In China, despite the majority of its population not practicing Catholicism, Christmas has gained significant popularity. According to data from Noticias Argentinas, sales of Christmas decorations in the Asian country reached nearly 6 billion dollars by the end of 2025. China remains the world's largest producer and exporter of these items, a position it has held for years, exporting to almost every corner of the globe.
The undisputed hub of this global supply chain is Yiwu, China, where all the factories for Christmas-related products are located. From Christmas trees and LED lights to garlands, ornaments, festive clothing, and packaging, the majority of Christmas products seen in Latin America, the USA, or Europe originate from this city.
Yiwu became the world's leading center for Christmas production primarily due to its low prices, which can be 15-40% lower than in other countries. While officially atheist, Chinese society has embraced Christmas as a secular holiday for gathering with loved ones and exchanging gifts, making it a commercially important season with a notable sales boost. A modern tradition has also emerged of giving apples, as the Chinese word for 'apple' (píng) sounds similar to the word for 'peace' (píng ān).
In recent years, major Chinese cities like Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Hong Kong have been increasingly adorned with green and red decorations for Christmas. This is linked to China's opening up to global culture. Streets are festooned with lights, shopping centers feature Santa Claus (Sheng dan lao ren), and it's common to hear groups singing carols like 'Jingle Bells.' This cultural influence is largely driven by foreign media like films, series, and music. Hong Kong, with its British colonial past, feels the Christmas spirit most intensely, celebrating more fervently than mainland China with light festivals, fireworks, and international food events that attract tourists worldwide.