Drinking and Dinning Delights: Spending Christmas in Xi’an

In Xi'an this December? Your probably wondering how on earth you're going to celebrate Christmas here, in one of China's most ancient cities. But there's no need to worry – the Christmas spirit has definitely made its way here. Read on to find out the best places to eat and drink this holiday season.

Photo: hdfile.cn

1) Green Molly Restaurant and Pub
This is the first Irish pub in Xi'an, and it's a hot spot for foreigners living, working and travelling through Xi'an. It holds a fine selection of imported beers, both draught and bottled. The atmosphere does not scream China, nor will it strike you as a rough ‘n rowdy Irish country pub. It is inviting and sophisticated feeling, offering a friendly place for foreigners to eat and drink. This Christmas it is sure to exude the holiday spirit with plenty of tinsel, baubles and Christmas cheer. Here you can enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner whilst being around many other foreigners. Christmas dinner will be served on December 24th and 25th. The set menu costs 668 RMB per person (598 RMB if you book in advance), and includes a selection of starters, one of three main dishes, and a variety of Christmas-y puddings. A bottle of imported red wine is also included with your dinner.

When: Dec. 24th and 25th
Add:  Gaoke Building, Gaoxin Lu, Gaoxin District, Xi'an
地址：西安市高新区高新路，高科大厦副楼一层
Tel: 029 8188 3339 (call for reservations)
Price: 598 RMB (advance), 698 RMB (door)
Getting there: 200 m north of Ginwa Shopping Centre on the intersection of Gaoxin Lu and Keji Lu in-between the Bell Tower and the Drum Tower (世纪金花商场后门向北200米路东).

2) Village café   香村咖啡馆
A cheaper alternative to The Green Molly is the Village café. This coffee shop and café is ideally located near the Shaanxi Normal University, so it functions as a perfect hangout for foreign students in Xi'an. It is known for its relaxing atmosphere and selection of delicious cakes. This Christmas, it's not just delicious cakes that you can dig your teeth into, but a whole Christmas dinner that would make even Santa Clause himself proud. The dinner will be served from 17:30, allowing you time to get yourself well fed before enjoying the rest of the evening's festivities. Christmas dinner will be served on December 24th. There are three set menu available – steak for 118 RMB, Christmas ham for 128 RMB, and turkey for 138 RMB. All set menus come with cream of mushroom soup, "all the trimmings", and your choice of desert. A glass of red wine is also included with your dinner.

When: Dec. 24th
Add: 32 Shida Lu, Yanta District, Xi'an
地址：西安市雁塔区师大路32号
Tel: 029 8522 2150
Price: 118, 128, 138 RMB
Getting there: near the big Wild Goose Pagoda in the south of the city.

3) Calabo Italian restaurant
There are many Italian restaurants (claiming to be authentic of course) dotted around Xi'an. One Italian restaurant that is celebrating Christmas this year is Calabo. It promises to be decorated with festive Christmas decorations, be playing those favourite songs that we all secretly sing along to, and serve great food and wine. However, the food served will not exactly be what you may call "traditional Christmas food". Instead Calabo will be serving pasta and other delicious Italian inspired treats. So if you do want to experience the festivities of Christmas but skip the heavy Christmas dinner, then Christmas at Calabo is for you. Christmas dinner will be served on December 24th and 25th. The set menu costs 299 RMB per person (or 699 RMB for two with a complimentary half bottle of wine), and includes a selection of starters, one of three main pasta dishes, and a variety of deserts.

When: Dec. 24th and 25th
Address: 11F, K.I. Tower, 1 Xihuamen, Lianhu District, Xi'an
地址：西安市西华门1号凯爱大厦11层
Tel: 029 8720 1501
Price: 299 RMB (for one, no wine), 699 RMB (for two, half bottle of wine)
Getting here: north of the Bell Tower and Drum Tower. Head north from the Bell Tower Hotel (opposite the Bell Tower itself) along North Street.

4) Kempinski hotel
This Christmas, the Kempinski hotel promises an unforgettable experience by offering exciting entertainment, wonderful gifts and many of Christmas surprises (including Paulaner winter beer!). The events will be held on December 24th and 25th starting at 18:00. The set menu options include a "Bavarian buffet dinner" for 998 RMB, or a more reasonably priced "Christmas dinner" for 388 RMB.

Add: 6 West Section Euro-Asia Dadao, Chanba Ecological District, Xi'an
地址：西安市浐灞生态区欧亚大道西段6号
Tel: 029 8355 0000
Getting there: in the Eastern suburbs of the city; accessible by train or bus, however taxi is the easiest way.

5) Park Qin
This popular foreigner hangout is an excellent choice for spending your Christmas nights. Park Qin is known for its lively atmosphere and a wide selection of exotic cocktails. Despite the thick cloud of smoke hitting you when you first walk in, the bar has a very friendly character, which is perfect for both that chilled casual drink among friends, or for the heavy weekend binge. Park Qin holds an annual Christmas party, and this year for the first time, the party is free for all foreigners to attend. From December 23-25th, the bar will be sparkling with tinsel and shining with Christmas baubles. The Christmas concoctions created by the bar staff will be flowing and the spirit of Christmas will be playing through the speakers. Also a party would not be a party without some thrilling party games. Park Qin will hold a range of games for anyone feeling festive enough to take part, and the winners will receive a special Christmas gift. Tables are available to reserve, but at a price – a small table fitting five people costs 500 RMB (you get the table and 500 worth of drinks from the bar). The reservation fee increase depending on the size of the table.

When: Dec. 23-25th
Add: A-2 Shuncheng West Alley, Beilin District, Xi'an
地址：西安市碑林区南门里顺城西路甲2号(贴城墙向西20)
Tel: 029 8728 0092
Getting there: inside the city wall on the west side of the south gate. It is hidden down an ally next to the gate so you will have to keep your eyes open for it. As long as you get to south gate, you are sure to find it.
 

Related links
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