As a matter of fact, it’s not just Chinese New Year that brings all the excitement in Shanghai. Christmas is just as lively, and the festive spirit is especially strong at the Shanghai Christmas Market. It’s no surprise that travellers from across the city and from abroad choose to spend their Christmas getaway there.

Have you got your flight to Shanghai from Singapore sorted for your Christmas holiday? Before anything else, make sure you compare flight tickets from Singapore to Shanghai so you can snag the best price. And once your tickets are booked, don’t forget to check out this guide to Christmas events in Shanghai before you go.

Many people don’t realise it, but there’s something quietly magical about Christmas in Shanghai. It’s not the snow-dusted chalets of Europe, but glittering glass towers catching the winter light. 

You won’t find reindeer-drawn sleighs, but you will see ferries gliding along the Huangpu River, their reflections shimmering across the water. And while pine forests are nowhere in sight, the city makes up for it with pop-up wooden huts tucked between historic shikumen lanes and neon-soaked streets. 

Somehow, in the middle of one of the world’s most fast-paced megacities, the Shanghai Christmas market or often called the Christkindlmarkt Shanghai, manages to bottle that timeless, cosy, nostalgic festive spirit.

Read More: Everything You Need to Know about the Shanghai Metro

As December settles in, neighbourhoods like The Bund, Jing’An, and Pudong transform into their own version of winter wonderland. Fairy lights criss-cross overhead, casting a warm glow over evening strolls. 

Vendors ladle out steaming cups of mulled wine that thaw cold fingers, while the irresistible smell of roasted chestnuts, gingerbread, and sizzling German sausages floats through the air. Couples wander between stalls hand-in-hand, families pose in front of oversized Christmas trees, and friends gather for seasonal drinks before heading to one of the many themed pop-up bars.

Whether you’re planning a romantic night out, searching for a hearty Shanghai Christmas dinner, or simply wanting to bask in the seasonal cheer, the city offers something for every kind of traveller. From festive concerts and European-style markets to cosy cafés, glamorous hotel events, and riverside light shows, there’s no shortage of things to do in Shanghai during Christmas in Shanghai. 

When people talk about the Christmas market in Shanghai, chances are they’re referring to the Christkindlmarkt on The Bund — easily the city’s most charming, festive, and atmospheric Christmas spot. 

It’s the one that truly feels like a European winter village tucked into the middle of Shanghai’s historic riverside. For a moment, you almost forget you’re in a megacity and simply sink into the glow, the music, and the mulled-wine warmth.

Officially known as Christkindlmarkt on the Bund, this is Shanghai’s full-on German-style Shanghai Christmas market. Think wooden huts, twinkling lights, handcrafted decorations, and the classic festive smells you’d expect from a traditional European market.

Locals and expats often call it the German Christmas Market in Shanghai. You might also hear it referred to as the Rockbund Christkindlmarkt Shanghai, since it’s held close to the beautiful Rockbund heritage district.

Christkindlmarkt on the Bund located at Yuanmingyuan Road × East Beijing Road, Huangpu District. It’s only a few steps away from The Bund’s waterfront. And.. if you’re staying at hotels near The Bund Shanghai, it means you are very lucky!

But.. if you are staying at another Shanghai hotels of your choice, getting to the Christkindlmarkt is rather easy by Metro. Just drop at these nearest Metro Stations:

Both stations are about a 10–15 minute walk, depending on your pace.

Pro tip: Roads around The Bund can get quite busy on weekends, so using the metro is far easier than trying to navigate by car or taxi.

The market usually runs from late November through late December. For example, the 2025 edition is scheduled 26 November – 28 December.

Operating Days:

Arriving early in the evening is ideal as the market feels magical once the lights come on, but queues can get long around 6.00 – 8.00 pm.

Entry Price & Tickets

Entry is time-slot based, so it’s always better to book ahead. Tickets are typically sold through official digital platforms, and screenshots or forwarded tickets usually won’t scan.

The Christkindlmarkt hosts 40+ traditional wooden huts, each offering a cosy slice of European Christmas charm.

Shopping stalls include:

Food options are brilliant, with a proper mix of German classics and international comfort food:

Some sweet treats keep the festive spirit going:

Of course, no Christkindlmarkt is complete without proper mulled wine (Glühwein). You’ll also find:

Weekends in this best Shanghai night market often bring Santa appearances, so kids can snap photos and whisper their wish-lists. Right in the middle stands the giant, illuminated Christmas tree, perfect for holiday photos and for soaking up the wintery vibes.

1. Go on weekdays if you prefer smaller crowds.

2. Bring cashless payment apps — while some stalls accept cash, digital payment is far more common.

3. Dress warmly — Shanghai’s winter wind can be sharper than expected.

4. Plan dinner either inside or nearby; the Rockbund and Bund areas have plenty of cosy restaurants for after-market meals.

If you’re planning to explore Shanghai’s Christmas markets, staying at hotels near The Bund or hotels near Nanjing Road makes the whole experience much more comfortable. 

You’ll find everything from cosy boutique stays to well-known international hotels in this area — and booking through Traveloka makes it a breeze to compare prices, check real reviews, and snap up seasonal deals, especially in December when rooms tend to go quickly.

You can stroll to the market, wander along the river afterwards, and avoid the metro crowds at closing time. Here are some of the recommendations:

Grand Central Hotel Shanghai – 505 Jiujiang Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China, 200001

Hyatt on the Bund, Shanghai – 199 Huangpu Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China, 200080

Fairmont Peace Hotel (on the Bund) – 20 East Nanjing Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China, 200002

Fish Inn – East Nanjing Road – No. 4, Lane 74, Ningbo Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China, 200001

Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund – No. 2 Zhongshan East 1st Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China, 200002

Crowne Plaza Shanghai Nanjing Road (IHG) — 505 East Nanjing Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China, 200001

Radisson Blu Hotel Shanghai New World — 88 Nanjing Road East, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China, 200001

Grand Central Hotel Shanghai — 505 Jiujiang Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China, 200001

Holiday Inn Shanghai Nanjing Road (IHG) — 504 East Nanjing Road, Huangpu District, Shanghai, China, 200001

If you’re keen to explore beyond the big Bund market, you’ll be pleased to know Shanghai has a handful of other festive spots that bring their own charm and character:

Beyond markets, Shanghai xmas celebrations extend into its upscale Shanghai hotels and restaurants. If you're over for a Christmas party in Shanghai, or seeking a special Shanghai Christmas dinner or Shanghai christmas lunch, you’ll be spoiled for choice.

Here are some top picks and ideas:

1. The Peninsula Shanghai The Peninsula always puts on an indulgent festive programme. Their Christmas Eve dinner at The Lobby is typically a refined multi-course affair — beautifully plated dishes, a glass of champagne on arrival, and live jazz in the background. On Christmas Day, The Lobby switches to a lavish brunch buffet that usually features carving stations (prime rib and Christmas ham), seafood, bao buns, cheese and charcuterie counters, plus an impressive dessert spread. If you prefer something more relaxed but still glamorous, Z Bar pours festive cocktails and bubbles throughout the season — a brilliant spot for a grown-up Christmas night out.

2. Hyatt on the Bund

A long-standing favourite for Christmas Eve in Shanghai. Their Aroma restaurant typically serves a festive buffet including mulled wine, house wine, beer, and soft drinks.

Past years have also included Christmas-themed lucky draws, with prizes ranging from gadgets to complimentary hotel stays.

Other restaurants within the hotel, like Xindalu, also join in with seasonal menus or set dinners.

3. Bulgari Hotel Shanghai

For something refined and intimate, the Bulgari’s festive programme is always beautifully curated. Il Ristorante – Niko Romito often presents a Christmas tasting menu that is elegant, seasonal, and perfect for a special night out.

Over at Il Bar on the 47th floor, you can expect festive cocktails, champagne, and stunning skyline views. This spot tends to offer Christmas packages that include seating, drinks, and light bites.

Read More: Top Things to Do in Shanghai For a Family Holiday

Aside from staying near The Bund, you’ve got several great neighbourhoods that make your Shanghai Christmas Market trip (and your overall festive getaway) even easier and more enjoyable. Here are some thoughtful areas to base yourself:

Why choose here? For a trendier, cosmopolitan base. Staying at hotels near Jing’An or hoteles near Xintiandi offers boutique hotels, lots of restaurant options, and is close to the Zeitgeist market.

Vibe: Relaxed yet energetic, with cafés, bars, and shopping, perfect for strolling after a Shanghai Christmas lunch.

Hotels recommendation include Paramount Gallery Hotel, Hilton Shanghai City Center, and Renaissance Shanghai Yu Garden Hotel. 

Why stay at hotels in Pudong? Great skyline views, especially at night, and excellent hotels (luxury skyscrapers, river views).

Transport tip: Many of these hotels offer shuttles or are very accessible via Metro Line 2, which connects centrally to Puxi and The Bund.

Hotels recommendation include Courtyard by Marriott Shanghai International Tourism and Resorts Zone, Novotel Shanghai Atlantis, and Novotel Shanghai Clover.

If you want to sprinkle in some local flavour, here are a few Chinese greetings you might hear (or use) around 上海圣诞节 (Shanghai Christmas):

East meets West: The Christkindlmarkt Shanghai is a gorgeous marriage of European Christmas tradition with a sleek, modern skyline.

Urban romance: There’s something dreamy about sipping mulled wine under fairy lights with the glowing skyscrapers of Pudong in the distance.

Community & joy: Whether you're an expat or a local, the seasonal markets and Christmas events in Shanghai bring people together in a convivial, relaxed way.

Retail & craft: It’s not just about food and drink because you’ll find thoughtful gifts, handcrafted décor, and designer finds tucked into wooden huts, making it a charming shopping experience.

In short, if you find yourself in China during December, Christmas in Shanghai is absolutely worth planning your trip around. The Christkindlmarkt on the Bund, often simply called the Christmas market in Shanghai offers a warm, traditional, European-style festive experience set against the city’s iconic skyline. 

So whether you’re after a cosy Shanghai Christmas, planning a festive lunch, or hunting down the perfect Christmas party in Shanghai, nothing sets the mood better than a stroll through the Christkindlmarkt. And to make the whole trip smoother — from flights to hotels to last-minute festive plans — Traveloka has everything you need in one place.

Traveloka makes the rest effortless, from finding your perfect cheap hotels to securing island attractions tickets that fit your wellness mood. Book your flight tickets too and make the most of coupons such as “Flights Promo”. 

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