As the year draws to a close, malls and shopping areas across Shanghai are rolling out themed events and new store openings, highlighting the city's lively winter retail season.

Xintiandi has partnered with UGG to launch the "feelcation" program, running until Jan 3. The event transforms the neighborhood into a plush, winter-themed setting that incorporates UGG's signature elements, including soft textures, double-stitch details, and its sunflower logo. Roaming aurora projections, artificial snowfall, and a series of light-and-shadow installations further enhance the seasonal atmosphere.

A new marketplace will open along Madang Road and Zizhong Road in Xintiandi Style II on Dec 19, offering a variety of European flavors. Highlights include the south of France's 2025 Top 50 wines making their Shanghai debut, fresh Portuguese egg tarts and cod croquettes, and German-style crispy duck dishes.

Elsewhere in the city, indoor sports are gaining popularity. Despite outdoor temperatures hovering around 5 to 6 C, the newly opened Banana+ at The Lightbox has quickly become a bustling hub for young climbers.

"Building on the first Banana Climbing outlet in the mall, the brand has now opened a 2,500-square-meter facility, making it the largest indoor bouldering gym in China," a mall representative said.

Continuing the theme, the mall has installed a winter feature that blends climbing walls with tree-like structures and seasonal decorations, forming a 7-meter-tall centerpiece. The central atrium has also been converted into a brightly colored sports area offering table tennis, pickleball, and mini golf, creating a low-barrier, social environment for exercise.

At Kerry Parkside in Pudong New Area, sports-related upgrades extend to its retail offerings. In November, Norwegian outdoor brand Norrona and Italian handcrafted footwear label Crispi both opened their first stores in China at the mall. Their arrival broadens the venue's selection of equipment for activities such as climbing, trail running, hiking, camping, and water trekking, further reinforcing its focus on outdoor lifestyles.

Sources: Shanghai Observer, official WeChat accounts of Huangpu district at "shhuangpu" and Shanghai Jing'an Media Center at "jaxwzx"