10 Best Restaurants for Shanghai Christmas Dinner 2025

Shanghai Christmas Dinner

Let’s be real: Shanghai knows how to do a festive feast, even if Christmas isn’t a public holiday. Walk around the Bund or French Concession in late December, and you’ll feel the cheer—mulled wine smells from hotels, twinkling lights everywhere, and restaurants pulling out all the stops for Shanghai Christmas dinner. Whether you’re a local, expat, or traveler, there’s something for every vibe and budget.

We’ve sifted through all the options and rounded up 10 great spots for your Shanghai Christmas dinner—from budget-friendly picks at ¥197 to luxury splurges at ¥2,388. Romantic sky-high dinners? Family-friendly buffets with carousels? Group-friendly deals? We’ve got you covered. And heads up: the best spots book fast, especially Christmas Eve. Keep scrolling to find your perfect festive meal!

1. The Peninsula Shanghai Sir Elly's — The Ultimate Bund Splurge

Ever dreamed of a Christmas dinner that screams pure luxury? Sir Elly's six-course festive feast at ¥2,388 per person is exactly that—Shanghai's crème de la crème of holiday dining. Nestled in The Peninsula's historic Bund building, every corner oozes old-world Christmas glamour: crystal chandeliers glinting, river-view terraces draped in fairy lights, and that iconic lobby Christmas tree (you’ve definitely seen it on Instagram).

The menu is a festive wish list come true: Laksa, silky foie gras terrine, tender Australian Wagyu tenderloin, and French pan-seared lobster. And don’t forget the little ones—there’s a kids’ menu at ¥588. Want to extend the magic? Try their Caviar Festive Afternoon Tea. Pro move: Arrive early to snap that perfect Christmas tree photo—you’ll thank us later!

Address: 32 Zhongshan East 1st Road | Price: ¥2,388/person (children ¥588) | Best for: Proposals, anniversaries, VIP entertaining

✨ And since Shanghai’s Christmas spirit isn’t only about feasting, slide over to 8 Holiday Christmas Events in Shanghai This December 2025 to catch all the seasonal vibes.

2. Park Hyatt Shanghai — Christmas Dinner 400 Meters Above the City

Imagine spending Christmas 400 meters above Shanghai—sound magical? Park Hyatt’s Century 100 restaurant on the 91st floor of the World Financial Center turns that dream into reality with their ¥1,288 per person festive dinner. The views alone are worth the price: floor-to-ceiling windows frame twinkling Lujiazui, making every bite feel like a holiday movie scene.

The menu is just as impressive, with Christmas twists at every turn: smoked salmon tartare to start, juicy Australian Wagyu as the star, and desserts that look like works of art—Santa hats and matcha Christmas trees, perfect for your holiday feed. Proposing this Christmas? This spot is a no-brainer—the view does half the romantic heavy lifting!

Want to take the festive spirit home? The hotel sells lovely Christmas hampers (¥1,788) stuffed with chestnut chocolate sauce and artisanal Christmas bread—ideal for gifting to loved ones.

Address: 100 Century Avenue, Pudong (91F) | Price: ¥1,288/person | Best for: Romance, proposals, sky-high experiences

Pro tip: Elevator queues can be long—arrive 15 minutes early.

3. Hyatt on the Bund — Best Value Buffet with Free-Flow Mulled Wine

Hyatt on the Bund

Calling all groups or budget-conscious foodies—we’ve got your Shanghai Christmas dinner hack! Hyatt on the Bund’s Xiang Hui restaurant offers an incredible deal: book 10+ people, and it’s just ¥300 per person. That’s Bund-view festive dining for a steal!

Even at the regular ¥598 price, it’s a great value—free-flow sparkling wine and mulled wine are included (hello, Christmas cheer!). The buffet is packed with holiday highlights: Wellington salmon, tomahawk steak, and Bordeaux-braised beef tongue. A live band plays Christmas tunes while you eat, and floor-to-ceiling windows frame the Huangpu River perfectly.

Address: 199 Huangpu Road, Hongkou | Price: ¥598/person (¥300 for groups of 10+) | Best for: Groups, budget-conscious diners

4. Waldorf Astoria Shanghai — A Florentine Christmas Village on the Bund

Want Bund luxury for a fraction of the price? Waldorf Astoria’s French seafood semi-buffet (¥498 per person) is the best value Christmas dinner on the Bund—no debate. It blends à la carte elegance with buffet abundance, so you get the best of both worlds.

The Christmas spread is impressive: live-carved Australian tomahawk steak, made-to-order French crêpes, and a seafood platter that’d make Marseille proud. But the real festive fun? The hotel transforms into a “Florentine Christmas Village” with Steiff teddy bear-themed pastries and artisanal market stalls. It’s like stepping into a European Christmas market—right in the heart of Shanghai.

Looking to avoid the Christmas Eve rush? Book for December 25 instead—prices are the same, but crowds are smaller. For Bund views, seafood, and that cozy Christmas village vibe without the ¥2,000+ price tag, this is your spot.

Address: 2 Zhongshan East 1st Road, Huangpu | Price: ¥498/person | Best for: Value seekers, seafood lovers

5. Kerry Hotel Pudong The COOK — Family-Friendly Feast with a Carousel

Got little ones who get antsy at formal dinners? Kerry Hotel Pudong’s The COOK is your Christmas savior—it’s hands down Shanghai’s most family-friendly festive spot. Their buffet (¥888 per adult, kids half-price) is designed to keep everyone happy, from toddlers to grandparents.

13 open kitchen stations let kids watch chefs carve Christmas turkey, roll sushi, and bake desserts—total entertainment! And the cherry on top? A working carousel right in the restaurant, adding a fairy-tale Christmas touch that’ll have kids grinning all night. The spread has all the holiday classics: roast turkey with cranberry sauce, fresh seafood, and a dedicated Christmas dessert station with log cakes and gingerbread houses.

Want to soak up more festive cheer? Catch the hotel’s lighting ceremony featuring three choirs singing Christmas carols—arrive early to get a good spot. It’s the kind of Christmas dinner where no one has to compromise on fun!

Address: 1388 Huamu Road, Pudong | Price: ¥888/adult, children half-price | Best for: Families with children

6. Jing'an Shangri-La 1515 West Chophouse — Where Wagyu Meets Christmas Magic

Looking for Christmas luxury without the sky-high price tag? Jing'an Shangri-La's 1515 West Chophouse hits the sweet spot with their five-course festive set menu at ¥998 per person. Available December 24-25 from 18:00-22:00, it’s perfect for both business dinners and romantic couples wanting to celebrate in style.

The star of the show? Their Australian Wagyu M5 sirloin, cooked to your liking and paired with truffle mashed potatoes so creamy they’ll melt on your tongue. But the real Christmas magic? The hotel’s “Miracle Bar”—transformed into a pink-and-gold winter wonderland with eight festive cocktails like “Winter Wonderland” and “Gingerbread House.” You’ll definitely want to snap a photo here—just expect a short queue! After fueling up with the magic festive meal, head over to Shanghai Disneyland—where Christmas in Shanghai Disneyland 2025 gets you prepped for the real-world magic show.

Craving a view to match the meal? Make sure to request a window seat when booking—watching the Jing'an skyline light up at night while savoring Wagyu? That’s Christmas perfection.

Address: 1218 Yan'an Middle Road, Jing'an Kerry Centre | Price: ¥998/person | Best for: Business dinners, couples

Pro tip: Request a window seat when booking—the city skyline views are spectacular at night.

7. Pudong Shangri-La Jade on 36 — Sky-High Dining with Bund Views

Pudong Shangri-La Jade on 36

36 floors up with unbeatable Huangpu River views—Jade on 36 at Pudong Shangri-La is made for a memorable Christmas dinner. Their festive set menu (around ¥788 per person) blends classic holiday flavors with elegant presentation, perfect for special occasions or anyone who loves a good food photo.

Start with their signature Beef Wellington—golden pastry wrapping tender, pink beef—and end with a playful Valrhona chocolate “cigar” dessert. But what really sets their Christmas offering apart? Three exclusive festive drinks: mulled wine, eggnog, and spiced hot chocolate. Sip on spiced hot chocolate while watching Lujiazui’s lights twinkle—does it get more “Shanghai Christmas” than that?

Don’t miss the hotel lobby either—there’s an Instagram-worthy Christmas tree and a Santa Station selling advent calendars loaded with prizes. It’s the perfect way to kick off your festive evening before dinner!

Address: 33 Fucheng Road, Pudong | Price: ¥788/person | Best for: Special occasions, photography lovers

Pro tip: Book the festive brunch on Christmas Day if dinner slots are full—same views, more relaxed vibe.

8. IL TEATRO at Xintiandi — Where Italian Drama Meets Christmas Magic

Want your Christmas dinner to feel like a show? IL TEATRO in Xintiandi delivers—this Italian restaurant takes its name (meaning “the theater”) seriously, and Christmas amplifies that drama tenfold. Located in the buzzing Xintiandi district, it’s perfect for family gatherings, couples, or groups of friends.

The second floor’s domed ceiling makes you feel like you’re dining in a grand theater, and during Christmas, a 4-meter tree draped in crystal lights takes center stage—couples line up to take photos beneath it. The menu stays true to Italian roots with thin-crust pizzas fired in 60 seconds (the black truffle mushroom one is a crowd favorite) and crispy-skinned Italian roast chicken that’s always a hit.

Address: 3F, Réel Mall, 1601 Nanjing Xi Lu, Jing'an District | Price: ¥207-300/person | Best for: Family gatherings, couples, friends

Heads up: Christmas Eve books fast—reserve at least a week in advance to avoid hour-long waits. And after dinner? Stroll through the nearby Shikumen lanes decorated for the holidays—old Shanghai charm meets Christmas cheer, making it the perfect post-dinner walk.

9. Lunette by Amanda — Romantic French Christmas on the Bund

Lunette by Amanda

Tired of crowded hotel Christmas dinners but still want Bund views? Lunette by Amanda is your hidden gem. Tucked away in historic Yuanmingyuan Road, this French spot serves a festive set menu (around ¥680 per person) with all the Bund magic—minus the huge crowds.

It’s made for couples: intimate seating, riverside terraces (with those coveted Bund views), and a menu that blends French elegance with Christmas warmth. Try their Beef Wellington or lobster sea urchin pasta, then dive into the Christmas special—roast turkey with chestnut mushroom stuffing and a glass of French mulled wine. It’s romantic, delicious, and far more relaxed than the big hotels.

Address: 133 Yuanmingyuan Road, Huangpu | Price: ¥680/person | Best for: Couples, French cuisine lovers, avoiding crowds

Pro tip: The terrace is cold in December—book an indoor window seat for the best experience.

10. Xiao Fang Ting (小芳庭) — Christmas Dinner in a French Heritage Mansion

Dream of a Christmas dinner in a fairy-tale French villa? Xiao Fang Ting is exactly that—hidden in a century-old villa on Changshou Road, it feels like stepping into a collector’s private parlor, not a restaurant. It’s perfect for couples or small groups wanting an intimate, nostalgic holiday meal.

Vaulted ceilings, crystal chandeliers, lace curtains, and global antiques set the scene—add some Christmas twinkly lights, and it’s pure magic. The menu leans Italian: don’t miss the creamy porcini and bacon risotto (cheese lovers, this is for you) or the generous lobster pasta. End with a molten lava cake and ice cream—classic, cozy, and perfect for Christmas.

Address: 652 Changshou Road | Price: ¥228/person | Best for: Couples, intimate dining, photography

Watch out: The intimate space doesn't suit large groups. Keep it to four people or fewer for the best experience.

Practical Tips for Booking Your Shanghai Christmas Dinner 2025

Christmas Eve vs Christmas Day: When to Book

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in Shanghai differ significantly in price, crowd size and atmosphere. Choosing the right day helps optimize your festive dining experience.

Transportation on Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve sees severe traffic congestion in key dining areas. Choosing the right transportation ensures on-time arrival..

Beyond Dinner: Afternoon Tea & Mulled Wine

• Afternoon Tea: If dinner is fully booked, luxury hotels offer themed afternoon tea with elaborate festive decorations, providing a refined way to experience the Christmas atmosphere.

• Mulled Wine Tastings: Many hotel lobbies often provide complimentary mulled wine tastings, allowing guests to savor the classic festive scent and flavor.

• Christmas Markets: Local Christmas markets are ideal alternatives for casual festive snacks, drinks (like Glühwein), and soaking up the lively holiday spirit.

A Unique Chinese Christmas Tradition

• "Peace Apples" (Ping'an Guo): These are the most representative Christmas gift in China, reflecting a unique local custom.

• Origin: The tradition comes from the homophony between "Christmas Eve" (Ping'an Ye, or Peaceful Night) and "apple" (Pingguo).

• Gifting: Beautifully wrapped apples are considered thoughtful and culturally relevant gifts for local friends and loved ones.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shanghai Christmas Dinner 2025

Q: Is Christmas a public holiday in Shanghai?

No, December 25 is not a public holiday in Shanghai, and local businesses operate normally. However, in international districts like the Bund and Jing'an, celebrations are enthusiastic. Expect normal hours with added festive flair in hotels and malls for your Shanghai Christmas Dinner 2025, reflecting the city's cosmopolitan nature despite the lack of a day off.

Q: Do I need advance reservations for Christmas Eve?

Yes, advance reservations are absolutely essential, especially for Christmas Eve (December 24th). Popular venues, particularly those with prime views or high-end buffets, can be fully booked one to two weeks ahead. To guarantee seating for your Shanghai Christmas Dinner 2025 at a desirable time (7:00 PM – 9:00 PM), secure your booking as early as possible.

Q: What's the typical price range for Christmas dinner?

Prices for Shanghai Christmas Dinner 2025 vary widely. Budget options start around ¥126 per person. Mid-range spots offering good quality generally fall between ¥200–¥250. For refined experiences like hotel set menus or fine dining, expect prices to start at ¥300 or more, increasing with the inclusion of free-flow drinks or premium seafood.

Q: Are vegetarian options available?

Yes, vegetarian options are usually available, especially in Western restaurants. Most international venues offering a Shanghai Christmas Dinner 2025 can accommodate restrictions. For Chinese venues, communicate your dietary needs when booking, preferably 24-48 hours in advance, to ensure they can prepare suitable meat-free alternatives for your festive meal.

Q: Where can I find mulled wine in Shanghai?

Mulled wine (Glühwein) is widely available throughout December. Look in major international hotel lobbies, at German-style Christmas markets, and in select wine bars and cafes located in the Jing'an and French Concession districts. Many venues serving a special Shanghai Christmas Dinner 2025 also feature it on their holiday drinks menu.

Q: Which restaurant works best for families with children?

For a relaxed Shanghai Christmas Dinner 2025 with family, Jing Cai Xuan is a good choice for its familiar Chinese flavors and private rooms. Alternatively, IL TEATRO is favored for its spacious layout and extended hours, which comfortably accommodate the varied schedules and energy levels of families with young children, ensuring a stress-free holiday meal.

Q: What is the traffic/transportation situation like on Christmas Eve in key dining areas?

Traffic on Christmas Eve (December 24th) is extremely heavy, especially around the Bund and Jing'an. The Shanghai Metro is highly recommended for reaching your Shanghai Christmas Dinner 2025 location. Police often implement road closures near major festive spots, so allow significant extra travel time if you choose to use a taxi.

Q: Besides restaurants, where can I experience the best festive atmosphere or Christmas markets?

The festive atmosphere is enhanced by several European-style Christmas markets. The German Christmas Market (Christkindlmarkt), often near the Bund, is a favorite for Glühwein and sausages. Other lively zones include the BFC and various Paulaner locations, perfect for a pre- or post-dinner festive stop near your Shanghai Christmas Dinner 2025.

Q: What unique Chinese Christmas tradition should I be aware of when giving gifts?

Be aware of the tradition of gifting "Peace Apples" (Ping'an Guo) on Christmas Eve. This stems from the similarity between the Chinese words for Christmas Eve (Ping'an Ye - Peaceful Night) and apple (píngguǒ). If invited to a local's home for a Shanghai Christmas Dinner 2025, a beautifully wrapped apple is a thoughtful, culturally resonant gift.

Q: Is tipping expected for Christmas dinner service in Shanghai?

Tipping is generally not customary or required in Shanghai as a service charge (10-15%) is often included in the bill, especially for a lavish Shanghai Christmas Dinner 2025 at international hotels. If you wish to acknowledge truly exceptional service, leaving a small cash gratuity (¥10-¥30) discreetly is acceptable, but entirely optional.