Stuck in Shanghai for the holidays?

Lucky for Shanghaiist, we won't be. But we certainly feel for people who will be stuck in the city for the holidays. So we've compiled an incomplete list of a few things to keep you occupied while your friends are back home drinking eggnog and getting wasted with family around the Christmas tree.

The first time Shanghaiist went to the Yinqixing Indoor Skiing Resort was back in the SARS era (2003). We went back this weekend and it's bigger and better, with a brand spanking new lobby and cleaner lockers. It has the same mysterious sandy snow but Shanghaiist had fun anyway... and we have the bruises to prove it. You can read more about it here. Take the #2 (oops!) #1 Metro to Xinzhuang, where they have FREE shuttle buses to the site.

Shanghaiist is not a huge fan of go karting but that's because we broke one of their karts and have been afraid of driving one ever since. But that shouldn't stop you from exercising your right to drink and drive. It's a bit far from downtown, but Disc Go-Karting Club has many loyal attendees and for good reason. It's cheap, fun, and there's a bar that also serves as a viewing platform. We used to hear of some nasty accidents back when it was still located on Aomen Lu, but this (relatively) new location has a clean record... so far.

Shanghai doesn't have a proper miniature golf park yet but you can putt-putt in a mall. Shanghaiist went to Lucky Greens back when it first opened and it was actually fun... but it's definitely a one time thing. The lights are too low and the course is kind of cramped. Still, if you find yourself with nothing to do, it's a good way to kill an afternoon.

For most people, Pudong is like New Jersey: you know it's there and it's right across the river, but you just can't possibly see yourself making the actual trip. Well, with most of your friends gone for the holidays, it might be the perfect time to check out what not-Puxi has to offer. First there's the Shanghai Ocean Aquarium, which Shanghaiist heard is actually pretty awesome, although we've never gone. A fellow Shanghaiist did go, and you can read about it here. Once you're done there, head over to the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum. There are two IMAX theaters and a mock up of a rain forest in Yunnan. Fun stuff. If you're in the mood for art, head over to Thumb Plaza and visit the Zendai Museum of Modern Art. Their current exhibition has Chinese artists exploring Christmas in China. When you've had enough of Pudong, head back to Puxi through the Bund Tourist Tunnel. Yes, it's cheesy but it's this kind of wacky fun that'll keep your mind off the fact that you're missing the Christmas log and presents.

If you're looking for a more laid-back evening, go to twocities Gallery at 50 Moganshan Lu on December 29th. Shanghai's very own Coco Zhao will be performing with American pianist Steve Sweeting. The concert start at 7:30 pm and is free, but be sure to reserve a spot at 52521518. While you're there, be sure to check out ShanghArt's new exhibition, A lot of dust 2.

Do you have any ideas for fun times during the holiday? Leave your suggestions by posting a comment!

Yinqixing Indoor Skiing Resort, 1835 Qixin Lu, Minhang District, Tel: 6272 7910

twocities, 50 Moganshan Lu, Building 0, 2/F, Tel: 5252 1518

Image taken from heckmaenner.de.