Christmas Markets

Shanghai's longest-running Christmas market returns to a new location at Paulaner's North Bund location, spread out over 3 floors, including the rooftop terrace, combining the experience of an authentic Christkindlmarkt with panoramic views of the Pudong skyline. As always, there will be lots of arts & crafts vendors, traditional German Christmas dishes, and, of course, plenty of Glühwein. Entry ticket is 50rmb and can be redeemed for food & beverages in the market! Free entry for kids up to the age of 10.

The Christmas market at the Central Arcade is back in town with seasonal treats, snacks, gifts, games, and more – all packed in the glass dome of about 4,000 sqm. Beneath the big Christmas tree, stalls selling winter delicacies and festive ornaments are waiting for your exploration. The market is open every Thursday to Sunday.

Arts & Stage

Julia Jive is performing at Jazz Lincoln Center on December 15 and 16. Julia Jive is a Russian jazz vocalist with rich singing experience. She began her career in a quartet, specializing in all types of jazz standards and a cappella. She has appeared at international jazz festivals and concerts in Russia, Ukraine, Spain, and Italy. She has shared the stage with everything from jazz duos to large bands.

An entirely interactive musical experience where the audience is the show. The Canadian performance troupe "Samajam" presents a show for families, creating musical happenings with the help of their young audiences. After a successful tour last year, they're back in China, taking their audience on a journey through the culture and music of South America. Lively show leaders on stage will teach the audience basic music theory and lead parents and kids in percussive group performances with instruments provided. Tickets range from 180rmb to 380rmb. Two shows on Sunday, December 17.

On December 17, an exciting Funk live show will be staged at the Lincoln Jazz Center Shanghai. Liang Junyi, who holds a master's degree in Jazz Guitar from Rutgers University in the United States, will present this show along with trumpet artist Jiang Yidu, pianist Peng Junda, and Gaston on bass.

Clubbing

Are you ready to hop on the Techno Train and experience a night of hypnotic beats and modular madness? Join us on December 15th at Heim Shanghai, where we will feature the Hangzhou modular beast A.I. and a solid lineup of local and international DJs. From deep techno to electro and break-beat, it sounds like we'll have something for everyone who loves underground electronic music.

The final party of 2023 at ALL Club features producer Lauren Duffus, who blends classical music with drill and witch house, and Organ Tapes, who sings unloved songs with autotune and acoustic guitar, influenced by dancehall, Afrobeats, and emo. Plus, enjoy the beats of Glasear, ALK, Zean, Sai G, and BAADAAM, who will bring you the best of trap, folk, new-age, and K-pop. An unusual night of music and emotions for sure!

The good ol’ Elevator crew of 快乐大王, who have graced the turntables and dance floors of Elevator for many years, will be having their final performance at Elevator this Saturday. If you haven't heard, Elevator is in its last few weeks before shutting its doors and elevator for good by the end of this year. The final party will be held on New Year's Eve.

Three of China's biggest local DJs will be on the decks for a night of nothing but pure house music. Beijing-based YangBing and Ben Huan, along with DJ CicE from Shanghai.

Live Music

A killer trifecta of visiting acts is sure to kick-start your weekend in style; this might just be the sleeper gig. Beijing indie rock outfit Silent Speech, a band brimming with ideas and stylish choices that deftly balance its lean musicality and the lead singer’s siren-like voice, is perhaps the best known - beguiling one moment before dovetailing into a cascading trumpet-led prog-rock laced jam. They’ll be joined by two up-and-coming acts, Dizzy Dizzy Yellow Puppy from Nanjing, whose delirious blend of art punk theatrics, dank psychedelic overtones, and charred post-punk grooves is a treat to get lost in, and the evocative and sprawling Zhenjiang emo post-rock outfit Whale Flying into the Sky. The show starts at 8:30 PM and tickets are RMB 120/150.

Bie Records is coming out to play this holiday season with some truly original acts from China’s neighboring countries. The all-female Tokyo outfit BimBamBoom packs in a lot - from Southern-fried humid jazz motifs to slick propulsive funk grooves and Memphis R&B - touching on just about everything in their symphony of acute instrumental breakdowns, cerebral bass-slapping good vibes, and a free-wheeling punk attitude that’s downright contagious. They’ll be joined by rising Singaporean hip-hop artist and producer Mary Sue, whose lo-fi woozy production, stream-of-consciousness flow, and evocative lyrics are closer to that of MF DOOM than Drake. Rounding out the crew is Beijing duo Naja Naja, whose eccentric cold wave rubs shoulders with hip-swaying post-punk and new psychedelic beats over deep trenches of hypnotic tones. The show starts at 8:30 PM, and tickets are RMB 200.

Heart Rockers brings Shanghai’s greatest bands together for a Christmas show to raise money for a local charity, funding heart operations for Chinese children. Six amazing bands on one bill for only 100 rmb (that’s less than 17 rmb a band!), all of which goes to saving children’s lives. Dance and rock out to Hogchoker, Surging Waves, Soulitude, 失控108, The Basement Project, and sing along to China’s greatest Doors' tribute band.

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Harley’s Bar has returned to our city’s fair graces. LiveChinaMusic welcomes back Harley’s and their new live house, The Back Room, with a killer lineup featuring a wide spectrum of the Shanghai underground: the riotous feverish rock and roll antics of Round Eye; the bone-crushing sludge metal of Conch; the genre-defying indie tunes of Sunken Square; Shanghai’s #2 disc jockey - DJ BO; and the OG noise harbinger himself - Torturing Nurse. On top of that, we’ve invited one of Beijing’s most ferocious acts - Xiaowang - whose tipsy turvy swirl of kawaii core, punk, J-rock, and pop has never compromised. So let’s champion a new station for live music in Shanghai and raise a glass to Harley’s Back Room. The show starts at 8:30 PM, and tickets are RMB 100/120/180.

Like a phoenix rising from the ashes, Harley’s Bar has returned to our city’s fair graces. LiveChinaMusic welcomes back Harley’s and their new livehouse, The Back Room, with a killer lineup featuring a wide spectrum of the Shanghai underground: the riotous feverish rock and roll antics of Round Eye; the bone-crushing sludge metal of Conch; the genre-defying indie tunes of Sunken Square; Shanghai’s #2 disc jockey - DJ BO; and the OG noise harbinger himself - Torturing Nurse. On top of that, we’ve invited one of Beijing’s most ferocious acts - Xiaowang - whose tipsy turvy swirl of kawaiicore, punk, J-rock, and pop has never compromised. So let’s champion a new station for live music in Shanghai and raise a glass to Harley’s Back Room.

Young, earnest, and dedicated to emo punk rock’s more tenacious and affectionate qualities, 1000 Failures is one of the finest additions to the Shanghai music scene. Evoking some of the pop-rock and emo scene’s best from Japan and the US with a bittersweet exuberance that never gets bogged down in its youthful conviction while coloring its sound with technically lavish arrangements, the band is celebrating the release of their debut LP, Before the Lights All Go Out at Yuyintang. Support from Vanishing Queen, who meanwhile evoke an era where garage, psychedelic, and hard rock reigned supreme, and swagger was everything. The show starts at 8 PM, and tickets are RMB 80/100/140.

Art Exhibitions

Held at Bund 33, the opening of the ART SHANGHAI European National Treasures Exhibition marked the first presentation of the century-long epic of Italian fashion in China. From the 1900s to the present day, this exhibition showcases over 100 national treasures of Italian fashion, including garments, manuscripts, documents, and images, making their debut in China. It also features more than 20 designers who have played pivotal roles in Italian fashion.

Community

Featuring some of the best Latin DJs in Shanghai, Latin Hai comes back to Stardust on December 15 from 10 pm until late night. See you on the dance floor. Presale tickets are 88rmb with 1 drink included, and door tickets are 118rmb.

The grand finale of 2023 Arena Fight Night is on December 16 at 6:30 pm. It is set to be an intense event featuring 8 bouts with the most dedicated amateur kickboxing and boxing fighters from 12 elite gyms in Shanghai. Witness these up-and-coming athletes as they demonstrate their passion and skill in the ring, striving for triumph. Moreover, get ready for live tunes from DJ Jazz at the fight. Guests can also enjoy a selection of food and drinks on-site. Here's to sports, music, and friendship!

There’s no shortage of animals looking for homes, and the animal welfare and technology-based organization DORIS METAVERSE is finding creative new ways to help our furry friends. Sponsor a rescue dog by unlocking exclusive digital collectibles paired with real dogs awaiting adoption. Each Digital Collectible features a creative portrait and narrative that vividly brings the personality of the sponsored dog to life. To learn more, visit the Doris Metaverse launch party at RIINK this Saturday, 12/16!