A comprehensive guide to the best Christmas markets in Shanghai, where holiday cheer isn’t just encouraged — it’s practically mandatory.
This year, the city has outdone itself with dozens of festive fairs and Christmas markets that seem to multiply faster than snowflakes in a storm.
Here is a go-to list to ensure you’re fully stocked on mulled wine, festive bites, and gifts for everyone (or just yourself — no judgment). It’s a one-way ticket to holiday overload! Details on vendors and entertainment below.
Note: Market schedules and information provided below is accurate at the time of publishing. Should changes arise, please refer to the organizer’s respective official platforms for more information. Images provided by organizers and venues.
Christkindlmarkt German Christmas Market
Address: Yuanmingyuan Lu near Beijing Dong Lu 圆明园路, 近北京东路
When: Nov 27-Dec 28; Wed-Fri, 3pm-10pm; Sat-Sun, 12pm-10pm
The German Christmas Market is one of Shanghai’s most iconic festive events — and quite possibly the largest! Taking place at The Bund on Yuanmingyuan Lu, it’s a must-visit for anyone looking to soak in holiday cheer. The suggested drop-off point is The Peninsula Shanghai, conveniently close to the action.
With over 40 stalls to explore, the market offers plenty of food and drink, supplied by notable names from around the city.
For food, you have Papito Pancakes, Meso (burgers and Serbian food), Dutch Pies (cakes and pies), Sweeties (donuts), Nussmeister (roasted almonds), Zeitgeist (sausages), Homeslice (pizza), Royal Patat (fries), Tacolicious (Tex-Mex), Swiss House (raclette), Pasha (Turkish), Co. Cheese (grilled cheese sandwiches).
Wash it all down with mulled wine, warm apple cider, eggnog, or gingerbread-infused treats. Beyond food, there is a treasure trove of holiday gifts and crafts, featuring scented candles, eco-friendly products, intricate ornaments, luxurious cashmere scarves, elegant jewelry, and even artisanal carpets.
A massive Christmas tree, festive chalets, and a chance to snap photos with Santa Claus await for endless Instagram-worthy moments. Note: Only small pets are allowed, so plan accordingly.
Tickets are ¥30 pre-sale, ¥40 at the door.
Harry Potter Wonderland & Winter Magicland Market
Address: BFC, 600 Zhongshan Dong Er Lu 中山东二路600号BFC外滩金融中心
When: Winter Magicland Market: Dec 7-Dec 29, Sat & Sun, 10am-10pm
When: Harry Potter: Nov 30-Feb 16, Daily, 10am-10pm
The BFC (Bund Finance Center) is pulling out all the stops this holiday season with a jam-packed Christmas market schedule with themed weekends, plus a Harry Potter-inspired wonderland. Their Winter Magicland Market runs every Saturday and Sunday until December 29.
Entry is completely free.
This year, BFC has partnered with Warner Bros. to bring the first-ever Harry Potter-themed Christmas season to China mainland. The “Winter Magic Wonderland” is a spellbinding scene straight out of the wizarding world.
Highlights include a towering 17-meter magical Christmas tree, House banners, floating candles reminiscent of the Great Hall, the Hogwarts Express, Platform 9¾, and even a pop-up store for all your wizarding needs. The Harry Potter wonderland runs daily until February 16, 2025.
But that’s just the beginning. Starting December 7, ROLLER @ THE BUND makes its debut — a daytime roller-skating rink that morphs into a dance floor by night. Pair that with festive eats, drinks, and crafts, and you’re in for a magical winter.
WEEKEND THEMES:
- Dec 7-8: Mini version of The Bund Bread Festival, Finland Christmas Market, and Australian Food Festival.
- Dec 14-15: Another round of The Bund Bread Festival.
- Dec 21-22 & 28-29: A foodie market featuring restaurants from Dianping’s Must-Eat List.
With more than 80 vendors, the market offers everything from holiday bites and drinks to unique crafts from knick-knacks to fashion. Whether you’re a foodie, a Harry Potter fan, or just in the mood for some holiday cheer, BFC has something for everyone this festive season.
Bicester Lakeside Winter Market
Address: 88 Shendi Dong Lu 申迪东路88号
When: Dec 7-29, Sat & Sun, 11:30am-8:30pm
Bicester Village Shanghai is collaborating with some of Shanghai’s top restaurants and chefs for a gourmet feast at the Bicester Lakeside Winter Market. Sip on winter warming drinks, nosh on winter specials, and shop ’til you drop at this experiential destination next to Disney Resort.
Gourmet food lovers will find plenty to indulge in, with offerings from renowned Shanghai restaurants like Stiller by Stefan Stiller (modern European by a 3-star chef), Maison Lameloise (Michelin one-star French, Hakkasan (modern Chinese), and Pirata (Spanish tapas), Papito Pancakes, Azul (Latin & Spanish), Bastard (contemporary Chinese), Beef & Liberty (gourmet burgers), Cellar To Table (Italian & Mediterranean), Tomatito (fun tapas), T9 (teas), Maison Canelés (cannelés), and Pierre Marcolini (chocolates).
Shoppers will enjoy a curated selection of lifestyle brands, from Kate Spade’s stylish designs to handmade creations from ALLUNA, a luxury Colombian brand. Floral Essay offers stunning Christmas decor and bouquets, while EarthGlow’s personal care products make perfect seasonal gifts.
Sign up for the Lakeside Winter Gifting Bundle, a ¥100 pre-paid gift card packed with perks, including extra vouchers and 50% discounts at select vendors. Plus, you’ll be entered into a lucky draw for a one-night stay at Kimpton Qiantan Shanghai and a ¥5,000 dining voucher for Michelin 3-star Taian Table. Live band and choir performances on selected dates! Click here for more details.
HaHaHa Christmas Market by Common Rare
Address: West Bund Art Center, Hall B, 2600 Longteng Dadao 龙腾大道2600号西岸艺术中心B馆
When: Dec 19-22; Thu, 4:30pm-9pm; Fri-Sun, 12:30pm-9pm
Common Rare knows how to run the show when it comes to market magic. These seasoned event mavens are behind some of the biggest, boldest vendor-packed gatherings in Shanghai and beyond.
Their HaHaHa Christmas Market? A holiday extravaganza not to be missed! Picture this: over 300 independent brands taking over the West Bund Art Center for a festive bonanza. It’s all happening on December 19 to 22.
From lifestyle and fashion treasures to mouthwatering food and drink, indie art prints, coffee to fuel your merry-making, trendy trinkets, thoughtful gifts, pet products, and even charity stalls — it’s all there. And yes, there’s entertainment as well as a forum for the curious minds. For more details, check out their official WeChat account 凡几CommonRare.
Tickets start at just ¥39 (Thursday/Friday) and go up to ¥69 at the door.
Florentine Christmas Village, The Waldorf Astoria Shanghai
Address: 2 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu 中山东一路2号
Tel: 63229988
When: Nov 29-Dec 25; Wed-Fri and Dec 24 & 25, 4:30pm-9:30pm; Sat-Sun, 2pm-9:30pm
From November 29 to December 25, The Waldorf Astoria Shanghai transforms its second-floor terrace into an enchanting Florentine Christmas Village. Think Tuscan piazza vibes on the Bund — twinkling lights, melodic carols, and festive aromas set the scene.
Savor seasonal specialties crafted by the Waldorf’s chefs, from succulent roasted turkey and mozzarella-stuffed meatballs to Italian-inspired treats like cannolis and mortadella sandwiches. Sip on mulled wine, cinnamon-spiced hot chocolate, or holiday-themed cocktails while you soak in the festive vibes.
The magic continues with live entertainment, including carolers, elf-costumed dancers, stilt walkers, and even Santa himself. For little ones, the Christmas Tree Playground promises slides and festive fun, while the Elf House lets kids write letters to the big guy in red. Add in premium gifts from The Waldorf, T9, Nespresso, and Steiff, and you’ve got holiday cheer covered. More details here.
Xinhua Lane | Jiashan Lane | Laowaijie by JS Markets
Address: 345 Xinhua Lu 新华路345弄
When: Dec 7-8, 11am-6pm
Address: No. 37, 259 Jiashan Lu 嘉善路259弄37号
When: Dec 14-15, 11am-5:30pm
Address: Laowaijie, 3338 Hongmei Lu 虹梅路3338号老外街
When: Dec 21-22, 11am-6pm
JS Markets, the folks behind the cozy mom-and-pop vibe of Jiashan Market, are bringing three festive markets your way this December. First up, they’ll be at Xinhua Lane on Dec 7-8, then their original stomping grounds at Jiashan Lane on Dec 14-15, and wrapping up the month at Laowaijie on Dec 21-22.
Expect a diverse lineup of food vendors like Pampa Mia (Argentinian empanadas), Smokin’ Hog (BBQ), La Coyota (Mexican), Eat Dumplings, Maman Touba (Persian), Hoo’s Cuisine (sandwiches & baked brie), Loveberry (choc-covered strawberries), Moonborn Lotus (lotus seed snacks), and La Dolce Vita (tiramisu). Keep in mind, not all vendors will be at every market — check their WeChat account (JiashanLaneMarket) for up-to-date vendor lists. Of course, there will also be local brands for craft, lifestyle, and fashion.
Regular favorites like Jonas Emil, Levi’s Stroopwaffles, Brownie Days, Eris Cookies, and Flavio Gelato will be there too. Plus, for the Laowaijie market, a special Mongolian BBQ pop-up will be making its way down from the north. As always, JS Market events are dog-friendly and free entry!
Paulaner’s 18th Christkindlmarkt
Address: 500 Dongdaming Lu 东大名路500号
When: Dec 6-25; Fri, 5:30pm-9:30pm; Sat-Sun, Dec 24 & 25, 1pm-9:30pm
Paulaner is bringing back its long-running German-style Christmas market — the 18th edition — hosted at its North Bund rooftop destination Paulaner Wirtshaus. Expect a cozy festive atmosphere with selected vendors offering mulled wine, gingerbread men, cotton candy, waffles, and other winter treats.
Kids under 10 get in for free, while adults pay ¥50 — though that doubles as a cash voucher to spend at any market vendor.
Unwrap Your Wonders, Jing An Kerry Center
Address: 1515 Nanjing Xi Lu 南京西路1515号
When: Nov 21-Jan 1, 11am-10pm
This year, Jing An Kerry Centre’s theme is Unwrap Your Wonders. The entire plaza transformed, complete woodland creatures (as interactive installations of course), featuring a stunning 20-meter Christmas installation in the South Plaza. Entertainment of carolers, ballet performances, and more. Plus, more than 20 brands will be serving up food and drink and arts and crafts as part of the famed Anyi Lu market. Free entry.
