10 ways to get into the Christmas spirit in Shanghai

Photograph:  Thought Catalog via Unsplash

Hey, you! Getting cranky every time your coworkers ask how you’re spending Christmas? You may be stuck in Shanghai for the holidays, but there’s no need to be a Grinch about it. Whether it’s your first or fiftieth time spending December in Shanghai, here are ten things to eat, drink, do and see in the city to make the most of it.

1. Fall for the festive season at one of these ice rinks

Photograph: Vasilios Muselimis via Unsplash

Ok, so you're less Russian Olympic gold medalist, more bundle of independently flailing limbs, but few activities say Christmas spirit like trying to imbue some element of grace into the jerky start-stop motion with which you wobble about the rink. If you survive the holiday season, most Shanghai rinks are open all year round, so stick your skates on and you might be turning out triple axles come Christmas 2019. Extract the QR code below for Shanghai's top ice skating rinks.

2. Wear a Christmas jumper that's so bad it's good

Photograph: via Amazon.cn

Nothing says 'I'm visibly trying to have fun at my office Christmas party' like a garish Christmas jumper. These days, Grandma's knitted-with-love sweater has gone mainstream and it's now the uglier the better. Don one of these festive eyesores available via Taobao and Amazon to, admittedly unorthodoxly, spread some Christmas cheer. 

3. Enjoy a classy Christmas cocktail

Photograph: courtesy Speak Low

Enjoy a cocktail at one of China's best bars. Several have rolled out new Christmas and winter specials, with drinks to make you feel warm and fuzzy like Speak Low's Show Me The Magic with Bacardi Carta Blanca, clarified milk, soda and 'secret cola spices' (95RMB) or Union Trading Company's brandy-based Pumpkin Spice Marshmallow Cream Nog (78RMB).

📍 Speak Low, 579 Fuxing Zhong Lu, near Ruijin Er Lu.

📍 Union Trading Company, Bldg 2, 64 Fenyang Lu, near Fuxing Zhong Lu (entrance on Fuxing Zhong Lu).

4. Have a slice of Christmas pizza, no really

Photograph: courtesy Homeslice Pizza

Nothing says Christmas like pizza... Homeslice has launched a limited edition Christmas pizza with sage stuffing sausage, ham and pickled cranberry sauce on a white, non-tomato base, which will be available through January 6 at both its Found 158 and Zhongshan Park locations as well as via delivery. Both a stomach and a stocking filler.

📍 Homeslice (Found 158), 158 Julu Lu, near Ruijin Yi Lu.

📍 Homeslice (Zhongshan Park), 1398 Yuyuan Lu, near Dingxi Lu.

5. Indulge in a seasonal dessert

Photograph: courtesy Pie Society

Calories don't count at Christmas – at least that's what we're telling ourselves – so you don't have to feel guilty about stuffing yourself with Christmas pastries and desserts. CinnaSwirl's special edition cinnamon rolls (one for 22RMB, six for 98RMB), which are their classic rolls festively decorated, really hit the spot, as do Pie Society's lush-looking sticky gingerbread pudding (35RMB) with ginger brandy toffee sauce available through the end of the month. Loosen those belt buckles and enjoy.

📍 CinnaSwirl, 32 Yuyuan Dong Lu, near Changde Lu. 

📍 Pie Society Canteen, 688 Shaanxi Bei Lu, near Wuding Lu.

6. Snap a picture with Shanghai's most Insta-worthy Christmas displays

Photograph: Amy Snelling (The Peninsula)

Santa, presents and maternal passive aggression aside, nothing says Christmas like a twinkling cone of pine needles, baubles and stars. This year, we're pretty keen on Jing An Kerry Center's ginormous tree in the middle of its Christmas market. We'd also recommend a few snaps of the glorious erections (you'll get a lump of coal in your stocking if you laughed at that) at Waldorf Astoria and The Peninsula – which has also gone all-out on its entrance fairylights (pictured above).

📍Jing An Kerry Centre Christmas Market, South Piazza, Jing An Kerry Centre, 1515 Nanjing Xi Lu, near Changde Lu. Until Wed 26. 10am-10pm. Free entry.

📍Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on The Bund, 2 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, near Guangdong Lu. 

📍The Peninsula Shanghai, 32 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, near Beijing Dong Lu.

7. Get creative at these Christmas decorations shops 

Photograph: Olivia Basile via Unsplash

Deck the halls with bows of holly. You'll be able to find all you need to turn your eight bedroom one bath share flat into a winter wonderland at Ruby's and Holiday House's respective emporiums of festive decor. Hungry for a bargain? You can also stock up on Christmas kitsch at the City God Temple at Yu Gardens (so long as you are prepared to haggle for it). Madame Mao's Dowry also stocks some seasonal interest pieces in the run up to the big day.

📍 First Floor, Unit 137, Edifice Building, 201 Chengjiaqiao Zhi Lu, near Hongmei Lu.

📍 Gate 4, Weimar Villa, No 101, 355 Ande Bei Lu, near Anyong Lu.

📍 City God Temple, 225 Fuyou Lu, near Jiujiaochang Lu.

📍 Madame Mao's Dowry, 207 Fumin Lu, near Julu Lu.

8. Cosy up on the couch with Christmas films and BottlesXO

Photograph: Jon Tyson via Unsplash

You've spent all year loudly touting your extensive knowledge of Mainland Chinese cinema on dates and at parties – well done, you put up a good front. But if ever there was a time to let down the facade and settle into something weightlessly watchable, its Christmas when you can dive into a literal sleigh-full of feel-good festive flicks. If that doesn't warm your cockles, download the BottlesXO app and have a mull-your-own-wine gift pack delivered to your door in less than 60 minutes (210RMB). Done with mulled wine? Go for other Christmas deals like a bottle of Spanish dessert wine paired with Confee foie gras for 295RMB or a bottle of red delivered with a box of chocolates (175RMB). 

9. Get into the Christmas spirit with a film about a guy who doesn't have any

Photograph: courtesy Universal Pictures

The Grinch is back on the big screen, voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch and, in Grinch terms, is a bit less grinchy (ungrinchy?) than you might expect. Not the greatest Christmas film you'll ever see – but what were you really expecting? – short and snappy, this incarnation of The Grinch should play well with little kids, and it has enough inbuilt seasonal cheer to semi-defrost the hearts of more demanding adult filmgoers.

📍On general release now.

10. Tuck into a Christmas brunch

Photograph: courtesy Mr & Mrs Bund

We're in Shanghai, of course Christmas brunch is a thing – and there are a fair few to choose from. Get your festive fix at Capella Shanghai, Jean-Georges, Blackbird, Liquid Laundry, The CUT Rooftop or Mr & Mrs Bund this Christmas. It's what baby Jesus would have wanted. Tap here for the full list of Christmas dining options.

More from Time Out Shanghai

Click below for more from Time Out Shanghai