We have made a list of the best things to do with your family in Shanghai this week!

Best Events This Week​

Through Dec 29: Matilda the Musical

Flyer courtesy of promoter

The Royal Shakespeare Company’s award-winning musical based on the classic children’s book by Roald Dahl is coming to Shanghai! It tells the story of a special young girl named Matilda. Matilda is an incredibly intelligent and curious child who loves books and uses her whit to cope with her mean parents and tyrannical school principal. Based on the 1988 novel, the musical made its debut in 2010. Matilda: The Musical now holds the record for most Olivier awards for a musical and has toured around the world. With writing by Dennis Kelly and songs by the Tim Minchin, the musical is a stand-out of the genre. It’s the perfect outing for parents and their little ones. 

Dec 6-29, times vary; RMB580-1,080. Shanghai Culture Square. See event listing. Tickets.

Dec 14-28: PAW Patrol Live! The Great Pirate Adventure

Flyer courtesy of promoter

Based on everybody’s favorite animated TV series on Nickelodeon, PAW Patrol Live! is stopping off right here in Shanghai this December. PAW Patrol Live! The Great Pirate Adventure brings everybody’s favorite pups to the stage for an action-packed musical adventure. PAW Patrol Live! is not only fun and entertaining, but the show shares lessons about social skills, problem solving and teamwork. The performance features up-tempo music and captivating stories perfect for kids. The Great Pirate Adventure takes place on Pirate Day in Adventure Bay, and Mayor Goodway is getting ready for a big celebration! But first, Ryder and his team of pirate pups must rescue Cap’n Turbot from a mysterious cavern. On the way, they also discover a secret pirate treasure map. The PAW Patrol set out over land and sea to find the treasure for Mayor Goodway’s celebration before Mayor Humdinger finds it first. The pups will need all paws on deck for this pirate adventure, including some help from the newest pup... Tracker!

Dec 14-15, 21-22, 25 & 28, times vary; RMB180-580. Yihai Theatre. See event listing. Tickets.

Until Dec 15: Jing’an Christkindlmarkt

Flyer courtesy of Zeitgeist Bavarian Eatery & Bar

If it weren’t for mulled wine and Christmas markets, we’d never leave the house. Thankfully, the traditional German Christkindlmarkt is back in Shanghai for a full 17 days. Follow the scent of baked apples, chestnuts, gingerbread, mulled wine, rum punch and more. You’ll find those festive treats along with handicrafts and gifts in beautifully decorated wooden stalls. For the small and big kids, Santa will come by on the weekends to grant wishes! Honestly, there’s no better way to experience some good Old World wintertime charm. 

Until Dec 15, noon-9pm weekends, 4-9pm weekdays; RMB50 presale, RMB60 door both incl. mulled wine. Zeitgeist Bavarian Eatery & Bar. See event listing. 

Dec 14-15: Green Escape Night Market

Flyer courtesy of promoter

The Kerry Jing’an closes Anyi Lu to traffic every weekend for an outdoor market called Green Escape. Bundle up and get ready to enjoy wares from over 50 vendors including flowers, Argentinian barbecue, Dutch french fries, DODU rotisserie chicken and healthy meals from Hunter Gatherer. They even have The Odd Couple cocktails. 

Dec 14-15, 4.30pm-midnight (Sat), 2.30pm-10pm (Sun); free entry. Jing An Kerry Center. See event listing. 

Dec 14-15: Commune Market Xmas Edition

Flyer courtesy of promoter

Commune Market invites you to an exclusive boutique Christmas market at the luxury, stylish Sukhothai Shanghai designed by internationally acclaimed architectural/interior design practice Neri&Hu. There will be lots of mulled wine, craft gin cocktails, artisan foods, kids corner, Christmas cookie decorating workshop as well as an array of carefully curated independent designer jewelry, handmade toys, soaps, candles, fine art, home decor, children’s gifts, ornaments and so much more. To spread as much joy as possible, they have some special treats for everyone who visits Sukhothai, including limited edition Christmas Commune Market mugs, a raffle for URBAN Cafe & Lounge afternoon tea set for two and La Scala weekend brunch for two. This exclusive event is very family-friendly and free entry. 

Dec 7-8, 11am-7pm; free entry. The Sukhothai Shanghai. See event listing. 

Dec 14: Family Festival of Green and Generous Ideas

Flyer courtesy of promoter

The winter season, typically a time of reflection and tradition, is an opportunity to be especially conscious of our relationship to nature and the world around us. Gift-giving is a custom of the season but it doesn’t have to be wasteful or just another consumerist holiday. Join Magnolia and Savvy Exchanger on December 14 from 10am to 4pm for a festival that celebrates togetherness, green ideas and charitable, sustainable sharing. Bring a toy or some clothes to exchange, participate in workshops and charity sales, and enjoy live music and healthy wholesome foods!

Dec 14, 10am-4pm. Magnolia Kindergarten. See event listing.

Dec 14: Sunrise Charity Bazaar

Flyer courtesy of promoter

Come on down to enjoy this first-ever charity event organized by Sunrise. Expect plenty of vendors, Christmas arts & crafts, delicious food, tasty drinks, raffle prizes and a whole lot of fun at this gift-giving event. Proceeds will benefit Shanghai Children’s Foundation and Couleurs de Chine.

Dec 14, 10am-4pm. Sunrise International Kindergarten (Pubei Campus), 50 Pubei Lu, by Liuzhou Lu 浦北路50号, 近柳州路. See event listing.

Dec 14, 21: Culinary Christmas Craft Classes at the Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai

Image courtesy of Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai

Deck the halls this festive season with three uniquely Christmas-themed DIY and culinary craft classes at Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai. Taking place throughout December, guests are invited join workshops and learn how to create custom Christmas treats and decorations. Get those creative juices flowing by building and decorating your own gingerbread house on December 7, make Christmas cookies on December 14 or create your own beautiful Advent crown on December 21.

Dec 14 & 21, 2.30-4pm. Acqua, Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai, email lobbylounge.shanghaipudong@kempinski.com or call (021) 3867 9031 to book. See event listing.

Ongoing: Peppa Pig World of Play

Image courtesy of promoter

You can now purchase tickets to the popular Peppa Pig World of Play by clicking right here! Boasting 10 play areas, each referencing a specific scene or location in the Peppa Pig TV series, this indoor theme park is great for Peppa fans young and old. Preschool-aged children will especially enjoy the chance to immerse in the world of Peppa Pig, and embark on exhilarating adventures with the adorable piglet and her family.

Daily, 10am-8pm; RMB158-210. Peppa Pig World of Play. Tickets.

Ongoing: NBA Playzone

Image via 247tickets

Being the first NBA-themed indoor attraction designed for children and their families in China, the NBA Playzone brings NBA excitement through a variety of basketball-inspired play areas and activities. The 1,500-square-meter destination is a great option for you and your little ones over the weekend.

Daily, 10am-8pm; one adult plus one child: RMB209; one adult plus two children: RMB326; two adults plus two children: RMB376. NBA Playzone. See event listing. Tickets.

Ongoing: 365 Degrees: The Immersive Experience

Image courtesy of promoter

One of the most Instagrammable exhibitions that we have seen in Shanghai in quite a while comes in the form of Eugenio Recuenco’s fantastic 365 Degrees: The Immersive Experience photography and installation exhibition at Uni Elite, and tickets are on sale over on thMart right now. 

Daily, until Jan 5; RMB69-399. Uni Elite. Tickets. 

Ongoing: Bob Dylan’s ‘Retrospectrum’

Flyer courtesy of promoter

Bob Dylan is well known as one of the world’s most influential and groundbreaking musicians. But did you know he has a long history as an extremely talented visual artist? The first retrospective exhibition of Bob Dylan’s visual artworks – Retrospectrum – debuted at the Modern Art Museum (MAM) in Shanghai on September 28 and will run through January 5. Spanning five decades of the artist’s career, and seven series of works, Retrospectrum will mark the artist’s most comprehensive art exhibition to date, enabling visitors to experience Dylan’s artwork in a uniquely immersive and interactive environment.

Tue-Sun, until January 5; RMB100-150. Modern Art Museum. Tickets. 

Ongoing: Spiral – Shanghai Acrobatic Show

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This popular acrobatic show, produced and performed by the talents behind the Shanghai Acrobatic Troupe, is an unmissable event for families in Shanghai. The nuanced performance tells the tale of the city’s ever-changing landscape and is conveyed through thrilling moves like trapeze and tightrope walking — bound to wow the whole family.

Daily, 7.30pm; RMB180-380. Yunfeng Theatre. See event listing. Tickets.

Ongoing: Era – Intersection of Time

Image via 247tickets

ERA, the stunning acrobatic extravaganza which has accompanied locals and foreigners for over 14 years, has returned in an all-new venue. With updated settings and equipment, the show will continue to put smiles on the faces of those who come to the performance and is slated to usher in a new era.

Tue-Sun, 7.30pm; RMB280-680. ERA Castle. See event listing. Tickets.

Ongoing: BBQ Thursdays at CAGES Bar & Sports

Flyer courtesy of CAGES Bar and Sports

Get your reservations in, because Cages only does barbecue once a week. Leave the office early as Cages rolls out its southern style BBQ menu from 5pm. Get there early because it’s first-come, first serve. Get ready for a delectable selection of smoked meats, sides and sauces.

Thursdays, 5pm. CAGES Bar and Sports. See event listing. 

Best Upcoming Events

Dec 21-25: Moller Villa Christmas Market

Flyer courtesy of promoter

Staying in Shanghai for the holidays? Then here’s a Christmas event you absolutely can’t miss. For the first time ever, the iconic Moller Villa opens to the public for its inaugural Christmas Market, organized by AnyHelper together with Moller Villa Hotel and Shanghai International Convention & Exhibition Center. At the first-annual Moller Villa Christmas Market, you’ll enjoy music, food, auctions, performances, craft goods, lucky draws and more. From swing dance shows to clown performances, there’s plenty of fun activities to keep visitors of all ages entertained. Don’t miss your chance to take a selfie with Santa Claus or sing Christmas carols along with live bands!

Want to learn more about the history behind this classic venue? Early bird and VIP ticket holders can enjoy a free historical tour presented by bilingual tour guides inside the mansion to learn more about this fascinating piece of Norwegian-style architecture. There are only 300 early bird tickets available, so make sure you book your tickets while you still can! As an added bonus, all pre-sale ticket purchasers will also automatically be entered into a lucky draw to win a one-night stay for two guests at Moller Villa, as well as free lifelong China visa services from AnyVisa.

Dec 21-25, 10am-8pm (Dec 21-22), 3-8pm (Dec 23-25); RMB50-188. Moller Villa Hotel. See event listing. Tickets. 

Dec 21-April 5: Frozen Exhibition

Flyer courtesy of promoter

Your kids will go crazy for this magical Frozen-themed exhibition. The exhibition brings the 2013 Disney film to life. Tag along as Anna, the fearless princess of Arendelle, sets off on a journey with a rugged iceman, a pet reindeer and a snowman to find her sister and escape from eternal winter. The exhibition will be held at Shanghai Global Harbor Mall from December 21 until April 5. The 1,500-square-meter space will be transformed to recreate nine of the movie’s most classic scenes and feature nine interactive areas. Your little ones will also be able to check out over 200 original production drawings from the movie and shop for over 1,000 limited edition Frozen products. It’s every kid’s dream! Presale tickets are offered for a limited time only for just RMB78. Make sure to get yours before December 20!

Dec 21-April 5, times vary; RMB78 (early bird price available until Dec 20). Shanghai Global Harbor. See event listing. Tickets.

Dec 26-Jan 5: The Blue Man Group

Image courtesy of promoter

That’s right. Everybody’s favorite blue men are coming to Shanghai this year. The Blue Man Group will be performing at 1862 Theatre from December 23 until January 5, 2020. So yes, you will have to wait a few more months to catch them, but we’re guessing tickets will sell out fast so we highly suggest snagging some tickets while you still can! You never know what to expect when it comes to the Blue Man Group. Expect to laugh, rock out and have a blast as the bald, blue men entertain through music, art and comedy. You know a show is popular when over 35 million people of all ages, languages and cultures have seen it. It’s going to be a masterful and musical trip, led by three of the boldest, baldest and bluest guys on the planet. 

Dec 26-Jan 5; RMB80-1,080. 1862 Theatre. See event listing. Tickets. 

Cover image courtesy of promoter