Editor's note

The wait is over - Christmas finally arrives on Wednesday. On this holiday that is so strongly associated with family togetherness, parents should not miss this opportunity to take their children out to enjoy Christmas in Beijing at an amusement park, a snow festival or a lively performance. There are options for lovers who want to celebrate a romantic Christmas; meanwhile, singles may be able to give themselves the best gift of all by finding a date. To find out the best places for families to enjoy a fun Christmas, read on.

▶Amusement Parks

Shijingshan Amusement Park

Spend a thrilling Christmas at a theme park. There are lots of classic rides for families, such as the Ferris wheel, a two-story carousel, the giant swing and loop-the-loop roller coasters.

When: Dec 24, 9 am-4:30 pm

Where: Beijing Shijingshan Amusement Park, No.25 Shijingshan Lu, Shijingshan district

Cost: 10 yuan

Contact: 6887-4060

Happy Valley

If approached with the right frame of mind, Christmas can be just as romantic as Valentine's Day. Instead of being trapped at a boring party or sitting silently in a dark cinema, add some excitement to your relationship with a trip to Happy Valley Amusement Park, which is currently decorated with a snow and ice carnival theme. Couples can clutch each other when trying out roller coasters and other thrilling activities.

When: Dec 24, 10 am-5:30 pm

Where: Happy Valley, Xiaowuji Beilu, Chaoyang district

Cost: 170 yuan

Contact: 6738-9898

Andover Underwater World

Swimming and oceans may not seem very Christmassy, but you can escape the frigid weather outdoors by learning about sea life at this aquarium. Play at the touch pool, interact with penguins, watch animal shows, see mermaid cosplay and be immersed in nature while walking through the exhibit tunnel.

When: Dec 24, 8 am-6 pm

Where: Andover Underwater World, No.11 Xisanhuan Zhonglu, Haidian district

Cost: 85 yuan, 55 yuan (children under 1.4 meters)

Contact: 6846-1197

▶Party

Super Pillow Fight Party

The pillow fight party returns for a special Christmas Eve edition. Indie-pop band New Perfume will play great tunes to spur you on as you use a pillow to whack other people in the head. There will also be a lucky draw with a prize getaway for two to Hong Kong and Macao. Pillow included in price of admission.

When: Dec 24, 8:30 pm-11:30 pm

Where: MAO Livehouse, No.111 Gulou Dongdajie, Dongcheng district

Cost: 130 yuan

Contact: 6402-5080

▶Wintry fun

Ice Kingdom

For the second year, the Ice Kingdom Festival is taking place at Xinao Shopping Mall at the Olympic Park. There are plenty of daytime activities, but the fun continues after the sun goes down. Nearly 100 snow paths are available, so bring your ski and snowboarding equipment. The colorful light display is another highlight of the festival.

When: Daily (until Feb 14)

Where: Beijing Olympic Park, No.7 Hujing Donglu, Chaoyang district

Cost: 100 yuan

Contact: 8437-1122

Skiing and snowboarding

When the temperature drops below zero, it's time for families to enjoy skiing. Huaibai ski resort is a great place for kids to try strapping on the snowboard or the skis. Equipment is available for rental, and attendees are encouraged to dress warmly.

When: Dec 25, 7:30 am-6:30 pm

Where: Meet at 7:30 am at Ginza Mall at Exit C of Dongzhimen Station, Dongcheng district

Cost: 130 yuan (entry fee) + 40 yuan (roundtrip bus)

Contact: 135-2245-3459

Yuyuantan Park

Yuyuantan Park is the first municipal level park in Beijing to host the ice and snow festival this year. Families who want to participate in winter activities no longer have to travel to the outlying suburbs; they can enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh and snow slides in this downtown park.
When: Daily (until Feb 20), 6 am-8:30 pm

Where: Yuyuantan Park, No.10 Xisanhuan Zhonglu, Haidian district

Cost: 30 yuan

Contact: 8865-3800

▶Performances

Comedy talk show

Families can look forward to a night of laughter at a Christmas special talk show. Founded in 2010, the Beijing Talk Show Club has performed more than 500 times.

When: Dec 24, 7:30 pm-10 pm

Where: Mako Live House, No.36 Guangqu Lu,

Chaoyang district

Cost: 60 yuan, 50 yuan (presale)

Contact: 5205-1112

Children's choir

Celebrate Christmas with the Sunrise's Children Choir. Attendees can take pictures with Santa Claus and learn about Christmas traditions worldwide. The organizers will be accepting donations of toys and books, which will be passed along to the Migrant Children's Foundation.

When: Dec 25, 6 pm-7:30 pm

Where: Galleria Mall, Phoenix City, No.24 Shuguang Xili,

Chaoyang district 

Cost: Free

Contact: 5866-7409, 5719-6135