Festive season in Beijing

With Christmas just around the corner and Santa threatening to fall down the chimney – here at China Daily

?we've decided to help you get into the festive spirit by showing you what Beijing has to offer during this special time of year.

Every winter outdoor ice skating rinks appear all over Beijing. THE PLACE, which is located in the Chaoyang district, offers you the experience of an open air ice rink under Asia’s largest skyscreen, so let your hair down, find that inner child and make your ice dreams come true!

Women help workers decorate a Christmas tree about 30 metres high outside the National Olympic Stadium, as known as the Bird's Nest, in Beijing December 19, 2008. [Agencies]

If you like to celebrate a little and feel like a bit of turkey, check out the large international hotels; most of them will host Christmas Eve and day buffet, serving all your favorite festive foods. With live entertainment and amazing shows, Kempinski Hotel in Beijing has already started the festival season with a Christmas tree lighting ceremony every Sunday evening. The little angel children choir will enchant you with popular Christmas carols, while Christmas cookies and mulled wine are served throughout the performance to get you in the mood for the festive season.

And of course Christmas time wouldn't be complete without the perfect drink. Christmas Eve, Boxing Day and New Year's Day are all traditional high points, and we all like to have a drink to unwind. If you want to feel merry, Sanlitun is a great place to go. There are tons of bars and restaurants to choose from; so why not get the party started?

While Christmas is not a religious holiday observed by many Chinese it is, however, becoming a popular commercial holiday. Still, if you want to have a religious xmas, many churches have short prayer services on Christmas eve and Christmas day.

Without a doubt shopping is a national sport throughout December and the Christmas sales have already started in most of the shops in Beijing. So, buy a xmas present for the ones you love. After all, xmas is a season for sharing..

If none of the above takes your fancy, well, have it the 'lazy style', curl in front of the telly watch your favorite xmas movies, LOVE ACTUALLY is a great one to watch. Whatever you desire to do, be happy!….MERRY XMAS everybody!!!