How to Celebrate Christmas in China

Just like in many other countries across the world, the people of China celebrate the occasion of Christmas with enthusiasm and pleasure. Whilst the celebration of Christmas happens to be a relatively 'young' tradition in this country, the Chinese mark this occasion with joy and many festive customs. Described are some of the ways you could celebrate Christmas if you happen to be in China at this special time of the year. 

Understand the nature of the celebration 

Across the globe, many people associate Christmas with Christianity and the birth of Jesus Christ. However, in China, where only a small proportion of the population is actually Christian, this occasion is more secular and marked by activities like feasting and shopping. Matching the festive spirit, malls and other business establishments conduct sales to attract customers at this time of the year. 

Whilst Christmas is often a family occasion in the West, in China it is rather like Valentine’s Day; on this occasion, young people enjoy themselves light-heartedly, going out with their sweethearts and exchanging gifts. Friends would also often hang out together and visit karaoke bars, movie theatres and shopping malls. 

Visit the Christmas Village 

Interestingly, China even features a designated Christmas Village; in fact, Beiji Village happens to be a festive theme park featuring an array of Christmas-themed attractions. This village is located in the arctic northernmost region of China in the countryside of Mohe. If you happen to visit the Christmas Village, you will have the opportunity to admire the Northern Lights, play in the snow, visit the house of Santa Claus and take a sled ride. Although this village may be rather remote, visiting it at Christmas time is likely to be an enthralling experience. 

Admire the local Santas 

In China, figures of Santa are often depicted playing the saxophone or the French horn. Although the exact origin of this tradition is not clear, it is probably to do with the fact that Santa is associated with the West in China, and the saxophone is a well-known Western musical instrument. 

Another unique tradition would be that Santa isn’t accompanied by elves or reindeer in China; instead, in this country, Santa happens to be accompanied by his ‘sisters’ who are women dressed in Christmas-themed attire. Santas here also like to go out together in groups during Christmas making for a rather fascinating sight.

Savour the Christmas foods 

As one would expect during this season, Christmas typically involves enjoying a variety of festive foods in China as well. However, instead of turkey with stuffing, in China, the Christmas menu is likely to include foods like roast pork, Chinese dumplings, baked rolls, spring rolls and rice. You may also try out the home-grown Chinese spirit known as baijiu. An accommodation in Xian to consider from which you could experience the Christmas celebrations and enjoy the festive foods would be Citadines Gaoxin Xi'an. 

Give apples as gifts 

A unique Chinese Christmas tradition is the gifting of apples at this time of the year. Similar to the gifting of Valentine’s Day hearts, Christmas apples in China are attractively packaged and feature distinctive and fun phrases. The reason for this tradition is that the Mandarin words for Christmas Eve, "Ping an ye", and apples sound alike. It is also believed that if you eat one of these apples you would enjoy safety and peace in the year to come. 

Enjoy the parties 

In Chinese cities like Shanghai, Beijing and Xian, communities of expats often organize many Christmas parties and other enjoyable celebrations. The international communities mark this occasion with numerous creative and multicultural festivities. Both Chinese and foreigners have the opportunity to involve themselves in the fun. For instance in Beijing, the event known as SantaCon involves people attiring themselves in Santa suits, singing songs, giving gifts and having a good time.