That's Shanghai takes a look at the best of the month:
Nov 30: Stay in Character
This networking party for stage and film actors celebrates a busy year with their fourth party. Guests are encouraged to dress at their most Hollywood glam. Prizes will be given to the best impersonation.
> Nov 30, 7pm-late, RMB50 (with one drink). Blue Marlin (Jingan), see event listing.
Dec 1: The SpongeBob Movie: Sponge Out of Water 
Well, it took 11 years, but finally there’s a sequel to The SpongeBob Squarepants Movie. Once again it’s a mix of 3D animation and live action. In this hit film, Burger-Beard the Pirate steals the Krabby Patty secret formula to create a magic book that allows anything written in it to become true. SpongeBob and friends must go above the surface to retrieve the formula. It’s SpongeBob, it’s going to be good. Sponge Out of Water has already made over USD312 million worldwide.
Dec 1: Red Ribbon Gala Dinner
ShanghaiPRIDE, Q-Events and Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai have joined forces for this World AIDS Day fundraising gala. Enjoy a four-course formal western meal, live entertainment and raffle draws with big prizes like an autographed basketball by Chinese national team player Liu Wei up for grabs.
> Dec 1, 6.30-10.30pm, RMB900 (RMB8,000 for table of 10). Grand Kempinski Hotel.
Dec 2: Shanghai Sharks vs Guangdong Southern Tigers 
A month into the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) season, Yao Ming’s squad is surprisingly in the mix for a playoff spot. It’s still early days, but this battle against Yi Jianlin’s perennial contenders will be a good test to see whether the Sharks are for real. It’s a good month to cheer the team on, as they have seven home games this month including a Christmas day showdown against the Xinjiang Flying Tigers and a New Year’s Day battle against the Tianjin Steel.
> Dec 2, 7.35pm, RMB80-350. Yuanshen Stadium, tickets.
Dec 3: Julia Holter
For the latest in their Contemporale series that brings critically acclaimed indie musicians to the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra Hall, Splitworks has invited the Los Angeles singer songwriter. Praised for her sound that blurs the boundaries between indie music, modern composition and electronica, Holter will be making her Shanghai debut fresh off the success of her third album, Have You in My Wilderness. For more, check out our interview with Holter.
> Dec 3, 7pm (show starts at 7.45pm); RMB80-180. Shanghai Symphony Orchestra Hall, tickets. See event listing.
Dec 3: Future Brown 
The Shelter rings in a month of celebrations for their lucky eight birthday. Kicking things off is the supergroup of Fatima Al Qadiri, Nguzunguzu and J-Crush. Roll Deep’s Roachee and DJ x/o round out a stacked bill, while Howell supports.
> Dec 3, 10pm-late, RMB80. The Shelter, see event listing.
Dec 3-5: Naughty X-Mas
Qi-POW! Burlesque and Cabaret present their saucy Christmas cabaret spectacular. Your favorites from past shows Pearl Island and Guilty Pleasures will thrill with striptease, acrobatics, drag, comedy and song. Students at the Shanghai School of Burlesque will guest.
> Dec 3-5, 9pm, RMB200-250. The Pearl, see event listing.
Dec 3-12: The Snow Queen
The struggle between good and evil literally falls from the heavens down to two young friends in The Snow Queen. Hans Christian Andersen’s epic fairy tale is the latest Theatre Anon production, following last year’s Oz and 2013’s Betrayal. The collective led by Black is the Color of My Voice director Arran Hawkins and acclaimed actress Natasha Portwood (A Streetcar Named Desire, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf) had previously brought the show to Shanghai in 2010 for Shanghai Repertory Theater, where it sold out eight of its 12-show run at the 200-seat Ke Center. For more, check out our feature on The Snow Queen.
> Dec 3-12, 8pm (Thurs-Sat) and 3pm matinee shows (Sat-Sun), RMB180-200. Anken Green, tickets. See event listing.
Dec 4: Point Break
While the last of the 34 foreign films were announced last month, this remake of the 1991 action classic is sneaking into the cineplexes due to its official American-Chinese co-production status. That’s right, Point Break is partially Chinese and getting a plum release date, weeks before its North American Christmas release. Stars Édgar Ramírez and Luke Bracey will try to live up to the legacies of Bodhi and Johnny Utah established by peak-Swayze and peak-young Keanu. However, the biggest legacy that Point Break may leave behind is the way it paved a path into one of the biggest months for China’s cinemas, unofficially reserved for domestic productions. And they didn’t even have to go all Iron Man 3 and create a different China-centric ending.
Dec 4: Battles and Moon Duo
Vice has put together a stellar triple bill, headlined by Battles. This year’s La Di Da Di has been celebrated as a return to form by the super-trio made up of celebrated artists from the experimental rock scene. Joining them on their mini-China tour are San Francisco psychedelic noise-rockers Moon Duo, who released this year’s stellar Shadow of the Sun. Rounding things out is arguably Shanghai’s best band, Duck Fight Goose, who consistently dazzle with their electronic-fuelled rock.
> Dec 4, 7.30pm, RMB150-200. MAO Livehouse, tickets.
Dec 4: Kiko Navarro
For more than 20 years, Navarro has been one of the main figures of the Balearic Islands, holding several Ibiza club residencies. As a producer, he’s incorporated disparate elements from deep house to Latin. He’s scored global hits like Soñando Contigo, remixed The Doors, teamed up with super-producers Osunlade and Louie Vega and rocked the world’s hottest spots.
> Dec 4, 10pm-late, RMB100. Unico by Mauro Colagreco, see event listing.
Dec 4-6: Christkindlmarket
Paulaner Bräuhaus on Fenyang Lu hosts its ninth annual German-style Christmas market. The Shanghai holiday tradition will feature 70 seasonally decorated wooden huts including a newly added Candy Hut full of traditional treats that will be a guaranteed hit with the kids. Holiday essentials like Danish Christmas trees, wreaths, ornaments and decorations will be available. Choose from a number of artisanal products and handicrafts for a truly unique gift while gorging on Bavarian favorites like sizzling sausages and hot spiced Glühwein.
> Dec 4-6, 11am-10pm (Fri-Sat) 11am-9pm (Sun), RMB60 (RMB30 on Fri). Paulaner (Fenyang Lu), see event listing.
Dec 4-5: Home for the Holidays
Urban Aphrodite presents this revue of classic Christmas cabaret and dance. Fun renditions of holiday classics from Boyz II Men and The Grinch that Stole Christmas will be paired with a hearty holiday buffet at Sasha’s.
> Dec 4-5, 7.30pm, RMB420 (with meal). Sashas, see event listing.
Dec 4-5: Graham Elwood
The genial LA-based comic returns to Shanghai to rock Kung Fu Komedy’s new space. With past appearances on The Sarah Silverman Program to his name, Elwood has been busy this past year finishing off the Ear Buds documentary, inspired by the success of his Comedy Film Nerds podcast. For more, check out our interview in our December issue with Elwood deciding what was scarier – Shanghai street food or being attacked by a rocket at one of Saddam Hussein’s old palaces during a USO comedy tour.
> Dec 4-5, 8.30-10pm, RMB100-150. Kung Fu Komedy Club, tickets.
Dec 4-6: Frankenstein
For a decade, TNT Theatre has been lauded for bringing classical theater to China by the prestigious likes of the British Royal Family. They’re bringing an original show to the Mainland for the first time, presenting their take on the Frankenstein legend. Expect a gothic comedy that mixes the original story’s thrills with laughs à la Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein. For more, check out our feature on the show.
> Dec 4-6, 7.30pm, RMB80-380. Lyceum Theatre, tickets. See event listing.
Dec 5: Kempinski Hotel Suzhou Christmas Charity Bazaar
Experience the magic of Suzhou’s biggest Christmas bazaar with a wide range of vendors offering unique accessories perfect for one-of-a-kind gifts. There will also be plenty of ornaments, decorations and other holiday essentials available. Food stalls will span the globe offering the finest in Western and Eastern cuisine.
> Dec 5, 11am-4pm, free entry. Kempinski Hotel Suzhou.
Dec 5: Shutterbug Charity Photography Exhibition
Migrant students share their vision of beauty at this exhibition that highlights the Shutterbug Program. With cameras donated by HandsOn Shanghai, migrant children are encouraged to explore their individual creativity. The captivating images they snapped will be available for purchase with proceeds returning to the program for funding additional cameras and resources.
> Dec 5, 1-5pm, RMB100-150. Glam, see event listing.
Dec 5: Shanghai Fight Night
Join over 1,000 screaming fans at the Pudong Shangri-La for an action packed night. The fifth edition of this event mixes five white-collar boxing bouts followed by three professional fights. Organized by the same brains behind Brawl on the Bund, Shanghai Fight Night is consistently one of the biggest social events of the year. For more, check out our series on Shanghai Fight Night.
> Dec 5, 6.30pm, RMB900-1,200 (seat), RMB9,000-12,000 (table for 10). Ringside table (RMB20,000 with five bottles of champagne). Pudong Shangri-La, East Shanghai, see event listing.
> Afterparty: Dec 5, 9pm-late, RMB100 (free entry before midnight with password 'Miss Rouge'). Bar Rouge, see event listing.
Dec 5: Jon Gomm 
The acoustic guitar whiz shot to overnight fame thanks to the popularity of his viral videos. Get ready to be dazzled by his furious fretwork.
> Dec 5, 10-11.30pm, RMB80. Yuyintang, see event listing.
Dec 5: Jetfire
This Belgian duo has been wowing crowds around the world, playing alongside such big names as Tiesto, Hardwell and Martin Garrix.
> Dec 5, 10pm-late, RMBTBA. M1NT, see event listing.
Dec 5-6: KTGA Winter Festival
The always-innovative Kick the Gong Around crew take over Hubindao for their fifth annual Grand Bazaar. The modern glass palace located in chic Xintiandi is the perfect canvas for this year’s Tales from the Palace themed proceedings. As with past KTGA events like this year's Tribal Fest (pictured above), over 3,500 of the city’s hippest are expected to attend each day. Expect the unexpected with pop-ups from some of Shanghai’s best designers and vendors plus film screenings, dance performances and live music.
> Dec 5-6, noon-9pm (Sat) noon-8pm (Sun), RMB50. Hubindao, see event listing.
Dec 5-Feb 28: Harry Potter - The Exhibition 
This global hit has been viewed by more than 3 million visitors and brings the world of Harry Potter to Super Brand Mall. Visitors will be able to explore some of the film’s most popular locations like Hagrid’s Hut and the Forbidden Forest. Guests can toss a Quaffle ball in the Quidditch area and pull their own Mandrake in the Herbology classroom. Exclusive audio tour with behind-the-scenes commentary from producers and prop designers complement the thousands of authentic props, costumes and creatures that fill the exhibit.
> Dec 5-Feb 28, 10am-1pm; 2-5pm; 6-9pm, RMB170 (RMB130 for students, RMB400 for two parents and one child, RMB450 for three). Super Brand Mall, tickets.
Dec 8-Apr 7: Da Vinci The Genius
The folks behind the hit summer show Van Gogh Alive pay tribute to the Renaissance legend. This massive exhibition brings to life the genius of Leonardo Da Vinci as an inventor, artist, scientist, anatomist, engineer, architect, sculptor and philosopher. Models of Da Vinci’s ideas have been created from early prototypes of SCUBA gear to a double-flute. Digital replicas of his greatest works like the Mona Lisa will illustrate the genius behind his artistry.
> Dec 8-Apr 7, 10am, RMB25-65. The Hub, 99 Shenhong Lu, by Shenchang Lu 申 虹路99号, 近申长路. Tickets.
Dec 9: Dillon Francis 
Moombahton’s first chart-topping star has been praised by MTV, collaborated with Diplo and DJ Snake, and performed at major festivals like Ultra and Coachella. While he’s increasingly added electro flourishes to his sound, he’s returned to his roots with his recent EP This Mixtape is Fire, where he was among the pioneers that mixed reggaeton and house to birth a new genre.
> Dec 9, 10.30pm-late, RMB120. MYST, see event listing.
Dec 10: Oliver Heldens 
The Tiësto protégé is leading a new generation of DJs. Since surfacing on the scene with 2013’s ‘Gecko,’ Heldens has scored three Top 5 UK singles. This year, he indulged his bass house side under his HI-LO alias and is the latest in M2’s Artists to Watch party series.
> Dec 10, 10pm-late, RMB180. M2, see event listing.
Dec 11: Perfume Genius
Splitworks is bringing back the Seattle singer-songwriter who is riding high on the acclaim of his third album, Too Bright. Portishead’s Adrian Utley produced the disc, which contains the most accessible, yet emotionally raw tracks that Perfume Genius has produced to date. His exceptional single ‘Queen’ was named Song of the Year by Slate.
> Dec 11, 9-11.30pm, RMB140-180. QSW Culture Center, tickets.
Dec 11: We Are the 90s 
MVP takes over the eight-time That’s Shanghai Club of the Year for their recurring 90s party. Dress up in your finest flannel and dance to the decade’s best hits from Will Smith to Ace of Base.
> Dec 11, 10pm-late; RMB100 (free entry before midnight with password ‘MVP’). Bar Rouge.
Dec 11-12: A Century of Sinatra 
The Lord of the Pearl, Frank Bray, pays tribute to Ol’ Blue Eyes. The stylish singer will be backed by world-renowned musical director and arranger Rolf Becker and the Pearl Swing Band. Expect to hear classics from ‘My Way’ to ‘Come Fly With Me.’ Dress in your most dapper threads for one of the biggest tribute concerts of the year.
> Dec 11-12, 7pm, RMB200-250. The Pearl, tickets. See event listing.
Dec 11-12: Matt Davis
The Alabama comic has been praised by Dave Attell as “funny, filthy, dirty but smart, funny, filthy, dirty.” Shanghai audiences get enough of him. He’ll be making his third trip to the city to rock the new Kung Fu Komedy Club.
> Dec 11-12, 8.30pm, RMB100-150. Kung Fu Komedy Club.
Dec 11-12 Soulection
The Los Angeles-based record label, radio show and creative collective will be bringing their “sound of tomorrow” to Arkham for a pair of parties. On Friday, Vice presents the funky future house of UK’s PYRMDPLAZA and genrebending Bay Area favorite The Whooligan for a double-headliner show. The next night, Yeti rings in their third anniversary with the label’s ascending producer StarRo (pictured above). The multi-instrumentalist’s live shows mix Ableton Live, keyboard, synthesizer, guitar, percussion, Maschine and vocoder.
> Dec 11-12, 10.30pm-late, RMBTBA. Arkham.
Dec 12: Santa Con 
The global Santa-craze returns to Shanghai. Last year, hundreds of Kris Kringles marched through the city, singing and making merry all day long. Dress code: Santa. Hats, Santa suits and other flair available for purchase.
> Dec 12, 2pm, free entry. Meeting location revealed closer to the event. For more information, visit www.pubcrawlshanghai.com.
Dec 12: That’s Shanghai Yongkang Lu Christmas Street Party 
‘Tis the holiday season and festive cheer is in the air, a little nip of booze is required to keep the winter chill at bay. We’ve got together with ten of the finest hostelries on Yongkang Lu for an unbeatable deal. A That’s Shanghai YKL Christmas Street Party ticket comes with ten strip-off vouchers that can be redeemed for ten cockle-of-the-soul-warming drinks at Topolino, Canvas, Funkadeli, Sliders, Pitstop, Rooster, Café des Stagiaires, Blarney Stone, El Luchador and Gilligan's, all for the bargain price of RMB200. Warm up with mulled wine, cool down with a frozen margarita or keep it simple with a pint or glass of wine. For more info on where to pick up tickets and on the whole shebang, click here.
> Dec 12, midday-late, RMB200 (with 10 drink tickets). Yongkang Lu, Yongkang Lu, by Xiangyang Lu 永康路, 近襄 阳路 (8023 2199x2806, tickets@urbanatomy.com)
Dec 12: Clean Bandit 
Buoyed by their hit ‘Rather Be,’ this eclectic UK quartet brings their vibrant mix of pop, classical and electronic music to Plus Space.
> Dec 12, 7.30-11pm, RMB480-680. Plus Space, 228 Tanzijing Lu, by Guozhan Lu 塘 子泾路228号, 近国展路. Tickets.
Dec 12: STRFKR
The Portland indie-dance rockers are best known for their rousing cover of ‘Girls Want to Have Fun.’ Their songs have been used in TV shows including Weeds and The Blacklist, while their live shows are known for being chaotically fun.
> Dec 12, 9-10.30pm, RMB200-260. MAO Livehouse, tickets.
Dec 12: Dream Boyz 
Inspired by Magic Mike, Urban Aphrodite is giving an early Christmas gift to all the ladies in the city. International hunks will dance for your entertainment, while lap dances are available for those who dare to dream. Doors open at 7.30pm for dinner.
> Dec 12, 9pm, RMB300 (ladies only). Red Square, Slaughterhouse 1933, tickets.
Dec 12: Paul Kalkbrenner 
Fusion welcomes the King of German Techno. The Berlin techno superstar started spinning as a 13-year-old shortly after the fall of the Berlin Wall. By 18, he developed his trademark style of reassembling his tracks live to the delight of crowds around the world. He’s a star of cult film Berlin Calling and scored his first German chart-topping album with this summer’s 7.
> Dec 12, 10.30pm-late, RMB280-380. Fusion, tickets. See event listing.
Dec 12: Daedalus
A contemporary of other LA geniuses Flying Lotus and Madlib, Daedalus is known for constructing labyrinthine sounds that incorporate everything from juke to bossa nova.
> Dec 12, 10pm-late, RMB60. The Shelter, see event listing.
Dec 12-13: ISU Short Track World Cup
The world’s top short track speed skaters descend on Shanghai for this worldclass competition. It’s the third event in a six-tournament season that travels around the globe before its February conclusion.
> Dec 12-13, 1.30pm (Sat) and 2pm (Sun), RMB50-380. Shanghai Oriental Sports Center, see event listing.
Dec 13: Peng Peng Gong Symphony No. 5 World Premiere
The 23-year-old piano prodigy premieres his latest symphony. The 100-minute piece promises to be epic, encompassing a large chorus, an orchestra and five soloists.
> Dec 13, 7.30-9.30pm, RMB50-380. Shanghai Symphony Orchestra Hall.
Dec 13: Cashmere Cat 
SHFT celebrates its third anniversary with the Norwegian producer. Since releasing his influential Mirror Maru and Wedding Bells EP, the former DMC World Champion contestant has been one of Ariana Grande’s main collaborators. He also produced Kanye’s recent ‘Wolves’ single.
> Dec 13, 10pm-late, RMB100-150. Le Baron, see event listing.
Dec 18: Mojin - The Lost Legend
The Mainland’s most successful online novel gets a big-budget film adaption starring Chen Kun (Painted Skin), Huang Bo (Lost in Thailand), Shu Qi (The Assassin) and Angelababy. Described as “China’s Tomb Raider,” the 1980s set film follows two grave robbers seeking hidden treasure across the country’s ancient mythical sites.
Dec 18: Vaudeville Show 
The Pearl and S&S Entertainment team up for a 21st century vaudeville show that features flapper girls straight out of old Shanghai with some thoroughly modern acrobatics and comedy. Beijing’s Queen of Burlesque Miss Lulu Galore stars.
> Dec 18, 9pm, RMB150-200. The Pearl, see event listing.
Dec 18: múm
One of Iceland’s most enduring musical exports, múm have a distinct sound that could only be born on the Nordic island. Like Björk, they mix electronic beats with an assortment of instruments while crafting a beatific childlike sound reminiscent of Sigur Rós. Taking a break from recording their seventh album, the acclaimed group will be embarking on their first Chinese tour, stopping off at MAO Livehouse.
> Dec 18, 9-11.30pm; RMB220-260. MAO Livehouse, tickets.
Dec 18: Chinese Football
The Wuhan emo quartet specialize in wistful guitar driven indie-rock in the vein of genre standouts like Jimmy Eat World, The Get Up Kids, Death Cab for Cutie and American Football. They’re touring the nation to support their recently released self-titled debut album, which has been winning praise around the globe.
> Dec 18, 9-11.30pm, RMB50-60. Yuyintang.
Dec 18-27: The Five Fools 
This children’s musical has been praised by the New York Times as a “lesson in the power of civility.” The show follows a circus full of colorful characters from the love-struck strongman to the “bad” ringmaster. Despite their hang-ups, they manage to conquer their fears in a touching story that will have the whole family enraptured. The show features live music, acrobatics, illusion and ample amounts of comedy. The bilingual show mixes English and Chinese, creating an environment that encourages language learning for the kids.
> Dec 18-27 (Fri-Sun), 2.30pm (with 10.30am weekend matinee shows), RMB160360. Lancing Media Theater, 400 Zhangyang Lu, by Pudong Nan Lu 张杨路400号, 近 浦东南路
Dec 18-19: Rhythm of the Dance 
The National Dance Company of Ireland presents this two-hour dance and musical extravaganza. The inspiring epic mixes modern dance and music with rich costumes that marry the contemporary and the ancient. Relive the journey of Irish Celts through history in one of the world’s most popular Irish step dance shows.
> Dec 18-19, 7.15pm, RMB80-680. Shanghai Grand Theatre – Lyric Theatre, see event listing.
Dec 18-23: The Fire of Anatolia 
In 1999 Mustafa Erdoğan began working on the Turkish answer to Riverdance. Since its 2001 debut, The Fire of Anatolia has enjoyed global success akin to the Irish classic. The show successfully incorporates hundreds of folk dances and music from the ancient region and has been staged in front of the Egyptian pyramids, opened the lavish CCTV New Year Gala, set world records and impressed über-stars like Britney and Celine. For more, check out our 2014 feature on the show.
> Dec 18-23, 7.15pm, RMB180-1,080. Shanghai Oriental Arts Center, see event listing.
Dec 19: Nexxus Shanghai
This indoor EDM megafest boasts a strong bill that mixes legends (Paul Oakenfold) with ascending stars (KSHMR) and respected names (Normon Doray, DJ Falcon). Hometown favorites like the Busy Gang will perform, but what has us most excited is a rare live collaboration between world music star Sa Dingding and Shanghai bass lord Conrank who previously worked together on Sa’s excellent 2014 remix album, Wonderland.
> Dec 19, 3pm-late, RMB380-580. Broad Auto Park, 89 Guozhan Lu, by Houtan Lu 浦东国展路189号, 近后滩路 (400 610 3721, en.damai.cn)
Dec 19: Star Wars Episode X: The Force Blacks Out! 
This rocking celebration revels in Star Wars nerdery. Six of the city’s top groups will do battle on stage in full Star Wars regalia, playing everything from surf to hip hop to metal. The Psyders, blue Magpie and members of Round Eye will take part, while DJ BO spins Star Wars themed insanity. Dress up for a chance to win the Prize for Best Costume. Rumor has it that the reclusive Yoda will make an appearance.
> Dec 19, 9pm-late, RMB70 (RMB50 for students). Yuyintang, see event listing.
Dec 19: Jazz speaks Cantonese 
JZ Club favorites Jonas Seetoh (pictured above), Jade Lee, Erica Lee, Joey Lu and Eaven Chen have come together to record classic jazz covers with a Cantonese twist. They’ll team up with an all-star band of JZ musicians for a concert to celebrate the physical release of the Jazz Speaks Cantonese album.
> Dec 19, 9.30pm-late, RMB80. JZ Club, see event listing.
Dec 19: Mendo 
The Clarisse Records founder has well over 1,000 tracks to his name through a brilliant career that’s stretched over 15 years. He’s remixed Deadmau5, slaughtered the dancefloor at famous clubs from Tokyo to Ibiza and ruled the Beatport charts with his 2013 disc, Avalon.
> Dec 19, 10.30pm-late, RMB150 (free entry for guys before 1am and for girls before 2am). Lola.
Dec 19 Elijah & Skilliam 
The London grime duo stop off at The Shelter as part of their inaugural Yeti-presented Asian tour. The Butterz Records founders are pushing the genre alongside cohorts like Skepta and JME.
> Dec 19, 10.30pm-late, RMBTBA. The Shelter.
Until Dec 20: Sebastião Salgado - Genesis 
The iconic photojournalist’s massive show features 245 original works. Over eight years, Salgado traveled through 32 different countries, as far south as Antarctica where he documented chinstrap penguins, and as far north as Siberia, where he trekked alongside the indigenous Nenet people.
> Until Dec 20 (Tues-Sun), 9am-5.15pm, RMB30. Shanghai Museum of Natural History.
Dec 23-25: Kiev Ballet 
One of Ukraine’s finest cultural exports returns to Shanghai to perform two Tchaikovsky classics. On December 23, they satiate Shanghai’s never-ending appetite for Swan Lake. That’s followed by two nights of the holiday classic, The Nutcracker.
> Dec 23-25, 7.30pm, RMB80-680. Shanghai Grand Theatre – Lyric Theatre, tickets.
Dec 24: Mr. Six
Iconic director Feng Xiaogang (Personal Tailor) stars as an aging Beijing neighborhood kingpin living an isolated life in a hutong. When his son (Forever Young’s Li Yifeng) runs into trouble with drag-racing street gang members, he must tap into his old ways to teach the young thugs some old fashioned lessons in manhood. The film closed this year’s Venice International Film Festival.
Dec 24: Skiptrace
Jackie Chan returns with his latest holiday blockbuster in this US-Chinese co-production. Based on a story of his own creation, Chan has enlisted Renny Harlin (Die Hard 2) to direct the action comedy. When his pursuit of a notorious crime boss causes his young niece (Fan Bingbing) to be targeted, Chan must enlist Jackass’s fast-talking Johnny Knoxville to help.
Dec 25: Christmas
It's that happy time of the year where you get to indulge in turkey, presents and holiday cheer. For all the details on the dinners, deals and parties, stay tuned for our upcoming mega-Christmas guide or keep up to date at our Events section. (For restaurants, promoters and other event organizers, submit your event and include Christmas in the title.)
Dec 27: Nova Heart
The enchanting electro-rock heavyweights headline the Shanghai edition of the MIDI Weekend series of nationwide concerts. Led by Helen Feng, Nova Heart has been spreading the gospel of their 2014 That’s Best Mainland Album of the Year across the globe. They played Glastonbury Festival and independently released their self-titled debut across Europe to great reviews from the likes of Fader and Rolling Stone. Electronic group The FMB opens. For more, check out our 2014 feature on Nova Heart.
> Dec 27, 7.30pm-late, RMB100. QSW Culture Center.
Until Dec 27: Shanghai Medieval Christmas Fair
There’s another reason to visit the West Bund this month. After holding a German Christmas Market last year, Xuhui Binjiang host a Medieval Christmas Market. Expect a range of stalls selling artisanal crafts and a number of food and drink vendors. Live entertainment like theatrical shows and a cosplay competition add to the festivities.
> Until Dec 27, RMB50 (Mon-Thurs) RMB70 (Fri-Sun), RMB120 (Dec 24-25). Xuhui Binjiang, see event listing.
Until Dec 31: Rain Room.jpg)
Budi Tek’s Yuz Museum wraps up the Asian premiere of Random International’s acclaimed Rain Room installation. Much like past visits in London and New York City, Shanghai was utterly charmed by the piece. The site-specific installation is 150 square meters and is a large-scale environment of perpetually falling water that ceases to pour wherever a person walks. There will be extended viewing hours and a ‘view only’ queue to ensure everyone can experience the spectacle in person for RMB60. It's RMB150 if you want to walk through with RMB260 package deals for two or RMB360 for three.
> Until Dec 31, Tue-Sun, 10.30am-5.30pm, RMB60-150. Yuz Museum.
Until Dec 31: Kerry Parkside Santa Park
Childhood dreams come true this year at Kerry Parkside's Santa Park, where kids get the chance to meet and pose for pictures with Santa, and parents can even pass him gifts they’ve bought for their children, for an extra-magical Christmas treat. Entertainment in the form of singing and dancing elves, activities such as gingerbread making and cupcake decorating, as well as traditional Nordic games add to the festive cheer.
> Until Dec 31, 11am-9pm, Kerry Parkside, see event listing.
Dec 31: A2LiVE’s Now or Never NYE Party
Months after bringing the Budweiser STORM Festival to Shanghai and Shenzhen, A2LiVE are throwing their first New Year’s Eve extravaganza. Now or Never continues the standard of amazing production values, world-class lighting shows and international DJs that the festival established, but transports it all inside. The bill features Zedd, Otto Knows, Styline, Om and Carta Styles.
> Dec 31, 8pm-late, RMB480 (advanced). West Bund Art Centre, 2555 Longteng Dadao, by Longyao Lu 龙腾大道2550号, 近龙耀路 (www.a2non.cn)
Dec 31: New Year's Eve
Where did 2015 even go? Check out our December issue where we look back at the year that was and preview some of the upcoming NYE parties ahead. For all the details on the dinners, deals and parties, stay tuned for our upcoming mega-NYE guide or keep up to date at our Events section. (For restaurants, promoters and other event organizers, submit your event and include NYE in the title.)
Jan 1: The Monkey King
To celebrate the upcoming Year of the Monkey, this Peking Opera production taps into the classic story that’s inspired recent hit films and television shows. With a fanbase that streches across the globe, Yan Qinggu was tapped to take on the titular role, while showing off the wusheng (warrior) role instrumental in the traditional art form.
> Fri Jan 1, 1.30pm, RMB 80-580. 701 Fuzhou Lu, by Yunnan Zhong Lu 福州路701号，近云南中路
Until Jan 3: Christmas Fantasy at Jing’an Kerry Center
Jing’an Kerry Center presents the second Christmas Fantasy on its piazza. Come devour some seasonal treats in a real holiday atmosphere featuring a four-story-tall Christmas tree and arrays of wooden huts. It is also not a bad idea to get drunk on Glühwein and revisit your childhood Santa horror afterwards at the Santa VIP house. There is a lighting ceremony on December 2nd, Christmas party on the 24th and 25th, and New Year's Eve countdown party on the 31st.
> Until Jan 3, 12pm-8pm (Mon-Thurs) 10am-10pm (Fri-Sun and Dec 24-25), free entry. The Piazza, Jing An Kerry Centre, see event listing.
Until Jan 3: L‘Avenue Christmas Market
Take a stroll in L’Avenue’s ‘magic forest’ Christmas market and fill your shopping basket with artisanal gifts from Paris. In collaboration with Le Bon Marché, the market offers 25 Parisian indie designer brands such as Macon&Lesquoy and Lola James Harper, as well as Le Bon Marché exclusives for L‘Avenue. Part of the profits will be donated to 150 children with special needs at Chunhui Children, so you can do good while looking good.
> Until Jan 3, free entry. L'Avenue.
Until Jan 3: Merry Kissmas at Xintiandi 
Visit Xintiandi’s Kissmass tree for an alternative to mistletoe. Following stints in Milan and London, Paul Cocksedge's Kissmass tree is back in Xintiandi for the third time. Every kiss lights up the tree and raises education funds for young children. After a socially acceptable display of PDA, make sure to visit the market for festive essentials like Christmas decorations, handicrafts and treats, including cupcakes that look like succulent plants.
> Until Jan 3, free entry. 123 Xingye Lu South Plaza Xintiandi, by Madang Lu 新天地南里广场, 兴业路123弄, 近马当路
Jan 5: Adam Lambert
From struggling musical theater singer to rocking 200,000 people in Ukraine with Queen, Adam Lambert has enjoyed a wild ride. The runner-up in the 2009 edition of American Idol has transcended the reality show thanks to his signature glam-rock style and powerful voice. He returns to China for a third time celebrating his recent, stripped-down disc The Original High. Check out our exclusive sit-down interview with him in the December issue of That’s Shanghai.
> Jan 5, 8pm; RMB480-980. Mercedes-Benz Arena, tickets.
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