Christmas in Shanghai — Xmas Markets, Meals, Bars, Tours

Celebrated: Dec. 25
Location: Shanghai

Although Christmas is not a public holiday in China, it has become more and more popular, especially in large cities such as Shanghai. For most people, they celebrate Christmas without much religious attachment, but rather as a get-together for couples or friends. The idea of Christmas markets, in particular, has been gaining popularity with each passing year.

The Shanghai Christmas Scene

People work during Christmas, unless it falls on weekends. Some foreign embassies, consulates and international organizations may give several days off to celebrate Christmas. Expats usually take time off from work, and some companies may give a day or half a day off to employees.

Many shops, department stores and restaurants prolong business hours to seize the business opportunities. If you are looking for Christmas supplies, you won't be disappointed by what you can find. Be prepared for large crowds of people in public places.

Christmas dinners with colleagues are welcome and increasingly becoming a trend.

Christmas sales: These usually begin around the end of November or early December in big department stores, upscale malls, and the better supermarkets. You'll know they are on when you hear Christmas music and see the decorations.

Top Christmas Markets in Shanghai

The number of Christmas markets in November and December have increased in Shanghai. You can buy Christmas trees (real and fake), a multitude of decorative items (unlimited variety at great prices), and drink litres of festive booze or hot chocolate while you shop. These markets make for great spots to feel the holiday spirit, meet people, get to buy some unique things that you won't find at any other time.

These markets are targeted at tourists, locals, and expats and are a congregation of local businesses and vendors, Christmas products, drinks and food. Christmas is often considered a good time for shopping. Department stores and shopping malls also tend to prolong business hours till midnight, and they offer various promotions and discounts. Don't be surprised to see over the top decor, especially in malls on Huaihai Road and Nanjing West Road.

Christkindlmarkt

This is one of the most popular and anticipated Christmas markets in Shanghai. If you are in town between Dec 1st to 4th, 2016, you possibly cannot miss this. This is hosted by Paulaner at a new venue.

Address: 555 Shibo Avenue 浦东世博大道555号

Santaville

Each year, Kerry Parkside holds a special Christmas market called Santaville where vendors sell delicious eats and drinks and decoration items and more. What's more? There will be live performances at this venue as well as carol singers walking around. This is on till December 25.

Address: 1378 Huamu Lu, near Fangdian Lu 1378花木路，芳甸附近

Shanghai Centre's Christmas Market

This space has been keeping very busy of late, with cooking competitions (hello Masterchef?), Zumba classes, baking markets, and more. Thanksgiving and Christmas will see related pop ups in this space with designers and vendors who will display their goods. You could find the perfect Dutch pie here. Very festive and highly recommended.

Address: 1376 Nanjing Xi Lu, near Xikang Lu 上海商城, 南京西路1376号近西康路

Hamburg Christmas Market

This is another German style Christmas market that has sprung up. Since it's new we totally recommend checking it out. It's a week long affair featuring great food, drinks, music — live jazz — and gift stalls. We expect there will be about 30 vendors. 2pm — 9pm daily.

Address: 399 Baotun Lu, near Zhongshan Nan Lu 保屯路399号1楼, 近中山南路

Jiashan Market

Jiashan Market is a bi-monthly farmer's market that transforms into a special Christmas market from mid-November to December each year, open every first and third Saturday of the month. Best for Christmas eats (cakes, puddings, gingerbread, treacles and more). Also, look out for wreath-making stalls here plus live performances, and some great homemade mulled wine stalls.

Address: 37 Lane 550, Shaanxi Nan Lu 陕西南路550弄37号

Caojiadu Flower Market 曹家渡花市

With more than 400 shops, it is the largest flower market in Shanghai. Christmas trees, festive flowers and Christmas ornaments are available in plenty, be ready to drive a hard bargain though.

Address: 1148 Changshou Road, Putuo District 普陀区长寿路1148号

Chenghuangmiao Market 城隍庙市场

Chenghuangmiao Market is located in city center, near Yuyuan Garden and City God Temple, and there is a snack market. Chenghuangmiao Market has Christmas trees, decorations and cards for sale.

Address: 225 Fuyou Road, Huangpu District 黄浦福佑路225号

Wanshang Flower and Bird Market 万商花鸟市场

The market offers Christmas trees and festive flowers before Christmas. At usual times there are various kinds of plants, flowers, pets and birds for sale.

Address: 417 South Xizang Road, Huangpu District 黄浦区西藏南路417号

For more, check out our Shanghai Shopping Guide and Best Christmas Markets in Shanghai

Special Tourist Souvenirs and Gifts

Light things to take back with you for local-color souvenirs include some simple silk products such as scarves, porcelain, teas, Chinese calligraphy, wall hangings, wood carvings, weaving and embroidery. These items could be great choices for souvenirs and gifts if they are inexpensive. We suggest that tourists don't attempt to buy quality or expensive products in Shanghai since they are often taken advantage of.

Christmas Dinner/Buffet

Buffet

Get your fill of the Christmas spirit with the numerous Christmas buffets around the city. 4-star and 5-star hotels and upscale restaurants often offer the best in special Christmas Eve dinners and buffets. They serve all kinds of dishes such as turkey, ham, apple pie and even eggnog. Reservations are essential.

International hotel chains and large Western restaurants such as JW Marriott, Kerry Pudong, Hotel Pelham's at Waldorf Astoria, Atrium Cafe at The Hilton, and the Shangri La are places to go for the best meals. See our Shanghai restaurant guide page for recommended restaurants.

We have shortlisted a few of the top restaurants, where you are almost certain to get some great deals!

10 Corso Como — 7 course menu; RMB 688 per person; 6pm till late, Dec 24 and 25; 1717 Nanjing Xi Lu, Huashan Lu 1717南京西路，华山路
Yi Cafe — A grand buffet, featuring roasts, fresh seafood, and more; RMB 788 per person (you get free flow red, white and sparkling wine); RMB 394 per child; 2nd Floor, Grand Tower, Pudong Shangri-La Hotel, 33 Fucheng Road, near Lujiazui Huan Road 富城路33号浦东香格里拉大酒店2座2楼
Mr Harry — A very British Christmas dinner is served, complete with turkey feast, vegetarian options, egg nog and mulled wine; RMB 250 per person for 2 courses; RMB 300 per person for 3 courses; 12p–9pm daily; 5th floor, 819 Nanjing Xi Road, near Shimen Road 南京西路819号5楼，近石门二路
Ginger by the Park — 4-course menu; RMB 358 per person and RMB 168 for kids under 12; 6pm till late, Dec 24 and 25; 91 Xingguo Lu, Hunan Lu 91兴国路，湖南路
Pelham's — 6-course menu; RMB 1888 + 15% per person; 6pm–10pm; Waldorf Astoria Heritage Building, 2 Zhongshan Lu, Guangdong Lu 华尔道夫文物建筑，2路中山市，广东路
The Spot — 4-course dinners; RMB 228 per person; 6pm–11pm, Dec 24 and 25; 331 Tongren, Beijing Lu 331铜仁，北京路

If you look to shop for Christmas food and snacks, it is convenient to find these in large department stores and international chain supermarkets like Carrefour. However, we recommend checking out the Christmas markets we have covered below.

Christmas at Churches

The true meaning of Christmas is best represented at churches. There are Christmas Eve gatherings, choir performances, and Christmas Day masses. Below is a list of famous churches in Shanghai.

Shanghai Community Church 上海国际礼拜堂

It is the largest Christian church in Shanghai.

Address: 53 Hengshan Road, Xuhui District 徐汇区衡山路53号
Tel: 021-64376576

St. Ignatius Cathedral 徐家汇天主教堂

It is the largest Catholic Church in Shanghai.

Address: 158 Puxi Road, Xuhui District 徐汇区蒲西路158号
Tel: 021-64382595

Moore Memorial Church 沐恩堂

The Christian church faces Renmin Square.

Address: 316 Middle Xizang Road, Huangpu District 黄浦区西藏中路316号
Tel: 021-63225069

Shanghai Grace Baptist Church 怀恩堂

Address: 375 North Shaanxi Road 陕西北路375号
Tel: 021-62539394

Charity

If you are feeling charitable this Christmas season, you might want to check out how you can support Community Roots China (CRC). It is a social enterprise that offers the One Heart Program each year since 2011 for Chinese children in rural areas and also HIV affected families.

Christmas at Bars

Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere at bars in Shanghai. During Christmas, many bars take on the Christmas look and become a sea of happiness.

There are several bar streets in Shanghai, and popular ones include

Yongkang Road (永康路) — the most popular go-to bar street for locals and expats (many bars would be having their winter happy hour that cannot be missed as well as serving mulled wine);
Wuding Road (武定路) — another popular bar street with some interesting spots for a meal with drinks and the ambiance, including the famous wine bar Enoterra, an Italian bar and wine place called Sopranos; a second Le Cafe Des Stagiares, Malabar, a unique whiskey bar called Lab, and a pirate-themed rhum bar called Bounty Rhumerie among others;
Hengshan Road (衡山路), Maoming Road (茂名路); the ever popular and posh Xintiandi (新天地); and
the Fumin Road (富民路) / Julu Road (巨鹿路) junction with the Mexican Cantina Agave, Kartel and Maya, among many other bars.
Friends Bar in Tianzifang (田子坊) is a great place for mulled wine and amazing cocktails with your friends.

Apart from just bar streets, some bars that would be very Christmassy and deserve a visit are

Barbarossa in People's Park with its gorgeous view of the lotus pond and terrace or bar seating,
the recently-launched and hugely popular Union Trading Company on Fuxing Road (复兴路) with its long list of great cocktails,
the french bar/café La Petanque with a rustic decor and tapas-style menu, the popular craft beer bar Boxing-Cat Brewery (Sinan Mansions),
the new lounger Beer bar Liquid Laundry (Huaihai Road) and
the wonderful wine lounges such as Burdigala (Wuding Road), Dr. Wine (177 Fumin Road), and UVA (819 Shanxi Road).

Also, check out our Shanghai nightlife guide.

Touring Shanghai at Christmas

Shanghai snacks

If you're planning to be in Shanghai at Christmas, why not take a tour with us. Most of Shanghai's attractions can still be enjoyed in the colder weather alongside the unique Chinese Christmas atmosphere.

Recommended Tours:

The Essence of Shanghai — see the best of the city in 3 days
THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE — our ever-popular first timers' classic itinerary, taking in Beijing, Xi'an, and Shanghai in 8 days

All of these tours and many more can be customized to your seasonal requirements, or you can build your own itnerary with our expert help.