What's On in Shanghai: December 2017

By Erica Martin, December 1, 2017

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


Dec 1: Red Ribbon Gala Dinner

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This  annual banquet meant to raise funds and awareness for HIV/AIDS  prevention and education for Chinese youth returns to Andaz Xintiandi.  Brought to you by ShanghaiPRIDE and Q-events, this year's dinner will again benefit Shanghai Qinghai Health Center on their HIV/AIDS awareness  program. The dinner includes a four-course Western meal, live  entertainment, raffles, gift bags and a discount at XUAN Bar for the  after-party.
Dec 1, 6pm, RMB1,080 per seat, RMB9,800 for table of 10. Andaz Xintiandi, see event listing.


Dec 1: Graves

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Hawaiian-born Graves began his music career as a recording engineer, working with the likes of Kanye West, Jay-Z, Beyonce, Kid Cudi, Justin Bieber. After breaking out on his own as a producer, his vibrant take on electronic music and trap has earned widespread accolades. Catch his Shanghai debut at Arkham.
Dec 1, 10pm, RMB100 presale, RMB180 door. Arkham, see event listing.


Dec 1-3: Disney on Ice

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For three days this winter, Mercedes-Benz Arena hosts the 2017 edition of Disney on Ice, complete with Elsa and Anna from Frozen, Ariel and Sebastian from the Little Mermaid and lots more from other Disney classics like Beauty and the Beast and Tangled. Performances are in Chinese on Dec 1 and 3 and in English on Dec 2.
Dec 1-3, 7.30pm, RMB180-580. Mercedes-Benz Arena, see event listing.


Dec 2: Brawl on the Bund En Blanc 

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Shanghai's favorite white collar boxing event Brawl on the Bund is back this weekend, presented by China Sports Promotions. This year guests will be treated to another special themed event called "Brawl on the Bund En Blanc," a formal white collar boxing fight night with a ‘dress in white’ theme. Funds raised at the event will go towards More Than Aware, a Shanghai-based charity and support club empowering women to be proactive with their health and wellbeing in the prevention and recovery of breast cancer. All tickets include a 4 course western dinner accompanied by free cocktails, wine and beer. Purchase tickets here.
Dec 2, 6pm, ticket prices vary.W Shanghai - The Bund, see event listing.


Dec 2: Pudong Shangri-La Charity Santa Run

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Pudong  Shangri-La's third annual Charity Santa Run will help provide aid to  children suffering from leukemia at Childrenís Hospital of Fudan  University. Enjoy a leisurely run past Lujiazui's skyscrapers and along  the river for a good cause, with a 5k route. Ticket price includes  breakfast, a hotel discount coupon worth RMB1,000, a Santa hat and other  surprises. Participants are encouraged to run in their best festive  Santa outfits. For more information, please call (21) 2828 6397 or email  teresa.liu@shangri-la.com
Dec 2, 9am, RMB188.  Pudong Shangri-La, East Shanghai, see event listing.


Dec 2: SHFT: 88rising Tour with Higher Brothers & Rich Chigga 

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88rising, an American-based record label that focuses on Asian rap and hip-hop  talent, has had a landmark year. Their first official China tour  features signees Higher Brothers, the rap sensation from Chengdu,  plus Indonesian rapper Rich Chigga and Japanese vocalist Joji. The show  is sold out, but limited tickets may still be available on the door.
Dec 2, 10pm, RMB360. One Space Warehouse, see event listing.


Dec 2: Dahaha Album Release

201711/Dahaha1.jpegShanghai-based bluesy rock band Dahaha release their debut LP, Dakou Radio,  named after the bootleg CD cutouts that played a major role in China's  music scene in the 80s and 90s. Joining them on the roster are fellow  Shanghai rockers Round Eye, Hogchoker and Project Impair.
Dec 2, 9pm, no cover. Harley's Underground, see event listing.


Dec 3: Japanese Breakfast

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Japanese Breakfast is the solo project of supremely talented Korean-American  musician Michelle Zauner. She dropped her acclaimed second album, Soft Sounds from Another Planet,  earlier this year, and is performing in China for the first time this  month. With retro synthpop elements, catchy hooks and smart, engaging  lyrics, she’s set to give one of Shanghai’s shows of the year.
Dec 3, 8pm, RMB100 presale, RMB140 door. Yuyintang, see event listing.


Dec 3 & 10: Private Lives Afternoon Tea Comedy

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The Jasmine Lounge at the Fairmont Peace Hotel hosts a very special edition of their afternoon tea as part of a collaboration with NYU Shanghai. Travel back to 1930s Shanghai during this performance of Noel Coward’s comedic play Private Lives, which he wrote in only four days in 1930 while staying at the hotel (then known as the Cathay Hotel) in room 314. Coward’s original music and dances from the era will also be performed.
Dec 3 & 10, 2-4.30pm, RMB398 plus service charge. Jasmine Lounge at Fairmont Peace Hotel, see event listing.


Dec 4: MTC: James Fallows on Trump's America

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Since he repatriated to the US in 2011, erstwhile Shanghai-based journalist James Fallows has been reporting for the Atlantic on the political and international ramifications that led to a right-wing resurgence and eventually, the election of Donald Trump last year. Head to Glam for an exclusive sneak preview of his upcoming book on the subject, Our Towns: A 100,000 Mile Journey Into the Heart of America. Cover price includes a lunch during the talk. 
Dec 4, 12pm, RMB200. Glam, see event listing.


Dec 5: Antonio Sanchez

The latest Shanghai Symphony Orchestra concert comes in the form of renowned percussionist Antonio Sanchez. The Mexican musician is best known for composing the soundtrack to the movie Birdman, though he’s also won four Grammy Awards and is a longtime collaborator of jazz guitarist Pat Metheny.
Dec 5, 8pm, RMB180-480. Shanghai Symphony Orchestra Hall, see event listing.


Dec 7: Johnjamsession 10 Year Anniversary

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After a two-year hiatus, John Shanghai revives his longstanding local live music night, Johnjamsession, just in time for its 10 year anniversary. Expect an energetic, interactive and nostalgic evening with performances from a slew of locally-based musicians, plus John Shanghai’s first-ever performance with a live band of his original song 'American Dream.'
Dec 7, 10pm, no cover. Shake, see event listing.


Dec 8: An Evening with Carlton Palmer Charity Fundraiser


The former footballer’s illustrious career saw him playing in the Premier League for Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United, as well as picking up 19 caps for England - pitting him against the best players in the world. Expect anecdotes about big games and big names, as well as even bigger nights out. Palmer will also take on tougher subject matter, such as his thoughts on racism in the game. The event comes as Palmer releases his autobiography, It Is What It Is, a copy of which every attendee will receive as part of the ticket price, as well a football meal of pie & chips with a pint of Carlsberg. Get tickets here.
Dec 8, 7.30pm. RMB275. Camel Sports Bar and Kitchen, see event listing.


Dec 9: Designer Brand Showroom

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This brand showcase at naked Hub offers free entry to the public from 11am-8pm, which free flow drinks for certain VIP invitees. The brands on offer include makeup artist Elizabeth Marriott, elegant Chinese-inspired jewelry designer Nini Jewelry, French-Italian bespoke suit company Atelier Fusari, leather bag company Fiorella Blues, and Soothsayer.
Dec 9, 11am, no cover. naked Hub, see event listing.


Dec 9: 12” of Fun: Kornel Kovacs

Local vinyl-loving party 12 Inches of Fun hosts Swedish-Hungarian DJ Kornel Kovacs, who deals in a versatile range of festive and danceable electronic music. He dropped his debut album, The Bells, this past August. Support provided by 12 Inches of Fun’s crate-digging duo Lindberg and Tobias Patrick.
Dec 9, 10pm, RMB60 presale, RMB80 door. Elevator, see event listing.


Dec 9: DJ Mitsu

UNICO Shanghai hosts this performance by celebrated Japanese DJ Mitsu. A notable hip-hop battle DJ, Mitsu has toured Japan for years and recently released his debut album, which features collaborations with American rappers Phonte & Big Pooh from Little Brother, neo-soul artists Dwele and Lady Alma and more.
Dec 9, 10pm. UNICO Shanghai, see event listing.


Dec 10: Bombino

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Acclaimed Tuareg guitarist and singer-songwriter Bombino makes his China debut with a 5-city tour from Split Works. Known for his virtuoso mix of blues guitar, traditional Tuareg music and reggae, Bombino has had his albums produced by Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys and David Longstreth of the Dirty Projectors.
Dec 10, 7.45pm, RMB180-380. Shanghai Symphony Orchestra Hall, see event listing.


Dec 14-27:  Legally Blonde The Musical


See Elle Woods conquer Harvard in a whole new format with this musical theater adaptation of the beloved 2001 film. A major hit on Broadway, Legally Blonde The Musical features a catchy soundtrack, dynamic dances and the same invaluable message as the movie: you can accomplish anything if you’re true to yourself.
Dec 14-27, times vary, RMB200-1080. Shanghai Culture Square, see event listing.


Dec 15: A Place to Bury Strangers

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Renowned NYC noise rockers A Place to Bury Strangers come to Shanghai as part of New Noise’s latest tour. Known for extremely intense live shows, their songs are harsh, noisy and psychedelic while still remaining catchy and emotionally driven. Catch their Shanghai debut at Yuyintang.
Dec 15, 9pm, RMB120 presale, RMB150 door. Yuyintang, see event listing.


Dec 16: Re-TROS


After dropping their first album in eight years, a bold, experimental hybrid of techno and krautrock called Before the Applause, Re-TROS (or Rebuilding the Rights of Statues) pass through Shanghai as part of their album release tour. They’ve also just returned from touring abroad with UK 80s new wave legends Depeche Mode. Highly recommended.
Dec 16, 8.30pm, RMB180presale, RMB240 door. Modern Sky Lab, see event listing.


Dec 16-17: The Blue Planet in Concert


BBC’s documentary series The Blue Planet is a masterful visual exploration of the ocean and all the wonders it has to offer, with narration by David Attenborough and an original score by Hans Zimmer. The Blue Planet in concert pairs a screening of selections from the series with a live performance of the score. The 90-minute show is appropriate for children aged 5 and up.
Dec 16-17, 2.30pm & 7.30pm. Shanghai Children Art Theatre, see event listing.


Dec 22: Low Wormwood

Formed in Lanzhou in 2003, Low Wormwood is one of China’s leading folk-rock bands with a handful of successful albums under their belt.  They arrive in Shanghai to close out a 2-month national tour in promotion of their latest album, One Day.
Dec 22, 8.30pm, RMB120 presale, RMB180 door. Modern Sky Lab, see event listing.


Dec 22-24: Shanghai Ballet: The Nutcracker



Notable choreographer Derek Deane’s version of The Nutcracker, performed by the Shanghai Ballet, incorporates Chinese elements into the story, as well as enchanting stage sets and lighting that have been tailor-made for Shanghai Grand Theatre. Expect a few new twists and surprises within the classic story.
Dec 22-24, 7.15pm, RMB180-680. Shanghai Grand Theatre, see event listing.


Dec 23: Sugarland


The latest EDM festival to land in Shanghai is Sugarland, a collaboration from the people behind Ultra, Amsterdam Music Festival and Tomorrowland. The first wave of announced headliners include KSHMR, Dutch up-and-comer Mike Williams, and Greek-Swedish DJ Steve Angello, a former member of Swedish House Mafia.
Dec 23, 1pm, RMB780-1,280. National Exhibition and Convention Center, see event listing.


Dec 23: Common Rare: Into the Woods



Common Rare host their quirky ‘Into the Woods X’Mas Market’ for a twist on the many Christmas market options in Shanghai this month. Head to West Bund Art & Design Center to explore the sparkly, festive woods installation and shop for gifts from local designers.
Dec 23, 12-8pm. West Bund Art & Design Center, see event listing


Dec 23-24: Lightwire Theater: A Very Electric Christmas

This innovative stage production will light up the holiday season for both children and adults. Dancers perform in the pitch-dark, wearing puppet-like costumes that equipped with colorful electroluminescent wires. The story features elements of The Nutcracker, but is set in New Orleans and focuses on a family of birds.
Dec 23-24, 7.30pm, 10.30am, 2.30pm, RMB120-280. Shanghai City Theatre, see event listing.


Dec 24: Dirty Fingers Album Release Show


The raucous punk rockers and darlings of Shanghai’s live music scene release How Did I Get So Bad?, their first album since being signed to major Beijing label Maybe Mars. Head to Yuyintang for what’s sure to be a memorable Christmas Eve release show.
Dec 24, 9pm. Yuyintang, see event listing.


Dec 25 & 31: Cyclo Christmas and New Year’s Dinner


The new second location of Vietnamese restaurant Cyclo offers up special deals for both Christmas and New Year’s Eve dinner. For groups of four or more, early bird bookers get a free bottle of wine with their meal. The restaurant will also be holding a lucky draw, with the winner receiving a handmade set of Christmas table mats. Book now to enjoy authentic Vietnamese cuisine over the holidays.
Dec 25 & Dec 31. Cyclo at Found 158, see event listing.


Dec 29: Fujiya & Miyagi


This acclaimed electronic music quartet from Brighton, UK, bring their quirky, poppy songs to Shanghai for a show at Bandai Namco. Active since 2000, their songs have been featured in several TV shows, like Breaking Bad and Skins, and they released their seventh studio album earlier this year.
Dec 29, 8pm, RMB120 presale, RMB180 door. Bandai Namco Shanghai Base, see event listing.


Dec 31: Arkham New Year’s Eve


Sure to be one of the major party options for ringing in 2018, Arkham throws a New Year’s Eve bonanza with a countdown to midnight. The full musical roster is still TBA, but Brooklyn-based Chinese-American rap sensation Bohan Phoenix has been announced as a headliner.
Dec 31, 10pm. Arkham, see event listing.


Dec 31: Unico El Dorado New Year’s Eve


UNICO Shanghai throws a New Year’s Eve party with the out-of-the-box theme of El Dorado, recalling the legend of the golden city hidden somewhere in the Amazon jungle. Expect a mix of Latin house music and Afro beats with a focus on Nu Cumbia and Andean music from DJ S.Kiv along with a live percussionist.
Dec 31, 10pm. UNICO Shanghai, see event listing.


Dec 31: Elevator NYE Explosion

Elevator sends off 2017 with a sterling line-up of China-based house and techno talent, including VOID’s Shanghai Ultra, who will be doing a live hardware set, techno sorceress MIIIA of Co:Motion and Beatween’s Knopha, who deals in catchy organic grooves.
Dec 31, 10pm, RMB50 before 11pm, then RMB80. Elevator, see event listing.


Dec 31: James Bond New Year’s Eve


Sir Elly’s and MVP Events host this supersonic special agent-themed party, so you can ring in the New Year with all things James Bond. Relive the glamour of one of Hollywood’s most iconic film franchises with sumptuous themed decorations, complimentary canapes, signature cocktails and music.
Dec 31, 9pm, RMB988-1,088 presale, RMB1,288 at the door. Sir Elly’s, see event listing.


Dec 31: La Boum


Mr & Mrs Bund brings back their annual La Boum New Year’s Party for a glittering mirror ball end to the year. The dress code is ‘disco chic’ and DJ Keint & DJ John Avolio will keep you dancing well into 2018. Cover price includes a glass of champagne.
Dec 31, 11pm, RMB100 presale, RMB200 door. Mr & Mrs Bund, see event listing.


Dec 31: New Year’s Eve Countdown Party at Lobby Lounge


The Langham’s Lobby Lounge throws a NYE countdown party complete with a live performance of iconic festive hits from resident singer Akia. Cover price includes three-tier Tiffin savories, a chocolate buffet and a special Champagne menu, and there will be a countdown balloon drop at midnight.
Dec 31, 10pm, RMB268. The Langham, Shanghai Xintiandi, see event listing


Throughout Dec:  Homeslice Pizza Fall Collection


Homeslice Pizza ups their game with a new menu of fall pizzas. Going forward, they will be revamping their menu each season, including one guest pizza by a notable Shanghai chef. Ten percent of proceeds from the guest pizza will be donated to the charity Stepping Stones. The fall menu includes BBQ Chicken by Chef Christopher Pitts, and other pizzas with seasonal ingredients like Sausage & Broccoli Rabe, Pumpkin with tahini yogurt and walnuts, and Calabrese Sausage with pickled chili and red onion.
Daily thru Dec 31. Homeslice Pizza, see event listing.


Throughout Dec: Shisha Deal at AM Aquarium

AM Aquarium has some of the best shisha in town. With more than 20 different flavors and add-ons, you can DIY your own personalized hookah pipe! Throughout the entire month of December, you can enjoy a buy-one-get-one-free shisha deal, which comes out to only RMB100 for two pipes! Other food and drink deals are also available; drop by to find out more.
Dec 1-31 6pm-9pm, every Sunday-Thursday. AM Aquarium, see event listing.


For more things to do in Shanghai, check out our Events Section.

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