🎄 What's Christmas like in China?

🎄 Christmas in China

Christmas in the West? It’s cozy sweaters, nativity scenes, and Uncle Bob falling asleep by the fire. Christmas in China? It’s saxophone-wielding Santas, glittery cellophane apples, and dates that feel more like Valentine’s Day.

Here’s the deal: Christmas in China isn’t a religious thing. Only 3–5% of China’s population identifies as Christian, so there’s no midnight mass or baby Jesus in a manger. Instead, Christmas is a vibe—a mashup of romance, shopping sprees, and a pinch of Western influence.

What’s in a Name?
In Mandarin, Christmas is 圣诞节 (shèng dàn jié)—“Saint Birth Festival.” Toss in a cheerful 圣诞快乐 (shèng dàn kuài lè) (“Merry Christmas”), and you’re good to go.

But here’s the twist: in mainland China, December 25th is just another workday. No public holiday, no day off. That said, malls in big cities like Beijing and Shanghai go full-on festive, with Christmas trees, lights, and Mariah Carey’s greatest hits on repeat.

Hong Kong and Macau, with their Western influences, do Christmas more traditionally. Think: public holidays, family feasts, and an extra helping of twinkling lights.

Forget Reindeer, Santa’s Got a Saxophone
Santa Claus in China is 圣诞老人 (shèng dàn lǎo rén)—“Christmas Old Man.” But forget the reindeer and elves. Chinese Santa rolls with his “sisters”—young women in red-and-white outfits—and often plays a saxophone. Why? Nobody knows, but it’s stuck as a tradition.

The Great Apple Giveaway
Here’s a tradition for you: apples. Yep, apples. In Mandarin, “apple” (píng guǒ) sounds a lot like “peace” (píng ān), so giving someone a shiny, beautifully wrapped apple on Christmas Eve is basically wishing them good vibes for the year ahead.

Other Christmas gifts? Couples splurge on romantic presents (Valentine’s vibes, remember?), while kids score toys, just like in the West.

Christmas Dinner, à la China
No turkey. No stuffing. In China, Christmas dinner could mean Peking Duck at a swanky restaurant or, thanks to clever marketing, a bucket of KFC. Yes, fried chicken is becoming a holiday staple in some cities. Honestly China KFC could be a whole email drop by itself. They’re way better than US KFC and as prevalent as Starbucks. Another time.

A Little Holiday History
Christmas in China goes way back—to the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD), when missionaries introduced it. But it wasn’t until the 1990s, after China’s economic reforms, that cities started decorating and celebrating. Now? It’s a full-blown secular holiday, especially among younger folks.

Where to Catch the Christmas Spirit in China
🎄 Yiwu: This Zhejiang city produces 60% of the world’s Christmas decorations. If it sparkles, it probably came from here. (This is also where my office is at)
❄️ Harbin: The city’s Ice Festival is next-level, with jaw-dropping sculptures and glittering lights.
🍸 SantaCon in Beijing or Shanghai: A bar crawl where everyone dresses like Santa. It’s wild. My fellow New Yorkers will be in familiar territory here.

The CHINAWAVE Take
Christmas in China hits different—it’s a little kitschy, a little romantic, and totally unique. Whether you’re biting into a peace apple, snapping a pic with a saxophone-playing Santa, or braving the crowds at a shopping mall, the spirit of the season is alive and well…with Chinese characteristics.

Merry 圣诞节,
— CHINAWAVE

🎁 Spread the Cheer
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