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

Best Events This Week​

Jan 6-14: Dreamgirls

Image courtesy of promoter

Having opened on Broadway all the way back in 1981, Dreamgirls is a phenomenal worldwide hit. Bringing to life the story of a trio of fantastic singers in ‘60s America, this musical is one you should see at least once. 

Jan 6-14, various times; RMB200-1,000. Shanghai Culture Square. See event listing. Tickets. 

Jan 10-12: That Chemistry Show

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Following the success of smash hit That Physics Show, That Chemistry Show lands in Shanghai this weekend. Ever seen a candle that moves water? A paper cup that won’t burn? A firefly without fire? You’ll get the chance to see all of this and more at That Chemistry Show, a live performance that combines the worlds of science and show business. Best for school-age kids. Note that this show will be performed in Mandarin only.

Jan 10-12, various times; RMB120-480. ET Space. See event listing. Tickets.

Jan 11-12: 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. 

Jan 11-12, 4.30pm-midnight (Sat), 2.30pm-10pm (Sun); free entry. Jing An Kerry Center. See event listing. 

Ongoing: Frozen Exhibition

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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!

Until April 5, times vary; RMB120-220. Shanghai Global Harbor. See event listing. Tickets.

Ongoing: Peppa Pig World of Play

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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: 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

Jan 14-19: Lord of the Dance

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Breathing life into the world-famous, renowned Irish dancing set piece, these dancers bring to life Michael Flatley’s fabulous creation this month in Shanghai. Don’t miss your opportunity to catch some of the most breathtaking music and dancing you’ll see anywhere.

Jan 14-19, various times; RMB200-880. Shanghai Grand Theatre. See event listing. Tickets.

Feb 3: 2020 Superbowl Party at The Kerry Hotel

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Kerry Hotel Pudong will be throwing their big tailgate party again this year. Watch the game on their giant LED screens in the hotel ballroom while enjoying a breakfast buffet, free-flow house wine, beer and soft drinks. Tickets are RMB380 per adult and RMB150 for kids under 12. Seats are limited so it’s best to get them while you still can.

Feb 4, 7am; RMB380 for adults, RMB150 for kids under 12, RMB3,000 per table of 10 people. Kerry Hotel Pudong. See event listing. Tickets. 

Mar 7: That Physics Show

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Looking for something fun and educational to do with your kids? In that case That Physics Show is the event for you. Professional physics demonstrator David Maiullo is the man behind the ultra-fascinating off-Broadway show that combines the fun of science in a riveting performance. He goes over all sorts of different experiments that demonstrate just how incredible our world is – think motion, momentum, energy, sound waves and more. According to Eric Krebs, the show’s producer, That Physics Show is “a cross between Stomp and Blue Man Group with a little Bubble Show thrown in.”  

Mar 7, 10.30am, 3.30pm; RMB120-480. ET Space. See event listing. Tickets.

Mar 29: SAMAJAM Kids Show 2

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China’s most popular musical kids show is headed back to Shanghai. At Samajam: Kids Show 2 (Djembe), everyone in the audience receives a SAMAJAM Music Bag which contains drumsticks, tambourines, a musical tube and an African djembe. Throughout the show, kids and the entire family learn and play with the instruments, as they are led by SAMAJAM performers on stage. 

Mar 29, 10.30am & 3.30pm; RMB180-700. Shanghai Hongqiao Art Center. See event listing. Purchase tickets here. 

Cover image courtesy of promoter