The daily multimedia spectacular "Era - Intersection of Time," a blend of traditional Chinese acrobatics with Western entertainment will mark 500 performances since its debut last year.

On Christmas Eve, guests are invited to a sumptuous buffet at 6pm, then comes the magnificent stage production followed by a lucky draw of Christmas gifts and a grand after-show dancing party.

                 
Actors and popular DJ Franky will join the party.

The show has already taken in 47 million yuan (US$6 million), selling more than 360,000 tickets at home and abroad, said Ma Minhui, deputy general manager of Shanghai Era Entertainment Co Ltd.

Meanwhile, at the Shanghai Grand Stage, famous Taiwan band "May Day" and singer Jasmine Leung will magically turn Christmas Eve into a romantic night.

The stage will be decorated with a huge "Christmas tree," funny snowman and delicate sled. The program features love songs, ballads and R&B music. As artificial snowflakes fall, Leung will sing the classic "Jingle Bells" along with the audience.

Downtown Shanghai Times Square will be a magnet for partygoers and art lovers. More than 30 stunning pictures by Japanese illustrator and photographer Hiroshi Watanabe will be displayed.

A gala featuring soft jazz, saxophone, stepdance, acrobatics and a magic performance will be offered on the night of December 23. On Christmas Eve, a public concert of Christmas songs will convey best wish to city residents.

The theme of the celebrations is "happiness," says Hou Wei, deputy general manager of Shanghai Times Square. "In this fast-paced modern society, people hardly have time to taste even the tiny sweet happiness in life."

Party animals should not miss the romantic Christmas party at the Attica Club at Bund 15 - "love" will be the theme.

The party organized by www.oyoo.com will set a up Lover's Wall where lovers can express their love and write short love tales. Gifts valued at 50,000 yuan will be given away in a lucky draw.

Models from New Silk Road will also present a fashion show of stylish winterwear.

"Era"
Date: December 24, 6pm-12am
Address: Shanghai Circus World, 2266 Gonghexin Rd
Tickets: 180-800 yuan (including the Christmas dinner, "Era" show and after-show party)
Tel: 6630-0000, 6652-7750

"May Day" and Jasmine Leung's concert
Date: December 24, 7:30pm
Address: Shanghai Grand Stage, 1111 Caoxi Rd. N.
Tickets: 180-1,280 yuan
Tel: 400-810-1887, 5351-4091

Hiroshi Watanabe's art exhibition
Date: through January 7, 10am-10pm
Address: Shanghai Times Square, 99 Huaihai Rd. M.
Admission: free
Tel: 6391-0691

Christmas Party at Attica
Date: December 24, 1-5pm
Address: Attica Club, 15 Zhongshan Rd. E2
Admission: 168 yuan including beverage and snacks
Tel: 6247-0788 ext 800, ext 826