Shanghai in December is set to be a vibrant city brimming with festive cheer and excitement as it gears up to welcome the New Year.

Throughout the month, visitors can immerse themselves in a myriad of seasonal events and activities that capture the spirit of the holiday season.

From tranquil, restful activities to dazzling concerts and theatrical performances making their debuts in Shanghai, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this bustling metropolis.

Join us as we explore the enchanting array of events and experiences awaiting you in December in Shanghai.

 

Expos & Fairs

1. Automechanika Shanghai

Dive into the world of automotive innovation at Automechanika Shanghai. This fair brings together global exhibitors showcasing the latest in green technologies and solutions in the auto industry. Discover the future of sustainable transport and witness groundbreaking advancements in the field.

Dates: Dec 2-5

Location: National Exhibition and Convention Center Shanghai, 333 Songze Avenue, Qingpu district

2. Shanghai Zen Life Fair

Immerse yourself in the tranquility and beauty of zen living at the Shanghai Zen Life Fair. This unique exhibition provides a platform for craftspeople, cultural heritage inheritors and zen enthusiasts to come together to experience a blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern interpretations of zen philosophy.

Dates: Dec 12-15

Location: Shanghai New International Expo Center, 2345 Longyang Road, Pudong New Area

 

Art Exhibitions

1. UKIYO-E Visions

Have a unique 4D experience featuring Ukiyo-e paintings from Japan's Edo period. Explore the beauty and depth of this traditional art form in an immersive setting at the World Expo Museum.

Dates: To Feb 12, 2025

Location: World Expo Museum, 818 Mengzi Road, Huangpu district

2. Three-Body Art Project · Prologue: First Contact

Witness the debut chapter of an interdisciplinary art project inspired by Liu Cixin's renowned sci-fi trilogy

The Three-Body Problem. Artists converge to interpret this captivating story through various media at Suhe Haus.

Dates: To Feb 8, 2025

Location: Suhe Haus, 30 Wen'an Road, Jing'an district

→ Artists converge to interpret Three-Body through various media

3. Treasures of the Mountain Resort · Treasures Collected in Temples: Special Exhibition of Palace Treasures from the Mountain Resort and Its Outlying Temples, Chengde

Delve into the exquisite world of royal treasures from the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911). This exhibition showcases over 100 treasures, offering a glimpse into the elegant taste and lifestyle of the ruling elite of that era.

Dates: To Feb 28, 2025

Location: Fengxian Museum, 333 Hupan Road, Fengxian district

4. Jinky Huang x Hello Kitty: A Sustainable World

Celebrate the 50th anniversary of Hello Kitty by seeing an exhibition combining the iconic character with intangible cultural heritage. Explore a sustainable world envisioned through the creative lens of Jinky Huang.

Dates: To Feb 28, 2025

Location: TX Huaihai Youth Energy Center, 523 Middle Huaihai Road, Huangpu district

5. Intimate Audrey

Join a global tour initiated by Audrey Hepburn's son, Sean Hepburn, as it pays tribute to the life and legacy of the iconic film star Audrey Hepburn. Discover the intimate details of her remarkable journey in this retrospective exhibition.

Dates: Dec 15 to March 8, 2025

Location: The Bund

6. Designing Jewels

Explore the artistry behind jewelry design through four themed chapters at L'ÉCOLE School of Jewelry Arts. Gain insight into the vibrant painting techniques that have influenced jewelry design throughout history.

Dates: To March 30, 2025

Location: L'ÉCOLE, School of Jewelry Arts, 796 Middle Huaihai Road, Huangpu district

7. Wonders of the World: China and Beyond in the Eyes of Marco Polo

Journey through the eyes of Marco Polo and explore some 204 sets of treasures from cultural institutions worldwide. Discover the beauty and richness of diverse cultures through this captivating exhibition at the Shanghai Museum.

Dates: To March 30, 2025

Location: Shanghai Museum on People's Square, 201 Renmin Avenue, Huangpu district

​→Shanghai Museum hosts expo to commemorate Marco Polo's legacy

 

Festivals

1. 10th Shanghai International Comedy Festival

Celebrate the New Year with a diverse array of comedic performances at the 10th Shanghai International Comedy Festival, a staple event in Shanghai's cultural calendar.

Dates: To Jan 30, 2025

Location: Across the city

→ 10th Shanghai International Comedy Festival kicks off

 

Musicals

1. Paul Taylor Dance Company Night of Eras: Dance for Life

Witness the diversity and complexity of human society through Paul Taylor's dance work, exploring various themes fearlessly in the performance themed on life events.

Dates: Dec 5-6

Location: AIA Grand Theatre on the North Bund, 889 East Daming Road, Hongkou district

2. Taihe Zhengyin: Kunqu Opera from the Collection of the Palace Museum Series 1

Experience the ancient Chinese opera art form of Kunqu Opera brought to life by the Shanghai Kunqu Opera Troupe, showcasing selections from the imperial court opera collections of the Qing Dynasty (1644 to 1911).

Dates: Dec 11-12

Location: AIA Grand Theatre on the North Bund, 889 East Daming Road, Hongkou district

→ Shanghai Kunqu Opera Troupe to bring ancient Chinese opera back to life

3. Ludwig II: The King is back!

See the global debut of the staged concert that tells the story of Ludwig II, a unique musical experience that will only be performed in Shanghai, with no shows in any other city in China.

Dates: Dec 12-15

Location: Shanghai Culture Square, 597 Middle Fuxing Road, Huangpu district

4. The Legend of 1900

Experience a unique musical performance of Hollywood hit The Legend of 1900 through the creative talents of Dove Attia, Rod Janois, Sun Yuzhuo and Kim Scharnberg.

Dates: To Dec 15

Location: Shanghai Grand Theatre, 300 Renmin Avenue, Huangpu district

5. Goddess and the Dreamer

Transport yourself to the Wei and Jin dynasties (220-420) as history and myth blend in a captivating performance set against the backdrop of the battle of the three kingdoms.

Dates: Dec 17-18

Location: AIA Grand Theatre on the North Bund, 889 East Daming Road, Hongkou district

6. Casanova

Explore the life of Giacomo Girolamo Casanova through this musical production that delves into his romantic escapades and literary legacy.

Dates: Dec 20-28

Location: Shanghai Culture Square, 597 Middle Fuxing Road, Huangpu district

7. Wien Frühlingsstimmen Symphoniker: 2025 New Year's concert

Ring in the New Year with the extraordinary musical skills and deep cultural heritage of the Wien Frühlingsstimmen Symphoniker at the orchestra's highly anticipated 2025 New Year's concert.

Date: Dec 31

Location: BOCOM New Bund 31 Performing Arts Centre, 777 West Gaoqing Road, Pudong New Area

 

Sports Events

1. Shanghai Marathon

Don't miss the 2024 Shanghai Marathon, a candidate race for the Abbott World Marathon Majors. See athletes from around the world compete in this prestigious event, including in the wheelchair marathon.

Date: Dec 1

Location: Start from the Bund Jinniu Square at the intersection of Fuzhou Road and 1 East Zhongshan Road, Huangpu district

2. Esports Shanghai Masters

Immerse yourself in the world of esports at the Esports Shanghai Masters, one of the most influential sports events in Shanghai.

Experience thrilling competitions and witness top esports talent in action at the Jing'an Sports Center.

Dates: Dec 4-5

Location: Jing'an Sports Center, 116 Wenshui Road, Jing'an district

→Esports Shanghai Masters to be held in Jing'an

 

Sources: GermanEvents, Shanghai Observer, official WeChat account of Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism, Fengxian District Culture and Tourism Bureau, AIA Grand Theatre on the Bund, BOCOM New Bund 31Performing Arts Centre, Shanghai Culture Square, Jing’an District Administration of Sports, Shanghai Marathon, Huangpu District Culture and Tourism Bureau