It’s Christmas time in Shanghai, and as the temperatures drop, a night spent by the fire (or in most cases – the space heater) is more appealing than ever. Luckily for you, while the weather outside is frightful, your home doesn’t have to be. Bring the family a little cheer this holiday season and choose from an impressive selection of shops and markets around town to find the perfect festive additions to your home.
Caojiadu Flower Market
Caojiadu boasts the largest flower market in the city and sells real wreaths, poinsettias (RMB20), ornaments, spray-on fake snow, Santa hats and Christmas trees for wholesale. Prices are negotiable, so prepare to barter vigorously. Custom-made flower arrangements and trees are available upon request, and many items can be ordered in advance and delivered directly to your home.
> 1148 Changshou Lu, by Wanhangdu Lu 长寿路1148号, 近万航渡路. Open 7am-7pm. See listing for Caojiadu Flower Market.
Jingsheng Flower Market
This market is on the smaller size but does not lack in selection. Real and artificial Christmas trees can be found here, as well as seasonal flower arrangements, wreaths, poinsettias, ornaments and other holiday gear up for haggling. The market has a small selection of pets for sale, too – pick up a bunny for the kids; reindeer are not available.
> 96 Anshun Lu, by Dingxi Lu 安顺路96号, 近定西路. Open 9am-5pm. See listing for Jingsheng Flower Market.
Rosa Gallica
Rosa Gallica is a cozy little shop tucked away in the heart of the French Concession on Ferguson Lane. Poinsettias are large and beautiful, wreaths are immaculate and trees range from RMB400-1200 by height. The shop is nestled near several cafes, so we suggest grabbing a hot chocolate or coffee and perusing around for your favorites. Be sure to check out their selection of holiday flower arrangements as well.
> Ferguson Lane, 376 Wukang Lu, by Tai'an Lu 武康路376号, 近泰安路. Open 10am-8pm. See listing for Rosa Gallica.
Hongqiao Flower and Bird Market
Here is another flora and fauna market with a wide selection of seasonal decorations, real and fake trees and, of course, flowers to spruce up the home for the holidays. Bartering is highly encouraged – aim for RMB200 for a fake tree. The market sells birds, too – we were hoping to recreate the “partridge in a pear tree” scene from “The Twelve Days of Christmas” but unfortunately no partridges were found on site.
> 718 Hongjing Lu, by Hongsong Lu 虹井路718号, 近红松路. Open 8am-6pm. See listing for Hongqiao Flower and Bird Market.
Yu Gardens
Christmas decorations and fake trees can be found at numerous markets there, both outside the garden and in the buildings surrounding it. Get everything done in one trip and pick up some Chinese souvenirs and gifts for your loved ones while you’re at it. We recommend the miniature porcelain Chairman Maos – they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser this holiday season.
> 218 Anren Jie, bu Fuyou Lu 安仁街218号, 近福佑路. Open 8:30am-5pm. See listing for Yu Gardens.
Carrefour
The popular supermarket chain is an easy option for Christmas décor (and pretty much everything else). Trees average at RMB229. Also available: ornaments, tinsel, lights, stockings and other accessories.
> Various locations, visit www.carrefour.com.cn or check our listings for the nearest branch.
Ikea
Add some Swedish festive flair to your home for the holidays with Ikea’s 155cm Fejka artificial Christmas tree for RMB149 (larger sizes available). You can also bake cookies in fun Christmas-themed shapes using their Vinter 2015 pastry cutters (set of 6 for RMB29).
> Various locations, visit www.ikea.com.cn or check our listings for the nearest branch.
Taobao
Last but not least, there’s always trusty Taobao. Find trees, gift wrap, wreaths, banners ornaments, lights, advent calendars and our personal favorite – Santa toilet seat covers.
