Christian churches abound in Shanghai, but they are not merely appreciated for their architecture. At Christmas they come alive with story and song.

Churches built by early Western missionaries add to Shanghai's unique skyline and endow local culture with a Christian touch.

But far from being merely cultural heritage landmarks, they still resonate with song and stories about Jesus Christ each Christmas.

Brightly decorated with lights, Christmas trees and poinsettia trees in late December, local people swarm to these historic buildings to rejoice at carol services each year, just like their Western counterparts.

Shanghai has a considerable number of local Christians, but among the people who attend Christmas Eve services, more are non-believers, usually from the young generations.

For them, this is an annual occasion to seek peace and a warm and romantic atmosphere.

The Shanghai Community Church's English service is known to many expats in the city as a popular destination for Christmas worship. Set in the lush trees of Hengshan Road and covered with ivy, this familiar Anglican-style building is nostalgic, perfect for expats to celebrate the most important religious festival of the year with their families.

On Sunday, the church will present a Christmas cantata at both 2pm and 4pm following a performance on Saturday at Metro Town Mall, Zhongshan Park at 6pm.

Expats living in Pudong may prefer the newly built Abundant Grace Church near Jinqiao, which offers the city's second English service for foreign passport holders only. Its Christmas Eve service will start at 7pm.

But why not join the locals at a Chinese service this year? Like the two English services, the Chinese services are all multi-denominational according to the principles of the Chinese Protestant Church.

Language may appear a barrier since the entire service, including the choir's performance, is in Chinese. But expats are warmly welcomed during Christmas celebrations with simultaneous English interpretation services.

Also available in every church is a Chinese-English bilingual version of the New Hymnal, a collection of traditional hymns worldwide and some contemporary Chinese compositions.

Expats are encouraged to sing in their own languages alongside Chinese attenders and choir members.