Mulled Wine and Stocking Stuffers Await at Dec 8's Hutong Winter Fayre
The eyeball-freezing Siberian winds, hunger for gallons of mulled wine, and the nagging stress that only delayed Christmas present shopping can bring means that it must be time once again for The Hutong Winter Fayre. Luckily, as with every year past, this Saturday's event (Dec 8, 11am-4pm) is the perfect panacea for all of the above ails, as shoppers huddle together on The Hutong's terrace sipping on steaming cups of spiced wine and browsing some of the finest goods from local sellers.
This year, products that will be on sale span homemade jams, teas, baked goods, and chocolates as well as handmade handicrafts, photography, jewelry, paintings, cards, and more, meaning that you can both get into the holiday cheer while avoiding any potential awkwardness of turning up to Christmas empty-handed.
Notable vendors and organizations will include Naked Butters, Strictly Cookies, Tasty Bites, Taozi Tree, Beijing Postcards, Liuba Draws, Andy’s Craft Sausages, Sherry’s Pancakes, and Nani’s Creations (click here for a full list).
Morgan O'Hara, managing partner at The Hutong, told the Beijinger why he thinks the event is so special: "Though Beijing is a constantly changing city, our Winter Fayre has remained pretty much the same over the years: it's a fun community event that brings together a diverse collection of Beijing's local vendors and small businesses for a day-long celebration of the holiday season. Whether you're looking to buy Christmas gifts or just want to enjoy some delicious food and mulled wine with friends, come by our courtyard for good times and a good dose of holiday spirit."
The event had a scare last year whereby the fate of The Hutong hung in the balance just prior to the fayre. The venue was ordered to rejig their terrace. After that fright, O'Hara expressed his relief, saying, “The fayre is a special community event, and we feel fortunate we’ll be able to host it again this Christmas season. With so much change happening in the hutongs, it’s a reminder we can’t take things for granted, and so in some ways, it will feel a bit more poignant. Certainly, a gathering for us to cherish and enjoy!”
Luckily nothing so exciting has happened this year, so climb into your trusted pair of long johns, take a bag to stuff full of presents, and make your way over the Beixinqiao hutongs for one of the city's longest-running Christmas events.
Join The Hutong's Winter Fayre this Saturday, Dec 3 between 11am and 4pm. Entry is free.
Photos courtesy of The Hutong
