Feeling like a massive Scrooge this year? Need a bit of festive fun to coax the Christmas cheer out of you? This guide to our top picks for Christmas markets and holiday events might do the trick.
1
CHRISTKINDLMARKT
on The Bund
🗓️ Now until December 28
(Wed - Fri, 3 - 10 PM | Sat + Sun, 12 - 10 PM)
📍Corner of Yuanmingyuan Road and
Beijing East Road, Huangpu
🎟️ Pay in advance, 30 RMB | At the door, 40 RMB
Some say it’s the biggest and best of Shanghai’s Christmas markets.
Naturally, this also means that it can get ridiculously busy. Hoist your kids up onto your shoulders for them to take in this famous spot for Christmas shopping, carols and mulled wine at its usual location in front of the Union Church.
As far as browsing options go, we like that there is a blend of the traditional and the regional — you can find German bratwurst cosying up to Chinese cuisine. Plus, there’s always plenty of stocking fillers to shop for.
2
FESTIVE TEA & MAKEOVER
by Harrods X Charlotte Tilbury
🗓️ Daily now until January 5, 2025
📍The Harrods Tea Rooms, 420 Weihai Road, Jing’an
🎟️ 1,086.80 RMB or 1,855 RMB with free-flow Champagne (per pair) | Makeover separate charge
Did you know that Harrods, one of London’s ritziest department stores, has a tearoom in Shanghai?
This season, the iconic institution is teaming up with another icon: makeup brand Charlotte Tilbury, which is known for rouging the lips of the great and glamourous, from Kate Moss to Penelope Cruz.
Tuck into the prettiest afternoon tea treats created in Charlotte Tilbury’s signature colour palette and get a makeover by the beauty brand — it’s the perfect girl’s day out.
Bookable via Dianping and WeChat official accounts; just search the names of the brands — the rest should be easy to follow.
3
CHRISTMAS STAYCATION
at Pudong Shangri-La, Shanghai
🗓️ Now until December 31, 2024
📍33 Fucheng Road, Pudong
🎟️ From 2,300 RMB per night
☎️ Ring (8621) 6882 8888 to reserve
If you want to inject a few high-end comforts into your life, the Pudong Shangri-La, Shanghai has some cool festive offerings.
They’ll be decking out the hotel with Christmas cheer and laying on the fun to keep the kids entertained so adults can kick back and relax.
The hotel has decked out some rooms with Christmas trees and giant, cuddly Santa cushions, and is organising special scavenger hunts.
Adults might find more interest in the hotel’s festive menu at Jade on 36, a Michelin-selected restaurant, or perhaps the views of the Bund from the decked out Enchanted Bar.
4
WINTER AFTERNOON TEA
with Christofle and
Tearoom by EHB
🗓️ Daily, 2 - 6 PM
📍Tearoom by EHB, Xuhui
🎟️ 1,288 RMB per set
☎️ Ring 021-6445-8695 for reservations
Silverware specialist Christofle has teamed up with Tearoom by EHB to create a Nordic-themed afternoon tea spread themed ’Winter Garden.’
They’ll be serving up treats on Jardin d'Éden silverware, said to be the cream of the crop of silverware.
The tearoom will be kitted out in full festive baroque, and candle-lit — this could be the perfect place to kick off a holiday romance.
5
CHRISTMAS CANDY TREE
at HKRI Taikoo Hui
🗓️ Décor from now until Dec 31, 2024 |
Market from Dec 20 – 31, 2024
📍HKRI Taikoo Hui Mall, 789 West Nanjing Road, Jing’an
🎟️ Free entry
Start your Christmas off on a sweet note by checking out this cascading three-story dedication to candy.
We doubt you’ll be disappointed.
Alongside the visual feast, the mall has organised jazz performances, some very ritzy pop-ups, art by Marina Abramović and plenty to eat, including seasonal desserts from The Shanghai EDITION and The Sukhothai Shanghai.
TIME OUT TIP: On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, December 24 and 25, a special bearded guest is rumoured to be making an appearance... 🎅
6
CHRISTMAS EDITION
of Jiashan Lane Market
🗓️ December 14 - 15 (11:30 AM – 5 PM)
📍Lane 259, Jiashan Road, Xuhui
🎟️ Free entry
The community spirit is strong at this mainstay and reliable market in Shanghai.
Jiashan Lane Market is known for rolling with the times and supplying quality artisanal food and wares. Expect that same handmade, artisanal quality to spill over into their festive market. There will also be an opportunity for the kids to meet Santa.
7
CHRISTMAS VILLAGE
by Waldorf Astoria Shanghai
🗓️ Now until December 25 (Wed - Fri, 4:30 - 9:30 PM | Christmas Eve and Day, Sat + Sun, 9:30 PM)
📍Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund, Zhongshan East Road, Huangpu
🎟️ 68 - 98 RMB til Dec 5, 98-130 after
Last year saw the debut of the Waldorf Astoria Shanghai’s Christmas Village, which went with a Nordic theme.
This year, they’re going full Florentine — meaning that the Christmas village will be chock-full of treats from Tuscany.
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Full-on performances by professional dancers and singers sets this event apart from other Christmas markets in Shanghai.
There will also be a kids’ playground where parents can leave the little ones while they imbibe in mulled wine.
8
CHRISTMAS MARKET
at Jing’an Kerry Center
🗓️ December 6 onwards
📍South Plaza, 1515 West Nanjing Road, Jing’an
🎟️ Free entry
Arguably the most centrally located Christmas market in Shanghai, the Jing’an Kerry Center’s annual event is also free of charge to explore!
Cuddly critters, from bears to squirrels, seem to be a central theme of the market this year.
9
LAKESIDE WINTER MARKET
at Bicester Village Shanghai
🗓️ Now until December 7, 2024 (11:30 AM - 8:30 PM)
📍88 Shendi East Road, Pudong
🎟️ Free entry
A fantastic new option for those based in Pudong, Bicester Village Shanghai’s first ever winter market will be set along a scenic lake.
Every weekend in December, the shopping destination’s main thoroughfare will be lined with some of Shanghai’s best-loved F&B brands, from Maison Lameloise to BASTARD, will be delivering Christmas eats and drinks.
TIME OUT TIP: This holiday period also sees Bicester Village Shanghai’s biggest anniversary sales ever.
10
HARRY POTTER-THEMED MARKET
at BFC Shanghai
🗓️ Now until February 16, 2025
📍Bund Financial Centre, 600 Zhongshan East Road, Huangpu
🎟️ Free entry
Since sticking on a Harry Potter film on a cold winter’s day is a bit of a Christmas ritual, why not visit this themed market too?
The Bund Financial Center has turned its courtyard into a winter wonderland inspired by the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and the space is brimming with Potter paraphernalia — we’re talking Hogwarts banners, a mock Hogwarts Express, and a 17-metre-high themed Christmas tree.
To top it all off, December 7 and 8 will see all-day Harry Potter movie marathons, from the first film to the finale. Apparate us over already!
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