Christmas in China – a modern celebration with its own food culture
Christmas is not a traditional Chinese holiday, but in major cities it has become a festive and social occasion. The celebration focuses less on religion and more on atmosphere, togetherness and experience. This is reflected in the food, where local dishes meet Western-inspired menus offered at hotels and restaurants.
Western-inspired Christmas menus
As Christmas has become more fashionable, many restaurants have introduced special seasonal menus. These are often styled after European Christmas dishes and are popular among expats and young Chinese looking for a festive meal. Typical elements include:
Roast turkey, ham and grilled meats
Rich soups, creamy vegetable dishes and refined starters
Pasta, gratins and warm winter sides
Chocolate desserts, pastries and festive cakes
Chinese dishes enjoyed during Christmas
Most people who celebrate Christmas in China do so by dining out with friends. The dishes chosen often symbolise warmth, togetherness and celebration:
Hot pot – a winter favourite and perfect for larger groups.
Peking duck – a luxurious dish commonly ordered for special occasions.
Dumplings – although associated with Lunar New Year, they are eaten throughout winter.
Seafood – fish and shellfish are often served in coastal cities as festive dinner options.
Christmas apples – China’s unique holiday tradition
One of the most distinctive elements of Christmas in China is the tradition of gifting beautifully wrapped Christmas apples, known as 平安果 (píng'ān guǒ).
This practice comes from a wordplay:
“Apple” (苹果, píngguǒ) sounds similar to “peace/safety” (平安, píng’ān).
Giving an apple is therefore seen as wishing someone peace and good fortune. Shops sell them in ornate boxes, and they have become especially popular among students and young adults.
Drinks served during Christmas in China
Just like the food, Christmas beverages in China mix local tastes with Western inspiration. Common options include:
Jasmine tea and Oolong tea – classic dinner beverages that add warmth and calm.
Warm spiced plum wine – inspired by glögg but made with Chinese fruit wines.
Traditional rice wines (Shaoxing or Huangjiu) – enjoyed with hearty winter dishes.
Western-style drinks – sparkling wine, Asian-inspired cocktails and non-alcoholic ciders are popular in larger cities for a festive touch.
These drinks highlight the same cultural blend as the food: a meeting between tradition, modernity and global influences.
A Christmas that mirrors modern China
Christmas food in China illustrates how global celebrations evolve and take on new forms. Blending local flavours, Western inspiration and unique symbolic traditions creates a holiday experience that reflects today’s vibrant and cosmopolitan China.
