The most wonderful time of the year is coming up, and we've got a ton of events to get you in the holiday spirit. Do-gooders, check out a couple charity fundraisers. If you're feeling naughty, sample one of this month's parties (Santa Gayby, anyone?). And for those who just want to kick back and relax, see below for 12 holiday meal specials around the city.
Events
Dec 16
SWIS' Winter Celebration
A daytime 'winter celebration' will see performances put on by SWIS' diverse body of students and parents, not to mention various booths selling food, drinks and 'unique products,' some of which benefit charity. Plus, there'll be other fun activities to participate in, like a raffle that concludes at 1pm.
Dec 16, 11am-3pm; free entry. Shen Wai International School (SWIS).
Dec 23-24
Christmas Charity Bazaar at Independent Preparatory Academy
Shop for food, beauty products, candles, mulled wine, coffee beans and more, all for a good cause. There'll also be design workshops, a dance performance and a booth run by the school's students. Proceeds go to the charity Captivating International. Contact Anna Veremyova (phone/WeChat: 136 2223 7442, email: anna@hs-college.com) for presale tickets.
Dec 23, 10am-4pm; free for kids under 18, RMB20 presale, RMB30 door. Independent Prepartory Academy.
Christmas Markets at Gateway One
Miss Christmas markets from home? This'll cheer you up: the third floor of the Sea World shopping mall will be filled with stalls selling holiday-themed gifts, toys, food and drink. All your favorites will (probably) be there, from mulled wine to gingerbread to Christmas cookies. Santa will give gifts to children from 2-6pm, while a Christmas Eve party will bring caroling and live music to the masses. Read more here.
Dec 23-24, 12-10pm; RMB20 (includes Santa hat). Gateway One Shopping Center. Tickets.
Christmas Party for Charity at Crown Sports
Organized by the F.C. Easy Strikers and MY STAR, this party's proceeds go entirely to local charity A Heart for China. Sports, games, a lucky draw, a gift exchange and more will be held at the event. Donations of money, rice, oil, cookies, milk (in 250 milliliter cartons), dried food and more are welcome. A Heart for China supports elderly, orphans and children with autism or other disabilities; learn more about the event here.
Dec 24, 8-10am; RMB100 to sign up. Crown Sports Football and Basketball Fields.
Gingerbread House Making Activity at For Times 2 Coffee
Ticket price includes everything you need to make the gingerbread house of your dreams, plus instructions. Attendees begin by baking the (prepared) gingerbread dough, and end by devouring or taking home their masterpieces. Expect to learn about Christmas customs and sing a few carols along the way. Registration deadline is December 17, add Wang Peng (QR code here) on WeChat to sign up.
Dec 24, 1.30pm; RMB348 per gingerbread house. For Times 2 Coffee.
Food and Drink
Ongoing
Pulse Cafe
This Christmas dinner serves four and includes untraditional dishes such as mango prawn salad, quesadillas and black truffle penne. Dessert and drinks are included in the price; advance booking recommended.
Until Dec 31; RMB388 for four. Pulse Cafe.
Sheraton Dameisha Resort
Tired of turkey and ham? The Dameisha Sheraton has four different holiday-themed meal offers in December, from a Frozen-themed seafood and BBQ buffet (Dec 24-25) to a romantic dinner for two (Dec 24), plus a monthlong afternoon tea. Read more about each here.
Until Dec 31. Sheraton Dameisha Resort.
Dec 22-29
Saffron Indian Restaurant
It may not be traditional, but it's a good deal: Saffron is offering 25 percent off dishes and 10 percent off drinks all week long, from December 22-29. The restaurant specializes in North Indian cuisine and also offers imported wine and whiskey.
Dec 22-29. Saffron Indian Restaurant.
Dec 24-25
The Brew
A 'luxurious' roast turkey dinner will be served between 7-9pm. Advance booking is highly recommended; get RMB30 off by booking before December 21.
Dec 24-25, 7-9pm; RMB198 early bird, RMB228. The Brew.
George & Dragon
An expansive lunch buffet lasts from 12-4pm and includes roast turkey with stuffing and gravy, cranberry sauce, pigs-in-a-blanket and a traditional Yule log. Contact 0755-2669 8564, 159 8794 9007 or manager@george-dragon.com to book a table.
Dec 25, 12-4pm; RMB98 for kids, RMB198 for seniors over 60, RMB238. George & Dragon.
Latina
A droolworthy Christmas buffet offers turkey, ham, lamb chops, roast salmon, spare ribs and dessert. Reserve a spot before December 21 for 10 percent off the bill.
Dec 24, 6pm; RMB205 early bird, RMB228. Latina.
Delight your family with brunch or dinner on Christmas eve, packed with tasty favorites and carefree entertainment. Visit for a clown performance during brunch (11am-3pm) or the magic act, face-painting, band performance and prize drawing during the two rounds of dinner. A grand feast of seafood, roast turkey, mulled wine and more awaits. Contact 0755-3339 7714 to reserve your seats; 16% service/VAT charges apply.
Dec 24, 11am (brunch) 5:30pm (Round 1) 8:30pm (Round 2); RMB348 (adult brunch, including free flow beverage), RMB198 (child's brunch), RMB688 (adult dinner Round 1, including free flow beverage), RMB288 (child dinner Round 1), RMB388 (adult dinner Round 2, including free flow beverage), RMB188 (child dinner Round 2). Cafe Marco.
McCawley's
This traditional holiday dinner includes turkey with all the fixings, plus mulled wine, onion soup and Christmas pudding. RSVP before December 20 for RMB20 off the full price. Reservations recommended, at 0755-2668 4496.
Dec 24-25, Sun 6-10pm, Mon 1-8pm; RMB200 early bird, RMB220. McCawley's Irish Pub Shekou, Peninsula, Futian.
Paletto - The Ritz-Carlton, Shenzhen
Enjoy a luxe set dinner at the Ritz-Carlton on both days of the holiday. Price includes a glass of champagne.
Dec 24-25, 6pm; Sun RMB1,688, Mon RMB888 (not including taxes and service charge). Paletto - The Ritz-Carlton, Shenzhen.
Tequila Coyote's Mexican Food & Grill
A special Christmas dinner at this Mexican-inspired spot in Shekou includes one glass of red or white wine. There'll also be specials on margaritas and Estrella Damm draft beers. RSVP recommended.
Dec 24, 7-9pm; RMB180 (includes one glass of wine). Tequila Coyote’s Mexican Food & Grill.
Xpats Bar & Lounge
Roast turkey and sides for only RMB88, with free flow beer and wine thrown in for an extra RMB50.
Dec 24, 6-9pm; RMB88, RMB138 free flow drinks. Xpats Bar & Lounge.
Xpats Sports Club
Party it up on Christmas Eve with a live DJ from 9pm-1am, plus a roast turkey buffet deal featuring plenty of sides, dessert and free flow drinks.
Dec 24, 5pm-late; RMB238. Xpats Sports Club.
X-Ta-Sea
This buffet features not only turkey but also 'Hawaiian ham' baked with pineapple, green bean casserole and a veggie lasagna. Soft drinks and juice are included in the price, and alcohol and coffee are 50 percent off. Children under three get in free, while groups of four or more adults will receive a free bottle of sparkling white wine. For reservations, call 136 9541 1605 or 0755-2686 7649.
Dec 24, 6-9.30pm; RMB58 kids under 120 cm, RMB198. X-Ta-Sea.
Parties
Dec 16
Santa Gayby at Top Lounge
SaturGays is back with a special holiday party – Santa Gayby – held at Futian's Top Lounge bar. Gogo dancers and 'cheap drinks,' plus prizes and DJs, await all guests. Tickets include one mixed drink.
Dec 16, 10pm; RMB80 (includes one drink). Top Lounge. Tickets.
Dec 23
Kick It's Christmas Pub Crawl
Put on a five-piece Santa getup (included in the ticket price) and get ready to spread holiday cheer at four bars in Futian District: Trafalgar, Mambo, Dean's Bottle Shop and Evil Duck. Drink specials and jolly times await. To sign up, add Tom on Wechat at ID 'repyourhood619.'
Dec 23, 7pm; RMB100 (includes Santa costume). Trafalgar Bar.
Christmas On The Beach at Xichong
Can't stay away from the beach? Celebrate Christmas with a wintertime bonfire by the sea. Food from Russia, Jamaica and the US will be available, as well as drink specials on select cocktails. DJs will also be on board with techno and house tunes inspired by 80s and 90s soul. An optional afterparty sail on a 52-foot catamaran will set you back RMB2,000; otherwise the party is free to enter.
Dec 23; free entry. Xichong Beach. Register here.
Trying to make your home look Christmas-y? Check out our guide on where to purchase Christmas trees and decor in Shenzhen.
For more things to do in Shenzhen, check out our Events Section.
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[Cover image via visitengland.com]
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