Christmas celebrations across China are blending cross-cultural traditions with local customs this year, as expatriates and Chinese citizens share holiday festivities ahead of the 2025 New Year.

The holiday spirit is spreading throughout the country, with Chinese citizens and expats increasingly embracing seasonal traditions.

This cultural shift is particularly evident in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, where vibrant decorations and themed events set the stage for a season of celebration.

According to recent data from China's National Immigration Administration (NIA), immigration authorities nationwide issued 711,000 foreign resident permits last year. The country's expanded visa-free transit policy, now allowing 10-day stays for citizens from 54 countries, has drawn more visitors to experience the holiday season in China.

Expats across China are celebrating the season by sharing traditions with their Chinese colleagues and friends.

"I'm working at the university and have a lot of foreign colleagues, so we make Secret Santa present exchanges, giving each other small presents," shared Helena Avdjukevica, a Latvian university staff member working in Chengdu.

Expats exchange Christmas gifts with their Chinese friends. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

For those unable to return home, local expat communities organize festive gatherings. "When I can't make it back to Britain, I usually join several festive gatherings organized by the British community in South China and exchange gifts with my Chinese friends," said Jay Ian Birbeck, who lives in Guangzhou.

"Being in China, we don't have our real family here, but we extend the celebration to expats and Chinese friends," said Abel Bordonado, a Spanish expat working in China.

Foreign traditions of Christmas dinner are brought to China, adding a touch of home to the festivities. "It's a small taste of home that makes all the difference," Birbeck noted.

"I cooked a special Latvian Christmas dish, grey peas, on Christmas Eve. Grey peas symbolize tears, and this dish should be eaten completely, so next year we will have no tears," said Avdjukevica, keen on preserving her cultural heritage.

Chinese customs are also woven into these festive celebrations. Bordonado's family organized a hot pot dinner at home, inviting expats and Chinese friends to join in the feast.

"We provide the main food, and the guests bring extra snacks, desserts and drinks, so collectively, we create the dinner together," Bordonado explained.

"I attended a Christmas party with a friend, where the atmosphere was joyous. I'm especially looking forward to the upcoming New Year and Spring Festival," said Rumika, a Japanese student at Beihang University, who asked to be identified only by her first name.

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