26 exciting things to do in Singapore this December

The festive season is officially here, which means plenty of fun activities, events and exhibitions to look forward to. Here are the highlights to celebrate the end of 2021.

 

STAYCAY / FESTIVE DINING

, 26 exciting things to do in Singapore this December

 

Hotel G welcomes the festive season with Sugar, Spice, & Other Delights. Launching two different themes for room bookings, choose between Celeyaytion – for a nice and sweet experience that comes with a Let’s Celebrate box containing a film camera, film roll, and fun photo props – and Spicy Nights for the naughty – complete with Hotel G’s playfully-curated G-Box for the playful.

For those on a festive food hunt, Ginett’s festive menu is nothing short of impressive. The Tournedos Rossini – Angus beef tenderloin with foie gras, spinach, and red wine sauce – is a perfect balance of flavour, texture, and pedigree. A definite must-try.

 

CHRISTMAS BAZAAR

Featuring more than 20 local start-up and heritage brands, Food Culture’s Christmas-themed An Artisan’s Christmas Bazaar is an experiential retail affair offering hands-on workshops such as kombucha-brewing and kueh-making on top of their range of locally-produced and artisanal craft products available.

The bazaar will be held at The Refectory, a spacious multi-label f&b hub on 18 and 19 Dec, from 10am – 8pm.

 

EXHIBITION

, 26 exciting things to do in Singapore this December
(courtesy of Arts House Limited)

 

Learn about the people who played huge roles in shaping Singapore’s arts and culture scene at Our Cultural Medallion Story. Open to public at The Arts House, the exhibition is an interactive experience that showcases the history, work, and milestones of all our Cultural Medallion recipients. 

 

EXHIBITION

Themed A Garden of Possibilities, the Yellow Ribbon Community Art & Poetry Exhibition (YR CAPE) 2021 showcases work by existing and former inmates. The virtual exhibition is a culmination of the artists’ determination and hard work to change their lives around, presenting pieces that range from poetry to contemporary painting.

 

SHOW

Singapore-based independent theatre collective Impromptu Meetings is finally staging its first proper live production since its inception during the pandemic. Happening at Goodman Arts Centre’s Black Box, The Lobby is a 75-minute performance that follows the intriguing story of two employees at a rundown inner city hostel. Find out what happens when the two ladies discover an obscenely large amount of cash simply lying around in the lobby area. More information available here. Dec 3–6
 

SHOPPING

, 26 exciting things to do in Singapore this December
 
The Christmas Atelier is back and bigger than ever. This year, there will be a strong line-up of Singapore’s best independent brands and artisans, with many already well-established and a selection of up-and-coming brands, all for their quality, design and originality. With the theme of “Glitz and Glamour”, the atelier will be transformed into a winter wonderland with specially designed and decorated Christmas trees. Brands include The Floral Atelier, Scene Shang, Bynd Artisan, Urban Li’l, Curious Creatures, PPP Coffee and more. Dec 3–5 
 

FESTIVAL

The annual Voilah! France Singapore Festival has always been the event to immerse in French culture, and this year’s event promises to be no exception. So enjoy a fancy fiesta celebrating joy and hope, highlighting all the magnificent aspects that characterise France and Singapore’s bilateral partnership. Over 50 different programmes await. Through Dec 10

FESTIVAL

Singapore Cocktail Festival will be in its sixth edition this year, and festival-goers can look forward to a whole myriad of events including bar crawls and music-inspired cocktails and cocktail brunches. The organisers have even brought in bartenders and signature drinks all the way from London to join the fun, so don’t miss out on this. Through Dec 12

ACTIVITY
 

, 26 exciting things to do in Singapore this December
 

SkyHelix Sentosa is set to be Singapore’s highest open-air panoramic ride and the first carbon-neutral attraction on Sentosa. Situated at the Imbiah Lookout zone, the vertical 40m helix-like structure offers a gondola ride that takes guests 35m above ground by gently rotating along its vertical construction. Enjoy unparalleled, 360-degree views of Sentosa and the developing Greater Southern Waterfront while dangling your feet in the air. Opens Dec 15

SHOW

Singapore’s favourite cabaret and comedy show Boom Boom Room is making a comeback. Dreamt up by local composer Dick Lee back in the ‘90s, the extravaganza will now be bigger, bolder and better than ever—especially with OG diva Kumar at the helm. So check out an elaborate, fun-filled affair, featuring the original queens as well as veteran drag artist, Vanda Miss Joaquim, who represented Singapore in Drag Race Thailand. More information available here. Through Dec 19

EXHIBITION
 

, 26 exciting things to do in Singapore this December
 

Fashion is often a reflection of the times. So explore the changes in women’s status, roles and lifestyle since the 19th century through fashion at Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall’s brand new exhibition. Titled Modern Women of the Republic: Fashion and Change in China and Singapore, the exhibition will display close to 100 artefacts and photographs, focusing on Chinese women’s clothing and accessories from China as well as Singapore which span almost a hundred years. Through Dec 12

ARTS/EXHIBITION
 

, 26 exciting things to do in Singapore this December
 

In the new and refreshed Goh Seng Choo Gallery at the National Museum of Singapore, visit A Voyage of Love and Longing which features a selection of the William Farquhar Collection of Natural History Drawings paired with Malay literature for the first time. Rediscover the rich cultural heritage of our local Malay community and neighbours through 19th century drawings alongside Malay pantuns (rhyme quatrains), classical texts, love ballads and more. Through Dec 31

MUSIC/FESTIVAL
 

, 26 exciting things to do in Singapore this December
 

Originally slated to take place across two weekends in April 2020, Hydeout music festival has instead introduced an ever-evolving music hub to keep fans satisfied thanks to a constant release of exciting content throughout 2021. Check out episodes with iconic DJs such as DJ Snake, Don Diablo and Martin Garrix, as well as major singer-songwriters like Rita Ora, Charli XCX and Tinashe. You’ll also want to mark your calendars for performances by some of the hottest rappers around, including Wiz Khalifa, G-Eazy and The Kid Laroi. Get 20 percent off your Hydeout Season Pass using SG Magazine’s promo code: HYDExSGMAG. Through Dec 31

ACTIVITY

Now presented in a brand new format, the immersive Murder at Old Changi Hospital will allow theatre-goers to become players, and tackle the virtual gameplay with same plot, but that much more fun. Simply uncover the events leading up to the alleged murder of a young canteen worker, and the disappearance of four Commandos associated with the victim in 1996. More information available here. Through Jan 2, 2022

STAYCATION

Get hooked with Parkroyal Collection Pickering’s new Bait and Breakfast staycation. This unique experience includes a one-night stay at the hotel’s Collection Signature Suite and a three-hour private fishing trip around the Southern Islands. Sail away onboard the luxurious Wellcraft 330 Coastal yacht, courtesy of Wanderlust Adventures, while learning the art of fishing from a professional guide. You’ll be provided with all the equipment, accessories and live bait for your fishing adventure. Limited to two guests per trip, you’ll also enjoy a stopover at Lazarus Island to bask in the sunshine.
 

, 26 exciting things to do in Singapore this December
 

That’s not all. The package includes full Collection Club benefits with daily Champagne breakfast, afternoon tea and evening cocktails at the Collection Club Lounge, as well as 20 percent off at Lime Restaurant. Prices start from $1100 to $1500 per room per night. Available for booking from now to Dec 31, 2021. Terms and conditions apply. Through Dec 31

EXHIBITION

Head to the newly-revamped Changi Chapel and Museum to visit its renewed prisoner of war exhibition. Now presenting the lived experiences of internees during our country’s Japanese Occupation, the enhanced galleries showcase antiques and artworks within its premises too. Remember to keep your eyes peeled for interesting artefacts including a never-before-seen 400-page diary and a Kodak Baby Brownie camera. More information available hereThrough Dec 31

EXHIBITION 
 

, 26 exciting things to do in Singapore this December
 

The world-famous Museum of Ice Cream has finally opened its doors in Singapore. So step into a lush, 60,000 sq ft property boasting 14 never-before-seen installations dedicated to the beloved dessert and the joys of savouring ice cream. A highly-anticipated highlight is the Singapore-inspired Dragon Playground, sure to evoke fond childhood memories. Learn more about the immersive experience hereThrough 2021

ACTIVITY

Now presented in a brand new format, the immersive Murder at Old Changi Hospital will allow theatre-goers to become players, and tackle the virtual gameplay with same plot, but that much more fun. Simply uncover the events leading up to the alleged murder of a young canteen worker, and the disappearance of four Commandos associated with the victim in 1996. More information available here. Through Jan 2, 2022

ACTIVITY
 

, 26 exciting things to do in Singapore this December

Sight Lines Entertainment is back with a brand new holiday live gameplay experience. Designed for groups of five, the 60-minute live crime scene investigation involves playing out a crime scene investigation live in The Murder of Farah Aiyah, the prequel to Murder at Old Changi Hospital. Through Jan 2, 2022

EXHIBITION

Italian polymath Leonardo da Vinci is a household name in both the arts and sciences. Now, Singaporeans are invited to step into his world, as the Science Centre Singapore honours the celebrated artist and scientist in its latest showcase, Da Vinci The Exhibition: Be Inspired to Innovate. So look forward to tracing da Vinci’s advanced understanding of math, science and nature through 10 themed zones; fun, interactive photo-ops will also be available for guests to be thoroughly entertained. Through Jan 2, 2022

ATTRACTION

Friendly fella Otah the Otter is back. Following a successful run at our city’s most prominent nature park last December, local entertainment company El Masnou is reintroducing the lovable character to tell new stories through enhanced, otter-themed experiences. Named Volume 2: Blast Off and Volume 3: Grocery Run will be held at Gardens by the Bay and Suntec City respectively. Expect that same interactive, immersive fun; more info hereThrough Jan 2, 2022

EXHIBITION

What is local fashion? Consider this question at Asian Civilisations Museum’s latest exhibition, #SGFashionNow. Showcasing works by renowned local designers as well as our next generation of fashion creatives, ACM will offer gorgeous exhibits for all to ogle at. Through Jan 9, 2022

ACTIVITY

An Instagrammable instant noodle-inspired playground has opened at Tekka Place, for locals to celebrate their love for cup noodles, Korean ramyun and more. Here as a pop-up till early 2022, head down to interact with installations, snap pictures with OTT exhibits and purchase cool merchandise. Better yet, check into the nearby Hotel G for their special Slurping Good staycation package (till Dec 31, 2021) to enjoy some respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Through Jan 22, 2022

FOOD/DRINK

From the creators of popular theatrical dining affair Andsoforth, Absurdities is located in a secret shophouse to take diners on a gastronomic journey. It’s an immersive dining experience that open doors to new portals, giving all a chance to feast among six imaginative settings. Through Jan 29

POP-UP

A Disney fan’s dream come true, Pop-Up Disney! A Mickey Celebration in Singapore will be an immersive experience featuring the one and only Mickey Mouse. A major highlight will be the Sorcerer Mickey’s Magic room, where a mystical tunnel will transport visitors to an enchanting place of fantasy and magic. Learn more about the exhibition here. Through Mar 20, 2022

ATTRACTION

, 26 exciting things to do in Singapore this December
Photo: Mandai Wildlife Group

Aspiring paleontologists, Lego fans and lovers of the Jurassic Park film franchise, listen up. The Singapore Zoo and River Wonders will be staging the first-ever Brickosaurs World in Asia, featuring more than 60 life-sized dinosaurs from Nov 13–May 3, 2022. Happening at both attractions, the event will offer an immersive maze of hidden clues and puzzles which will create an interactive playground for explorers to get lost in the archaeological wonders. Constructed over a period of 8,548 hours, the pre-historic terrestrial vertebrates will come to life thanks to the use of 1.5 million Lego bricks. Through May 2, 2022