Ready to get into the holiday spirit? We've rounded up our top picks for holiday happenings, from our own That's Shanghai Christmas Shindig to the other markets around town, Christmas tree lightings, cozy teas and more. Scroll down to see how you can get into the spirit of the season.
Christmas Markets
Xintiandi X-Tree
Starting from Nov 22, a brand new 3D light installment named X-Tree is going to make its debut in the South lane plaza of Xintiandi. Collaborating with renowned French Designer studio 1024 Architecture, Xintiandi holds the exhibition in the hope of awaking people's awareness of protecting woods that are cut down as traditional Christmas trees. Inspired from French designer and artist Pierre Schneider and architect François Wunschel's concept of environmental protection, the 25-meters-tall installment sees metal and sheer fabrics as tree branches which are highlighted by LED light, projections and electric music, creating a future-like multi-dimension sound photoelectric scene. Visitors will be able to climb onto the tree-top viewing platform and overlook the amazing city view. Every night, a fabulous Christmas light show takes on stage, building a brand new and unique festive experience for all.
Ongoing. See event listing here
Hubindao
During the festive season, pop by and experience magic AR interactions, busy Christmas parties, pop-up workshops and Xmas fairs. Head to Hubindao shopping mall and let your little ones experience the brand new Christmas Sky Journey. As the country's first-of-its-kind indoor unmanned-aerial-vehicle aviator zone, the journey is going to last from Nov 20 to Jan 4, 2017, another fun destination for families in town for sure.
Nov 20, 2016-Jan 4, 2017. See event listing here.
Magical Forest Christmas Fair
Hosted at Shanghai Centre for three weeks, from November 30-December 19, the Magical Forest Christmas Fair will feature shopping, food, Santa’s House, live performances, lucky draws and a Santa Lucia celebration with the Swedish Community. The fair is in a fully covered location so it will always be on, rain or shine. Follow Shanghaicentrefair on WeChat to learn more.
Mon-Thurs, 11.30am-7pm, Fri-Sun, 11.30am-8pm. Nov 30-Dec 19. See listing for Shanghai Centre.
The 10th Annual “Christkindlmarkt”
The annual Paulaner German-style Christmas market is back with traditional German food like sausages and hot spiced Gluhwein. There will also be a “Candy Huts” corner with traditional treats, such as Belgian waffles, sugar roasted almonds, crepes and Magenbrot (German style gingerbread.) Along with the delicious food options, you can purchase Christmas trees, wreaths, ornaments, decorations, artisanal produce, handicrafts, gifts, holiday greeting cards and accessories.
Thurs-Fri, 3-10pm, Sat, 11am-10pm, Sun, 11am-9pm, Dec 1-4. See event listing here. See listing for Paulaner Brauhaus (Shibo Da Dao).
Pudong Shangri-La’s Christmas Market
This is European-style Christkindlesmarkt market features festive items such as Christmas ornaments, crafts and gifts sold by vendors, as well as delicious holiday food. There will be mince pies, gingerbread, Hungarian goulash and mulled wine served up in traditional mugs. Santa will make an appearance.
5-9pm, Fri-Sat, Dec 2-24. See event listing here. See listing for Pudong Shangri-La.
naked Hub @ Xintiandi Organic Christmas Market
Most people don’t associate Christmas with getting healthy, but get a head start on your New Year’s resolutions this December by attending naked Hub’s organic Christmas Market. In addition to being the biggest Christmas farmer’s market in town, this event will give you the opportunity to hear US nutritionist and Chief Representative at Eat Well Shanghai Jessica Woodruff and Senior Public Nutritionist Cui Zhang present a workshop on nutrition.
11am, Dec 3. See listing for naked Hub here
"Not Your Typical Holiday Market"
Common Rare is turning into an indoor contemporary art center for Christmas with the goal to be completely different than any holiday or flea market you have ever visited. There will be no typical Christmas colors at the Not your Typical Market. Instead, they will have items with modern geometric patterns, polka dots, stripes, marbles and rose gold. Clothing, home goods, accessories and fragrances will be sold by high quality independent lifestyle brands. Ten different vendors will be supplying the food and drinks. There will also be live performances, a photo booth, an interactive area, DIY workshops, charity work and more.
12-6.30pm, Dec 3-4. See official site.
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies
Banyan Tree
Get into the Christmas spirit early with Banyan Tree’s tree lighting ceremony and cocktail party. Enjoy the tree lighting tradition as a Christmas choir sings festive tunes. Afterwards head to the CEO Club after party or the Banyan Tree spa for a night of relaxation. Wear red for entry.
6-8.30pm, Nov 30. See listing for Banyan Tree here.
Afternoon Teas 
Andaz Lounge
Enjoy a scrumptious selection of festive afternoon tea treats and sweets on Christmas Day at Andaz Lounge. And to make things even sweeter, this set for two comes with two glasses of Perrier Jouet champagne, all for the price of RMB588 for two persons.
Dec 19-25. See listing for Andaz Lounge here.
Aura at the Ritz Carlton Shanghai, Pudong
Aura’s tranquility ensures you an escape from the Christmas throngs. Dwell among gentle live jazz and a dash of Christmas color from red-clad servers plying you with champagne. Executive pastry chef Jean-Luc Vasseur’s beautifully crafted yuletide delicacies await you for RMB698 for two persons.
2-5.30, Dec 24-25. See listing for Aura here.
Cachet
Let the luxury of the Langham’s Cachet lobby lounge ease you into the Christmas spirit. Not just about tea, the RMB1036 set also comes with a live piano performance, mulled wine and eggnog.
2-5pm, Dec 1-30. See listing for Cachet here.
CHA Lounge
Enjoy an afternoon tea unlike any other this Christmas Eve. RMB108 gives you access to unlimited cakes, tarts and sandwiches as well as special desserts like mocha chocolate yule log cake and savory treats like parma ham with melon. Freshly brewed coffee and tea will also be available. Add an extra RMB50 for a glass of sparkling wine.
Dec 24. See listing for CHA Lounge here.
Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai
Indulge in an impressive spread at Grand Kempinski’s distinctly Christmas afternoon tea, where each bite has been prepared with loving care. Mince pies, Swiss rolls, ginger bread cookies and a classic scone with the tradition of rich cream and the twist of a fruity kumquat and passion fruit marmalade are all on offer for RMB268 per two persons every Monday to Friday or RMB198 per person every Saturday and Sunday when they also feature their afternoon tea buffet.
2-5:30, Dec 1-31. See listing for Grand Kempinski here.
Lobby Lounge (Pudong Shangri-La)
Delight in leisurely afternoons at the elegant Lobby Lounge, and indulge in an array of exquisite afternoon tea treats infused with sublime flavors of Christmas. Enjoy unlimited savory bites, desserts and freshly-baked scones served with clotted cream amidst other festive treats. RMB328 includes a glass of champagne. Price is subject to a 10-percent service charge and 6-percent VAT.
Sat and Sun 2-5pm, Dec 3-Jan 1. See listing for Lobby Lounge here.
Salon de Ville, Waldorf Astoria
Relax after a long day of Christmas shopping with Salon de Ville’s indulgent afternoon tea. Enjoy 16 different types of loose-leaf tea, together with finely cut sandwiches and freshly baked scones, followed by a delectable selection of afternoon teacakes and pastries. Every adult will receive a glass of champagne and every child a Waldorf Christmas teddy bear.
RMB358 per person; RMB688 for two persons; RMB228 per child. All prices are subject to 15-percent service charge.
2-6, Nov 26-Dec 30. See listing for Salon de Ville here.
Stella Luna Grand Hyatt Shanghai Co-branding Afternoon Tea
Grand Hyatt Shanghai has partnered with designer shoe brand Stella Luna to offer a special holiday season promotion. To celebrate the season, Stella Luna is giving out RMB400 coupons to use at any of their Shanghai locations with the purchase of an afternoon tea set at Patio. The Patio is offering a special Stella Luna X Grand Hyatt Shanghai Christmas-themed tea menu, featuring savory small plates like chicken sandwich and black truffle bruschetta and holiday desserts such as a Christmas Yule Log Cake for RMB368 plus a 15-percent service charge.
2-5pm, Nov 25, 2016-Jan 2, 2017. See listing for Grand Hyatt Patio Lounge here.
Wanda Reign on the Bund
Evoking the Shanghai of yore, Wanda Reign on the Bund presents an afternoon tea set by master chef Fan Wentian. The package includes classic Old Shanghai desserts such as crispy elle cheese cream with mille-feuilles, classic Mont Blanc, traditional bean paste cake, classic caramel treats, egg custard tart and pound cake with a selection of homemade jams. Complement the sweet with salty flavors like prawn cocktail with cucumber and cross bun, house smoked salmon with cream cheese and lemon brioche, Shaoxin wine-poached chicken with pickled cabbage tortilla and vegetable empanada with curry. All this plus coffee or tea for RMB218, subject to a 10-percent service charge and 6-percent VAT.
Ongoing. See listing for Wanda Reign on the Bund here.
For more parties and events, check out our Christmas listings.
For more Shanghai event guides, get them sent directly to your phone (along with restaurant reviews, giveaways and other goodies) by adding Thats_Shanghai on WeChat, liking us on Facebook or subscribing to our weekly newsletter
If you have an event, upload them to our site through our User Center. It's free, it's easy and it's the best way to get into one of our Event Guides.
