Catch the ‘Santa Express' to the Pudong Shangri-La, Shanghai

Your Christmas Adventure Begins

Entering a Home Away from Home

Every evening, it is as if the entire hotel transforms into a dreamy and romantic Christmas castle...

A pumpkin carriage drawn by reindeer instead of horses is parked out front, and distinguished 'Nutcracker guards' stand at your beck and call, ready to escort you on a dazzling and fantastical Christmas journey.

Push open the front doors to enter a realm filled with red and green baubles, not to mention a dazzling Christmas tree that lights up the entire lobby.

In this Christmas kingdom adorned with wind chimes, fairy lights, nutcrackers, crystal ornaments, and more, a magical glow fills the air, evoking a sense of pure wonderment.

On the first stop of the journey, board the mysterious Shangri-La Airship packed to the brim with a variety of festive eats. Think Christmas cookies, gingerbread men, chocolate snowmen, and customisable Christmas hampers of every size to meet every need.

Next, it's time to manifest your wishes for 2025: the Pudong Shangri-La Shanghai's 'Christmas Post Office' is now open for a limited time. Drop your Christmas wish into the mailbox, and keep your fingers crossed that Santa and his Christmas elves will work their magic.

Another fun, festive activity is the scavanger hunt, where the final step is to get a coin for the Christmas Gacha machine!

Last but not least, order a limited edition, holiday-themed tipple from the Santa Express to keep the festive mood at an all-time high.

Christmas-Themed Afternoon Tea

At the 'Magical Lounge'

The Christmas spirit has also pervaded the hotel's lobby lounge, and a towering Christmas tree is a main attraction of this wonderland this holiday season. The 'Magical Lounge' is curently serving a Christmas afternoon tea experience with seaosnal bites and beverages.

Some tasty treats you'll find on the three-tiered serving stand: a Santa Claus-themed sweet with strawberry mousse and a crispy butter biscuit base, a Black Forest-inspired dessert with cherries and chocolate, a Christmas turkey roll with pumpkin cranberry jelly, and much more.

Global Gourmet Christmas Buffet

At all-day dining restaurant YICAFE

This Christmas season, all-day-dining restaurant YICAFE will be serving exquisite delicacies from around the world in a festive setting.

Over a dozen meticulously prepared food stations, crafted by a team of seasoned chefs, will showcase hundreds of continental dishes. Blending classic and innovative delicacies from across the globe, it offers a chance to satisfy your international palate without leaving Shanghai.

Whet your appetite for Spanish roasted suckling pig with golden, crispy skin and tender, juicy flesh; a whole roasted turkey carved to order; slow-roasted beef ribs; and cheese-baked lobster — these are just some seasonal specialties making an appearance.

Come nightfall, enjoy unlimited wine, including mulled wine, and beer to kickstart a festive Christmas feast and to commemorate the holiday season.

Limited Edition Japanese Dishes

At Japanese restaurant YISEA

Meanwhile, YISEA Japanese Restaurant will be blending traditional Japanese izakaya charm with the festive spirit of Christmas. 

In addition to offering a selection of Kaiseki menus, YISEA will also provide an à la carte menu of traditional izakaya fare.

Partake of premium Japanese eats and drinks, such as yakitori, sushi and sake, at this contemporary Japanese eatery offering a warm and festive ambiance — even the sake bottles are dressed in adorable Christmas sleeves this season.

TIME OUT TIP: Although the menu largely sees authentic Japanese dishes, there are seasonal twists: the Christmas set includes roast turkey, so you can experience a classic Western dish alongside Japanese creations.

French Flair for Christmas

At Jade on 36 Restaurant

For those partial towards Western cuisine, visit the 36th floor of the Hotel Grand Tower where you'll find Jade on 36 Restaurant, which boasts beautiful views of The Bund. 

This season, Executive Chef Olivier Pistre is presenting a seven-course Christmas set menu with highly popular French classics such as foie gras jelly and duck confit, baked crabs, lobster bisque, and New Zealand venison.

Ahead of the hotel sommelier suggesting wine pairings for your meal, know that the wine cellar here is quite famous in Shanghai. Not only does it have around 3,000 bottles of special vintages, but it also faces the dazzling scenery of Lujiazui. The wine cellar stretches all along the entire corridor of the restaurant, which sees both modern and tasteful décor.

Baked Christmas Treats

At Gourmet patisserie

Duck under the decorative Christmas ribbons framing the entrance of the Pudong Shangri-La, Shanghai's in-house patisserie Gourmet, and take a big whiff of the sugar-scented air — this is your reminder to satisfy your 'second stomach' for sweets.

The festive atmosphere of the patisserie extends from the decorations to the desserts, which include red and white striped candy canes and fragrant gingerbread houses decorated with delicate icing and colourful candies.

Tipples & Treats with a View

At Jade on 36 Bar

As the night deepens, the hustle and bustle of the city fades: nevertheless, your Christmas night has only just begun. In the hazy glow of the evening, Jade on 36 Bar transforms into a dreamy wonderland.

Enjoy enchanting Christmas songs on the airwaves and the warming scent of seasonal fruits, spices and spirits in the bar's carefully crafted cocktails. Sweet or spicy, each sip offers a distinct sensory experience.

TIME OUT TIP: Arguably the most unique seasonal creation on the limited edition menu, the 'Santatini' cocktail blends Irish whiskey with rosemary, basil leaves, sugar syrup, cranberry juice and raw onions, offering a spicy yet refreshing kick. 🥃

Those who prefer to stick to safe territory might prefer the playful 'Little Sweet Water' cocktail. 🍹

Tis the season to schedule a rendezvous with your family and friends at the Pudong Shangri-La, Shanghai. Tag us in your socials at @timeoutshanghai if you do to spread the cheer!