15 reasons December is going to be awesome

This festive season you don’t have to choose what events to hit up, we’ve already selected some of the coolest ones to fill your calendar. 

The Gathering Presents The Flaming Lips (Dec 1)

This psychedelic pop-rock group is known for their extravagant stage shows. Get ready to dance and sing along to hits like “The Yeah Yeah Yeah Song” and “Do You Realize?”

International Premier Tennis League (Dec 2)

If you missed the WTA Finals, then this is your chance at tennis redemption. Singapore’s leg brings stars like Serena Williams, Lleyton Hewitt and Andre Agassi. 

Singapore International Film Festival (Dec 4)

Catch pioneering local and Asian cinema at this film fest. There are screenings of Unlucky Plaza by Ken Kwek, Red Amnesia by Wang Xiaoshuai and Winter Sleep by Nuri Bilge Ceylan. 

Begin… Begun (Dec 5)

Award-winning designer Alan Chan exhibits contemporary pieces in his first solo show in Singapore. There’s some pretty awesome juxtaposition happening with his take on ancient and modern Chinese pieces.

Tonstartssbandht at Blu Jaz (Dec 6)

The Floridian psychedelic rocker duo stops by for a one-night only gig as a part of their Asian tour. The brothers will be playing their ethereal melodies with songs like “Shot to La Parc” and “Black Country” from their new album Overseas.

We are Farmers (Dec 10)

We know there’s urban farming, but did you know there are still actual farms in Singapore? Photographer Ore Huiying documents her family’s life as farmers in an increasingly gentrified Singapore.

International Music Summit (Dec 11)

The movers and shakers of the music industry descend on Singapore for one of the world’s largest music conferences. Hosted by BBC radio DJ Pete Tong, expect names like Paul Oakenfold and Richie Hawtin. There’s also an after party at Attica where Paul Oakenfold will be spinning.

Penang Hawkers’ Fair (Dec 12)

22 of Penang’s hawkers cook up a storm at this street food parade with dishes of char kway teow, Penang laksa, nasi lemak with nonya chicken kapitan, and desserts like ice kachang.

ZoukOut 2014 (Dec 12-13)

The year-end isn’t complete without the ZoukOut outdoor beach music festival. Taking place over two days, this blowout bash has huge DJs like Steve Angello, Steve Aoki, Skrillex, Nicky Romero and Above & Beyond. Wear your neon best, you know what to expect.

CHIJMES The Artisans & Craftsmen Market (Dec 13)

If you haven’t checked out the newly-refurbished CHIJMES, this is a great excuse to go and shop as well. There will be over 30 local producers from the food, drinks and artisan crafts industries co-produced by Crateful and The General Company.

Leonardo Da Vinci’s “Earlier Mona Lisa” (Dec 16)

Who knew Mona Lisa had a younger sister? We’re kidding, but Da Vinci did experiment with drawing portraits of Mona Lisa before the actual Mona Lisa. There’s even an interactive exhibition explaining the authentication process of it all.

A Jazzy Christmas featuring DJ Jazzy Jeff (Dec 20)

For those who don’t know Jazzy Jeff, you might recall him from popular TV show The Fresh Prince of Bel Air. Well, he’s a DJ now and he spins some pretty funky R&B tracks at Ku De Ta’s Christmas party.

The Local People Night Market (Dec 20)

Get out of that mall rut this festive season and shop for stuff at markets. There’s a huge range of handmade products from jewelery to illustrations and indie fashions. Plus, there’s live music and food booths to fuel the night.

Scum Cinema presents Ninja Scroll (Dec 20)

This indie movie screening series shows a film that will drive anime fans into a frenzy. The 1993 anime by director Yoshiaki Kawajiri is about a samurai’s journey through a demon-infested Japan.

Siloso Beach Party (Dec 31)

If ZoukOut wasn’t enough of a beach rave, head back to Sentosa to celebrate the New Year, too. There are tons of local DJs spanning five different arenas, fireworks and, of course, a good ol’ foam party.