As the year draws to a close, Shanghai's major shopping areas are rolling out winter-themed campaigns designed to energize the season and boost consumption.

Nordic-Inspired Festivities at Kerry Parkside

Kerry Parkside in Pudong New Area launched its winter season on Nov 21. The mall's outdoor courtyard once again features its signature holiday installation, refreshed this year with a more delicate, Nordic fairytale aesthetic. The design reflects the mall's long-term commitment to sustainability, preserving familiar elements while renewing the overall experience.

Inside the B1 atrium, an interactive "magic typewriter" invites visitors to press its keys to trigger classic holiday melodies. The installation is designed to deliver warm seasonal greetings in a playful, participatory way. Throughout the season, weekend and holiday performances and parades will add to the festive atmosphere.

Situated in the Lianyang–Huamu international community, Kerry Parkside continues to tailor experiences for its diverse audience.

• For families: The KKIDS community is partnering with parent-child retailers and lifestyle brands to host a forest-themed animal market and hands-on craft workshops.
• For office workers: The KINETIC community is introducing easy-to-join activities, such as a winter sports day, themed craft sessions, and limited holiday shows to bring seasonal warmth into busy work routines.
• For sports enthusiasts: The ShineWith community will offer dance sessions and fun runs, and will debut a HYROX challenge in collaboration with Kerry Sports. The global fitness competition combines running with strength training and is expected to attract both professional athletes and amateur participants.

Ice, Art, and Light Shape Winter at West Bund

The Gate M West Bund Dream Center launched its winter program on Nov 23, transforming its riverside site into a whimsical, pink-hued holiday destination. The lineup blends sports, art, and entertainment, featuring the return of Shanghai's largest outdoor ice rink, international figure-skating performances, music events, and collaborations with retailers.

The 1,500-square-meter ice rink, located beside the water, offers ample space for skaters of all skill levels. Adding to the festive atmosphere, a 14-meter-tall winter installation by French beauty brand Lancome illuminates the site.

To heighten the immersive experience, a "fantasy tour train", also sponsored by Lancome, began daily service on Nov 23. The 40-minute route links the northern ice rink with the southern silo area, giving visitors a moving panoramic view of the riverside.

A varied program of performances will animate the venue throughout the season. The Little Comma Drama troupe will stage roaming shows, while the shipyard area will host outdoor concerts featuring NewBird, SoulPINK, a saxophone quintet, and a two-piano recital from the Lang Lang Music World.

To improve convenience for international visitors, the Dream Center will open a "refund-upon-purchase" tax refund counter in December. Stores including adidas Originals, CGX, PUMA, Lavas, and Columbia are preparing to join the program, allowing shoppers to receive refunds instantly in cash or via credit card.

L+City Debuts With Disney's Toy Story Experience

L+City, set to open in early December, is offering an early preview of its winter events. The new mall is partnering with Disney China to present a Toy Story 30th Anniversary celebration, featuring seven themed installations that recreate elements of Andy's room and the imaginative world of Buzz Lightyear, Woody, Lotso, and other beloved characters. A limited-time Toy Story pop-up shop will showcase anniversary merchandise ranging from collectibles and apparel to creative goods.

From its opening on Dec 6 through March 8, L+City plans to host more than 100 events spanning music, innovation, science education, culture, and art. The lineup will include live performances, AI-powered interactive experiences, themed workshops, and tech competitions, offering visitors a wide range of options across ages and interests.

Winter Carnival Opens at BFC

Bund Finance Center has launched its winter carnival, introducing a new seasonal attraction along the Bund. A 15.1-meter themed tree now anchors the North Plaza. Wrapped in flowing red ribbons, the installation illuminates the waterfront with a dreamlike, fairytale-like glow.

A Pokemon parade will wind through the shopping area on Dec 12 and 20, offering lively interactions with visitors. Meanwhile, a Pokemon pop-up store in the South Atrium will sell limited-edition items, including special trading-card-game gift sets.

The Ice Family winter rink has also reopened in the North Plaza, featuring a 300-square-meter competition-level ice surface, immersive lighting effects, and artificial snowfall. Ideal for couples, families, or anyone seeking a photogenic winter scene, the rink delivers a full seasonal experience. The world-class show "Circus Player" will also run on weekends. Created by former Cirque du Soleil performers, the production combines acrobatics, musical theater, mime, and live DJ elements, offering a contemporary circus experience of the highest caliber.

From Nov 29 to Dec 7, a winter market will showcase specialty foods, drinks, and live performances in a cozy, snow-themed setting. A pet-friendly market will follow on Dec 13 and 14, featuring more than 40 pet brands, while a Finland-themed market will offer Nordic snacks, original designs, and gingerbread-making workshops, adding extra seasonal charm to the Bund.

Sources: Shanghai Observer, official WeChat accounts of Shanghai Xuhui Media Center at "xuhuifabu" and Huangpu district at "shhuangpu", Disney China