Christmas in China: A Unique Blend of Global Celebration and Local Traditions

Christmas is a globally celebrated holiday, but in China, its observance takes on a unique flavor. While not traditionally a part of Chinese culture, Christmas has grown in popularity in recent decades, especially in urban areas and among younger generations. Though it is not an official public holiday, Christmas in China is celebrated as a commercial, social, and cultural event, blending Western influences with local traditions.

This blog explores how Christmas is celebrated across China, its cultural adaptations, and its significance in modern Chinese society.


The Evolution of Christmas in China

Christmas first entered China in the 19th century with the arrival of Christian missionaries. Churches in cities like Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Beijing began holding Christmas services for their congregations. However, it wasn’t until the late 20th century, with China’s economic opening and the rise of globalization, that Christmas began to gain mainstream attention.

Today, Christmas in China is less about religion and more about festive fun. It has become a secular holiday akin to Valentine’s Day, focusing on shopping, decorations, and spending time with loved ones.


Urban Celebrations: A Commercial Extravaganza

Christmas trees in front of Chinese building; grandfather and grandson walking through Christmas market in China

In cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, Christmas is a dazzling display of consumerism and modern celebration.

  • Shopping and Decorations: Malls, department stores, and streets are adorned with elaborate Christmas decorations, including lights, giant Christmas trees, and Santa Claus figures. Luxury brands and stores use the holiday as an opportunity to launch special promotions and festive-themed products.
  • Christmas Music and Events: Popular Western Christmas songs are played in public spaces, creating a festive atmosphere. Events such as Christmas markets, light shows, and themed activities draw crowds eager to experience the holiday spirit.
  • Gift-Giving: Exchanging small gifts is becoming more common, especially among friends and colleagues. Interestingly, a popular gift during Christmas in China is apples, often wrapped in colorful paper or boxes. This tradition stems from the Chinese word for apple, “pingguo” (苹果), which sounds like “peace” in “Silent Night” (平安夜, Píng’ān Yè).

Celebrating with Food and Friends

Christmas in China is also an opportunity to indulge in festive meals and gatherings. While traditional Western Christmas dishes like roast turkey and Christmas pudding are served in hotels and international restaurants, Chinese families often adapt the menu to include local favorites.

  • Western Restaurants and Hotels: Many high-end hotels and Western-style restaurants offer Christmas buffets and meals featuring dishes like turkey, ham, and desserts such as yule logs and mince pies.
  • KFC Christmas Tradition: KFC has become synonymous with Christmas in China, inspired by its popularity in Japan during the holiday season. Families and friends often gather for a festive bucket of fried chicken.
  • Potluck Dinners: Among younger Chinese, potluck-style Christmas parties are a popular way to celebrate. Friends gather to share homemade or store-bought dishes, exchange gifts, and enjoy holiday-themed games and movies.

Religious Observances

Chinese Catholic church exterior and Catholic choir indoors

For the Christian minority in China, Christmas holds deeper religious significance. Churches across the country, particularly in regions with large Christian populations such as Henan, Zhejiang, and Fujian, host Christmas Eve services and midnight masses.

  • Christmas Services: Churches are often beautifully decorated with lights and nativity scenes. Services include Bible readings, hymns, and sermons focused on the birth of Christ.
  • Community Outreach: Many Christian communities use the holiday as an opportunity for charity, organizing food drives and visits to orphanages or elderly homes.

Christmas in Rural China

In rural areas, Christmas is less visible but still observed in pockets where Christianity has historical roots. The celebrations are often simpler, focusing on religious gatherings and family meals.

However, here at Maling Academy, we throw hardy Christmas celebrations with our students and family! We have the day off from training and students and staff come together to decorate, cook, and celebrate. Check out some pictures below:

  • Maling Academy Gate in snow
  • Master Ning as Santa passing out presents to students
  • Sugar plum fairy decoration created by student
  • Master Bao and Master Ning Christmas
  • Front doors with Christmas tree decorations
  • Students decorating the dining room for the Christmas feast
  • Students decorating the dining room for the Christmas feast 2
  • Christmas decor in dining room (1)
  • Christmas decor in dining room (2)
  • Master Yan and Master Ning at Christmas dinner
  • Students Eva and Ashley at Christmas dinner
  • Students at Christmas dinner
  • Shaolin snowman :D
  • Students at Christmas dinner
  • Maling Academy in snow (1)
  • Maling Academy in snow (2)
  • Students in Christmas scarves in front of school
  • Maling Academy in snow (3) with Xiao Bai- school dog

Unique Chinese Christmas Customs

Chinese Christmas apples and tree decorations
  • Christmas Apples: As mentioned, gifting apples is a unique Chinese Christmas custom. The apples are often inscribed with messages like “Merry Christmas” or “Peace and Happiness.”
  • Festive Lanterns: In some places, Christmas decorations incorporate elements of Chinese festivals, such as red lanterns or firecrackers, blending Christmas cheer with Chinese traditions.
  • Snow-Themed Celebrations: In northern China, where winter brings snow, cities like Harbin embrace a winter wonderland vibe, with ice and snow sculptures adding to the festive atmosphere.

Christmas Tourism in China

China’s unique take on Christmas has made it a destination for festive travelers. Some popular Christmas-related attractions include:

  • Shanghai Disney Resort: During Christmas, the park transforms with lights, themed parades, and special activities.
  • Harbin Ice and Snow Festival: Though technically starting after Christmas, the festival offers a magical experience with its ice sculptures and winter activities.
  • Hong Kong’s WinterFest: Hong Kong celebrates Christmas with grandeur, featuring towering Christmas trees, markets, and spectacular light shows.

Challenges and Cultural Significance

While Christmas is embraced by many in China, it has also sparked debates. Some view it as an unnecessary adoption of Western culture, while others see it as a harmless celebration of global traditions. In schools and workplaces, Christmas events are often a way to promote cross-cultural understanding and celebrate diversity.


Conclusion

Christmas in China is a fascinating blend of global influences and local creativity. It reflects the country’s openness to international culture while maintaining its unique customs and traditions. Whether it’s through dazzling urban displays, meaningful religious observances, or the simple joy of exchanging a Christmas apple, the holiday continues to evolve as a vibrant celebration of connection, generosity, and festivity in modern China.

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