From New Year's Eve through early spring, Shanghai has launched its citywide New Year Celebration Season, a large-scale program spanning culture, tourism, retail, sports, and exhibitions.

Running until March 3, the season covers major festivities such as New Year's Day, Spring Festival, and Lantern Festival, offering residents and visitors hundreds of events and experiences to shape their own way of celebrating the new year in Shanghai.

 

Highlights of the program

New Year's Day holiday: more than 300 featured events, including:

- 132 performing arts shows

- 13 concerts

- 134 museum and art exhibitions

 

Spring Festival holiday: nearly 400 events, featuring:

- over 120 stage performances

- multiple concerts

- nearly 60 major exhibitions

 

The season will also feature 19 national and international sporting events.

 

Eight ways to celebrate the season in Shanghai

1. The first trip of the year

From New Year's Eve onward, Shanghai's landmarks light up the skyline:

- Baoshan Riverside: synchronized drone and fireworks displays

- Dishui Lake: complementary fireworks with an unobstructed 360-degree lakeside view

- Shanghai Disney Resort: winter-exclusive A Magical Snow Fest and projection shows

- Xuhui Riverside: a scenic blend of river views and an outdoor ice rink

 

2. The first run of the year

Across 11 districts, 16 running events invite participants to welcome 2026 on the move:

- Climb landmarks such as the Oriental Pearl Tower and the SMP Mall

- Greet the year's first sunrise at Jinshan City Beach

- Join a New Year run at the Shanghai International Circuit in Jiading district

 

3. Ancient town celebrations for Spring Festival and Lantern Festival

More than 20 ancient towns across nine districts will host folk and intangible cultural heritage activities:

- Xinzhuang Lantern Festival in Minhang district

- Zhujiajiao and Jinze towns in Qingpu district: dragon lantern dances and the traditional crossing three bridges ritual — a Lantern Festival custom in the southern part of the Yangtze River estuary symbolizing good health and peace

- Sijing town in Songjiang district: Shijin Luogu, a local percussion tradition influenced by Kunqu Opera, alongside China-chic markets

 

4. A season of stage performances

International and domestic productions converge in Shanghai:

- Shanghai Grand Theatre Arts Group presents the "musicals in Shanghai" and the "Spring Festival music and dance" series

- Shanghai Center of Chinese Operas offers performances of Peking Opera, Kunqu Opera, and small-theatre productions

- SMG Live brings classic comedies and long-running theatrical productions

 

5. Celebrating Spring Festival through major exhibitions

Museums and cultural venues are rolling out headline exhibitions:

- Shanghai Museum: Recasting the Past: The Art of Chinese Bronzes, 1100-1900 — bronzes from the Song, Yuan, Ming, and Qing dynasties

- Museum of Art Pudong: two exhibitions — Masterpieces from India, Iran, and the Ottoman World from the Musee du Louvre, and Picasso Through the Eyes of Paul Smith

- Power Station of Art: The 15th Shanghai Biennale

- Shanghai Library: Year of the Horse-themed art exhibition

 

6. A cinematic celebration

Shanghai Film Park recreates iconic scenes from the hit TV series Blossoms, pairing a Spring Festival garden fair with immersive theatrical experiences that combine filming locations and live performances.

 

7. China-chic carnival: Where ACGN meets tradition

A Genshin Impact-themed cultural carnival by Chinese video game developer and publisher miHoYo will take place in Shanghai, bringing together global fans for a celebration that blends Chinese aesthetics with contemporary gaming culture.

 

8. Spring flower season: Extending the festivities into March

The plum blossom festival at Shanghai Haiwan National Forest Park in Fengxian district signals the arrival of spring, allowing the festive atmosphere to continue well beyond the holiday period.

 

Enjoy more, spend smarter: 6 consumer promotion themes

1. "Chasing the horse" Campaign

Major shopping areas are hosting interactive Year of the Horse markets, exhibitions, ice-and-snow activities, and sports experiences. Visitors can collect themed stamps or digital markers to redeem shopping vouchers, reward points, and gift packs.

 

2. Spring Festival food season

January: Italian food and wine carnival

February: Greek food market

March: Spanish food and wine festival

 

3. Product upgrade season

It's also a great time for households to refresh their homes for the new year, with China's trade-in policy in place and brands rolling out new product launches alongside stacked discounts.

 

4. Inbound travel shopping perks

Special incentives for international visitors include:

- Departure tax refund gifts

- Discounts for foreign card payments

- Cultural product showcases by tax-refund-eligible, time-honored traditional Chinese medicine retailers, highlighting TCM products and services.

 

5. Spring Festival goods and gifting season

Over 100 time-honored brands are rolling out:

- Reunion dinners and ready-to-cook banquet sets for Chinese New Year's Eve

- Spring Festival goods markets and shopping vouchers

- Year of the Horse-themed gift sets

 

6. Nighttime city experiences

Five major nightlife hubs offer extended evening programs:

- Zhangyuan: immersive VR music film Yao a Yao · 1995

- Gate M West Bund Dream Center: the city's largest outdoor ice rink

- Yuyuan Garden Malls: lantern viewing and festive dining

- Xintiandi: year-end celebrations and Spring Festival garden fairs

- MAP: late-night exhibition hours paired with promotions at Super Brand Mall

 

Sources: General Office of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government, venues mentioned above