24 Awesome Upcoming Events in Shanghai

First up, ’tis Christmas Day!Click Here for Festive Feasts

And ’tis NYE!
Click Here For New Year’s Eve Options

Tuesday-SaturdayThe Nutcracker @ Shanghai International Dance Center

Co-produced by Shanghai Ballet and Shanghai Grand Theatre, The Nutcracker is based on the original story, with Victorian scenery, fantasy magic and folk dance, but with Chinese elements to give the audience a new and fresh angle at this classic Christmas ballet.

Expect an immersive experience, with innovative costumes, lavish sets, stunning multimedia effects, and a few surprises in this romantic winter wonderland, all backed by a performance history that highlights Shanghai’s rising influence in the ballet world.

Perfect for lovers of ballet, families, and anyone up for a new take on this Yuletide classic.

Scan the QR code to get your tickets now:

Tue-Sat Dec 24-28, 7.30pm; RMB180-1,734

Shanghai International Dance Center, 1650 Hongqiao Lu, by Shuicheng Lu 虹桥路1650号, 近水城路

Thursday
Scuba Diving Discovery

Learn scuba basic theory with a former navy diving officer. Suitable for beginners, kids, and those looking for a refresher pre holiday. Scan the QR on the poster above to find out more.

Thu Dec 26, 11am-2pm; RMB699

Scan the QR for more information

F#$K 2024 The Concert @ The Pearl

The Pearl first did this show January 1, 2022 to forget the dread of 2021 and it was a huge success. A night of great music, friends and rocking celebration. So much so they brought it back this year!

It’s called ‘Hair of the Dog’ and The Pearl is your tonic. To get over your New Year’s Eve hangover, we prescribe the F#$K 2024 Concert.

On the menu is all sorts of rock and rock, with The Pearl’s Red Stars band taking you on a journey through music’s greatest hits as we celebrate the start of 2025.

Expect a delectable witches brew of classic rock, punk rock and 90s rock. No rock will be left unturned!

Hits from bands such as AC/DC, Led Zeppelin and Jimi Hendrix will be paired with the Ramones and the Offspring, then topped with some Nirvana and Linkin Park for good measure.

To start the new year off right, come on down to the Pearl!

Scan the QR to get your tickets now:

Thu Dec 26, 8.30pm; RMB100

The Pearl, 471 Zhapu Lu, by Wujin Lu 乍浦路471号, 近武进路

FridaySpanish Gourmet Travel @ Albero

Enjoy a new tapas-themed semi-buffet with a selection of unlimited cold and hot tapas, together with signature sangria, soft drinks and more.

Gather your team and enjoy Red Prawn and Asparagus Paella, Grilled M3 Beef Tenderloin, Chicken Roll with Red Wine Sauce, selected cheese and cold cuts, sweets.

Experience authentic, exquisite food and the profound essence of Spanish culinary culture. Your table awaits you!

Fri Dec 27, 6-9.30pm; RMB328

Albero Spanish Restaurant, 2/F, Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai, 1288 Lujiazui Huan Lu, by Dongyuan Lu, Pudong District 陆家嘴环路1288号2楼, 近东园路

 7-Year Anniversary @ Specters

Specters is kicking off the year end festivities weekend with a birthday — their own!

Thats right, your friendly neighbourhood punk rock dive is turning seven years young and celebrating another year of good times, lifelong memories, and unmitigated wealth and riches.

Come down to raise several glasses with your old friends at the bar as they chalk up another WIN for the good guys!

Starts 9pm. No entry fee. Classic “Specters music” on the playlist. Which means a lot of ‘Linda, Linda’…

Fri Dec 27, 8pm; Free Entry

Specters, Bldg D, 753 Yuyuan Lu, by Zhenning Lu, Changning District 愚园路753号D楼, 近镇宁路

Friday & Saturday
Like a Record Baby! @ RIINK

Last weekend of 2024!

Spin around and around at RIINK with DJ BO playing all the golden hits ON VINYL Friday night! He’ll take you back to the golden age of disco with skating and warm drinks to fill those chilly bones.

And on Saturday night the party continues with DJ White Rice playing all your favorites. You can find her skating around, pouring drinks, and if you’re lucky maybe get a song request or two from her.

Retro look = free shot! 

Send message on RIINK WeChat with secret code ‘That’s How I Roll’ for a special RMB88 Skate & Shot Deal for That’s Shanghai readers ONLY!

READ MORE: Exclusive ¥88 RIINK Deal for That’s Shanghai Readers!

Fri & Sat Dec 27 & 28, from 7pm; Free Entry

RIINK, Shankang Li, Building 18, Room 102, 358 Kangding Lu, by Shaanxi Bei Lu 静安区康定路358号陕康里18号楼102室

End of The Eras Tour: Taylor Swift Tribute Show @ The Pearl

The Pearl is answering the call of Shanghai Swifties with a two-night celebration of Taylor Swift’s iconic discography.

As the Eras Tour comes to a close, this event is a tribute to her artistry, featuring hits spanning her entire career.

Ksenia, Kat, Grace, and Veta take the stage as Taylor, backed by the Red Stars Band and six dancers bringing dazzling choreography.

Whether you’re a die-hard Swiftie or just looking for a night of stellar entertainment, this show promises unforgettable music, magic, and memories.

Scan the QR to get your tickets now:

Fri & Sat Dec 27 & 28, 8pm; RMB180

The Pearl, 471 Zhapu Lu, by Wujin Lu 乍浦路471号, 近武进路

Moulin Rouge @ La Suite

New Year Loading!!! La Suite will bring you a unique gorgeous Moulin Rouge weekend party; gorgeous costumes, changing light and shadow, passion burning, full of charm.

Get ready for the rave! Let La Suite become a splendid stage for New Year’s revelry.

Fri & Sat Dec 27 & 28, 10pm-Late; Free entry, drinks and canapes before 11:30pm, RMB100 after, includes one drink

La Suite, 1111 Wuding Rd., by Yanping Rd. 武定路1111号, 近延平路

For all La Suite events this week click hereSaturday
WBC Title Challenger! AGF: ENDGAME @ MGM Shanghai

On Saturday, December 28, the MGM Shanghai will open its doors to boxing fans from around the city, to watch a stacked card of fights for AGF (All Good Fights) ENDGAME.

The card will feature a total of 13 fights, beginning with white collar and heating up as the night progresses. 

The lineup boasts established professional boxing stars in Shanghai, such as Zhu Yijun and He Changkai, as well as athletes from Dalian Eagle Totem, Chongqing Boxing Power and other clubs coming from further afield.

The main event of the night will be British boxer Ellie Bouttell, signed to Shanghai’s own M23 Boxing Club, as she fights for East Asian supremacy against Indian boxer Renu Phogat in a 10-round women’s WBC bantamweight Far East title.

Scan the QR to get your tickets now:

Sat Dec 28, 7.30pm; RMB288-888

MGM Shanghai West Bund, 688 Yunjin Lu, Xuhui District 徐汇区云锦路688号

Hanukkah Punk @ C’s Bar

DJ BO joins charges with Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia’s DJ Leather (Leather Nation) for a night of electricity-infused punk madness! It’s Hanukkah Punk!

DJ BO, ‘Shanghai’s #2 DJ,’ plays Earthly-Eclectica, Ex-Post Esquerita, and Rockabilly-Funk with aplomb – all smashed up with a block party sensibility. A relentless peripatetic, DJ BO is a real road warrior, playing 29 countries and 48 cities in China and counting. 

He’ll be joined by Leather, AKA Mok of crew Leather Nation, hailing from Mongolia. He has been playing mostly electro punk/EBM since 2010. Leather grew up from the ashes of Ulaanbaatrian underground. Leather Nation has curated numerous underground clubs, venues and stages for festivals.

As the year comes to an end, end it loose with some punky stuff!

Sat Dec 28, 9.30pm; Free Entry

C’s, 685 Dingxi Lu, by Yanan Xi Lu, Changning District 定西路685号, 近延安西路

Sunday
Sweat for a Good Cause @ Aboro Academy

Give back this holiday season. Every Sunday until February go to Aboro to punch it out and donate money for children with cancer or congenital heart disease. All proceeds donated! Scan the QR to book.

Every Sun, 10.30am; RMB100

Aboro Academy, Anken Life, S6-S9, 2/F, 667 Changhua Lu, by Anyuan Lu, Jing’an District 昌化路667号2楼S6-S9室, 近安远路

Christmas Cookie Making @ Geneva

Every Sunday in December head along to Geneva from free cookie making, recommended for kids aged three and above.

Sun Dec 22, 1pm; Free

Geneva, 112 Jinbang Lu, by Fuquan Lu 金浜路112号, 近福泉路

Swan Lake @ Yunjian Theater

A Russian retelling of an old German folk tale, the story of Swan Lake is one of tragedy – that of Odette, a princess turned into a swan by an evil sorcerer’s curse.

First staged by the Imperial Ballet at Moscow’s Bolshoi Theatre in 1877, and with music composed by Tchaikovsky, Swan Lake is a masterpiece and a must-see for anybody interested in the art form or who simply enjoys sheer spectacle.

This is your chance to see it performed by some of the finest dancers in the world, the award-winning Moscow Ballet Company.

The performance runs just one night, Sunday December 29, and we have tickets on sale on T+ Tickets from RMB168-408.

Scan the QR code to get yours now:

Sun Dec 29, 7.30pm; RMB168-408

Yunjian Theater, No. 69, Lane 6, Renmin Nan Lu, Songjiang District 松江区人民南路6弄69号

Monday
Big Fat Quiz of 2024 @ BNC

Capping off this year’s quizzing at BNC is the Big Fat Quiz of 2024. Entry is absolutely free and – as always – there will be great prizes on offer.

If all that excitement is not enough for you, there are also great deals on food and drinks!

Scan the QR on the poster above to reserve a spot.

Mon Dec 30, 7.30pm; Free Entry

BNC, 685 Xikang Lu, by Changping Lu, Jing’an District 西康路685号, 近昌平路

British NSO New Year’s Concert @ Shanghai Oriental Art Center

A very special New Year’s Concert from the British National Symphony Orchestra, one of the most prestigious orchestras in the world.

READ MORE: WIN! National Symphony Orchestra New Year’s Concert

Enjoy the following set list:

Glinka – Ruslan & Ludmilla Overture

Dvorak – New World Symphony

Strauss – Die Fledermaus Overture

Strauss – Cuckoo Polka

Puccini – O Mio Babbino

Gounod – Romeo et Juliette Juliets Aria (Soprano: Anna Wadell)

Strauss – Thunder and Lightning Polka

Strauss – Champagne Polka

My Fair Lady – I Could Have Danced All Night

Franz Lehar – Zigeunerliebe (Soprano: Anna Wadell)

Strauss – Blue Danube Waltzes

Scan the QR code to get your tickets now:

Mon Dec 30, 7.30pm; RMB384-1,080

Shanghai Oriental Art Center, 425 Dingxiang Lu, by Shiji Dadao, Pudong District 丁香路425号, 近世纪大道

¥1 Skating @ RIINK

Holiday super deal for all rollers! This December, check in at RIINK on Mondays, eat or drink at RIINK Diner, and for just 1 RMB, enjoy complimentary skating.

Treat yourself to the festive spirit and glide into the season with joy!  

Mon Dec 15, 8-10pm; Free Entry

RIINK, Shankang Li, Building 18, Room 102, 358 Kangding Lu, by Shaanxi Bei Lu 静安区康定路358号陕康里18号楼102室

TuesdaySwan Lake @ Shanghai International Dance Center

A Russian retelling of an old German folk tale, the story of Swan Lake is one of tragedy – that of Odette, a princess turned into a swan by an evil sorcerer’s curse.

First staged by the Imperial Ballet at Moscow’s Bolshoi Theatre in 1877, and with music composed by Tchaikovsky, Swan Lake is a masterpiece and a must-see for anybody interested in the art form – or who simply enjoys sheer spectacle.

This version is staged by Shanghai Ballet, and features a ‘Swan Ocean’ of 48 dancers.

Scan the QR code to get your tickets now:

Tue Dec 31, 7.30pm; RMB180-1,734

Wed Jan 1, 2pm; RMB180-1,734

Shanghai International Dance Center, 1650 Hongqiao Lu, by Shuicheng Lu 虹桥路1650号, 近水城路

New Year’s Concert on the Bund: A Journey to Italy @ Former Union Church

Conducted by the famous Italian conductor Roberto Fiore, 10 international soloists perform Italian opera classics and stunning instrumental works together over two wonderful concerts!

7.45pm – New Year’s Concert

10.30pm – Countdown Concert

Scan the QR to get your tickets now:

Tue Dec 31, 7.45pm & 10.30pm; RMB388-688

Former Union Church, 107 Nan Suzhou Lu, by Yuanmingyuan Lu, Huangpu District 南苏州路107号, 近圆明园路

T+ TicketingSilent Disco Winter Wonderland @ BFC

After successful runs this summer at Shanghai’s Rock Bund Historical Building District, EKA Tianwu, and Columbia Circle, the Silent Adventures team are getting festive!

Don their magical, high-tech headphones and feel your inhibitions evaporate as they lead you on a fun-filled Silent Disco tour of BFC’s Winter Wonderland.

The new dance route and Christmas-themed music will immerse participants in the festive atmosphere, allowing them to lose themselves in a winter fairy tale as soon as they put on their headphones.

Take a journey between winter fairy tales and magical worlds, dancing amidst the scent of mulled wine at the Christmas market; passing by the roller skating rink in search of wizards from Hogwarts’ Great Hall; perhaps even encountering Santa Claus or sharing a laugh with Muggles in front of the Christmas tree. 

Whether you’re a seasoned Harry Potter fan or a new participant, put on your Christmas gear and magical accessories to experience this winter’s exclusive surprises!

Tickets are RMB280. Scan the QR code to get yours now:

Dec 14-Jan 5, 4.30pm & 7.30pm; RMB280

BFC, 600 Zhongshan Dong Er Lu, by Fengjing Lu 中山东二路600号, 近枫泾路

Casanova @ Shanghai Culture Square

Based on Matteo Strukul’s bestselling book Giacomo Casanova – La Sonata Dei Cuori Infranti, the Italian original musical Casanova celebrates Venice and tells the saga of her most famous son, Giacomo Casanova.

The musical is created and produced by Red Canzian, composer and bass player of the legendary Italian band POOH, and featuring costume design by award-winning designer Stefano Nicolao Atelier.

The show’s Italian-inspired songs and dances, combined with beautiful historic costumes and scenes, bringing the splendor of 18th century Venice to life.

Giacomo Casanova himself is brought to life by internationally acclaimed performer, singer and actor Gian Marco Schiaretti, back to an Italian title for the first time in 13 years, after playing in international productions of Notre Dame de Paris, Don Juan and more around the world.

Scan the QR code to get your tickets now:

Fri Dec 20-Sat Dec 28, 4pm & 7.30pm; RMB480-1,080

Shanghai Culture Square, 597 Fuxing Zhong Lu, by Shaanxi Nan Lu, Huangpu District 复兴中路597号，近陕西南路

Notre Dame de Paris @ Shanghai Culture Square

Based on the acclaimed novel by Victor Hugo, Notre Dame de Paris tells the story of the bell-ringer cathedral Quasimodo and his tragic love for the beautiful gypsy Esmeralda.

This musical features the unforgettable music composed by Richard Cocciante with lyrics by Luc Plamondon, and lively expresses the whole of life, history and fate of the original novel with its magnificent scenes and energetic performances by an international ensemble of singers, dancers and acrobats. 

Scan the QR code to get your tickets now:

Fri Jan 3-Mon Jan 27, 4pm & 7.30pm; RMB480-1,080

Shanghai Culture Square, 597 Fuxing Zhong Lu, by Shaanxi Nan Lu, Huangpu District 复兴中路597号，近陕西南路

Era 2: Spirit of Shanghai @ Shanghai Circus World

Acrobatics, dance, theater and even extreme sports – long-running Shanghai multimedia spectacular Era’s second season is in full swing at Shanghai Circus World.

The latest show, Era 2: Spirit of Shanghai, is a collaboration between a French choreography team and Chinese artists, featuring a completely new storyline and scenes, thrilling acrobatic skills, magnificent stage effects and the latest technologies.

Fans of the first season of Era, which attracted more than 5 million visitors over its 15-year run, will also be happy to hear they retain some of the classic attractions too, such as the bowl balancing act and thrilling, white-knuckle motorbike ball finale.

TicketsEra 2: Spirit of Shanghai is on at the following times:

Mon-Fri, 7.30pm

Sat & Sun, 2pm & 7.30pm

Tickets are priced RMB380-880.

Scan the QR code to get yours now:

Shanghai Circus World, 2266 Gonghexin Lu, by Guangzhong Xi Lu 共和新路2266号, 近广中西路

SpicyComedy English Stand-Up Showcase @ SpicyComedy Lounge

SpicyComedy is stand-up in Shanghai featuring some of the funniest local and traveling comedians.

With shows held throughout the week at the SpicyComedy Lounge in Xintiandi, audiences are in for an unforgettable night of laughs.

READ MORE: Meet the Trilingual Comedian Spicing Up Shanghai’s Comedy Scene

Each show features five to six talented English-language comedians, each performing 8-15 minute sets, varying with everything from spotlight specials with featured comedians to open mic nights for newcomers.

Upcoming ShowsThu Dec 26, 7.30pm, RMB120

Sat Dec 28, 2pm, RMB150

Wed Jan 1, 7.30pm, RMB380

Fri Jan 3, 8pm, RMB168

Sat Jan 4, 7.30pm, RMB380

Wed Jan 8, 7.30pm, RMB120

Fri Jan 10, 8pm, RMB168

Sat Jan 11, 7.30pm, RMB150

Wed Jan 15, 7.30pm, RMB120

Fri Jan 17, 8pm, RMB168

Sat Jan 18, 4.30pm, RMB380

Sat Jan 18, 7.30pm, RMB380

For all the latest show details, and to purchase tickets, scan the QR code.

SpicyComedy Lounge, 3/F, Building 6-7, South Block, 123 Xingye Lu, by Madang Lu 兴业路123弄，新天地时尚一期6-7号楼3层南里食集北区, 近马当路

The Pet Show @ Fotografiska Shanghai

‘The Pet Show,’ which will open soon on December 7, will showcase works by 24 artists that have all chosen to portray pets in different ways, the common factor being the great love the artists have for the pets.

With this exhibition, Fotografiska want to celebrate and acknowledge our constant companions, and their presence in art and popular culture. Our mutual dependence leads to the question, “Who owns whom?”

Scan the QR code to get your tickets now:

Until Mar 9, 10.30am-11pm; RMB80-120, ticket covers all ongoing exhibitions in Fotografiska

Fotografiska Shanghai, 4/F 127 Guangfu Lu, by Jinyuan Lu, Jing’an District 光复路127号, 近晋元路

Click Here For More Upcoming Events in Shanghai