Living in SZ | Guide to Shenzhen's holiday season activities

As 2024 comes to an end, the holiday season is unveiling itself by presenting a wide array of celebrations and activities for a memorable start to 2025 and the Chinese Year of the Snake.

Here are some exciting places and events that Shenzhen has to offer.

1. Realm of the Snow and Ice at Qianhai MixC mall

Snow seems to be a perpetual desire for Shenzhen residents and others in South China. If you don’t have the time or budget to fly to Harbin for days of snow fun, visit the Qianhai MixC mall where a snow-theme playground provides an immersive snow experience in an all-white environment.

Visitors embrace snow and ice vibes at the Qianhai MixC mall. Lin Jianping

Covering an area of 1,300 square meters on the underground second floor, the stunning all-white scene has transformed the mall into a hugely popular spot among locals, attracting countless visitors for photo opportunities. Here, guests will find artificial snowflakes, Christmas trees, reindeer, tents, slides, pink sand pits, and cat-theme cafes, all contributing to a cozy, festive winter atmosphere reminiscent of a fairy tale. Be sure to catch the 10-minute snow performances at every hour from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays, weekends and public holidays until the New Year’s Day.

The snow playground, which opened Nov. 20, will stay until Feb. 16.

Add: 169 Guiwan 4th Road, Nanshan District

Metro: Line 5 to Guiwan Station (桂湾站), Exit A

2. Sparkling New Year Carnival at Window of the World

The Window of the World theme park is gearing up to welcome guests with the Sparkling New Year Carnival spanning over two months to embrace the New Year and celebrate the Spring Festival. The theme park has been adorned with festival decorations and lights, transforming into a sparkling wonderland filled with holiday cheer.

Cosplayers pose for a photo at the Window of the World theme park. Photos from the event organizers unless otherwise stated

Indulge in a cosplay party while you wait for the New Year to arrive. If cosplay isn’t your thing, the WoW New Year Party is the perfect alternative, where you can bid farewell to 2024 and ring in the New Year alongside thousands of fellow revelers. The fun doesn’t stop there. Experience the local culture by treating your taste buds to a Chinese New Year banquet, followed by festivities for the Spring Festival and the Lantern Festival, which is observed on the 15th day of the first lunar month, to embrace a blessed Year of the Snake.

Add: 9037 Shennan Boulevard, OCT, Nanshan District

Metro: Line 1 or 2 to Window of the World Station (世界之窗站), Exit K

3. OCT Harbor

Come to the OCT Harbor for a “Super New Year” filled with joy. From Dec. 21 to Feb. 12, 2025, this purpose-built waterfront area will be decorated with New Year ornaments centered around the IP of Nico, the national treasure giant panda, and spectacular New Year fireworks, creating a festive atmosphere that brings fortune, good luck and blessings to its guests. The OCT Harbor will also host a “Super Lantern Festival,” and a Spring Festival flower market as it strives to establish itself as one of Shenzhen’s premier New Year landmarks.

Installations at the "Super Lantern Festival" at OCT Harbor. 

Add: 2008 Binhai Boulevard, Nanshan District

Metro: Line 9 to Shenzhen Bay Park Station (深圳湾公园站), Exit E

4. Splendid Lantern Fair at Splendid China•China Folk Culture Villages

The 2025 Splendid Lantern Fair at Splendid China•China Folk Culture Villages will integrate Cantonese culture with various activities such as intangible cultural heritage performances, traditional folk art and specialty foods, presenting a diverse and creative culture of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA). Running from Dec. 31 to Feb. 16, 2025, the Lantern Fair will feature a Cantonese food street, and intangible cultural heritage performance such as iron flower displays.

An intangible cultural heritage performance at Splendid China•China Folk Culture Villages during a Spring Festival celebration. 

Add: 9003 Shennan Boulevard, OCT, Nanshan District

Metro: Line 1 to OCT Station (华侨城站), Exit D

5. New Year Celebrations at OH Bay

As the New Year is around the corner, the OH Bay in Qianhai is hosting a spectacular audio-visual celebration by blending traditional culture with modern elements. From Dec. 21 to Feb. 14, 2025, a series of exciting activities, including traditional music concerts, folk music performances and New Year-themed parades, will entertain residents and tourists alike, allowing them to enjoy the charm of traditional Chinese culture.

An installation at OH Bay during a Spring Festival celebration. 

Add: 8 Baoxing Road, Qianhai

Metro: Line 1 to Xin’an Station (新安站), Exit D; or Line 5 to Linhai Station (临海站), Exit A; or Line 11 to Bao’an Station (宝安站), Exit B

6. 4th Spring Festival Light Fair in Futian District

During the Spring Festival holiday, lanterns of various themes, styles and types will be displayed in Xiangmi Park and the Huaqiangbei area in Futian District, merging Chinese intangible cultural heritage with modern technology to create a joyful and harmonious festive ambience.

Lanterns decorate Huaiqiangbei during a Spring Festival celebration. 

Xiangmi Lake:

Add: 30 Nongyuan Road, Futian District

Metro: Line 2 to Xiangmi Station (香蜜站), Exit D; or Line 7 to Nonglin Station (农林站), Exit C

Huaqiangbei:

Metro: Line 2 or 7 to Huaqiangbei Station (华强北站); or Line 3 to Huaxin Station (华新站)

7.Shenzhen International Folk Art Season at Universiade Center

This year’s folk art season will feature performances by folk artists and troupes from 20 countries and regions, including Hong Kong and Macao, at the Universiade Center in Longgang District from Jan. 1 to 5, 2025. The event aims to create an international folk art exchange platform that integrates performances, research, exhibitions, tourism, shopping, and entertainment to promote folk art on the international stage.

Add: 3001 Longxiang Boulevard, Longgang District

Metro: Line 3 or 14 to Universiade Station, Exit C; or Line 16 to Universiade Center Station, Exit D