Looking at the project calendar, beta 2 isn't scheduled until January 14th.
I have to say that I doubt that Beta 2 will start so soon. There are many things to either fix or implement from scratch: AI, Diplomacy, Quests, City buildings, Ecnomical, Magic & Dynasty systems. I highly doubt it can all be done in a month and a half. That said, I REALLY don't want these things to get pushed; more reasonable attitude would be to enter beta 2 in may (no, thiz no joke!).