This article originally appeared on our sister website, Urban Family Shanghai.

There’s no better time than Christmas to take a step back from our busy lives, appreciate the company of loved ones, and perhaps even discover a new hobby. Whether that means checking out a merry winter market or joining a creative workshop with your kids, there are many holiday events in this season of yule!

Christmas Markets & Festivals

Dec 7-8: Christmas Shindig 2019

Flyer courtesy of promoter

On December 7-8, we’re taking over Shanghai Archwalk to host a festive Christmas extravaganza. The 2019 Christmas Shindig will be a fun-filled, family-friendly gathering. This year’s event is already shaping up to be a spectacular weekend and is expected to draw up to 7,000 families each day. Prepare for a magical holiday weekend at the Christmas Shindig. Attendees will join in on events such as live music performances, Santa Claus parades and a Christmas bazaar featuring gifts, DIY activities, games, tasty food, delicious drinks and so much more. Attendees will also receive a passport to collect stamps and receive Christmas goodies and win lucky prizes. Stop by booths at the market or select Archwalk stores to get stamps and other special prizes. Collect enough stamps and you’ll even receive a secret gift from Santa Claus himself! Best of all, it’s totally free (with RSVP)!

RSVP is required. Scan the QR code below to register right now:

Dec 7-8, 11am-5pm; free entry. Shanghai Archwalk. See event listing.

Dec 21-25: Moller Villa Christmas Market

Flyer courtesy of promoter

Staying in Shanghai for the holidays? Then here’s a Christmas event you absolutely can’t miss. For the first time ever, the iconic Moller Villa opens to the public for its inaugural Christmas Market, organized by AnyHelper together with Moller Villa Hotel and Shanghai International Convention & Exhibition Center. At the first-annual Moller Villa Christmas Market, you’ll enjoy music, food, auctions, performances, craft goods, lucky draws and more. From swing dance shows to clown performances, there’s plenty of fun activities to keep visitors of all ages entertained. Don’t miss your chance to take a selfie with Santa Claus or sing Christmas carols along with live bands!

Want to learn more about the history behind this classic venue? Early bird and VIP ticket holders can enjoy a free historical tour presented by bilingual tour guides inside the mansion to learn more about this fascinating piece of Norwegian-style architecture. There are only 300 early bird tickets available, so make sure you book your tickets while you still can! As an added bonus, all pre-sale ticket purchasers will also automatically be entered into a lucky draw to win a one-night stay for two guests at Moller Villa, as well as free lifelong China visa services from AnyVisa.

Scan the QR code below to purchase tickets:

Dec 21-25, 10am-8pm (Dec 21-22), 3-8pm (Dec 23-25); RMB50-188. Moller Villa Hotel. See event listing. Tickets.

Until Dec 15: Jing’an Christkindlmarkt

Flyer courtesy of Zeitgeist Bavarian Eatery & Bar

If it weren’t for mulled wine and Christmas markets, we’d never leave the house. Thankfully, the traditional German Christkindlmarkt is back in Shanghai for a full 17 days. Follow the scent of baked apples, chestnuts, gingerbread, mulled wine, rum punch and more. You’ll find those festive treats along with handicrafts and gifts in beautifully decorated wooden stalls. For the small and big kids, Santa will come by on the weekends to grant wishes! Honestly, there’s no better way to experience some good Old World wintertime charm.

Until Dec 15, noon-9pm weekends, 4-9pm weekdays; RMB50 presale, RMB60 door both incl. mulled wine. Zeitgeist Bavarian Eatery & Bar. See event listing.

Dec 6-8: BLN Christkindlmarket

Flyer courtesy of promoter

Hosted by BLN Restaurants & Caterings at the Paulaner Brauhaus Expo location, attendees can find festive goods such as Christmas trees, wreaths, ornaments and decoration, select artisanal produce and handicrafts as well as Christmas gifts, holiday greeting cards and accessories. Traditional German foods like sizzling sausages and hot homemade Glühwein are served along with treats like waffles, sugar roasted almonds, crepes and gingerbread.

Dec 6-8, various times, RMB30 per person, free for children under 10 years of age. Paulaner @ Expo. See event listing.

Dec 7-8: Green Escape Night Market

Flyer courtesy of promoter

The Kerry Jing’an closes Anyi Lu to traffic every weekend for an outdoor market called Green Escape. Bundle up and get ready to enjoy wares from over 50 vendors including flowers, Argentinian barbecue, Dutch french fries, DODU rotisserie chicken and healthy meals from Hunter Gatherer. They even have The Odd Couple cocktails.

Dec 7-8, 4.30pm-midnight (Sat), 2.30pm-10pm (Sun); free entry. Jing An Kerry Center. See event listing.

Dec 7-8: Commune Market Xmas Edition

Flyer courtesy of promoter

Commune Market invites you to an exclusive boutique Christmas market at the luxury, stylish Sukhothai Shanghai designed by internationally acclaimed architectural/interior design practice Neri&Hu. There will be lots of mulled wine, craft gin cocktails, artisan foods, kids corner, Christmas cookie decorating workshop as well as an array of carefully curated independent designer jewelry, handmade toys, soaps, candles, fine art, home decor, children’s gifts, ornaments and so much more. To spread as much joy as possible, they have some special treats for everyone who visits Sukhothai, including limited edition Christmas Commune Market mugs, a raffle for URBAN Cafe & Lounge afternoon tea set for two and La Scala weekend brunch for two. This exclusive event is very family-friendly and free entry.

Dec 7-8, 11am-7pm; free entry. The Sukhothai Shanghai. See event listing.

Dec 14: Family Festival of Green and Generous Ideas

Flyer courtesy of promoter

The winter season, typically a time of reflection and tradition, is an opportunity to be especially conscious of our relationship to nature and the world around us. Gift-giving is a custom of the season but it doesn’t have to be wasteful or just another consumerist holiday. Join Magnolia and Savvy Exchanger on December 14 from 10am to 4pm for a festival that celebrates togetherness, green ideas and charitable, sustainable sharing. Bring a toy or some clothes to exchange, participate in workshops and charity sales, and enjoy live music and healthy wholesome foods!

Dec 14, 10am-4pm. Magnolia Kindergarten. See event listing.

Dec 14: Sunrise Charity Bazaar

Flyer courtesy of promoter

Come on down to enjoy this first-ever charity event organized by Sunrise. Expect plenty of vendors, Christmas arts & crafts, delicious food, tasty drinks, raffle prizes and a whole lot of fun at this gift-giving event. Proceeds will benefit Shanghai Children’s Foundation and Couleurs de Chine.

Dec 14, 10am-4pm. Sunrise International Kindergarten (Pubei Campus), 50 Pubei Lu, by Liuzhou Lu 浦北路50号, 近柳州路. See event listing.

Christmas Activities

Until Dec 11: APM & Epermarket Toys & Kids’ Books Collection

Flyer courtesy of promoter

Local charity A Pleines Mains and popular grocery delivery service Epermarket have teamed up once again to collect toys and children’s books to help brighten up the lives of kids in need this holiday season. Donations will be collected until December 11 and will be accepted by Epermarket drivers each time your order arrives. Click here for more details on how to participate.

Until Dec 11. See event listing. Click here for more details.

Dec 7, 14, 21: Culinary Christmas Craft Classes at the Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai

Deck the halls this festive season with three uniquely Christmas-themed DIY and culinary craft classes at Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai. Taking place throughout December, guests are invited join workshops and learn how to create custom Christmas treats and decorations. Get those creative juices flowing by building and decorating your own gingerbread house on December 7, make Christmas cookies on December 14 or create your own beautiful Advent crown on December 21.

Dec 7, 14, 21, 2.30-4pm. Acqua, Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai, email lobbylounge.shanghaipudong@kempinski.com or call (021) 3867 9031 to book. See event listing.

Dec 7: DIY Gingerbread Decorating Session

Flyer courtesy of promoter

Strictly Cookies is hosting a gingerbread decorating event at Ocean Grounds’ Raffles City (Changning) location! Decorate a gingerbread house and gingerbread men with friends and family while you sip festive craft coffees. Buy tickets for either the 10am-12pm or 2-4pm slot and receive a Strictly Cookies’ DIY Gingerbread Kit, including gingerbread house pieces, four gingerbread men, frosting and decorations. Each ticket is RMB288.

Dec 7, 10am-12pm or 2-4pm, RMB288. Ocean Grounds (Raffles City). See event listing.

Dec 7: CanCham Christmas Party

Flyer courtesy of promoter

Come feel the Christmas spirit with CanCham at their 12th annual Christmas Party: White & Bright Winter Night! Enjoy a Christmas dinner coupled with free flow alcohol, soft drinks and juice. Fun awaits the whole family as jolly Santa Claus will pass by to deliver gifts and take photos with all the children. A prize raffle will also be done during the evening for a chance to win extra gifts!

Dec 7, 5-9pm, RMB60-560. Shanghai Town & Country Club. See event listing.

Dec 8: Early Creations Christmas Cookie Exchange & Cooking Baking Workshop

Flyer courtesy of promoter

Not sure where to finding all the ingredients for your favorite Christmas cookies? Let Early Creations help with this cookie baking workshop! Participants will make eight different types of cookies to give to teachers, neighbors and friends. Scan the QR code in the flyer to sign up.

Dec 8, 10-11.30am & 3-4.30pm. See event listing. Scan the QR code in the flyer to sign up.

Dec 11-12: HQIS Winter Performance

Flyer courtesy of promoter

Winter is coming and the temperature is dropping, but Shanghai Hong Qiao International School is always ready for fun and entertainment! This year, HQIS will be holding its traditional Winter Performances on December 11 and 12. All families and friends of HQIS are welcome to attend and enjoy students’ performances on stage. Students will be singing, playing instruments, dancing and much more. It’s is one of HQIS most exciting events, so don’t miss it!

Dec 11-12, 9am-2pm. HQIS Rainbow Bridge Theatre. See event listing.

Dec 12, 15, 18: Early Creations Gingerbread House & Christmas Cookie Decorating Workshops

Flyer courtesy of promoter

Early Creations welcomes all children ages 3 and up to make the gingerbread house and Christmas cookies of their dreams. Tickets are priced at RMB300, and both parents and children under 3 years get in for free. Siblings get a 10% discount. Entry includes one handmade house, sugar cookies, cookie bags, icing, sprinkles, hot cocoa and mulled wine. To sign up, scan the QR code in the flyer.

Dec 12, 15, 18, various times, RMB300. Locations vary. See event listing. Scan QR code in event flyer to sign up.

Dec 16: Christmas Walk & Raffle

Flyer courtesy of promoter

WalkyTalky Fitness is a social sport group dedicated to encouraging city dwellers to get more fit. Get active this festive season with their annual Christmas walk and raffle! Meet at Paulus Bar on December 16 to kick off the traditional Christmas walk. Afterwards, there will be a party featuring a lucky draw with a RMB15,000 prize pool. RMB168 gets you a gift bag, Santa hat, one complimentary glass of Spumante, a slice of panettone and raffle ticket.

Mon, Dec 16, 7.30pm onwards, RMB168 per person. Paulus Bar. See event listing. Scan QR code in flyer to register.

[Cover image via Unsplash]

This article was originally published by our sister magazine Urban Family Shanghai. For more articles like this, visit the Urban Family website, or follow the Urban Family WeChat account (ID: urbanfamilyshanghai).

[Cover image by That’s]