The choral skill of local church choirs is unique and outstanding, after years of training with a method developed by veteran conductor Ma Geshun (born in 1914), a professor of choral music from Shanghai Conservatory of Music. Performances are usually accompanied by piano.

In Hongkou District's Jinlin Church, not far from the Bund, a string ensemble will provide excellent support for a choir of nearly 100 members, enabling the church to mount some masterpieces by great religious composers.

In previous celebrations, they performed George Frederic Handel's "Messiah," Felix Mendelssohn's "Elijah" and various cantatas by Johann Sebastian Bach.

This year their carol services on the nights of December 24-25 will see them perform excerpts from Bach's "Christmas Oratorio'' and a suite of popular carols.

Apart from great singing, the church itself is abundant in history. Built in 1923 in memory of Young John Allen (1836-1907), an American Methodist who started a mission in this area in late 19th century, the church has been connected with many key Chinese cultural and political figures.

Charlie Soong, the father of Soong Ching Ling, used to serve in the church as a pastor. His youngest daughter Soong Mei Ling was a choir member before becoming Madame Chiang Kai-shek. Chiang himself was baptized here.

The Moore Memorial Church, near People's Square, is an architectural masterpiece by Hungarian Laszlo Hudec (1893-1958). With its resounding bells still in use, the New Gothic style church is a unique landmark in this bustling part of the city.

Unfortunately, due to a major refit, it will not open this Christmas.

A good alternative is the Grace Church, on Shaanxi Road N., a very convenient location for those who work in skyscrapers around Nanjing Road W.

Started by American Baptist missionary Frank Joseph Rawlinson (1871-1937) in 1910 in Hongkou District, the church was moved to the current location during World War II.

Its Christmas Eve celebration this year includes carols and a play about the birth of Jesus Christ.

International students from Fudan and other universities in northeast Shanghai can enjoy a massive carol service by three choirs at the newly rebuilt St Paul's Church in Jiangwan Town on December 28 at 7pm.

Originally an Episcopal church built in the late 19th century, St Paul's was totally demolished by Japanese gunfire during World War II. The rebuilt church still adopted an Anglican-style design and features a set of melodic bells which will be played this Christmas.

A classic Shanghai landmark, the Catholic cathedral of Xujiahui, or the St Ignatius Cathedral, is still unmissable as this grand Gothic-style building hosts one of the only two pipe organs in Shanghai. The other is in the Oriental Art Center.