7 Ways to Celebrate the Festive Season in China

Break out your ice skates and don your loose-fitting Santa pants.

In China, Christmas isn’t quite the to-do we make of it in North America, but it’s fairly close, particularly in Hong Kong and Macau, where years of European rule are particularly apparent this time of year.

Stores decorate with lights and garlands and Christmas trees and Santa Claus shows up at shopping malls all over the country. Though the big day isn’t a national holiday everywhere, many people have at least a few days off during the holidays.

Even if Christmas was a little late catching on in the East, there’s still plenty of opportunity to indulge in your favourite traditions from home. No matter which holiday tradition you observe this year, China has got all of the season’s classics on offer, and some unique holiday traditions of its own.

1. Shanghai Santacon

Arriving in Shanghai last year for the first time, Santacon is a new tradition whereby thousands of people dress up like Santa Claus and parade around the city. While the organizers insist it’s not a pub crawl, the resemblance is striking. (With so many watering holes worked into the parade, the two are easily confused. It doesn’t help that so many Santas end up behaving like frat boys, causing all sorts of mischief).

If you’re planning on participating this year, it’s preferable you wear a full Santa getup, though Santa hats can be bought on site for ¥50. Bring gifts for kids, teens and adults (you’re playing Santa, remember?). Also, bring your transit card or some small bills; this mob moves around a lot.

2. Hong Kong Ballet does The Nutcracker

This holiday classic was recently re-imagined by Australian choreographer Terence Kohler, with the help of world class lighting and costume designers. This modern production of The Nutcracker by the Hong Kong Ballet, accompanied by a live orchestra, Hong Kong Sinfonietta, debuted to excellent reviews last year and runs again this year for 10 days. Kohler cast 58 children in the production, which showcases some of China’s finest young dancers.

3. Ice skating in Beijing at Weiming Lake (Seasonal)

The beautiful man-made lake at Peking University is open for skating as soon as the weather is right. It costs nothing to skate, and several stalls offer skate rental for ¥10 if you haven’t got a pair of your own. Snack vendors are on hand with candied crab apples and other Christmas treats.

There’s no shortage of picturesque ice rinks in Beijing, both indoor and outdoor, including several that also rent ice chairs for children and seniors. Grab a hot chocolate and strap on your skates. The holidays are here!

4. Fill your belly with holiday fare in Macau

Christmas traditions took hold in Macau after years of Portuguese rule, and residents even have official holidays on Dec. 24 and 25. Macau is often called “the Las Vegas of Asia” and is a great place to holiday cheaply, with all the pomp and ceremony of the season.

Sofitel’s two restaurants, Mistral and Privé, do an impressive Christmas spread this time of year. Mistral up serves French classics like escargot and foie gras, buffet-style, while Privé is a little more intimate. The hotel does a delightful high tea, complete with delicate french pastries, elegantly brewed tea and a glass of champagne.

5. Give something back in Singapore with Food From the Heart

Food From the Heart has a variety of volunteer programs for kids and adults. Through their Bread Distribution Program, volunteers collect unsold bread from shops and hotels at the end of the day and distribute it to low-income households, shelters, senior citizens centres and other people in need across the city. Through their Toys From the Heart program, volunteers collect toy donations from local schools and redistribute them at the annual Toy Buffet for neighbourhoods in need. 

6. Shop your face off at any of China’s Christmas Markets

In Shanghai, the European-style Christmas market offers Western classics like egg nog, mulled wine and German sausages. Unlike Singapore’s Christmas River market, which runs for just one weekend, the Shanghai market is open until Jan.1. Entry is ¥20 in the daytime and ¥40 at night. Special events cost as much as ¥120.

7. Indulge your inner tourist at WinterFest in Hong Kong

Brought to you by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Winterfest is part Christmas celebration, part city celebration. Take a cruise or night tour and enjoy the heavily bedazzled skyscrapers and harbours. Set aside your reservations for a tour around the city on an open top bus and catch this year’s centerpiece in Statue Square, while drinking in the glittery lights of the city. Catch an over-the-top pyrotechnics display on New Year’s Eve at Victoria Harbour. The festival runs until January 1.

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