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. Realm of Snow and Ice at MixC Qianhai Covering an area of 1,300 square meters, the stunning all-white scene has transformed MixC Qianhai 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-themed 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 will stay until Feb. 16, 2005. Add: 169 Guiwan 4th Road, Nanshan District Metro: Line 5 to Guiwan Station, Exit A Sparkling New Year carnival at Window of the World Indulge in a cosplay party at Window of the World 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. Add: 9037 Shennan Boulevard, OCT, Nanshan District Metro: Line 1 or 2 to Window of the World Station, Exit K ‘Super New Year’ at OCT Harbor Come to 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. Add: 2008 Binhai Boulevard, Nanshan District Metro: Line 9 to Shenzhen Bay Park Station, Exit E 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. Add: 9003 Shennan Boulevard, OCT, Nanshan District Metro: Line 1 to OCT Station, Exit D 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. Add: 8 Baoxing Road, Qianhai Metro: Line 1 to Xin’an Station, Exit D; Line 5 to Linhai Station, Exit A; or Line 11 to Bao’an Station, Exit B Spring Festival light shows 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. Xiangmihu: Metro: Line 2 to Xiangmi Station, Exit D; or Line 7 to Nonglin Station, Exit C Huaqiangbei: Metro: Line 2 or 7 to Huaqiangbei Station; or Line 3 to Huaxin Station 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 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 (Claudia Wei) | 