Where will you and the homies be chanting 'Auld Lang Syne' this December 31? If you haven't yet made up your mind, here's a list of all the NYE actions happening in town. Sparklers and crackers at the ready now!
Abbey Road
For a no-fuss NYE dinner, head down to Abbey Road for everything half-price. The same offer will recur once on Monday January 6, giving you and the friends a great chance to catch up.
Dec 31 & Jan 6, 4-11pm. Abbey Road. See event listing.
Amara Shanghai Signature
To celebrate the arrival of 2019, FLO bar presents the city’s most glamorous New Year’s Eve countdown party. Enjoy two hours of free flow sparkling wine, house wines, beers, seasonal warm cocktails and snacks, followed by spectacular show featuring DJ Circle who will spin till the early hours.
Dec 28-Jan 1, 10pm-midnight. RMB288. Amara Shanghai Signature. See event listing.
Bar Rouge
Usher in 2019 in style at Bar Rouge's glitzy and glamorous New Year's Eve party. Bar Rouge is getting all dolled up in gold for what is going to be a truly opulent evening. Seriously, what better place to celebrate the new year than on the Bar Rouge terrace, overlooking the Shanghai skyline, with a glass of Moët & Chandon in hand.
Dec 31, 8pm-late. RMB400. Bar Rouge. See event listing.
Big Bamboo
Come party it up at Big Bamboo with special guest DJ in da house. Tattinger Champagne specials are offered all night long at RMB888 per bottle or RMB2,019 for three bottles in the wake of New Year, as well as a raffle prize waiting to be claimed.
Dec 31, 9pm-late. RMB120 Hongqiao; free entry Jinqiao. Big Bamboo. See event listings.
Bistro Burger
Bistro Burger has a delectable range of surf and turf prepared for New Year's Eve. The indulgent four-course menu has everything between fresh oysters, seafood risotto and beef Wellington. Add RMB198 for 1.5hrs of free-flow drinks (including alcoholic and soft options).
Dec 31, 5pm-late. RMB528 for two. Bistro Burger. See event listing.
Blackbird
Columbia Circle's popular restaurant and bar will be hosting an evening with loads of surprises and rosated pig Babi Guling! Those dressed in auspiciously red attire will have a chance to win grand raffle prizes. Price includes a three-course feast. Add another RMB150 for three glasses of wine.
Dec 31, 6pm-late. RMB380. Blackbird. See event listing.
The Blind Pig
The five-course chef’s special at The Blind Pig includes deviled eggs with pickled beetroot, duck rillette with black currant, frisée and pear salad, wild mushroom chowder, seared Icelandic cod or smoked prime beef ribs, as well as pumpkin cheesecake with cinnamon Chantilly cream. Specially priced Tattinger Champagne will be on offer all night long.
Dec 31, 7pm-late. RMB328 for two. The Blind Pig. See event listing.
Cages Bar and Sports
Cages will help you ring in the New Year by throwing a party full of games, drinks, and giveaways. Reservation encouraged for groups of 10 or more people.
Dec 31, 5pm. Cages Bar and Sports. See event listing.
CAZA
Let's welcome the year of 2019 together in CAZA with a hint of sexy and mysterious at CAZA's masquerade party. Activities include DIY mask workshop, photo booth, magician, dancers, live DJ set, NYE count down and a fully fledged afterparty.
Dec 31, 10pm-late. CAZA. See event listing.
Cobra Lily
Riding the jet streams of cinema sensation Crazy Rich Asians, Cobra Lily will be hosting its NYE party in the same theme. Entry gives you party admission and includes a bottle of Duval-Leroy Brut Reserve Champagne and some mouth-watering nibbles.
Dec 31, 9pm. RMB198 per person (RMB888 per couple). Cobra Lily. See event listing.
Commune Social
On New Years Eve, Commune Social will celebrate the last day of an awesome 2018 with a "Classic Dishes" set menu. Perfect for two to share! Be sure to RSVP.
Dec 31, 6pm-late. RMB888 for two. Commune Social. See event listing.
The CUT Rooftop
This 'dine-and-dance' venue on the iAMP rooftop has a comprehensive range of free-flow drinks, seasonal bites as well as groovy beats in stock for New Year's Eve.
Dec 31, 5.30pm-late. RMB598. The CUT Rooftop. See event listing.
D.O.C Gastronomia Italiana
This beloved Italian restaurant is one of the victims of street renovations happening in the Dongping Lu area. So to celebrate a good run and make note its new location over delectable home-style Italian food at 20 percent off all night! Two free flow options will be made available for over two and a half hours, making that final “ciao” a little easier.
Dec 31. RMB250-300. D.O.C Gastronomia Italiana. See event listing.
Dada
Wave goodbye to 2018 in real style, the Minimalist crew step up to bring the biggest international lineup Shanghai will surely see for this New Year's Eve party agenda. Proudly presenting three heavy hitting UK based DJ’s and producers: Posthuman (I love Acid, Chiwax), Jozef K (Acid Test, Last Night On Earth) and Jigsaw (Gottwood, Burning Man, Rinse FM) plus Will A and his Minimalist DJ cohorts.
Dec 31, 8pm-late. RMB100. Dada. See event listing.
Found 158
Little Creatures, Hooked and El Santo have joined forces to come up with an offer that will get your party started. Entry gives you four different drink vouchers and access to venue specials.
Dec 31, 8pm-late. RMB100 pre-sale, RMB150 door. Found 158. See event listing.
Hakkasan
Ring in 2019 against one of the most iconic views of Shanghai with a New Year’s Eve menu designed to be shared with friends and family. The evening will be filled with countdown performances from guest singer Denise Minnifield alongside our resident DJ Kadwell and fellow musicians.
Dec 31, 5.30pm-late. Hakkasan. See event listing.
Hollywood
Head up to Hollywood for a Gran Caribe NYE Party sponsored by Redbull energy drink. Decorations, shows, photos booths, high-tech gadgets and a Champagne shower are all in line for an unforgettable party. DJ Jobo and special guest Kadwell will be light up the dancefloor with a mix of Latin, hip hop and reggaeton music.
Dec 31, 11pm-late. RMB200 pre-sale, RMB250 door. Hollywood. See event listing.
Grand Hyatt Shanghai
Grand Hyatt's New Year's Eve celebration is bound to be extravagant. Studio 188 will keep things going all night long with their lively international tunes. As the clock strikes midnight, 10,000 balloons will be released inside the gorgeous 33-story atrium. Entry also includes free-flow Champagne and canapes!
Dec 31, RMB558. Grand Hyatt Shanghai. See event listing.
Hyatt on the Bund
Restaurants at Hyatt on the Bund have readied the Champagne bottles for New Year's Eve. At VUE Restaurant, taste a festive menu encompassing a plethora of seafood, cold cuts and seasonal desserts using the freshest ingredients from Australia and beyond. At Aroma, dinner will be served buffet-style: not your usual bain-maries experience, but with everything cooked live at buffet stations. Think wok-fried dishes, freshly prepared noodles, steamed dumplings and plenty more! If a sit-down Chinese meal captures your fancy, check out Xindalu's set menu featuring classics like Peking duck and pan-fried beef.
Dec 31, 6pm-late. Hyatt on the Bund.
Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai
The restaurants and bars at Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai has prepared a festive program for New Year's Eve. From buffet dinner at Elements, set menu prepared by Albero and Acqua Restaurants, to a countdown party at the Red Passion Bar, the Grand Kempinski won't leave you bored stepping into 2019!
Dec 31, 6pm-late. Grand Kempinski Hotel Shanghai.
Jing An Shangri-La
This luxury hotel in central Jing'an area will be presenting two themed countdown parties in Calypso and 1515 WEST Bar! With a live DJ, live band performance, and lucky draws, here's where you can ring in 2019 in the most stylish way possible!
Dec 31, 9.30-late. RMB398. Jing An Shangri-La.
Kartel
If you're seeking extravagance this New Year's Eve, look no further than Kartel's Champagne Shower Party. But first, delight your taste buds with a five-course gastronomic dinner and free flow wine and standard mixers all night for RMB698 per person (available on presale only).
Dec 31, 6pm-late. RMB548-698. Kartel, See event listing.
Le Baron
Le Baron Shanghai’s New Year's Eve festivities will not fall short of elaborate decor, stirring music and only the best crowd in the city. they are beyond description. They will also be hosting DJ Zimmer, a special guest from the well known French label, Roche Musique.
Dec 31. Le Baron. See event listing.
Le Bouchon
Join Le Bouchon for a rustic and traditional French New Year’s Eve dinner and bring back home a piece of Le Bouchon. Price includes an epicurean six-course dinner, and participation at a live auction for a chance to purchase a piece from the restaurant's art collection.
Dec 31, 7pm-late. RMB688. Le Bouchon. See event listing.
Logan's Punch
Toast New Year in your most comfortable clothing at Logan's Pajama Party! Entry includes free flow special drinks.
Dec 31, 9pm-late. RMB250. Logan's Punch. See event listing.
Liquid Laundry
Round up, round up, and ring in 2019 at Liquid Laundry’s New Year Eve’s Lightyear Party! First, enjoy a specially prepared four-course dinner and free-flow drinks, before the futuristic night kicks in.
Dec 31, 6pm-late. RMB888 dinner, RMB398-458 party. Liquid Laundry. See event listing.
Mia Fringe
Mia Fringe welcomes you to sample a festive menu. Starting with a fresh seafood platter and seasonal chestnut soup, the meal is followed by a choice between fed flank M9 steak or roasted snapper as a main course. Finish with chocolate garnished spongecake and a selection of festive sweets.
Dec 20-31. RMB988 for two. Mia Fringe. See event listing.
Morton's Steakhouse
It’s finally that time of the year again where you can catch up with friends and enjoy a stress-free dinner with family. To make these moments that extra bit special, Morton’s Steakhouse has selected several signature dishes for its festive set menu, giving you the perfect opportunity to celebrate the past year and welcome in the new with family and friends.
Dec 31, 5pm-midnight. RMB1,088. All prices subject to 10 percent surcharge. Morton's Steakhouse. See event listings.
Mr & Mrs Bund
Fun and fabulous, sizzling and sparkling! Mr & Mrs Bund's iconic New Year’s Eve house party will take you to a shining start of 2019! Bound to ignite the dance floor are DJ Zohan & DJ John Avolio. Go in your best dancing dress for a boogey fun night! Entry includes a glass of Champagne.
Dec 31, 11pm-late. RMB100 pre-sale, RMB200 door, RMB100 cover charge. Mr & Mrs Bund. See event listing.
Park Hyatt Shanghai
MVP Events is proud to announce another outstanding party to say goodbye to 2018. On Dec 31, Park Hyatt Shanghai will welcome guests to the 100 Century Avenue Restaurant on the 91st floor of the Pudong hotel to enjoy a night of food, drinks, and music in one of the highest towers in the world. With a stunning view of Pudong and Puxi, the chefs and bartenders of Park Hyatt will prepare a tantalizing free flow of tapas, finger food, canapés, champagne Veuve Clicquot and every kind of spirits for a night to remember.
Dec 31-Jan 1, 8pm-4am. RMB900-1,300 pre-sale, RMB1,500 door. Park Hyatt Shanghai. See event listing.
The Peninsula Shanghai
The Peninsula Shanghai and MVP Events are glad to invite you to Samba De New Year’s Eve party. Celebrate the last moments of 2018 and the first ones of 2019 in a luxurious and tropical atmosphere. For this special occasion, Michelin Starred Sir Elly’s Restaurant & Bar willl be dishing up unlimited canapés, cocktails, and selected Champagne and spirits. Dress up in your most elegant attire and dance to the fanciest house music and Latin beats played by our guest DJs and accompanied by spectacular performances all night long.
Dec 31, 9pm-late. RMB888 early bird, RMB1,288 door. The Peninsula Shanghai. See event listing.
Pistolera
Start 2019 with a bang at Pistolera! Special Guest DJ Zulu will be spinning on the decks to guarantee you have a mucho grande good time. RMB100 entry includes a glass of Moet Champagne, while bottles of Tattinger will be on offer all night, too.
Dec 31, 9pm-late. RMB100. Pistolera (Hengshan & Jinqiao). See event listings.
POP American Brasserie
Soak in the sweeping view of Shanghai's riversides at POP American Brasserie this New Year's Eve. Entry grants you free-flow drinks to be savored until two in the morning. Table pacakges also available.
Dec 31, 10pm-late. RMB588 door. POP American Brasserie. See event listing.
Puben by Jereme Leung
Braced by breathtaking views of the Bund and Lujiazui, Puben by Jereme Leung will serve a traditional Chinese-inspired meal this Christmas season. Think body-warming matsutake chicken soup and whole steamed fish to symbolize togetherness as you reunite with family and friends.
Dec 12-31. RMB400-900 per person. Puben by Jereme Leung. See event listing.
Pullman Shanghai Jing An
Take the team to Pullman hotel for a pre-countdown party over delectable food and drinks! Price includes five snacks, a glass of wine and two-hour free flow of selected drinks.
Dec 31, 7-11pm. RMB250. Pullman Shanghai Jing An. See event listing.
RIINK
With entry priced at only RMB100 per person, RIINK will greet you with a warm drink at the door, free-flow finger food till midnight, plus your choice of one drink and skates all night long! Party of six or above enjoys 20 percent discount on any bottle.
Dec 31, 6pm-late. RMB100 pre-sale, RMB120 door. RIINK. See event listing.
The Rooster
Party at The Rooster on New Year's Eve for a free-flow jam to end the year! From just 200 RMB they're offering all-you-can-drink Prosecco, house wine, house pours and budweiser from. Just add an extra 100 RMB onto that for free-flow on all draft craft beers.
December 31, 9.30pm-late. RMB200-300. The Rooster. See event listing.
Seul&SEUL
On the last day of the unforgettable year, Seul&SEUL is collaborating with Alter to stage a party fusing disco, funk, house, joy and love. Lineup features Freddie Glitch (Sinmmusik/Amsterdam), Frau, Tobias, Patrick, Tom Price, Enzo Grasso, and Daodao.
Dec 31, 9.30pm-late. RMB300-600. Seul&SEUL. See event listing.
The Shanghai EDITION
For the very last day of the glorious year, the Shanghai EDITION is ready to celebrate with you with four open bars across the property: Electric Circus, Club Room, HIYA and Punch Room and indulge you with Grammy nominated DJ and producer, Dimitri from Paris and local darling Charp. As the French Ambassador of stylish club sounds and Knight of the Arts and Letters by French government, Dimitri from Paris is everything his nation could be proud of: a DJ, producer, and remixer of the highest standard, and a stylish snake-hipped pin-up with French reserve. Prices include free flow Champagne, house red and white wine, beer, and signature cocktails.
Dec 31, 9pm. RMB1,088-1,588. Electric Circus, The Shanghai EDITION. See event listing.
Shake
Glide into the New Year with Shake's full band, guest singers, horns, drums, cocktails, and dancefloor madness. Fix up, look sharp, and get down. Dinner from 6pm, live music from 10.30pm.
Dec 31, 6pm-late. RMB180 standing; RMB800-5,000 tables. Shake. See event listing.
Shanghai Slims
Celebrate New Year's Eve with live Dave Stone music at Shanghai Slims! A complimentary Bloody Mary will be served alongside scrumptious seasonal menu.
Dec 31, 8pm-midnight. RMB988. Shanghai Slims. See event listing.
Stone Brewing Tap Room
Ring in 2019 with Stone Brewing Craft Beer New Year! Head to their spacious warehouse-converted restaurant for a night of hops, malt, and barley bubbles with free flow on selected Stone beer and house wine. Dance away the final minutes of 2018 to DJ Heatwolves while drinking up the last sips of their Stone Enjoy By 01.01.19 special release beer! Prices include nibbles.
Dec 31, 9.30pm-late. RMB358 early bird, RMB388 door. Stone Brewing Tap Room. See event listing.
Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund
Long Bar at Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund is taking you back to Old Shanghai in the glamorous 30s. You will watch a bedazzling dance performance and a soulful jazz band perform a mix of vintage classics to jive the night away. Followed by DJ Anna Exceela, the first Hip-hop singer in Russia, sets the mood until the early hours of morning!
Dec 31, 9pm-late. RMB239 net. Long Bar, Waldorf Astoria Shanghai on the Bund. See event listing.
[Cover image via Pexels]
Find a list of useful Mandarin phrases for New Year's celebrations here.