9 Ways to Get Some Art and Culture in Shanghai This Christmas

By Erica Martin, December 12, 2017

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From holiday drag to Yuletide disco to classic traditions like The Nutcracker, spend the next two weeks delving into Shanghai's Christmas-themed arts and culture offerings:


Re-Charge: Christmas Art Party

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This potent hybrid of a Christmas market, club night and art show brings together local vendors of jewelry, accessories and upcycled products with local musicians and artists. The roster includes ambient electronic duo Peng Zhuang, Italian dance wave producer Altieri and Shanghainese techno hero MHP. The art showings include improvised dance, live light painting, and experimental installations to catch your eye as you pick up a few last minute gifts.
Dec 15, 11pm, RMB60. Mao Livehouse, see event listing.


Dec 16: SNAP! Holiday Party

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Queer nightlife crew Snap! throws a holiday party for the ages at Xixi Bistro, taking over the entire 2-floor bar and restaurant. DJ The Uhhh will spin his mix of sunny house and disco, and the stroke of midnight brings a special Christmas-themed live drag performance. Ticket price covers a welcome glass of Prosecco and one house pour.
Dec 16, 10pm, RMB150 presale, RMB180 door. Xixi Bistro, see event listing.


Shanghai Ballet: The Nutcracker

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Notable choreographer Derek Deane’s version of The Nutcracker, performed by the Shanghai Ballet, incorporates Chinese cultural 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.


Xmas Amazing Pillow Fight

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This longstanding holiday tradition at Mao Livehouse reurns to provide an offbeat way to celebrate the season. There will be raffle prizes, including a free trip for two to Hong Kong, as well as live music and DJs. The ticket price includes a pillow that you’ll receive on arrival.
Dec 22-24, 7pm, RMB158 presale, RMB180 door. Mao Livehouse, see event listing.


Co:Motion Xmas with Samo DJ

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Dance your way into Christmas Eve with Shanghai music collective Co:Motion’s Christmas party. Swedish techno producer Samo DJ will play a headline set of tweaked-out techno, and Mau Mau, Diamond Lil and Finascia will spin in support. It’s very likely that the halls will be decked for the occasion.
Dec 23, 10pm, RMB60 presale, RMB80 door. Elevator, see event listing.


Lightwire Theater: A Very Electric Christmas

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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  come 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.


Discosmic's Xmas Boogie

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Dance floor pagans Discosmic Adventure close out the year with one last night of soul, funk, disco and boogie with a Christmas twist. Discosmic regulars Nik Hilp, Tobias Patrick and Velvet Robot are joined by special guests and Yuletide enthusiasts Sacco, Morgan and 'Mele Kaliki Tallywhacker.' Head to Dada to dance your way into the holiday.
Dec 24, 10pm, no cover. Dada, see event listing


Mao Livehouse Christmas Show

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Drown out any lingering homesickness on Christmas Day with booze and hardcore music at Mao Livehouse. Expect performances from emo rockers N'EON, Shanghai hardcore band Death Teach Me Life and death metal band Extinction. Paired with a Christmas market and mulled wine, it makes for one of the more eclectic ways to ring in the season.
Dec 25, 8pm, RMB199. Mao Livehouse, see event listing.


Russian State Ballet: The Nutcracker

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For anyone seeking a time-honored Christmas tradition, the Russian State Ballet offers up a classic take on Tchaikovsky’s most famous work, with sumptuous dancing that tells the story of Clara’s adventure with the mouse king, the sugar plum fairy, and the Nutcracker prince.
Jan 5-7, 7.15pm, RMB130-880. Shanghai Oriental Art Center, see event listing.


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