As the new year approaches, Shanghai is rolling out a rich lineup of cultural and tourism events, inviting visitors from around the world to experience the city's unique urban charm and usher in a joyful 2026.

1. International Cruise Tourism Resort New Year events

Welcome the new year with an aerial theater show, countdown celebrations, and a New Year concert. The event also includes pop-up riverside performances, intangible cultural heritage displays, traditional fashion shows, and a spectacular drone and firework show.

When: Dec 31, 2025 to Jan 1, 2026

Where: Wusongkou International Cruise Port and Shanghai Sea World shopping zone, Baoshan district

2. Riverside revelry at West Bund

This panoramic celebration connects the Huangpu River with a large outdoor ice rink. A series of festive performances will create a romantic New Year's Day atmosphere across the city.

When: Dec 31, 2025 to Jan 1, 2026

Where: Gate M West Bund Dream Center, No 2266 Longteng Avenue, Xuhui district

3. Sunrise at Shanghai Tower

A beloved tradition that combines the Chinese custom of climbing high for good fortune in the new year with the experience of watching the sunrise from one of the world's tallest buildings. The event features live music, charity sales, and message-posting activities, enabling participants to enjoy the sweeping city views while expressing hopes for the year ahead.

When: Jan 1, 2026

Where: Shanghai Tower observation decks (Floors 118 & 126), No 479 Lujiazui Ring Road, Pudong New Area

4. Jinmao Skywalk

Greet the first sunrise of 2026 from this iconic skyscraper. For the occasion, the venue is offering special morning admission, along with combined packages that include the Jinmao Skywalk experience.

When: Jan 1, 2026

Where: Jinmao Tower (88th Floor), No 88 Century Avenue, Pudong New Area

Ticket purchase: Available on platforms such as Ctrip and Meituan.

5. 2026 Shanghai New Year Concert

Continuing a tradition inspired by the Vienna New Year Concert, the performance will feature a selection of classic waltzes from the famous programs alongside renowned Chinese pieces, promising a delightful musical evening to welcome 2026.

When: Dec 29, 2025

Where: Shanghai Oriental Art Center Concert Hall, No 425 Dingxiang Road, Pudong New Area

Ticket purchase: Available on Damai and other platforms.

6. Sinan Mansions New Year event

This extended seasonal event delivers a warm and artistic winter experience, featuring theater performances, street corner concerts, immersive art installations, and scheduled "snowfall" moments. A mix of online and offline activities with gifts and art exhibitions invites friends and families to gather and enjoy a cozy, culture-filled winter.

When: November 2025 to February 2026

Where: Sinan Mansions, No 523 Middle Fuxing Road, Huangpu district

7. Sleep No More New Year's Eve Party

The long-running immersive theater hit will stage its special Midnight Chorus New Year's Eve Party across three themed floors of the McKinnon Hotel, combining dynamic music and performance to usher in the new year.

When: Evening of Dec 31, 2025

Where: McKinnon Hotel, No 1013 West Beijing Road, Jing'an district

Ticket purchase: Available via the official Sleep No More WeChat mini program.

8. Suzhou Creek cruise series

The event includes New Year-themed cruises paired with riverside performances and pop-up markets. A Paddington-themed boat will also host family reading sessions at the Shanghai Children's Library. Ticket stubs can be used for promotions at partnering cultural and commercial venues.

When: Jan 1-3, 2026

Where: Suzhou Creek Half Marathon Park, No 160 Daduhe Road, Putuo district

Ticket purchase: Available via the official Suzhou Creek Cruise WeChat mini program.

9. From Berlin to Shanghai New Year's Concert

Lior Shambadal, chief conductor of the Berlin Symphony Orchestra, will join the Shanghai Dazhong Beethoven Festival Orchestra and acclaimed guest artists for a grand concert titled From Berlin to Shanghai, bringing together world-class musicianship and the festive spirit of the new year.

When: Jan 1, 2026

Where: North Bund AIA Grand Theatre, No 889 Dongdaming Road, Hongkou district

Ticket purchase: Available on Damai and other platforms.

10. Major exhibition TA: Higher Heights

Centered on the "pagoda" as both an architectural form and a spiritual symbol, this thematic exhibition explores its layered meanings through works by 22 contemporary artists. Installations, videos, and texts reinterpret the motif in a modern context.

When: Until March 20, 2026

Where: Dunhuang Contemporary Art Museum, Building 3 South, Changyang Campus, Yangpu district

Ticket purchase: Available on Damai and other platforms.

11. Legoland Holiday Bricktacular event

The Legoland Shanghai Resort gets a festive makeover with themed decorations, shows, interactive builds, and special dining and retail offerings, creating a warm and creative brick-based winter holiday for all ages.

When: Until Jan 4, 2026

Where: Legoland Shanghai Resort, Fengjing town, Jinshan district

12. Jinshan City Beach New Year celebration

Held in collaboration with Bilibili, this event features a live-stream viewing party, interactive installations, and a special sunrise ceremony on New Year's Day with wish-making, lantern releases, and fireworks.

When: Dec 31, 2025 to Jan 1, 2026

Where: Jinshan City Beach, No 7555 Huhang Highway, Jinshan district

13. Shanghai Happy Valley anime carnival

A domestic anime-themed carnival features highly photogenic scenes, a snowy town setting, fan meet-and-greets, cosplayer parades, and decorated vehicle processions for an immersive experience.

When: Dec 19, 2025 to Feb 16, 2026

Where: Shanghai Happy Valley, No 888 Linhu Road, Songjiang district

14. 2026 Fengxian New Year carnival

Set in a historical watertown, the carnival combines a music festival, cultural and creative markets, folk culture parades, and interactive activities, seamlessly blending heritage, performance, and local cuisine.

When: Jan 1-2, 2026

Where: Qingxi Old Street, Qingcun town, Fengxian district

15. Changxing Island Country Park New Year fair

The fair offers a rustic New Year experience with strawberry picking, stove-side tea, wellness activities, and outdoor recreation such as fishing, horse riding, and go-karting.

When: Jan 1-3, 2026

Where: Changxing Island Country Park, No 199 Qiugan Road, Chongming district

16. Lin-gang New Year light & fireworks show

Using Dishui Lake as a canvas and the central Water Drop sculpture as a focal point, the large-scale light and fireworks show transforms the lake into a giant timepiece, highlighting key moments in Lin-gang's development.

When: Jan 1, 2026

Where: Dishui Lake, Lin-gang Special Area of China (Shanghai) Pilot Free Trade Zone, Pudong New Area

17. 2026 New Year's Concert of Dishui Lake

The Lingang Performing Arts Center will celebrate the New Year with a concert rooted in tradition, transporting audiences to the golden age of Viennese operetta and waltz. The program includes a special selection of works by Johann Strauss Jr, marking the 200th anniversary of the master composer's birth.

When: Dec 31, 2025

Where: Lingang Performing Arts Center, No 200 Dingke Road, Pudong New Area

Ticket purchase: Available on Damai and other platforms.

 

Sources: WeChat account of the General Office of the Shanghai Municipal People's Government "shanghaifabu", Shanghai Municipal Administration of Culture and Tourism, venues and attractions mentioned above