There's basically three kinds of Christmas trees out there: fake trees, real trees that approximate the general character of Christmas Trees but... you know... aren't Christmas trees, and real, for real trees that local florists and dealers bring in from Dongbei province specifically
for Christmas.
Here's a rundown on where to get all of the above, starting with the last category first:
Rosa Gallica
Rosa Gallica is the popular expat-friendly plant and flower store right on the inside of Ferguson Lane on Wukang Lu. They have the real trees, as well as lots of real, and quite lovely looking hand-made wreaths (100rmb – 200rmb), candle adornments, poinsettias (30rmb) and more. It's a popular destination for expat families to pick up authentic Christmas trees, and as of this morning they've got only large sizes left. Trees range from 100cms to 350cms in size and are priced between 400rmb and 900rmb. A 2-meter real Christmas tree is 600rmb. Trees are available right outside the shop and you pick which one you want.
Au Nom de La Rose
Fancy pants French florist, Au Nom de la Rose specializes is roses, accoutrements, scents thereof and more. It's a Euro-chic, classy boutique, and although they're probably your first stop on Valentine's Day, they've got a Christmas tree special on as well. They're offering a 2-meter Dongbei tree for 1080rmb. If you're ordering the tree, they can get it to you the next day. Yeah, it's a little steep, but they've also got their own styled arrangements as well, along with rose-orientated gifts, which could be quite nice for your lady. Special perfumes and the like.
Yongjia
Running down Shaanxi Nan Lu, just south of Fuxing Lu is a string of flower / home décor shops, each geared towards the Christmas season, with a few Dongbei trees on offer, a few of the real Christmas Trees that are not quite right, and a lot of varieties of fake ones -- both pre-decorated and not. It's a bargaining situation at each of these and prices are around 250rmb to 380rmb for a 1.6 to 2m tall real tree, non-Dongbei variety. These are actually a "foreign breed growing near Shanghai". This little strip is also a good option if you're looking for a one-stop deal. Lots of lights, decorations, and tree ornaments available. It's shades of Yu Garden a bit with what's on offer – a little tacky – but it does the job if you want to bargain down, and not have to run all over town looking for decorations as well. Head down a bit further on Shaanxi Lu to shop number 432 – fairly expensive-looking, large-sized, pre-decorate fake trees of the variety you find in hotel lobbies, banks, department stores, if you're looking for those.
Last Notes on Real Trees: Speaking with some of the florists, each shop is basically dealing with the same importer bringing in real trees from Dongbei, and if you go to a medium to large-sized florist or one of the markets, they can order you a tree to your general size requirements and have it delivered in a day or two. Other places to check out if the aforementioned three don't work out: Caojiadu Flower Market in Jing'an District, Hong Qiao Bird and Flower Market on Hongjing Lu, and the Graces Floral on Donghu Lu. You should be thinking about bringing 3 or 4 red notes and the negotiating for largest-size and free delivery.
IKEA
Moving strictly into fake trees, the most tastefully done ones are at IKEA, who offer a couple varieties of small and large-sized trees for cheap. 99rmb for a small one 199rmb for a bigger one. They're called something like Funnfudirder and Bildingkrommer, respectively. These are it's basically little, green wire and plastic things -- comes in a box and you slot it together and bend down the branches. IKEA also has a few options for lights and tree ornaments that are pretty nice looking. They've got that lovely Swedish eye for simple, classic design, you know. Even if you already have a tree, you might want to stop in there to get some nice lights and decorations and things. They also have real poinsettias, like everyone else, for 30rmb. And very nice plush animal toys. And finger puppets. And 3rmb hotdogs. 5rmb for hot dog and a drink!
Carrefour
Carrfour only does fake trees but they've cheap and actually not too bad. Not as nice as the ones at IKEA somehow, but it's alright if you want to make the gesture but don't want to spend a lot of time and money on it. Cheapest is a 1.5m fake for 99rmb. The same model can be upgraded to 2m for around 250rmb and a 2.5m one for around 300rmb. There's a couple other variations on the fake trees, including a more realistic looking one, replete with a bit of sprayed on snow, for slightly more cash. Carrefour also has a fairly extensive Christmas section with all the boubles, lights, streamers, and what have yous.
Also Santa hats! Merry Christmas everyone!
