Christmas
- Celebrated: Dec. 24, 2013 to Nov. 24, 2013
Christmas is not a public holiday in China, because the majority of Chinese people are not Christian. However, in recent years, Christmas has become more and more popular and is celebrated with keen interest, especially in large cities like Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, where there are a large number of expats.
For most Chinese people, Christmas is celebrated as a happy occasion for get-togethers of friends and couples, without any religious attachment. It is a good time to celebrate with presents, good food and entertainment. Christians in China celebrate by lighting their houses with beautiful paper lanterns and decorating their Christmas trees, which they call "Trees of Light". They decorate the trees with paper chains, paper flowers, and paper lanterns. Christians in China also go to special services in churches.
If you visit the major cities in China, signs of Christmas can be seen everywhere you look. On the streets and in department stores, there are Christmas trees, lights and decorations. Christmas carols can be heard over the noise of the crowds. Chinese “Father Christmas” helps to make the scene complete.
Christmas is not a public holiday in China, and most Chinese people don't celebrate it. However, in recent years, Christmas has become more and more popular, especially in large cities where there are a large number of expats. See:
Highlights of Christmas in China
- Christmas Shopping in Hong Kong
- The Christmas Symphony of Lights
What the Chinese Do at Christmas
Christians in China celebrate by going to special church services, often with a lengthy series of song, dance, and drama performances by the congregation on Christmas Eve, known as ‘Safe and Well Evening' (Ping'an Ye 平安夜 from the translation of the carol "Silent Night").
Signs of Christmas can be seen in the commercial areas in the major cities in China. On the streets and in department stores, there are Christmas trees, lights, and decorations. Christmas carols can be heard over the noise of the crowds. Father Christmas or ‘Christmas Old Man' (圣诞老人) as he's known as in China helps to make the scene complete.
Christmas in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is one of the best places in the world to go for Christmas atmosphere. Churches and Christians take Christmas seriously and there are big religious events, carol singing, and special performances. Hong Kong is known for fantastic Christmas displays, fine food, and Christmas shopping. Check out more.
Christmas in Beijing
Christmas is celebrated with keen interest by some of Beijing's younger generation. Usually it is celebrated as a happy occasion for social get-togethers and present giving, without any religious attachment. People can also be reminded of the original meaning of Christmas at churches in Beijing. Check out more.
Christmas in Shanghai
Shanghai is a center for world trade and a place where East meets West. In a modern, highly-developed city smart shopkeepers don't lose any opportunity to sell their products. Most shops in the downtown area decorate their shops to attract visitors in the holiday period. Christmas carols are heard everywhere. Check out more.
Christmas in Guangzhou
It seems that Christmas is more popular than Spring Festival (Chinese New Year) in Guangzhou, especially to the young people. There are three things they love to do: have Christmas parties, go shopping, and enjoy Christmas dinner. Why not go Christmas shopping in Guangzhou? You will get a discount in every shop. Check out more.
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Hi Anne, they are both a kind of food.
Whitney Liao Replied on 2012-12-27
Hi Erica, you can check details here: http://www.chinahighlights.com/festivals/christmas.htm
Whitney Liao Replied on 2012-12-19Hi Jaylin, most of the young people and import and export trade companies will celebrate Christmas as in Western countries. The shopping malls and stores will also take this opportunity to make some promotions.
Whitney Liao Replied on 2012-12-19Hi Alex, it starts from the coming of Dec.25. Here in China, not everyone celebrates it. The young people like it and would celebrate in their own ways.
Whitney Liao Replied on 2012-12-18