BEST 8 Shenzhen Christmas Dinner Spots 2025 – From Ferris Wheels to Indoor Snow

Shenzhen Christmas Dinner

Searching for Shenzhen Christmas dinner this December? You’re in luck. This city knows how to celebrate! From hotel buffets laden with fresh lobster and roasted turkey to restaurant dinners lit by fairy lights whilst you sip mulled wine - the festive Shenzhen vibe is real and may not be something you expect from a tech city. You’ll be pleased to know that you can find a Christmas dinner in Shenzhen at almost any price point, from jaw dropping champagne views of caviar to simply warming nearby splashing pond decorated by friends.

Some things to know: Christmas dinner spots fill up fast, especially on December 24th and 25th. This article shows you 8 of the most Xmas-friendly restaurants in Shenzhen, including seaside dining with Santa performances, indoor snow experiences and gorgeous views atop the Ferris wheel. Exact pricing, tips to make reservations and all needed information to decide which restaurant is best for you, let’s get your stuffing filled with delight.

🎄 Christmas has quietly arrived in Shenzhen — before sitting down for a festive dinner, dive into these 12 must-visit Christmas markets and soak up the holiday vibes across the city.

1. Ritz-Carlton Shenzhen Flavorz - The Ultimate Seafood Buffet Experience

For a Shenzhen Christmas dinner that's luxe but not pretentious, turn to Flavorz. Aside from being unlimited, the food is served tableside; as you enjoy the gigantic seafood bar, fresh cheese-baked lobster and pan seared foie gras arrive at your table.

The Christmas representation impresses from the start - French oysters, Alaskan king crab, yellowfin tuna, all fresh and unlimited. For the festive mains, there’s whole roasted lamb and Christmas turkey with all the traditional trimmings. What’s particularly unique about the experience at Flavorz is the way in which waiters wander with fine premium dishes balanced on silver platters. Catch a server eyeing a beautiful dish and just nod your head; it will arrive at your table.

The highlight at the end is no “billy bear” kind of log cake but a gigantic Christmas log cake illuminating desserts platters along with gastronomical theatre in the form of flambéed ice cream made tableside. On Christmas Eve December 24 and New Year’s Eve complimentary champagne for everyone and the sweet scents of Christmas mulled wine fills the air with a distinct mixture of cinnamon and spice. It’s those finishing touches!

This works well if you have children that can’t eat certain foods, for business dinners or for any couple or family that just can’t decide. Food lovers will find lots to satisfy, from the sea foodies to the vegetarians.

2. JW Marriott Shenzhen - Christmas Magic with Indoor Snow & Lucky Draws

Snow falls gently around you as you indulge in bluefin tuna, Boston lobster, and other wonderful delicacies. This is JW Marriott’s spectacular Christmas buffet that comes with surprise entertainment.

The seafood rivals those of dedicated seafood restaurants. Chefs carve the bluefin tuna live at carving stations while freshly grilled baby lobsters make their way to tables every few minutes. The oyster bar is stocked with French and New Zealand oysters that are all shucked fresh. There is king crab and abalone, extensive sashimi, delicious!

But the pièce de résistance: lucky draw prizes! On the eve, a 5-day luxury cruise. On the day, someone is getting the Presidential Suite for a night! Dining vouchers and spa treatments make their appearance. This is what makes dinner truly exciting!

The indoor snowfall creates magical ambience without the chill, making a white Christmas setting possible for families in subtropical Shenzhen.

3. MGM Shenzhen FIAMMA - Theatrical Mediterranean Feast by the Sea

For pure theatrical drama, FIAMMA at MGM Shenzhen delivers. Set in the scenic Xiaomeisha by the ocean, the Mediterranean restaurant turn Christmas dinner into a multi-sensory celebration that goes beyond food.

The carefully curated Christmas menu feels less like a mere meal and more like a Christmas narrative. Caviar yogurt with rosé sparkling wine kicks off this glittering culinary journey. Appetizers feature superstar ingredients like 72-hour dry-aged tuna and Iberian ham with melon, and then diners are teased with tiger prawns table-side grilled with even great fanfaire.

The star of the show? A sumptuous dry-aged Australian M9 Wagyu beef tenderloin paired with Cabernet Sauvignon—so tender it simply melts in the mouth. And in keeping with the extravagance, the flambéed Basque cheesecake summons genuine tongues of flame, to ensure that Instagram moment.

What really takes everything over the top? Live Santa Claus dance performances all night long. Fire your inner child and let this be your dinner theater that keeps Christmas spirit at every sip and bite. Beachside and infused with Mediterranean flavors, it’s perfect for romantic dates and milestone celebrations.

4. MetPetal by the Ferris Wheel - Romance Under Christmas Lights

MetPetal at Happy Harbor feels truly magical. This cave-style Italian restaurant located below the towering Happy Harbor Ferris wheel marries the bizarre appeal of rock-wall architecture with stunning views for a fairy tale atmosphere.

Cave like rock walls covered with green and flowers give an enchanted forest impression. Christmas trees complement rather than overpower. Get an outdoor table and dine below an illuminated Ferris wheel—romance doesn’t come better anywhere in Shenzhen.

The Italian food is fanciful. Tianqi Leaf Beef Hot Spring Egg Salad has tender beef paired with perfectly soft eggs. Consciously cooked Curry Leaf Baked Golden Wheat Lobster has each piece loaded (not lightly dusted) with roe. Meat is firm soaked in beautiful sweet curry. The Tomato Basil Squid Ink Pasta is visually dramatic with jet-black noodles.

And of course don’t skip the Misty Forest Signature Drink. It arrives surrounded by a fog of cascading dry ice—pure Instagram magic! This place is excellent for couple or group of friends seeking photogenic venues and memorable Christmas Eve moments.

5. Kyta by Kytaly at MixC World - Dining in Christmas Wonderland

Want your Shenzhen Christmas dinner surrounded by the city's most elaborate holiday decorations? Head to Kyta by Kytaly at MixC World. This wins for location in what becomes Shenzhen's premier Christmas destination each December.

MixC World transforms its entire "Lane" district into Christmas spectacle themed "MIXTURE WONDER TALE Wonderland Library"—a 150-meter Christmas forest corridor and towering 10-meter golden Christmas tree, surrounded by countless light installations. Kyta sits right in this festive wonderland, letting you combine dinner with complete Christmas experience.

The restaurant embraces full Christmas decoration mode. A charming red Christmas tree and cute Santa welcome you, while long wooden tables lit by flickering candlelight create intimate European-style Christmas atmosphere. It genuinely feels like stepping into a cozy Italian village celebrating holidays.

The salmon pizza stands out—thin, crispy crust with delicate fish that melts on your tongue, perfectly seasoned. Pair it with mulled wine, and you've got quintessential Christmas dinner. The versatility matters: enjoy leisurely dinner, then explore surrounding Christmas installations, shop, or grab dessert nearby. It's dinner plus entertainment in one package.

6. MixC Bay Christmas Market - Complete Holiday Shopping & Dining

For travelers wanting Shenzhen Christmas dinner as part of complete holiday experience, MixC Bay delivers the full package. This isn't just a restaurant—it's an entire Christmas destination with multiple dining options surrounded by elaborate decorations.

This year's theme embraces luxurious gold and red aesthetics. The outdoor plaza features giant reindeer Christmas tree installations, while inside you'll find over 10 photo spots including a 6-meter Hello Kitty Christmas installation. The basement hosts an actual Christmas market (6-9 PM daily) with romantic artificial snowfall creating magical winter feeling.

Multiple well-regarded restaurants operate within—Zheng Shilong, Need, and others offering hot pot, Korean BBQ, Japanese, or Western fare. Choose based on your craving, then step out to the Christmas market for festive treats, handicrafts, and steaming mulled wine mugs.

The snowfall experience happens several times each evening, creating spectacular photo backdrops. Combined with shopping, dining, and market atmosphere all in one location, this works particularly well for families or groups with varied interests.

7. Qinglai Bay at MixC Qianhai - Thai Flavors Meet Christmas Spirit

Looking for something different from typical Western-style Shenzhen Christmas dinner? Qinglai Bay offers unexpected fusion of authentic Thai cuisine within Christmas-decorated setting, creating unique East-meets-West holiday experience.

This Thai restaurant cleverly blends its natural Southeast Asian aesthetic—lush green plant walls and tropical design—with tasteful Christmas decorations. It feels less like forced seasonal makeover and more like natural evolution, as if a Thai resort decided to celebrate Christmas. It's refreshing to experience holiday dining through a different cultural lens.

The restaurant's "star room" private dining area gets decorated with Christmas elements for free if you book ahead. Perfect for intimate celebrations, whether romantic dinner for two or small friend gatherings. Evening ambiance with carefully designed lighting makes Christmas decorations glow beautifully.

While focusing on authentic Thai dishes, call ahead to ask about special Christmas-themed Thai fusion dishes—the combination of Thai spices with holiday flavors could yield interesting surprises.

8. Auvers at Excellence Century Center - Laid-Back Australian Christmas

Sometimes the best Shenzhen Christmas dinner doesn't take itself too seriously. Auvers brings laid-back Australian café culture to the Christmas table, offering refreshing alternative to formal hotel dining while still embracing festive cheer.

This Sydney-born restaurant brings experienced chefs who refresh creative menus every six months. During Christmas season, they lean into holiday spirit with themed decorations and special items—like signature matcha pancakes topped with adorable mini Santa hat decorations. It's playful rather than pretentious.

The outdoor seating transforms into a "tipsy atmosphere" at night with string lights and cozy seating encouraging lingering over drinks. If traditional Christmas dinners feel too formal, this vibe offers perfect middle ground—festive enough to feel special, casual enough to feel comfortable.

Signature dishes include matcha pancakes, smoked pork Benedict croissant (fusion twist on eggs Benedict), and North African eggs. Their mulled wine program wins praise for hitting the right spice-sweetness balance.

Planning & Booking Essentials

Success starts with timing. Popular venues book out 2-3 weeks in advance for December 24 and 25. Don't wait—you'll face limited options or higher prices. When booking, confirm what's included: special Christmas menu? Drinks included? Cancellation policy? Many hotels require 30-50% deposits for Christmas bookings. Understand refund terms before paying. Ask about additional activities—lucky draws, performances, special decorations—to choose the venue matching your vision.

Getting Around Shenzhen

Shenzhen's metro is your best friend during Christmas. Most recommended restaurants sit near metro stations. Download Shenzhen Metro app or use Alipay/WeChat metro QR codes. System runs until 11 PM weekdays, midnight weekends. For taxis or DiDi, expect higher demand and surge pricing Christmas Eve/Day evenings. Book rides 10-15 minutes early. DiDi has English interface but keep destination addresses in Chinese characters ready.

Dress Code & Weather

High-end hotels expect smart casual to business casual. Men: collared shirts with dress pants or dark jeans. Women: dresses, skirts, or nice separates. December temperatures range 15-20°C (59-68°F). Evenings feel cool, especially outdoors—bring a light jacket. Christmas in China functions as commercial celebration rather than religious holiday, making it accessible and welcoming regardless of background.

Money-Saving Tips

Hotel restaurants often offer significantly cheaper lunch buffets Christmas Day—similar quality at 30-40% less cost. Watch for early-bird promotions before late November. Weekday celebrations (December 23 or 26) yield substantial savings while maintaining festive atmosphere. The week before Christmas (December 18-23), several restaurants run "pre-Christmas" specials at reduced prices with decorations already in place.

Language & Communication

English proficiency at international hotels (Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, MGM) is excellent. Mid-range restaurants present more challenges—download Google Translate or Pleco. Camera translation helps with Chinese menus. Ask "Do you have English-speaking staff?" or use hotel concierge for reservations. International credit cards work at major venues, but many prefer Alipay/WeChat Pay. Set up mobile payment or carry cash backup.

Frequently Asked Questions About Shenzhen Christmas Dinner

Q: What is a traditional Christmas dinner like in China?

Christmas dinner in Shenzhen blends Western traditions with local adaptations. You'll find roasted turkey, Christmas ham, and festive desserts, sometimes with Asian influences. Many restaurants offer buffet-style service rather than fixed courses. Luxury hotels follow traditional Western menus most faithfully. The emphasis leans toward celebration and indulgence rather than religious tradition, with mulled wine becoming increasingly popular.

Q: Is December a good time to visit Shenzhen?

December ranks among Shenzhen's best months. Weather stays comfortable at 15-22°C with low rainfall. Christmas decorations transform shopping districts into photogenic wonderlands. Hotel rates remain reasonable except Christmas week. The city feels less crowded than peak Chinese holidays, and air quality typically beats northern cities. Only downside: cool evenings requiring light jackets.

Q: Where is the best place to have Christmas dinner in Shenzhen?

"Best" depends on priorities. Ultimate luxury: Ritz-Carlton Flavorz. Romance: MetPetal's Ferris wheel location. Budget-friendly: Auvers. Families: JW Marriott (variety plus entertainment). Complete experience: MixC World or MixC Bay. Identify what matters most—atmosphere, food quality, budget, location—then choose accordingly.

Q: What is Shenzhen famous for food?

Shenzhen excels at diversity. Regional Chinese cuisines (Cantonese dim sum, Sichuan hot pot) meet high standards. The city particularly shines with seafood given its coastal location. International cuisine thrives: Japanese, Korean, Western, Thai, Indian—all authentic. During Christmas, this means choosing between traditional Western holiday meals or creative fusion approaches.

Q: How much does Christmas dinner cost in Shenzhen?

Budget-friendly (Auvers): ¥150-300/person. Mid-range: ¥400-700. High-end luxury buffets (Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott): ¥800-1,200. Most exclusive (MGM FIAMMA): ¥1,500+. Prices increase 20-30% for December 24-25 versus regular dining. Always confirm if 15% service charges are included.

Q: Do I need to book in advance for Christmas dinner?

Absolutely yes. Popular venues fill up within days once bookings open in mid-November. Book 2-3 weeks minimum for December 24-25. Prime 7-8 PM slots disappear fastest. Without reservations, expect long waits or unavailability. Get confirmation via email/WeChat and reconfirm one week before.

Q: Are there vegetarian or vegan options for Christmas dinner?

International hotels (Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott) include substantial vegetarian buffet sections. Call ahead about vegan options—kitchens often substitute ingredients. Restaurants like Kyta (Italian) and Qinglai Bay (Thai) naturally feature more plant-based dishes. However, traditional Christmas dinners focus heavily on meat, so purely vegan options may feel limited. Always confirm ingredients.

Q: What's the difference between Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dining?

Christmas Eve December 24 creates more party-like atmosphere with special entertainment, live music, countdowns. Pricing runs slightly higher. Christmas Day offers both lunch and dinner, with lunch priced lower. The mood feels more relaxed and family-oriented. Some restaurants offer special brunch menus December 25 unavailable on Christmas Eve.

Q: Can I celebrate Christmas in Shenzhen as a tourist who doesn't speak Chinese?

Absolutely. International hotels employ English-speaking staff with English menus. Metro signs include English. Translation apps bridge gaps effectively. Christmas celebration in Shenzhen is highly commercialized and inclusive—you don't need Chinese language skills. Most tourist-friendly venues show patience with non-Chinese speakers.

Q: What else can I do in Shenzhen during Christmas besides dinner?

Shopping malls create elaborate Christmas installations perfect for photos. Window of the World hosts special Christmas events. Shekou's Sea World features waterfront bars with harbor views. Beaches (Xiaomeisha, Dameisha) offer mild December walks. Evening light shows at Civic Center create festive backdrops. Many bars and clubs host Christmas Eve parties if you want nightlife after dinner.