Gourmand
Are you a Francophile? You’re in luck! Couleurs de Chine is holding a French-inspired bazaar with 16 exhibitors. They’ll be selling clothes, jewelry, bags, accessories, artwork, home decorations, jams, and more. Free. 10am-4pm. Le Petit Gourmand (cdcbeijing@gmail.com)

Sat, Nov 17
River Garden Clubhouse Winter Bazaar
This event attracts around 500 people annually. This year, around 30 vendors are expected to be selling their wares. Proceeds will benefit charities like The Starfish Project, which helps exploited women obtain alternative employment through jewelry-making. Free. 10am-4pm. River Garden Clubhouse (8046 1918)

Christmas Charity Bazaar
The Children’s House’s Kempinski campus hosts a morning of festive shopping, with all proceeds donated to Little Flower Projects. RMB 20. 10am-noon. The Children’s House International Montessori Kindergarten (6465 1305)

Sun, Nov 18
The Gift Charity Bazaar
One of Beijing's oldest expat bazaars, Stage One Productions, is back with their charity bazaar at CISB. Imploring visitors to “say no to silk robes and fake Rolexes,” the organization scours Beijing for unique gifts that are appropriate for all ages. There will also be live music, food, and DIY Christmas crafts. RMB 10 (adults), free for kids under 10. 10am-4pm. Canadian International School of Beijing (6465 7788)

Sat, Nov 24
WAB Parent Link Charity Bazaar
WAB’s annual charity bazaar is back! Organized by Parent Link, this event will benefit New Hope Foundation and Yearn to Learn. Free. 10.30am-3pm. Western Academy of Beijing (charitylink@wab.edu)

Sat, Nov 24 and Sun, Nov 25
Rotary Club of Beijing Holiday Bazaar
Highlights of this hotly anticipated two-day event include over 90 vendors, performances, Christmas carols, a raffle draw, a Christmas tree lighting, a kids’ corner, free wine tastings, and more. Free. 11am-5pm. Kempinski Hotel (139 1072 9087, rotaryclubbeijing@gmail.com)

Sat, Dec 1
German Christmas Charity Bazaar
This annual event is organized by a group of German women who meet up periodically for charity projects. They produce items like needlework, Advent wreaths, biscuits, and other handicrafts for the bazaar. Get there early and don't be surprised to see a line stretched around the block. (Passport required for entry). Free. 11am-5pm. German Embassy Beijing (186 1185 5970, monikagossler@yahoo.de)

BCIS Christmas Bazaar 2012
This year’s bazaar features over 70 vendors with a range of products, live music and performances, a children’s corner and entertainment, raffle draws, a Christmas tree lighting, wine tasting, an appearance by Santa Claus, and more. Free. 10am-4pm. Beijing City International School (8771 7171)

Hilton Beijing: Christmas Charity Bazaar
The annual even will have an array of Christmas goodies, treats, a visit by jolly old St. Nick himself and even the gorgeous Ms. World 2012 Wenxia Yu. The bazaar will end with the lighting of the Hilton's Christmas tree at 5.30pm. RSVP at Sue.Su@hilton.com. Free.
2pm. Hilton Beijing

Sun, Dec 9
The British School of Beijing’s Christmas Fayre
Get into the Christmas spirit with BSB’s annual Christmas Fayre; all the money raised goes to local charities supported by the school. Free. RMB 10 (adults), free for kids. 11am-3pm. The British School of Beijing, Sanlitun Campus (8532 5320)

Sat, Dec 15
The Hutong’s Winter Fayre
Billing itself as “the last Christmas bazaar of the year,” this one’s for all the stragglers and last-minute shoppers. Find piping-hot vin brulé, homemade jam, tea, cheeses, handicrafts, photography, jewelry, and more. Free. 11am-3pm. The Hutong (6404 3355)

Photo: Greatlakefilms.com