It is difficult to give a specific definition of Christmas in China. In most Western countries, people know very little about how this traditional Christian/European holiday is celebrated in China.
However, tourists during Christmas can experience a refreshing festive atmosphere.
Is Christmas a statutory holiday in China?
Not exactly.
Most Chinese people do not celebrate Christmas. But foreign expatriate communities usually hold various Christmas social gatherings.
In fact, most people in China are not Christians. Atheism is the state religion in China. There is no religious privilege to celebrate Christmas.
For the vast majority of people in China, Christmas is not even considered a working holiday. In rural areas and small villages, locals may not even know what Christmas is.
However, Christmas is considered an unofficial holiday in Chinese Mainland.
How do Chinese people celebrate Christmas?
Christmas in China tends to be more commercialized. Tourists will notice chain stores like Starbucks and Pioneer. These stores always decorate for the holiday and sell holiday merchandise.
Small businesses in big cities like Shanghai and Hong Kong also launch promotions, special events, and Christmas specials.
Some high-end (four-star and five-star) hotels and restaurants may offer special Christmas feasts around Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Some companies also hold small gatherings for their employees.
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Christmas Decorations
Decorations are everywhere. In big cities, Christmas trees adorned with LED lights and colorful lanterns are everywhere. Many people enjoy this festive atmosphere that breaks away from the monotony of winter.
Tall Christmas trees, lanterns, reindeer, and other festive decorations can be seen all over the country. Santa Claus playing the saxophone is also a popular festive decoration.
Many young Chinese people enjoy celebrating holidays. Young couples often go out for romantic dates during Christmas, admiring the lights and decorations.
Small local businesses usually start decorating for Christmas in December and never take them down. In the summer, it is common to see Christmas decorations from the previous year (or even years ago) still hanging on doors and windows.
Christmas in China is different from Christmas elsewhere.
Other celebrations may include special Christmas events that have nothing to do with Christmas.
These events come in a wide variety and are countless. For example, secret Santa gift exchanges, dressing up as Santa Claus and distributing gifts to children.
What do foreigners do on Christmas in China?
In Hong Kong, Christmas is one of the 17 public holidays, and the entire city is usually decorated and bustling with activity. Many foreigners living in Chinese Mainland will travel to Hong Kong during the holidays to experience the strong Christmas atmosphere.
Foreign communities
Most foreigners working in China have at least one day off (Christmas). Many Chinese people will join the celebrations of foreign expatriates. People will gather together for dinners, social gatherings, and feasts provided by restaurants and hotels.
Whether you can find a large foreign community with numerous Christmas activities is closely related to the size of your city. In addition, the degree of internationalization of the city is also crucial - Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong have the most diverse and colorful activities during Christmas.
Christmas gifts in China
Giving gifts has always been popular in China (for example, red envelopes). However, it is usually done during traditional Chinese festivals and special occasions, not on Christmas.
Among foreigners in China, the custom of exchanging Christmas gifts is more common. University students/college students may organize some activities and exchange apples on Christmas Eve.
Chinese Christmas Food
For the vast majority of Chinese people, there is no specific food that represents Christmas, as most do not celebrate it.
Although milk and chocolate are becoming increasingly common and affordable, some other Western holiday food ingredients are either not available or expensive in China. For example, turkey is hard to come by.
Western-style foods popular in China, such as cakes, have been fully localized. You can find green tea-flavored cakes, chocolate cakes adorned with cherry tomatoes, and vanilla cakes.
The best way to enjoy an authentic Christmas meal is to visit foreign restaurants, bars, and upscale hotels. They usually offer a range of expensive holiday delicacies that can also be found in the West.
How to Spend Christmas Holidays in China
December is the off-season for tourism in China, making it a great time to avoid the crowds. Here are some popular destinations for spending Christmas holidays in China.
Hong Kong and Macau
These two cities enjoy special administrative treatment - you don't even need a Chinese visa to visit them. Both were once colonies of Western countries (Macau was a Portuguese colony, while Hong Kong was a British colony). Their cultures are more international and more suitable for celebrating Christmas.
In these cities, it's easy to find Christmas markets, grand banquets, and events, as well as grocery stores selling Christmas food.
Special events in Hong Kong include Disneyland's Christmas celebration, Christmas lighting ceremonies, and fireworks displays.
Shanghai
Shanghai has multiple Christmas markets, many Christian churches hold Christmas services, and it has one of the largest foreigner communities in China.
.Compared to most cities in China, Shanghai boasts more community charity events, as well as a wide variety of buffets and dinners offered by hotels and foreign bars.
Beijing
Beijing is a populous international metropolis. Many international workers, business executives, entrepreneurs, diplomats, etc. reside there. Therefore, its international influence is far greater than other regions in China.
Of course, most Chinese people will be working on Christmas or celebrate it rarely or not at all, but there are actually many things to do.
Christmas markets and promotions are everywhere. Many malls and shopping centers have extended their business hours and lowered the prices of goods. Be prepared for the crowds.
Find the best cities in China to celebrate Christmas.