If you’re not going away for the holidays, fret not. There’s more than enough reasons to stay in Singapore this month. There’s the annual outdoor music festival ZoukOut, under new ownership no less, dozens of films being screened at the on-going Singapore International Film Festival and of course, the epic New Year’s Eve parties (stay tuned for our full list later this week) happening everywhere, and not to mention the dazzling fireworks display at Marina Bay.
FOOD
Janice Wong and ChauteauAsia are working together to host a unique champagne and dim sum pairing event at her restaurant in the National Museum of Singapore. There, she’ll share her creations and expertise about dim sum. Dec 1
PARTY
It’s going to be a huge night at our favorite underground haunt in Orchard. D-Styles, one of the most skilled scratch DJs in the world will flaunting his turntablism skills at Cherry Discotheque, along with Anrev, who just won this year’s Beat Junkies Instagram Competition. Residents Kiat, Intriguant and Koflow helms the deck after. Dec 1
MARKET
Japanophiles, there’s a pop-up market at Great World City with a whole variety of goods, like high quality Japanese lacquerware and hand-made earrings from Issa Tableware, rare Japanese fabrics made used for clutches, belts table runners and more by L’Obi Designs, and more. Dec 1-2
FOOD
Japan’s Mie prefecture is known as a food haven, and you can experience at Japan Food Town’s Mie Prefecture Fair. Enjoy specially curated menus from 13 restaurants that will serve things like Matsusaka wagyu beef, Ise-ebi Premium Gozen, Mie oyster tempura Teishoku Set and more. Dec 1-7
FESTIVAL
Fancy food festivals like Savour, Epicurean Market and Chang Sensory Trails are all well and good, but we’re intrigued by this heartland festival doing all the pasar malam favorites. Dec 2-11
MARKET
The monthly MAAD Market is back with over 130 participants who will be selling their creative works that revolve based on the Christmas theme. There will also be the Portraits After Dark activity, where visitors can pose for 20 minutes and have their portraits drawn by the community. Dec 2
PARTY
The Christmas parties have begun: Prince of Wales is throwing their annual Christmas party early this year, where you can enjoy live music from Kirk and Marsha, party packs and $11 draft pints all day. Dec 2
CONCERT
Get your fix of jazz music while helping Singapore’s migrant workers at beCAUSE, a beneficairy jazz concert at Sultan Hotel’s SingJazz Club, organized by Singapore-based singer-songwriter Dru Chen and his partner Melyssa Goh. Dec 2
WELLNESS
What’s the point of owning a lightsaber if you can’t use it? Live out your dreams and take part in this workshop by The Saber Authority, where you’ll learn how to properly wield your very own lightsaber. Then, catch the combat saber tournament where contestants battle it out using their lightsabers. Dec 2
PARTY
CATO is hosting Giegling, one of the most renowned labels in Germany over the years. Before becoming a label, it was a small club in Weimar, Germany that held many electrifying house and techno nights. Representing them for the night are DJ Dustin, ATEQ and Yadin. Dec 2
Light to Night Festival
FESTIVAL
Celebrate National Gallery Singapore’s first anniversary on the second weekend of their inaugural Light to Night Festival, featuring interactive sculptures, art and design markets, food fare and more. Need the condensed version? Here are 9 things you should check out. Dec 2-4
TALK
If you’re looking to get inspired at the Light to Night festival, head over to the PechaKucha night at the National Gallery’s Supreme Court Terrace where you can meet some of the most creative minds of Singapore. They’ll be presenting their works and stories in 20 slides (each slide is displayed for 20 seconds). Dec 2
FOOD
Restaurant booking app Quandoo is celebrating its second birthday by treating everyone to lunch (yes, there’s such a thing as a free lunch). The pop-up restaurant will serve signature grub from their collaborators like Potato Head Folk, Pizza Express, Ninja Cut and more over three days. Through Dec 2
MARKET
Loewen Garden’s Farmers’ Market returns with a Christmas edition and a line-up of vendors selling fresh produce, such as organic vegetables from Nepal, fresh bread from Woodlands Sourdough fresh Australian beef and lamb from The Meat Club and more. Dec 3
CONCERT
After 20 years of gigging from community centres to night clubs and festivals, local pop-punk outfit Plainsunset will be making their performance at the Esplanade Annexe Studio their swansong. Tickets are only available at the door. Dec 3
EXHIBITION
Here’s one we hope won’t get an IMDA intervention: local film producer and artist Bhavna Shivayogimath will be exploring themes of female identity, self-expression and sisterhood at her first-ever exhibition, The Topless Liberation Front. Through Jan 8
WORKSHOP
Learn how to make these unique, healthier versions of gyozas from scratch at this two-hour gyoza-making workshop. The host will also bring you through her passion for Japanese health and nutrition where you’ll learn about ingredients that the Japanese usually use for their cooking. Dec 3
WORKSHOP
Hosted by lawyer-turned-chef, who also happens to own the Little Green Kitchen, chef Shalu will teach you how to make Middle Eastern inspired dishes like Harira soup (spicy lentil and tomato soup), baked aubergine mechoui, spicy mint & chickpea stew, and shakshouka (rich, spicy tomato sauce) with feta. Dec 3
MARKET
Indulge in handmade accessories and knick-knacks by over 40 local vendors at the Christmas Carousel Market, and find items like silkscreen printed handbags and purses by Little collective, pins by Ooperation Overhaul, house decor by FlippingNotes and Green Banana and others, perfect for gifting this Christmas. Dec 3–4
Open Farm Community
MARKET
Some of Singapore’s favorite dessert places like Popbar and The Wicked Cream will be setting up shop at the seventh edition of Open Farm Community’s OFC Social Market, along with other vendors and farmers selling a plethora of festive nuggets like peppermint orange soy candles from Hush Candle nut butters made using natural ingredients by ThreeBrunch and more. Dec 3-4
FESTIVAL
It’s the last day to catch the Singapore International Film Festival and the last proper day of screenings. You can still watch things like the Golden Lion-winning female-driven Filipino revenge movie The Woman Who Left and a selection of Southeast Asian short film at the National Gallery Singapore. Dec 3
MARKET
A rather sophisticated version of the usual pasar malam, the Bazaar@Hive will showcase a vintage flea market full of vinyls, home furnishing, handmade artisan leathers, and more. There’ll also be a food fair, and beer and gin tasting sessions as well as live music performances from the likes of Brinal Chua, Jack & Rai and others. Dec 4
PARTY
The Christmas edition of Kult’s famed Sunday on the Hill series is here! Enjoy live music from Numama Choir, followed by various DJs helming the decks throughout the night, food by Sidecar Sausages and Banyan Tamarind Foods and art from Mojoko’s recent “Psycho Tropics” exhibition. Dec 4
MARKET
If you still haven’t settled your gifts, head down to Millenia Walk for a Christmas market organized by Free Folk. There will be a plethora of handmade items from local designers such as Heart-a-tag’s quirky pouches, bags with stamp print motifs and unique handmade jewelry by Whimsy and Magic. Through Dec 4
THEATER
Be enchanted by the spectacular set of pre-WWI Shanghai in this Asian-inspired staging of The Nutcracker, with choreography by Janek Schergen, music by Tchaikovsky and costumes by local designer Aaron Yap. Dec 7-11
WORKSHOP
Take part in this two-hour workshop and learn the basics of latte art, starting with milk texturing and stretching over to the different types of latte art (layering, etching and free pour). With all the tips and tricks that they’ll be giving you, you’ll be a pro (at least to your friends) in no time. Dec 8
FOOD
In support of Singaporean filmmaker Mak CK’s crowdfunded documentary, Buying Happiness, SPRMRKT Kitchen & Bar has created a special set dinner menu to raise funds to help the orphans in Tanzania and the production of the film. Through Dec 9
BOOK
Lang Leav, known for her poems on unrequited love and all things melancholic, will be in Singapore to promote her new poetry book The Universe of Us. Dec 9-11
ZoukOut
FESTIVAL
The annual two-day outdoor music festival you’ve been waiting for is finally here. Despite going through a lot over the past year, ZoukOut will take place at the same place and feature a mix of local and international acts like Hardwell, Martin Garrix, Tokimonsta, Zedd, Aldrin , Intriguant and more. Dec 9-10
PARTY
Drink Eat Party 2016 may be the most hyperlocal block party we’ve seen so far. Treat yourself to roast beef, BBQ chicken, sambal stingray and grilled squid. Microbrewery 1925 Brewing Co. will be serving their craft beers and there will be live music by local band Paraphrase. Dec 10-11
PARTY
This edition’s Kampong BYOB Party at The Great Escape is dedicated to climate change. Expect a documentary screening by environmentalist collective Up2Degrees, live painting, healthy food, and cheap drinks, as well as music by international DJs Marvin Gold, Vito Zeubill and Jeck Hyde. Dec 10
EAT
Local non-profit organization Oogachaga is throwing a fund-raising three-course dinner at 8 Cafe & Bar so that they can continue to provide support and counselling for the local LGBT community and keep their facilities running. Drop by and have some delicious food fare specially prepared by chef Bill Ho. Dec 10
DANCE
Dress up and make sure whatever you’re wearing is salsa-friendly as Post Bar is going to have an electric Latino Night. Have a boozy-fuelled night with their selection of drinks like the Cuban Mojito and the classic margarita. Latin singer Martin Elias Reyes will be performing while salsa dancer Diantha D’Cotta will be teaching you a few salsa moves. Dec 10
WELLNESS
While you’re imagining yourself as Luke Skywalker (or Darth Vader), get into a full-body toning workout with unique saber-striking techniques alongside fast-paced music at SaberFit. And of course burning up to 600 calories in an hour is just another incentive. Dec 10
Hombre Cantina
FOOD
We’re getting our very first burrito eating contest, all thanks to Hombre Cantina. Participants will have to finish a Mounstro Burrito filled with two kilos of rice, beans, pork, beef and chicken. The winner will walk away with bragging rights, and a year’s supply of burritos. Dec 10
CONCERT
If you’re all out of love or making love out of nothing at all, don’t fret. Your mom’s favorite rock duo Air Supply is returning to Singapore after five years, rocking out lovey-dovey classic ballads from albums like “Lost In Love”, “The One That You Love” and more. Dec 10
SPORT
Live out your fears of a zombie apocalypse at Mutants & Mayhem. Come dressed in what you think you’d be wearing in a post-apocalyptic Singapore, and try to escape Colony 13 (a warehouse at Ubi Link) as zombies and mutants try to infect every last surviving member of your group. Dec 10-11
FILM
Singapore Open Air Cinema Club is screening the Christmas classic, The Grinch, at the rooftop of co-working space The Hive, against the backdrop of the CBD. FYI, it’s sold out, but we’re sure you have your ways (or you can check out the Christmas Market that’s also happening there). Dec 16
DRAG
The city’s hottest drag revue Riot! is back for it’s last hurrah of the year. Becca D’Bus and her girls will entertain you with more blush-inducing humor, surreal costumes and foot-tapping lip syncing numbers at Hive by Wala Wala. Dec 16
PARTY
It’s the party that comes right after Riot! Celebrate the genre long associated with racial and sexual minorities at Yum Yum Disco Dong and have a jolly good, festive time breaking out those retro dance moves to the great tunes by Bobby Luo, Ritz Lim and Shigeki. Dec 16
FESTIVAL
The *SCAPE Invasion at The Ground Theatre returns with an eclectic mix of local performers taking the stage, such as Bittymacbeth, Dru Chen, Take Two, Stop Gap, Nathan Hartono, Disco Hue, iNCH, Sezairi, and so many others. Dec 17.
DRINK
If you’re looking to try drinking beer and running long distance at the same time, try the one-off Beer Run ORTO, similar to other beer mile events around the world. You’ll have to run a distance of 1.8km broken up into two laps, and finish a pint of beer in between. Dec 17
WELLNESS
Have a run at Illumi Run’s new neon paradise route, get splashed with Illumi Glow Water and slide down the 30-meter long slide, filled with the neon water. Party by the beach with DJ TiNC, Rave Republic, and Taiwanese DJ Cookie. Dec 17
PARTY
Pat Lok‘s stopping by Canvas Singapore for the return of Kitsune’s Club Night as part of the year-end Asian tour, dishing out a fusion of soul and RnB vibes atop classic house jams. Dec 24
PARTY
Nothing says classic NYE in Singapore like the countdown and firework display at Marina Bay, this year headlined by the 15-time Grammy Award-winning singer Alicia Keys and Hoobastank. The lineup for Rock On 2017 also includes Asian pop artists like Rainie Yang, Shin, Penny Tai and others. Dec 31
PARTY
It’s three parties rolled into one at this multi-concept hotspot in the CBD. Start things out at their Australian gastronomy restaurant Stellar, which is doing four- and five- course dinners ($180-408 per person). Then head to rooftop lounge 1-Altitude for the countdown, where $300 gets you a free-flow of premium pours until midnight. End the night at Altimate, where covers start at $88. Wear your tux. Dec 31
Silent Disco
PARTY
Since the Silent Disco movement hit Singapore in May, it’s become a staple at huge parties and festivals. Usher the new year in as Silent Disco returns to Kult Kafe. Three DJs will spin different genres of music simultaneously, giving you the option to switch as and when you like with their noise-cancelling headphones. Dec 31
FESTIVAL
Get into the festive mood the next time you walk down Orchard Road, as the annual display of light fixtures, glowing reindeers and sparkling stars are now hanging over the roads and sidewalks of the busy street. This year, check out the five unique and interactive installations along the Orchard stretch. Through Jan 2
FESTIVAL
The Singapore Biennale is still on btw! This fifth edition of the contemporary art exhibition, titled “Atlas of Mirrors”, will showcase 58 different artwork presentations from 60 artists (10 of which are Singaporean) and three art collectives who were shortlisted based on their past work and art practices by creative director Susie Lingham and a bunch of museum and associate curators. Through Feb 26
EXHIBITION
Avengers fans, hold on to your hearts. Come to the Science Centre Singapore as the Marvel’s AVENGERS S.T.A.T.I.O.N. exhibition has arrived. The first of its kind in Southeast Asia, the interactive sensory exhibition will let you pretend you’re a recruit at The Avengers headquarters, and send you on a behind-the-scenes journey about all your favorite characters, like Captain America, Iron Man, The Hulk, Black Widow, and Ant-Man. Through Mar 5
EXHIBITION
Calling all Harry Potter fans—besides the relatively new Cursed Child book and Fantastic Beasts And Where To Find Them film to look forward to, you can now complete your fandom with a bunch of Harry Potter stamps, prop replicas, toys and other memorabilia from private collectors all around the world that’ll be on display at the Singapore Philatelic Museum. Through Jun 30
