What's On in Shanghai: December 2016

That's Shanghai takes a look at the best of the month:

Nov 29: 8 Hands Dinner

UNICO Shanghai’s Franck Salati teams up with El Willy’s Koen Vessies, POP Secret’s Pol Garcia and RAW’s Juan Campos for a very Latin edition of this exclusive eight course set menu.
Nov 29, 6pm, RMB498. UNICO Shanghai, see event listing.

Nov 30: Allied

Brad Pitt and Marion Cotillard star as assassins who fall in love while on assignment in this World War II romantic drama. However, their romance is threatened when one suspects the other of being a double agent.

Nov 30: Golden Gloves Boxing Gym Grand Opening

Known for training the city’s white collar warriors that do battle at the always glamorous Brawl on the Bund, Golden Gloves celebrates the opening of its Jing’an gym with free drinks, giveaways and exhibition fights.
Nov 30, 7pm, RMBTBA. Golden Gloves, see event listing.

Nov 30: Popface

For two decades, the Norwegian group has won wide acclaim as one of their country’s finest live acts for their dynamic shoegazed tinged post rock sound. They’re back on their second tour of China whetting the appetite for their upcoming fifth album, Little Dreamer.
Nov 30, 9pm, RMBTBA. Yuyintang, see event listing.

Nov 30-Dec 19: Magic Xmas Market

Get a head start on holidays season and stock up on uniquely designed gifts as Shanghai Centre welcomes a variety of vendors from across the city. Adding to the festive spirit are holiday treats and decorations.
Nov 30-Dec 19, 10.30am-7pm (Mon-Thurs), 10.30am-8pm (Fri-Sun), free entry. Shanghai Centre.

Dec 1: Red Ribbon Gala Dinner

ShanghaiPRIDE and Q-Events have teamed up for this annual gala dinner to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS in China. Held in honor of World AIDS Day, proceeds will benefit the Shanghai Qingai Health Center’s efforts to expand their safe sex education.
Dec 1, 7.30pm, RMB900 per seat. Andaz Xintiandi, see event listing.

Dec 1: Toe

The Japanese post-rock quartet returns to MAO Livehouse after stunning in their Shanghai debut two years ago. On this New Noise organized tour, they’ll be presenting their new critically acclaimed album, Hear You, which continues their mix of intense instrumentals with beautiful harmonies and melodic guitar riffs. For more, check out our 2014 interview with Toe.
Dec 1, 8.30-10pm, RMB220-260. MAO Livehouse, see event listing.

Dec 1: Neon Indian

There's no rest for Split Works who a week after their epic birthday celebrations are bringing the electro whiz back to Shanghai for a last minute show. While his early week had him pegged as a pioneer for chillwave, Neon Indian has managed to outlast many of his genre peers by expanding his infectious sound. A year after making his Shanghai debut with a full live band performance, Neon Indian will spinning an intimate DJ set at DADA. For more, check out our 2015 interview with Neon Indian.
Dec 1, 10pm-late, RMB60. DADA, see event listing.

Dec 1: oOoOO 

The witch house pioneer has emerged from three years of hiatus from touring to kick off the last month for The Shelter. Expect a haunting live set complete with impressive visuals. Faded Ghost and Serbey Gubka support.
Dec 1, 10pm-late, RMB60. The Shelter.

Dec 1-4: Christkindlmarkt

BLN Restaurants & Catering present the 10th edition of their popular German style Christmas market at the Paulaner Bräuhaus Expo location. Seventy seasonally decorated wooden huts will be set up across the venue’s spacious garden serving up sizzling sausages, hot spiced Glühwein and traditional desserts like Belgian waffles, sugard roasted almonds and Magenbrot (German style gingerbread). Vendors will be selling seasonal items like Christmas trees, wreaths and ornaments, as well as handicrafts that make for unique gifts.
Dec 1-4, 3-10pm (Thurs-Fri), 11am-10pm (Sat) and 11am-9pm (Sun), RMB30 (free entry for kids under 10). Paulaner (Expo), see event listing.

Dec 2: Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children

After wooing Shanghai this summer with a massive art retrospective, director Tim Burton is set to charm the country with his latest film. Praised as a return to the inventive gothic form of past favorites like Sweeney Todd, Burton brings to life Ransom Riggs’ 2011 best-selling young adult novel. Eva Green stars as the titular Miss Peregrine, who can manipulate time and transform into a peregrine falcon. She must assist the 16-year-old Jacob (Asa Butterfield) as he discovers  this mysterious world and protect it from the shape-shifting Samuel L Jackson. For more, check out our feature on The World of Tim Burton.

Dec 2: Marching Church

The Danish super group consists of members of too cool bands like Iceage, Lower and Choirs of Young Believers. Their recent sophomore disc received wide praise for bringing a new standard to experimental rock.
Dec 2, 10pm-late, RMB80. Yuyintang.

Dec 2: Cinthie

Image by Marie Staggat

Co:Motion presents the Shanghai debut of the Berlin based DJ, producer and creative mastermind behind the Beste Modus and Unison Wax record labels. Known for her vinyl-only sets, expect Cinthie to drop deep-yet-bassy mixes. Laura Ingalls supports.
Dec 2, 10pm-late, RMB70 (RMB40 before midnight). Elevator.

Dec 2: Daedelus

Antidote presents the Southern Californian experimental producer who has released acclaimed projects on leading labels like Ninja Tune, Brainfeeder and Anticon. Expect to hear his abstract yet elegant take on hip hop beats from his newest disc, Labyrinths.
Dec 2, 10pm-late, free entry. DADA.

Dec 2-3: The Taming of the Shrew

Appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his efforts promoting British culture in China, Paul Stebbings leads TNT Theater on their latest tour of the country. Revered for their productions of Western classics, the company tackles one of Shakespeare’s most popular comedies – a tale of two sisters being wooed by suitors willing to pull any trick to win over the beauties. For more, check out our 2014 feature on TNT Theatre's work in China.
Dec 2-3, 7.30pm and 2pm (Sun), RMB120-380. Lyceum Theater, see event listing.

Dec 2-3: The Shelter 9th Anniversary

It’s the last month for The Shelter, and they’re kicking off the proceedings with one final weekend of birthday parties. While turntablist icon Shortkut (pictured) is headlining the Friday night party, the club is shining a spotlight on the local stalwarts that have made the subterranean club such an underground institution in the city for most of the month. Friday night features support from Kuroda Daisuke and V-Nutz. The next night is packed with sets from Blaise Deville, Hamacide, Downstate, Sakaka, Noda, Aivilox and Howell, as well as live performances from ChaCha and icenine. Other highlights to catch this month at the club is Tobias (Dec 8), Stamina MC (Dec 9), Ceephax Acid Crew (Dec 10), Kuranaka aka 1945 (Dec 16), Mobile Crew (Dec 17), Do Hits (Dec 23) and the final closing rager on December 31.
Dec 2-3, 10pm-late, RMB100 (Fri) RMB60 (Sat). The Shelter.

Dec 3: Fitness for a Cause

Spinback are hosting two simultaenous charity indoor cycling sessions at their new Wuding Lu stuio and their Jiashan Lu location to raise funds for the Aboro Foudation, which provides career-oriented fitness and wellness training to underprivileged youth in China.
Dec 3, noon, RMB200. Spinback, see event listing.

Dec 3: Pushfest

Central Studios hosts this skateboard film festival organized by local media, PUSH. Patrick O’Dell, director of Vice’s series Epicly Later’d, is flying in from New York City to speak live. PUSH media partner and Shanghai based director Charles Lanceplaine will give an interview (pictured above is a scene from his short video about skateboarding the Inner Mongolian ghost town of Ordos), while documentaries and cinematic clips will also be screened.
Dec 3, 5-10pm, free entry. Central Studios.

Dec 3: Brawl on the Bund

The social sporting event of the season is back as Kerry Parkside hosts the big fight night for the city’s white collar warriors. Organized by China Sports Promotions, the night features seven bouts, a four course dinner and a live auction with proceeds benefiting breast cancer awareness organization More Than Aware. Official after party goes down at Bar Rouge with free admission for all Brawl on the Bund ticket holders.
Dec 3, 6pm-late, RMB9,00-20,000 (per table). Kerry Pudong, see event listing.

Dec 3: Blue Moon Gala

Animals Asia has been fighting animal cruelty in Asia for years are famous for their efforts to protect moon bears and rehabilitate those from the bear bile industry. Their Chengdu based bear sanctuary is home to over 100 bears and this fundraising gala will go towards it. This year’s festivities will honor Jasper (pictured), who become a global icon for living happily for 15 years at the rescue center after being freed from a bile farm cage.
Dec 3, 6.30pm, RMB1,500. Grand Hyatt.

Dec 3: Da Bang

The Beijing rockers burst onto the scene around the same time as Hedgehog, Queen Sea Big Shark and Carsick Cars with a riotous dance punk sound akin to Yeah Yeah Yeahs. Over the years, they’ve evolved into a sparkling electro-indie band. However, their newest single ‘Nobody For You Except Yourself’ hints at a newer, harder sound. They bring their mini-national tour to Yuyintang before heading back to the studio to wrap up their much anticipated next release on Modern Sky.
Dec 3, 8.30-11pm, RMB80-100. Yuyintang.

Dec 3: Alan Walker

Since his single ‘Faded’ went platinum in over 10 different countries, the Norwegian DJ and producer has been a major name to keep an eye out for. With over 700 million YouTube views and official remixes from EDM legend Tiësto, Walker has proven he’s no one-hit wonder, reconnecting with singer Iselin Solheim on this summer’s chart-topping single, ‘Sing Me To Sleep,’ which has been streamed over 17 million times on Spotify.
Dec 3, 10.30pm-late, RMB180. MYST.

Dec 3 & 7-9: Hatchery + Friends Takeover

Beijing’s first culinary incubator is heading south for a pair of parties. On December 3, they’re taking over New Zealand Central in Xintiandi to serve up specialties from their South American inspired concept Buena Onda, the healthy and hearty Soul Bowls and the beer and mussel bar, Mighty Mo’s. From December 7-9, Buena Onda chefs will take over a table at Egg serving up specialties like raw oysters with Peruvian dressing, venison leg anticuchos and classic ceviche.
Dec 3, 7pm, RMB280. New Zealand Central, 3/F, Jin Lin Tian Di, 191 Madang Lu, by Taicang Lu 马当路191号, 近太仓路 (yoopay.cn/event/hatcherytakeovershanghai)
Dec 7-9, 8pm, RMB388. Egg.

Dec 4: MAYA 8 Year Anniversary Brunch

Maya is celebrating its aniversary in style with an all-you-can-eat brunch that includes food stations like the carvery meat station (featuring Mexican marinated wagyu brisket), breakfast eggs stand (serving Jalapeno Omelet), a Quesadilla section, a taco stand, a home made salsa station and a mobile bar.
Dec 4, 11am-4pm, RMB298. Maya, see event listing.

Dec 4: Movember Fundraiser

The Market are looking for a good few gentlemen to take part in the city’s biggest mustache contest. The best ‘stache wins a suit from ROJO Clothing while other prizes include straight razors, golf lessons, beer and other manly stuff. A barber from Doc Guthrie’s will be on-site while 10 percent of all F&B sales will go to a charity to support the displaced and disadvantaged citizens of Shanghai. On-site activities include live music, a boxing exhibition and much more.
Dec 4, 4-8pm, free entry. The Market, see event listing.

Until Dec 4: Blue Man Group

25 years ago, three newly graduated friends wanted to somehow parlay their interest in design, science, comedy, drumming and music into careers. Shockingly, they’ve succeeded with this hit show that has infiltrated the world’s biggest stages and Arrested Development. They’re making their Chinese mainland debut with a huge tour that stops off at Shanghai Culture Square for an extended run.
Until Dec 4, 7.15pm (Tues-Sun) and 2pm (Sat-Sun), RMB158-688. Shanghai Culture Square.

Dec 7-11: Jing’an German Christmas Market

For the holiday season, City Moments is bringing a traditional German Christmas Market to the same Jing’an spot where they hosted a neighborhood block party and Oktoberfest feast. There will be wooden huts, traditional crafts and treats for an authentic festive ambiance, as well as a live animal farm for the kids to enjoy.
Dec 7-11, Bubbly Nation.

Dec 7-11: Blam!

Described as “Die Hard meets The Office,” this Danish physical theater show follows four office workers that transform their cubicles into a wondrous world populated by aliens, superheroes and movie villains. The non-verbal show promises neck-breaking stunts and other breathtaking feats as it headlines the ACT Shanghai International Theatre Festival.
Dec 7-11, 7.30pm (Wed-Sat) and 2pm (Sat-Sun), RMB150-280. Shanghai Dramatic Arts Centre.

Dec 8: Hacksaw Ridge

In late breaking news, China has expanded its foreign film quota for the year and Mel Gibson’s World War II epic Hacksaw Ridge has secured a coveted December 8 release. Andrew Garfield stars as Desmond Doss, a pacifist medic who became the first conscientious objector to be awarded the Medal of Honor after saving 75 soldiers without a weapon. The film received a 10-minute standing ovation after its world premiere at the Venice Film Festival.

Dec 8: Yuna

The Malaysian singer-songwriter is one of the most exciting names in R&B rising to international prominence since her 2012 collage with Pharrell, ‘Live Your Life.’ DJ Premier and Usher guest on her latest disc, Chapters, which is in the running for best R&B album of 2016.
Dec 8, TBApm, RMBTBA. On Stage.

Dec 8: Li Xiaochuan

The standout trumpeter caps off a stellar year that’s seen him collaborating live with Grammy Award winners Gast Waltzing and Eddie Gómez with the release of his newest disc, Initial. For more, check out our interview with Li Xiaochuan.
Dec 8, 9pm-late, RMB50. JZ Club.

Dec 8: Four Color Zack

SHFT is bringing the multi-time Redbull 3style competition winner who has gone to produce for heavy hitters like Kanye, Jay-Z and Beyonce.
Dec 8, 10pm-late, free entry with RSVP. Le Baron, see event listing.

Dec 8-11: Dani Girl

East West Theatre presents an adaptation of Christopher Diamond’s musical following a precocious nine-year old’s battle with leukemia. Equally hilarious and heartbreaking, Dani Girl mixes magical escapades between Dani and her imaginary friend Raph and hospital roommate Marty Luke McFly Skywalker, as well as poignant moments with her family. All proceeds will go to Shanghai-based breast cancer awareness organization More Than Aware.
Dec 8-11, 8pm (Thurs-Sat) and 5pm (Sun), RMB150-180. Studio White, 8/F, 71 Xi Suzhou Lu, by Haifang Lu 西苏州路71号8楼,，近海防路 (5046 2471, 247tickets.cn)

Dec 8 and 16-17: Mike Ward

The Canadian comic has three platinum comedy albums and was named one of the top 25 comics of all time by Montreal’s hallowed Just For Laughs Festival. He’ll be performing three shows in Shanghai – a French language set at The Pearl on December 8, as well as headlining performances in English at Shanghai’s Comedy Club’s two locations the next weekend.
Dec 8, 9pm, RMB200-250. The Pearl
Dec 16, 8.30pm, RMB150-180. SCC @ Ruijin Cajun, see event listing.
Dec 17, 8.30pm, RMB150-180. SCC @ Jalapeño, see event listing.

Dec 9: Sully

Academy Award-winning director Clint Eastwood follows his 2014 mega-hit American Sniper with a biographical look at Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger. Tom Hanks stars as the titular pilot who became a national hero following his emergency landing of a passenger jet on the Hudson River, where all 155 passengers and crew survived. Despite the rapturous praise that followed the incident, Sully depicts the pilot’s subsequent struggle with PTSD and his battle against the National Transportation Safety Board’s attempt to discredit him.

Dec 9: Borgore

The Tel Aviv-born producer proudly claims to have ‘ruined dubstep’ with a genre-destroying sound that he dubs gorestep. A former drummer of deathcore band Shabira, Borger’s horror-tinged sound and maniacal live show has garnered him a growing following eager to follow his path through ‘the new bass world.’ He’s collaborated with Miley Cyrus and released tracks on acclaimed labels like Dim Mak and Spinnin’.
Dec 9, 10pm-late, RMB120. M2.

Dec 9-11: Burn the Floor

What started as a 10-minute performance at Sir Elton John’s 50th birthday party has turned into a hit show that has enjoyed extended runs on Broadway in New York City and the West End in London. Featuring several alumni of the hit TV franchise So You Think You Can Dance, Burn the Floor is a sizzling celebration of all forms of dance from glitzy ballroom styles to fiery Latin performances. Since its 1997 debut, the show has been performed in over 130 countries worldwide, including China where its December tour has become an annual tradition.
Dec 9-11, 7.15pm and 2pm (Sat-Sun), RMB180-880. Shanghai Oriental Art Center, see event listing.

Dec 10: Sinatra Tribute Concert

The always dapper Frank Bray leads the 17-piece Pearl Big Band as conducted by Antonio Ximenez through a tribute to Ol’ Blue Eyes. Dress to impress as Bray croons Frank Sinatra classics from ‘My Way’ to ‘New York, New York.’
Dec 10, 9pm, RMB180-220. The Pearl.

Dec 10: Nervo

Image by Dan Monick

Since co-writing David Guetta and Kelly Rowland’s Grammy Award-winning smash, ‘When Love Takes Over,’ the Australian duo have turned their attention to the EDM world. The producers, singers and musicians have rocked major festivals and arenas with an energetic sound and show that led to their winning a DJ Mag Award for Best Female DJ.
Dec 10, 10.30pm-late, RMB180. Fusion.

Dec 10-11: ISU World Cup Short Track

The world’s top short track skaters take over Shanghai Oriental Sports Center for this global competition that features individual races in the 500 meters, 1,000 meters and 1,500 meters, as well as relay races of 3,000 meters (women) and 5,000 meters (men).
Dec 10-11, 1.30pm (Sat) and 2pm (Sun), RMB50-380. Shanghai Oriental Sports Center, see event listing.

Dec 11: Shanghai Supperclub Family Christmas Dinner

After raising over RMB70,000 last year, Shanghai Supperclub and Le Baron team up again to raise funds for The Library Project. This edition will have a dark magic theme with contributions from Anson Chen and a surreal meal provided by Austin Hu and Pol Garcia.
Dec 11, 6.30pm, RMB1,000. Le Baron.

Dec 13-Jan 15: Mozart!

This hit musical celebrates the legacy of the Austrian composer focusing on the child prodigy turned adult making the radical change to leave the royal court and find the distinct artistic path that produced enduring pieces like ‘Requiem.’ In that same spirit, this musical adds a modern makeover to the story. So far, it’s been a hit across Europe and will make its Shanghai debut with a 40-show run at Shanghai Culture Square.
Dec 13-Jan 15, 7.15pm (Tues-Sun) and 2pm (weekends), RMB80-1,080. Shanghai Culture Square.

Dec 14-Mar 26: Sleep No More

Image by Stephen Dobbie and Lindsay Nolin

Punchdrunk Theater's unique take on Macbeth has been described as  pioneer of immersive theater and has enjoyed years-long sold-out runs in New York, London and Brookline, Massachusetts. For its first production in Asia, they've converted an abandoned Jingan office building into the stylish McKinnon Hotel straight out of 1920s Shanghai. Rather than a traditional sit-down experience, guests are invited to explore the venue's six floor where they will run into performers and attempt to unravel this mysterious world. Expect the show to be one of the hardest tickets in town with reservations already booked until the Spring holiday.
Dec 14-Mar 26, 7pm/7.15pm/7.30pm/7.45pm (Wed-Sat) and 3pm/3.15pm/3.30pm/3.45pm (Sat-Sun), RMB550 (RMB650 on Fri-Sat evenings). McKinnon Hotel, 1013 Beijing Xi Lu, by Jianging Lu 北京西路1013号, 近江宁路 (5299 0571, booking@mckinnonhotel.cn)

Dec 15: Lenka

The multitalented Australian may have started out acting where she trained with Academy Award-winning actress Cate Blanchett, but she soared to international prominence thanks to her megahit, ‘The Show.’ Her charming indie-pop has grown in complexity and acclaim with Sony signing her to an innovative partnership for her fourth album, last year’s The Bright Side.
Dec 15, 7.30pm, RMB80-580. Shanghai Oriental Art Center, see event listing.

Dec 15: Brennan Heart

Beijing based events label Resistance celebrates a successful first year of throwing hardstyle parties with this mini-tour from the chart-topping producer. As the energetic genre grows in prominence, Heart has scored prime spots at megafests like Tomorrowland and EDC while amassing mega hits like ‘Lose My Mind’ and ‘Imaginary.’
Dec 15, 8.30pm-late, RMB100-200. MAO Livehouse.

Dec 15-Jan 8: Cookin’ Nanta

The longest-running show in South Korean history mixes comedy with traditional samul nori rhythms. Set in a kitchen where three cooks are furiously attempting to prepare a wedding banquet while dealing with the buffoonery of their bosses’ nephew, Cookin’ Nanta mixes acrobatics, comedy, magic tricks and audience participation to great effect. It has been performed in 18 countries including a 2004 run on Broadway.
Dec 15-Jan 18, 7.30pm and 2pm weekend matinees, RMB80-1,080. ET Space, 433 Yan’an Dong Lu, by Xizang Lu 延安东路433号, 近西藏路 (5046 2471, 247tickets.cn)

Dec 16: Hoochie Coochie Gentlemen

Steeped in old school blues, the Beijing group has won numerous of China's most prestigious music prizes while amassing a loyal fanbase that's impressive for an indie group. While their renown has only grown since appearing on CCTV's hit competition show Sing My Song, they're back on the road for their annual national tour.
Dec 16, 8.30-10.30pm, RMB80-100. Yuyintang.

Dec 16-17: Kurt Metzger

A writer on Chappelle’s Show, Metzger’s profile has been boosted due to recent recurring appearances on Inside Amy Schumer and the Louis CK-created Horace and Pete. Organizers Kung Fu Komedy has described the show as their biggest to date.
Dec 16-17, 8.30pm (Fri), 8pm and 10pm (Sat), RMB170-200. Kung Fu Komedy Club.

Dec 16-18: Tetris

Image by Michael Kooren

The classic video game comes to life in this award-winning children’s production that is perfect for kids who can’t sit still. Four dancers will pile over each over in gravity-defying shapes like the video game with the audience invited to join in. The show claimed the People’s Choice Victor Award at the International Performing Arts for Youth showcase in Montreal this year. Appropriate for kids aged five and up.
Dec 16-18, 7.30pm (Fri), 10.30am and 5pm (Sat-Sun), RMB80-380. Daguan Theater, Shanghai Himalayas Art Center, see event listing.

Dec 17: Snakehips

The British duo cracked the UK Top 5 with their 2015 single, 'All My Friends,' that featured Chance the Rapper and Tinashe. Building on that buzz, the duo have since worked with buzz acts like Anderson.Paak and Zayn, while also remixing the likes of The Weeknd and Banks.
Dec 17, 10pm-late, RMBTBA. Arkham.

Dec 17: WRLD

While he may have just turned 18 years old, the dance pop producer has built up a strong buzz over the past three years. He’s racked up millions of Soundcloud plays thanks to vocoder driven nu-disco hits like ‘Fighter.’ With high-school graduation around the corner, WRLD is teasing a more experimental and adult sound with a North American tour set following his Shanghai show.
Dec 17, 10pm-late, free entry with RSVP. Le Baron, see event listing.

Dec 17-18: Daily Vinyl Two Year Anniversary

The vinyl collective celebrates their birthday with a vinyl-only mix of disco, funk, soul and hip hop on Saturday night. The next day, the club will be transformed into a record market with many of the city’s favorite DJs spinning live and broadcasted on NTS Radio.
Dec 17, 10pm-late, RMB50. Elevator.
Dec 18, 2-9pm, free entry. Elevator.

Dec 18: Long Shen Dao

Frequently dubbed, "China's first authentic reggae band," the Beijing group has spent years spreading the gospel of Marley around the country while wowing audiences around the world on several international tours. They're embarking on their longest national tour in support of their Modern Sky released sophomore album, Freedom, which continues the group's mix of traditional reggae with traditional Chinese instruments like the guzheng.
Dec 18, 8.30-10pm, RMB100. MAO Livehouse, see event listing.

Dec 22: Hiromi Uehara

The Grammy Award-winning pianist and composer makes up for her postponed October show by bringing her orchestral sound that mixes traditional jazz fusion with the bombast of Uehara’s primary prog-rock influences like King Crimson and Frank Zappa.
Dec 22, 7.30pm, RMB380-780. Shanghai Center Theater.

Dec 23: Pat Lok

Parisian record label and fashion brand Kitsuné takes over Le Baron and they’ve recruited the rising Vancouver based producer to soundtrack the party. Mixing soul with classic house, Pat Lok has struck a chord with tastemakers like The Fader, institutions like BBC Radio 1 and fashionistas like Victoria’s Secret.
Dec 23, 10pm-late, free entry with RSVP. Le Baron, see event listing.

Dec 23: Do Hits!

For their last month, The Shelter is eschewing big international names to shower some love on China’s top talents. As a peddler of “future music from Beijing,” producer Howie Lee has been funnelling his budding international acclaim into this rising collective. Lee, Jason Hou and Veeky will spin while the sinister Zaliva-D and Organ Tapes perform live sets. For more, check out our 2015 interview with Howie Lee.
Dec 23, 10pm-late, RMB50. The Shelter.

Dec 23-24: The Nutcracker (SGT Version)

A former principal dancer of the Royal Ballet and former Artistic Director of English National Ballet, renowned choreographer Derek Deane continues his successful collaboration with the Shanghai Ballet on this rendition of The Nutcracker. The Shanghai Opera House Orchestra accommodates.
Dec 23-24, 7.15pm, RMB80-680. Shanghai Grand Theater.

Dec 24: AV Okubo

Image by Charles Saliba

For the past decade, the Wuhan quartet has won wide acclaim in China’s indie circles for their mix of rock, post punk and electronics that they dub ‘break wave.’ The group has toured America and worked with post-punk legends like PiL producer Martin Atkins and Gang of Four’s Andy Gill on their two Maybe Mars releases. While drummer Chen Yutong may be leaving the band, the quartet is hitting the road one last time for one final tour in their current incarnation. For more, check out our 2014 feature on AV Okubo.
Dec 24, 9-11.30pm, RMB80-100. Yuyintang.

Dec 25: Christmas

It’s that happy time of the year where you get to indulge in turkey, presents and holiday cheer. Even better, this year it falls on a Sunday meaning that it will be a day off for most people in the city (sorry ESL teachers). For all the details on dinners, deals and parties, stay tuned for our upcoming mega-Christmas guide.

Until Dec 25: X-Tree

After hosting the Kissmass tree three years in a row, Xintiandi welcomes this new impressive 3D light installation that is inspired by the French designer studio’s concept of promoting environmental protection. The 25-meter tall installation mixes metal material with LED lights, visual projections and electronic music for a futuristic holiday celebration. Each night there will be a Christmas light show on stage.
Until Dec 25, free entry. Xintiandi South Lane Plaza, see event listing.

Dec 26: Toby Mak Quintet

The Shanghai-based Australian trumpeter follows his funky collaboration with Beijing-based producer Soulspeak with a new disc from his more traditional jazz quintet. Antonio Ximenez Trio opens for the CD release show. For more, check out our interview with Toby Mak.
Dec 26, 9pm-late, RMB50. JZ Club.

Dec 30: Brodinski

The Parisian DJ and producer known for his mix of bass heavy house and noisy techno was recruited by Kanye West for Yeezus. Since then, he's spread the love with his Bromance label while maintaining his reputation as one of the most exciting producers in the game.
Dec 30, 10pm-late, RMBTBA. Arkham.

Dec 31: New Year’s Eve

From Brexit to President-elect Trump, 2016 has been an interesting year. Say goodbye to a year that many has described as “the absolute shittiest” in style while pouring a 40 out for the numerous iconic figures like the Purple One (pictured) that passed away this year. While 2016 may have been the worse, it doesn’t mean you can start 2017 on the right foot. Stay tuned to our full New Year’s Eve party guide.

Dec 31: David Guetta

Image by Ellen Von Unsworth

Few DJs encapsulate the mainstreaming of electronic dance music like David Guetta. A veteran of the French underground, the producer has been catapulted into superstardom thanks to anthems like ‘Where Them Girls At’ and ‘When Loves Take Over.’ The two-time Grammy Award winner returns to Shanghai with his first China arena tour, ready to welcome in 2017 with help from fellow DJ Mag anointed Top 10 DJ, Oliver Heldens.

Dec 31, 8pm, RMB380-480 (RMB980 for VIP tickets). Shanghai New International Expo Center.

All Month: Zootopia Mall Exhibition

Trendy shopping mall The Place has teamed up with Disney for the first Zootopia-themed in-mall exhibition in town. The show recreates classic scenes from the second-most popular film in China of 2016. Besides interactive displays, film fans can apply for an exclusive visa to Zootopia with official Disney approval.
All month, 10am-10pm, free entry. The Place.

All Month: Beyond Rubik’s Cube

Created by the Liberty Science Museum, Google and the cube’s Hungarian inventor, Ernõ Rubik, this exhibition celebrates the world’s most popular puzzle. During its world tour, Beyond Rubik’s Cube has delighted guests with interactive physical and digital challenges. Other highlights include a giant Rubik’s Cube the size of a car and the world’s most expensive toy, a jewel-encrusted Rubik’s Cube.
Until Feb 27, 10.30am-9.30pm, RMB70 (weekday), RMB100 (weekends). Shanghai Global Harbor Museum.