Christmas in China: Traditions, Food, Cities & Travel Guide

Written by Natalia | Updated March 19,2026

When visiting China, local festivals are always a highlight. But what about Christmas? Well, the answer is yes! While not a public holiday on the Chinese mainland, Christmas has steadily gained popularity in basically all the major cities, especially among younger generations. In Shanghai or Beijing, you’ll find Christmas-themed events that combine shopping, romance, and international flair, offering a festive atmosphere rather than a strictly religious celebration.

In this guide, you’ll learn about Christmas traditions in China, unique customs like peace apples, and the best cities to experience the festive atmosphere.

Basic Facts About Christmas in China

What is Christmas called in Chinese?

In Chinese, Christmas is called 圣诞节 (shèngdàn jié). Each character in the term carries a special meaning. 圣(shèng) refers to “holy” or “saint”. It explains the festival’s religious background. 诞 (dàn) can be translated as “born”, which relates the festival to the birth of Jesus. 节( jié) is a character that you’ll often encounter when reading Chinese materials about festivals. It literally means “festival”. Here, it can be understood as a recognition of Christmas Day’s importance to a large group of people.

How to Say Merry Christmas in Chinese

圣诞快乐 – Shèngdàn Kuàilè (sheng-dan kwai-luh)

It simply means “Merry Christmas” or “Happy Christmas”.

When Is Christmas in China?

Christmas in China is also on December 25. However, Christmas is not a public holiday in the Chinese mainland. Celebrations will be simpler and focused on a shorter period than other parts of the world.

However, in cities like Hong Kong and Macau, people celebrate Christmas in a more Western way. Christmas is a public holiday and people throw grander celebration.

Who is Santa Known as in China?

In China, Santa is called “圣诞老人” (Shèngdàn Lǎorén), which literally means Old Christmas Man. His red suit and white beard are familiar to a large group of Chinese people.

Every year, one of the 50 officially recognized Santa Clauses will take a “business trip” from Finland to the Christmas Village in Mohe, the northernmost city in China. This village is also the only officially recognized Christmas Village in Asia. It offers an opportunity to see the “real” Santa Claus.

How Do People Celebrate Christmas in China?

• Christmas in China absorbs some Western customs, but is more like Valentine’s Day or St. Patrick’s Day, being more commercially-oriented, centered on sharing joy with friends or having a romantic meal with a partner.
• Major cities like Shanghai have a stronger festive atmosphere, and people focus on shopping and social gatherings. Friends and families also do gift exchange.
• Except for shopping and gathering, there are other typical celebrations: giving apples, having Parent-child activities, while Christians celebrate midnight mass in churches.

Why Do People Give Apples on Christmas Eve?

One unique Christmas custom found only in China is giving apples as a gift. For people who don’t speak Chinese, this tradition can be really confusing, and the key lies in a typical Chinese wordplay. Christmas Eve is called 平安夜 (Píng’ān Yè), which can be translated directly to “a peaceful night” or “a quiet night”. At the same time, 平安 (Píng’ān) sounds truly like the term for apple, 苹果 (Píngguǒ), so Chinese people naturally connect their meanings because of their similar pronunciations.

Such a phenomenon exists not only in Christmas customs, for example, families will share fish in Chinese New Year reunions, because fish (鱼 yú) sounds the same as abundance (余 yú) in Chinese. So in China, Apple transforms into “peaceful fruit” when Christmas Eve comes. People send it to family or friends as a way to say “wish you a peaceful night.”

Christmas Joy for Children and Families

Although Christmas is not an official public holiday, many families, especially those in major cities, still hold Christmas activities for their kids. Parents will introduce the origin and typical Christmas traditions to their children, and they’ll go shopping, decorating houses, and making Christmas cards. Dining out is also popular during the festival. Restaurants often offer special Christmas meals featuring roast turkey, desserts, and holiday music.

And the most exciting part for children is always receiving gifts. Parents usually prepare toys or for their kids, as if Santa had really come by and left gifts for them.

Christmas for Christians in China

Only 1.9%-2.2% of the population is Christian in China (28 million). However, this total number of Christian can sometimes be more so than in some Western countries. While many Chinese people do not know that Christmas is supposed to celebrate the birth of Jesus, the holiday remains deeply meaningful for China’s Christian communities. They’ll be preparing for this day weeks before.

Churches across the country hold special services, such as choir performances and midnight masses on Christmas Eve. Some churches also distribute apples to visitors during Christmas Eve services, connecting the popular “peace apple” tradition in China with the message of peace in Christian teachings.

Christmas Traditions in China: Food, Music & Shopping

Popular Christmas Food in China

Many young people will dine out to celebrate Christmas, and there’s no fixed answer for what to have on the table. If going to the western restaurants, the meals can be more traditional, featuring turkey, roast ham, and potatoes, paired with desserts like Buche de Noël. And a quite Chinese-style Christmas dessert is apple pie. However, gathering at home has also become a trend. People combine both Western and Chinese flavors, while turkey and beef are still indispensable elements.

Top Chinese Christmas Songs

If traveling to China during Christmas, you’re very likely to hear these songs playing in malls and streets:

• We Wish You a Merry Christmas
• Silent Night
• Jingle Bells

Among them, “Jingle Bells” even has a translated Chinese version, and many kids will learn it at school. Other popular Christmas songs among young people include “All I Want for Christmas is You” or “Last Christmas.”

One of the Best Shopping Seasons

Christmas is known as one of the best shopping seasons. During the weeks around the festival, many stores will give promotions and discounts. And people also go shopping for Christmas-related products (gifts and decorations).

Overview of Christmas Traditions in China

Top Cities in China for a Unique Christmas Experience

In recent years, many large urban centers and northern winter destinations have been especially popular for travelers who want to experience a unique Chinese-style Christmas celebration. During the festival time, the cities will be filled with a strong festive atmosphere. Christmas-themed activities give all visitors a unique travel experience.

Shanghai – Christmas Markets and Urban Lights

Shanghai is one of the most international cities in China, and it also offers one of the most vibrant Christmas celebrations. People start preparing weeks before December 25th, and at the end of the month, shopping districts, historic streets, and luxury malls are all decorated with giant Christmas trees, colorful lights, and themed installations.

There will be large-scale Christmas markets held in the Rock Bund. Both visitors and local people come to shop for holiday craft stalls, mulled wine, and international food. To create a better festive vibe in this southern city, artificial snow will also be falling in the market (near the Christmas tree area).

Usually, the market runs from the end of November to the end of December. Don’t miss it if you happen to visit Shanghai during this period.

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Shanghai and Harbin Ice Snow Tour

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Harbin – Ice and Snow Christmas Wonderland

For travelers seeking a truly magical winter experience, Harbin is a perfect destination in China during Christmas. The famous Harbin International Ice and Snow Festival can be the best among all winter activities in Harbin, which features massive illuminated ice sculptures and winter activities. The city landmark, Central Avenue, will also be decorated in a Christmas style, truly ideal for photos.

If you want to enjoy Christmas in a true “fantasy”, combine a tour to the dreamy China Snow Town. It’s a town covered by white snow, which will also be lit up by Chinese lanterns at night.

Travel Tip:

Temperatures can drop below −20°C, so warm clothing is essential.

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Northeast China Tour from Harbin

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Beijing – Festive Malls and Cultural Charm

Beijing is China’s capital with many international communities. Christmas in the city is mainly celebrated in shopping districts and local restaurants or cafés. Areas like Sanlitun and Wangfujing become lively with decorations and winter displays. The South Church in Xuanwu Gate, the West Church in Xizhi Gate, and the largest North Church in Xishiku (Church of the Saviour) will all be decorated in a Christmas style. Beijing Universal Studios is also a festive destination.

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China Winter Tour of Beijing, Harbin, Shanghai

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Guangzhou – Lights, Shopping, and Warm Weather

Guangzhou has a lot of large commercial districts and international communities. They make the city vibrant and lively during Christmas. Shopping centers like Parc Central and Guangzhou International Grand City will hold Christmas-themed celebrations. People can do shopping in the dream-like Christmas settings. Even though December 25 is a normal workday, the city still fills with lights and festive decorations.

Highlights you can’t miss include giant Christmas trees and light displays in Tianhe District, and Christmas Eve dining events also in this area.

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Guangzhou Historical and City Highlights Tour

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Tibet – A Unique Cultural Holiday

Another unique experience is traveling to Tibet to spend your Christmas. The whole area is covered in a peaceful winter view during December. There will be fewer crowds, cheaper hotels, and lower travel expenses. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking landscapes and spiritual sites during the winter season. Snow-covered Himalayan scenery and cultural exploration are both incredibly impressive.

Traveling to Hong Kong in Christmas

Unlike cities in the Chinese mainland, Christmas is a public holiday in Hong Kong. On both December 25th (Christmas DAY) and 26th (Boxing Day), people will normally take 2 days-off, and celebrate the festival with their families. The city will be filled with Christmas-themed events, such as festival markets, Christmas displays, and light shows. Everyone will go on the streets and enjoy the happy moment. And indeed, Hong Kong holds one of the most festive Christmas celebrations in East Asia and may even in the world.

1-2 Days Itinerary in Hong Kong (Christmas Version)

As introduced above, traveling to Hong Kong during Christmas can be quite rewarding. And to brighten up your Christmas trip, don’t miss highlights such as Victoria Peak, Victoria Harbour, Disneyland, and more. Below are charts elaborating the best travel itineraries.

If you can only spend one day in Hong Kong, you can follow a simple timeline to experience the highlights:

If you have two days in Hong Kong, you can spend the second day visiting festive attractions:

Tips: Hong Kong Disneyland can be really busy during Christmas. Start your day early and prepare for long queues. Consider staying in the land or expanding your Disney stay if you want to experience more rides here.

Travel Tips & Recommendations for Christmas in China

• Best Time to Visit

Most Christmas decorations and events appear from early December to the New Year (events in some cities start from late November). The atmosphere is especially lively around December 24–25 in big cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou.

• Transportation

Major cities have convenient subway systems, buses, and ride-hailing apps, so it’ll be quite easy to move between shopping streets and attractions. However, it’ll be extremely crowded on December 24–25, so if you’re exploring the cities during these times, be prepared for serious traffic jams and large crowds.

• Where to Stay

Choose hotels near city centers or major shopping districts, as they see most Christmas decorations and festive activities. For example, if you’re traveling to Guangzhou, consider hotels like Conrad Guangzhou, which has really beautiful Christmas settings.

• Travel Tip

Unlike the way Christmas is celebrated in many Western places, Christmas in China is mostly a social and commercial celebration; shopping events and gatherings with friends are common, but expect it with less religious atmosphere.

Plan a Christmas Trip to China with China Xian Tour

Chinese people celebrate Christmas in a really unique way. Having a Christmas trip to China is like joining a party, which blends both Western holiday traditions and modern Chinese city life. Consider taking a journey through major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, or Guangzhou with China Xian Tour to make the most memorable experiences. We can customize an itinerary for you to see all the city highlights. Our private transfer service also guarantees a smooth travel during the busiest festival time. Contact us now, and we’re all ready to offer you an immersive Chinese Christmas trip!

FAQs about Christmas in China

Q1: Are Chinese restaurants open on Christmas Day?

Yes, they will stay open during Christmas, especially in big cities. And in fact, this is one of the busiest times for restaurants during the year. Some may offer special Christmas menus, and those serving western foods may be more popular than usual.

Q2: Does China celebrate Christmas?

Christmas is not a traditional Chinese holiday. However, it has gained increasing popularity in recent years. Shopping malls, hotels, and some schools or communities now decorate for Christmas and hold festive events every year.

Q3: How is Christmas celebrated in China?

People may exchange gifts, enjoy festive meals, or take part in themed events, and commercial districts often set up Christmas lighting and performances.

Q4: Do Chinese people attend church on Christmas?

Only a small percentage of Chinese people attend Christian services on Christmas. However, many churches will have special Christmas events, so everyone goes and has a visit.

Q5: Is there any interesting stories about Christmas in China?

In recent years, a Chinese drama character “鳌拜 Ao Bai” has been associated with Santa on the internet. He’s also an old man with a red hat and white beard, and that’s where Chinese people started to make memes calling him the “Chinese version of Santa Claus”. Later in time, his image shows quite often in Christmas-related events. The pronunciation of his name “Ao Bai” also sounds like “all buy” in English. So many would consider it a perfect promotion slogan during the festival.