Shanghai December Events Festive Markets Art and Winter Wonders
Hello fellow culture enthusiasts and urban explorers! As a professional lifestyle and culture blogger, I'm thrilled to share insights directly from the vibrant pulse of Shanghai. Our latest deep dive into XiaoHongShu, a popular Chinese social media platform known for its rich user-generated content and trending lifestyle recommendations, has uncovered a treasure trove of activities for December in this incredible city.
Searching for "Shanghai December activities" (上海12月活动) revealed a city absolutely buzzing with festive cheer, especially with Christmas and New Year's on the horizon. From enchanting markets to world-class art and unique culinary adventures, Shanghai truly transforms into a winter wonderland. Here’s your comprehensive guide to making the most of December 2025 in Shanghai!
🎄 Step into a Festive Fairy Tale: Christmas Markets & Winter Carnivals
December in Shanghai is synonymous with enchanting Christmas markets, many of which kick off in late November and run throughout the month, some even into early January. They offer a delightful blend of international flair and local charm.
1. German Christkindlmarkt / Bund Source Warm Winter Carnival (外滩源暖冬嘉年华)
This is a true classic and arguably one of Shanghai's largest and most authentic German Christmas markets, beloved by international visitors. Held on Yuanmingyuan Road Pedestrian Street, it feels like a genuine European experience. Expect delicious mulled wine, traditional German sausages from Zeitgeist, Chilean grilled beef, Papito crepes, and Mexican tacos. Be sure to book tickets in advance, especially for peak dates like December 20th, 24th, and 25th, as they sell out quickly. You can often find presale tickets for 30 RMB (on-site 40 RMB), with children under 1.3m entering free. Keep an eye on WeChat mini-programs like "smtk 小🍊xu" for booking.
2. BFC Bund Financial Center Christmas Carnival (BFC外滩金融中心圣诞嘉年华)
The Bund, Shanghai's iconic waterfront, becomes a comprehensive winter wonderland at BFC. This year, it's embracing a fun Pokemon theme! Don't miss the world's first 15.1-meter tall 151-themed Christmas tree, Pokemon pop-up stores, and even a Snorlax air-filled structure in a ball pit. The ice family Bund Winter Ice Rink, an open-air real ice rink with artificial snow, brings a touch of NYC magic, complete with skating assistants for beginners. The Christmas Market typically runs weekends from November to late December.
3. Jingan Kerry Centre – "Swirl into the Karneval" (静安嘉里中心 – 乐随旋动) Known for its stunning, fairy-tale Christmas decorations, Jingan Kerry Centre creates a cozy Scandinavian winter atmosphere. This year, expect interactive ground installations instead of the previous small train attraction.
4. Xintiandi Winter Slow Tour · New Wish Market (新天地冬日慢游·新愿市集)
One of Shanghai's most stylish neighborhoods hosts a vibrant market known for its wine, illustrations, and being refreshingly pet-friendly.
5. Yuyuan Road Market (愚园路市集)
Discover this charming, smaller market with unique trinkets and a truly magical atmosphere, especially beautiful at night when the lights illuminate the street.
6. Shanghai Zhangyuan North Ski Exhibition (上海张园北面滑雪展) For a unique city center experience, head to Zhangyuan North for a "frozen" wonderland featuring white snow, ice sculptures, ski slopes, and ice skating areas. Professional coaches and equipment rentals are available, and entry is free! Remember to dress warmly for the best experience and photos.
🎨 A Canvas of Culture: Exhibitions & Art Events
Shanghai's cultural calendar in December is brimming with diverse offerings, from contemporary art to luxury jewelry and immersive experiences.
1. The 15th Shanghai Biennale "Even Flowers Hear Bees?" (第十五届上海双年展)
A major contemporary art event hosted at the Shanghai Museum of Contemporary Art (PSA), this biennale features 67 artists from around the world. The theme, focusing on sensory experience and the connection between humans and non-humans, includes a stunning golden flower tree installation.
2. Buccellati - Prince of Goldsmiths Grand Exhibition (布契拉提-金匠王子大展)
This is the first major exhibition in China for the century-old Italian luxury jewelry brand. Prepare for a glittering and exquisite display at the Shanghai Exhibition Centre. Keep an eye out for reservation details!
3. "Space Travel: Journey of Light" 3D Immersive Exhibition (3D 开启宇宙遨游光的旅程) Embark on an incredibly immersive 3D visual journey through the galaxy, observing planets, black holes, and the wonders of the universe at the Shanghai West Bund Art Museum.
4. Shanghai Library: Pan Family Collection of Books and Documents
For history and literature buffs, this free, high-quality exhibition showcases rare Song dynasty woodblock prints and other treasures from the renowned Pan family's collection at the Shanghai Library East Building.
🍣 Flavorful Fandom: Themed Dining & Pop-ups
Shanghai is a hub for themed restaurants and pop-up events, especially popular among anime and game fans (often referred to as "吃谷人" or "merch collectors").
1. Sushiro New Store Opening Specials (寿司郎新店福利)
Indulge in fantastic weekly specials on premium sushi and Japanese dishes, celebrating new Sushiro branches at Global Harbor and Zhongshan Park Longzhimeng. Expect incredible deals like premium Bluefin Tuna Otoro for just 10 RMB, and various promotions for loyal customers.
2. Anime/Game Themed Restaurants & Pop-ups
December is packed with these unique dining experiences! From a My Melody & Kuromi themed restaurant at No. 1 Department Store Commercial Center to a Reverse: 1999 restaurant at BLZX, and pop-ups for aespa, Digimon, Link Click, Crayon Shin-chan, and Hello Kitty's 50th Anniversary Exhibition. Jingan Joy City, in particular, is a hotspot for many of these.
✨ Unique Experiences & City Exploration
1. The Bund's Toughest Century-Old Vault (外滩最硬核的百年金库)
For history buffs, explore a hidden, free treasure at the former Continental Bank Building on the Bund. This unique spot boasts a well-preserved ancient deliberation room and a two-story vault with incredibly thick steel doors. It's open only two days a week for a guided tour, offering a fascinating glimpse into Shanghai's financial past, with over 20 safe deposit boxes still unclaimed!
2. CityWalk Drunkard Map - Shanghai Edition (CityWalk酒鬼地图) Embark on a unique bar-hopping adventure with this fun concept. For 168 RMB, you get 7 drinks at various participating bars, a fantastic way to discover new spots and socialize before December 20th.
3. La Prairie x J Hotel Shanghai Tower Afternoon Tea (莱珀妮联名下午茶)
Indulge in a luxurious high-altitude afternoon tea on the 101st floor of J Hotel Shanghai Tower. This special collaboration with La Prairie skincare features exquisite caviar-themed delicacies. Bloggers with a significant following often get special invitations to review this experience.
👨👩👧👦 Family-Friendly & Educational Activities
1. Shanghai Disneyland Winter Season (上海迪士尼乐园冬日季) Disney is magical in December, with "Mickey's Wonderful Snow Moment" (artificial snow and projections) and "Winter Season Castle Projection." Enjoy the Zootopia: Hot Pursuit ride and Mickey's Storybook Express parade featuring winter costumes. Keep an eye on the official app for updated ride closures, as some may occur for maintenance.
2. Anti-Fraud Campaign Stamp Activity (防非宣传盖章打卡活动) This unique city scavenger hunt lets you visit different investor education bases across Shanghai, collect special themed stamps, and potentially win prizes – a fun and educational activity for families.
🛍️ Seasonal Shopping & Pop-ups
1. IKEA Year-End Fans Festival (宜家上海年终宜粉节) - Free Tote Bags Grab a unique themed tote bag for free with any purchase at IKEA's Shanghai stores. Designs vary by location (e.g., Christmas vibe at Linkong, Blackpink theme at Baoshan). Make sure to reserve via the IKEA WeChat Mini-Program!
Essential Tips for Your December Shanghai Adventure:
- Book Early: Popular events, especially Christmas markets and shows, can sell out. Presale tickets are highly recommended.
- Dress Warmly: December in Shanghai can be quite chilly, especially for outdoor activities. Layers, hats, scarves, and gloves are a must.
- Power Up: A portable charger is essential for capturing all the beautiful festive lights and moments.
- Public Transport is Your Best Friend: Shanghai's metro is efficient and often the best way to navigate, especially to crowded event locations.
- Verify Details: Always check official WeChat accounts or websites for the latest information on dates, times, and booking methods, as details can change.
- Photography: Dusk is ideal for capturing festive lights. A portable fill light can enhance night portraits.
Shanghai in December is truly magical, offering something for everyone – from festive markets and world-class art to unique dining and immersive adventures. Enjoy your time exploring this dynamic city!
Image Gallery:
Image Gallery
All images from the trending posts that inspired this article:
Ticket Sales Open!
开票啦 Ticket ON！
Confirmed: Shanghai's Top Christmas Market Tickets On Sale.
终于定了！！魔都圣诞市集天花板要开票了
Shanghai Dual Store Event Kicks Off Dec 6.
魔都双店大戏 12/6正式开机🎬
2025 Shanghai Christmas Market Guide: Save This Now!
2025魔都圣诞市集指南🎄速速码住！
Confirmed! 2025 Shanghai Bund German Christmas Market: Tickets On Sale.
定了‼️2025上海外滩源德国圣诞集市🎄开票啦
2025 Shanghai Christmas Lighting Season Preview.
2025上海 圣诞亮灯季预告🎄
Shanghai: Detailed Christmas Map & Guide.
上海！！超详细圣诞地图…（合集附📍）
New Yu Garden Road Market: Great Atmosphere.
愚园路又有新市集啦❗️超绝氛围感拉满
Limited-Time Recruitment: La Prairie Collaboration Afternoon Tea.
限时招募｜莱珀妮联名下午茶
Bund's Century-Old Vault: Open Only Two Days a Week.
外滩最硬核的百年金库💰一周只开两天
Shanghai's Best Winter Carnival This Month.
目测是上海本月坠好玩的冬日嘉年华！！！
Shanghai Late 2025: Must-See World-Class Exhibition.
上海2025年底·不可错过的世界级大展｜必看版
Who Remembers Shanghai's New Year's Eve Celebration?
谁还记得上海的这段跨年😢
Shanghai Nov-Dec Anime Themed Restaurants Guide.
上海11-12🈷️二次元餐厅汇总🔥吃谷人收藏🌟
Shanghai New Exhibition: Buccellati - Prince of Goldsmiths Poster.
📷上海新展：布契拉提-金匠王子大展海报👑
Shanghai Biennale: An Annual Contemporary Art Extravaganza.
一场当代艺术的年度盛会·上海双年展
Thanks IKEA: Score Freebies.
谢谢宜家🫡又给我薅免费的羊毛啦💙
Shanghai Wujiaochang Honkai: Star Rail Omphalos Pop-up Guide.
上海五角场崩坏星穹铁道翁法罗斯快闪攻略✨
Shanghai Weekend Must-Visit: Hongkou Duolun Market Season 2.
魔都周末必冲!虹口多伦市集第二季来啦!
West Bund Dream Center: Free Gundam Exhibit (Kids Love It).
📍西岸梦中心｜免费高达展玩到让娃不想走🔥
Shanghai | Nov-Dec: 25 Events, Pop-ups & Markets.
📍上海 |11、12月🌟25个活动/快闪/市集
Shanghai Nov 17-23: This Week's Event Summary.
上海11.17-11.23本周活动汇总！一周不无聊
Shanghai Exhibition: 3D Light Journey Through the Universe.
上海看展 | 3D 开启宇宙遨游光的旅程🪐✨
Shanghai New Exhibition: Buccellati - Prince of Goldsmiths Poster.
📷上海新展：布契拉提-金匠王子大展海报👑
Shanghai Autumn Foliage Report.
🍁上海赏秋进度表来啦~
Shanghai Nov: 26 Events Collection (Grab a Friend).
上海11月26个活动合集🔥喊搭子一起去逛
Thanks IKEA: Score Freebies.
谢谢宜家🫡又给我薅免费的羊毛啦💙
Who Remembers Shanghai's New Year's Eve Celebration?
谁还记得上海的这段跨年😢
Shanghai Christmas: 2025 Top 10 Christmas Markets Guide.
📍上海圣诞🎄｜20251️⃣0️⃣场圣诞市集攻略🌟
Shanghai Weekend Must-Visit: Hongkou Duolun Market Season 2.
魔都周末必冲!虹口多伦市集第二季来啦!
Shanghai New Exhibition: Shanghai Library Major Exhibit Opens Tomorrow.
上海新展 | 上图大展明天开幕，有人先冲吗
Disney: Mickey's Birthday Today! Limited Events & Guide.
迪士尼今日米奇生日！限定活动+ 惊喜攻略🎂
Shanghai Weekend Kids Activities Summary | Nov 8-9.
🍒🔛上海周末遛娃活动汇总｜11.8-11.9
West Bund Dream Center: Free Gundam Exhibit (Kids Love It).
📍西岸梦中心｜免费高达展玩到让娃不想走🔥
Anti-Fraud Public Awareness Stamp Check-in Event.
防非宣传盖章打卡活动💶💶⚡️⚡️
This Weekend: Hongkou Features Strong Lu Xun Atmosphere.
这周末，虹口空气中的“鲁迅”气息浓到极点
Shanghai Songjiang Music Festival: Amazing Lineup.
上海松江音乐节火热来袭啦，阵容太炸裂了吧
Nov 12 Shanghai Jing'an Kerry Live: No Mini Train This Year.
11.12上海静安嘉里live❗️今年没有小火车
Shanghai: 1-Hour Free City Walk Guide (Freebies Included).
在上海‼️1小时Citywalk速通🆓🉐一大堆
Shanghai Nov: Must-See New Exhibitions Summary.
上海11月值得看的新展汇总！快收藏🌟
Officially Announced: 2025 Shanghai Christmas Markets.
已官宣‼️2025上海圣诞市集🎄建议收藏✅
Oct 24 - Nov 1 Shanghai Disneyland Show Schedule.
10.24-11.1上海迪士尼乐园演出时间表
Shanghai Pudong: Free HPV (Gardasil 9) Vaccination.
上海浦东/九价免费打了
Shanghai: This Month's Best & Largest Free Exhibition.
🤖🎨上海近期坠值得看的🆓超大免费展览……
Shanghai: New CityWalk Pub Crawl Map Now On Sale.
【上海站】新一期的CityWalk酒鬼地图开售中
Gashapon Event: Mayday #5525 Gashapon Event | Shanghai.
🥚扭蛋活动🥚五月天 ♯5525 扭蛋活动｜上海站
Breaking News: Shanghai Dec Activities Collection.
速报❗️❗️❗️上海12月活动大合集🔥
Limited: Free Don't Die Summit Ticket.
手慢无！送一张Don't Die Summit门票🎫
Shanghai | December: What to Watch? (Musicals/Dance Dramas/Plays).
上海｜十二月看什么？（音乐剧/舞剧/话剧）
Straight Fire Gang 'Bus Wedding' Shanghai Special Show: Tickets Now On Sale.
直火帮「巴士的婚礼」上海特别专场正式开票
'The Torrent' from Thames to Shanghai's Rivers: Shanghai-London Joint Exploration.
《奔流》从泰晤士河回一江一河：上海伦敦共探
'Heartfelt Ode' Limited-Time Space Officially Opens.
「心寓礼颂」限时空间，正式启幕
Dec Shanghai: 49 Must-Visit Markets Summary.
12🈷️上海49个超好逛市集汇总合集🔥收藏版
Shanghai New Exhibition: Free, No Queues, Not Crowded on Weekends.
上海新展！！🆓免排队！周末人也不多💫
Shanghai Quirky New Exhibition: Visually Stunning Dark Universe.
上海怪诞新展👁️慎入！！震撼视觉暗黑宇宙
Shanghai Streets: 'Ice Cubes' Spotted.
起猛了 上海街头惊现“冰块”🧊？🤧🤭
Shanghai Winter Break Anime Events: Don't Miss Out.
上海寒假二次元活动🔥这些真的别错过😭
2025 New Year's Eve & Day: Shows, Markets & Pop-ups Guide.
2025元旦跨年/演出/市集/快闪活动全整理🌟
Shanghai Immersive Theater: 4 Styles to Experience.
🌈上海沉浸式剧场精选｜4种风格一次集齐
Reboard the Titanic in Shanghai: Dive into Legend.
潜入传奇！在上海重新登上Titanic！
This article is based on trending content from xiaohongshu. View the original search results and detailed analysis to explore the individual posts and community insights that inspired this piece.