19 New Things To Do In December 2022: Free Art Exhibitions, Underground Carnival, Etsy Market & More
We've finally made it to the last month of the year - and that in itself calls for celebration! Other than catching the yearly Christmas light-up and visiting festive carnivals, here are 19 new things to do in December 2022 in Singapore including free art exhibitions, new teamLab exhibits, an underground carnival, an Etsy crafters market and many more. Plenty of activity ideas for catch-ups before the year ends!
#1: Discover the newest free art exhibitions at Gillman Barracks
Photo from Mizuma Gallery
For what it has to offer, Gillman Barracks doesn’t quite get the publicity it deserves - which is why we’re here to shed light on their latest free art exhibitions for those not in the know. One of them is Here We Are On Earth by Geraldine Javier, which will be running at Mizuma Gallery till 18 December.
Photo from Mizuma Gallery
Optimistic with a hint of dreaminess, this nature-themed exhibition features paintings that look like swirling nebulas, but are actually meant to represent “indistinct chatter”. There are also scenes of fluttering butterflies, tree roots, and an ethereal tapestry hung from the ceiling with silhouettes of birds.
Photo from Yeo Workshop
The next one is a little more…morbid. Housed within Yeo Workshop with a mass of fabric entrails in the middle, and flanked by whimsical yet macabre colour pencil drawings that have an almost child-like quality, Tales of the Metamorphosis of the Unnamed by Geraldine Lim will be open till 11 December.
Photo from Yeo Workshop
Date: Varies (mostly till mid-December 2022)
Time: Varies depending on gallery
Location: Gillman Barracks
Price: FREE
#2: Transport yourself to outer space with Space Fest @ EXPO
Photo from Space Fest
Fascinated by the cosmos? Outer space-themed event Space Fest @ Expo will tickle your fancy with their out-of-this-world planetarium, with roving astronaut mascots and giant planet installations made for the ‘gram. Whoosh through space with the Vortex Tunnel and find yourself at the Space Station, where hands-on activities, thematic VR experiences, 5D movies, and arcade games await.
Photo from Space Fest
Each ticket allows you to participate in 1 hands-on workstop, 1 VR experience, and 1 arcade gameplay. Collect activity stamps at each station and you’ll get to redeem a little gift at the end of your space voyage.
#3: Delve into the enchanting new VR experience at ArtScience Museum
Photo from Arvore
The VR Gallery at ArtScience Museum has gotten yet another refresh, and their newest VR experience, The Line, is a multi-award-winning piece that has bagged an Emmy as well as the title of the Best VR Experience at the 76th Venice Film Festival.
Photo from Arvore
Transporting you back in time to colourful Sao Paulo in the 1940’s, this enchanting and immersive experience with the cutest graphics is a love story, with a sub-theme of the fear of change. Through it, you’ll follow the story of two miniature dolls who are perfect for each other, yet are afraid to go past boundaries to act on their feelings.
Photo from Arvore
Will there be a happy ending, or will this be a bittersweet tale that’ll pull on your heartstrings? Only one way to find out.
#4: Cuddle pedigree kittens at Truly Dolls, Singapore’s first Ragdoll cat cafe
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
There may be plenty of cat cafes in Singapore, but only one of them specialises solely in pedigree Ragdolls - and that’s Truly Dolls, a newly-opened cattery in Outram. Aside from having cute cuddly kittens for sale, they also have a Catxperience that not only allows you to play with the fluffy felines, but also helps socialise the cats before they move into their fur-ever homes.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
As Ragdolls have dog-like personalities, you’ll meet a playful and affectionate bunch that’ll have you falling in love right away. While there, you can feed them cat treats, and also opt for a pastry and beverage for yourself.
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
#5: Enjoy a Christmas movie screening with Korean-style retro photo print & bead keychain making
Photo from Studio03
The name Studio03 might ring a bell - they’re the only photo studio in Singapore that does glam Korean-style IC and passport photos, with subtle editing so you’ll look your best while still being in line with legal requirements.
This festive season, they’re having a value-for-money Christmas Special where you’ll not only get to have a headshot with editing, you’ll also get to feel like a cover star with an exclusive Korean-style retro-themed print-out, on top of a movie screening and bead keychain making in their spacious new studio in Lavender.
Photo from Studio03
For just $50, you’ll get the following:
- Profile Photo with basic editing (can be done with or without bubbles)
- Korean retro-themed print-out (4R size)
- Bead keychain making
- Christmas movie screening
This is an extremely good deal because their usual Profile Photo packages already cost $55.
Photo from Studio03
You’re free to arrive in any getup that you like, but bonus points if you go along with the Christmas/retro theme!
This Christmas Special is available for one day only, but there are multiple slots for you to choose from. Book the same timing as your friends so you can make it a bonding activity!
Photo from Studio03
While you’re here, check out our article on Studio03’s glam Korean-style IC, passport, and LinkedIn photos.
#6: Get wild with ZoukOut 2022’s big comeback
Photo from ZoukOut
Parties are back and the biggest one of all - which is none other than ZoukOut - is making its much-awaited return this 2022 with a bang. With the theme “The Futuristic City Of Dreams”, this 2-day rain-or-shine event at Sentosa’s Siloso Beach will have you raving to big names such as DJ Tiesto, Zedd, and plenty more as you wild out from dusk to dawn. Last chance to get your tickets!
#7: Check out graffiti, tattoo art, NTFs & more at a street culture festival
Photo from Culture Cartel
If artfully messy wall murals, spunky sneakers, and tatts are your things, street culture festival Culture Cartel 2022 is where you want to be in the early days of December. This year’s edition is a four-day affair at *SCAPE that will serve as a platform for urban brands, as well as local and international creators, to showcase their stuff.
Photo from @bel.tattooinks and @0i0x0i0
Culture Cartel 2022 spans across various zones on 3 levels. One of the highlights is a whole Tattoo Artists Wing, including works by Korean artist 0i0x0i0 and local talent Bel (whom we previously wrote about here!) - both of whom specialise in colourful, cutesy designs. Of course, artists skilled in other styles like linework and Japanese-inspired designs will be present as well.
There will also be an array of fashion brands with cool streetwear and sneakers - such as Well Bred, Sneakertopia, and cult favourites like adidas and Puma. Take this chance to stock up on new togs for your “new year, new me” moment!
Photo from Culture Cartel
Mighty Jaxx will also be there with their collectible toys, while sk8er bois and gals can check out the Por Vida Skateboarding booth for skateboards and boarding accessories. NFT-related booths will also be part of the line-up - something new for this year!
Photo from Culture Cartel
These are just some of what you can look forward to at Culture Cartel 2022. Check out the schedule for each of the days here, along with the event map.
#8: Admire glowing rainbow jellyfish, go neon karting & more at an Underground Carnival
Photo from Changi Airport
There’s an Underground Carnival happening at Changi Airport’s Terminal 3 right now, and it’ll take you through 3 different eras - the past, present, and future - through a host of fun game booths, photo spots, and over 30 rides! Pictured above is the World of Jellyfish installation, where luminous rainbow-coloured jellyfish glow in a mirrored room. Be sure to have your camera at the ready!
Photo from Changi Airport
You can also look forward to a nostalgic replica of the former Tua Seh Kai Great World Amusement Park, old-school carnival favourites, modern games like first-person shooters, as well as a futuristic version of bumper cars. Topping that off is the neon-lit Dino Kart circuit for a Jurassic-themed, adrenaline-filled race-off with your pals.
Photo from Changi Airport
T3 Underground Carnival
Date: Until 2 April 2023
Time: 12pm - 10pm
Location: Changi Airport Terminal 3
Price: FREE (Prices for carnival credits apply. Get 5 free credits when you spend $50 at Changi Airport)
Website
#9: Geek out at Singapore Comic Con 2022
Photo from Singapore Comic Con
After a two-year hiatus, Singapore Comic Con (SGCC) is finally back in person, just in time for 2022’s year-end! It’s not just about comic book characters from Marvel, DC, Star Wars, and what have you; This large-scale two-day pop culture event also celebrates the best of games, anime, art, esports, and even toys, including blind box figurines which are all the rage right now.
Photo from @tea_n_buns via Instagram
Come cosplaying as your fave character, or just show up as a normie - it doesn’t matter. Here you’ll be among other like-minded fans as you browse the booths featuring merchandise like original illustrations and collectibles, as well as artist showcases, among other geekalicious goodies. We heard that Genshin Impact fans will be in for a treat too! Special guest artists include Simone Legno (Tokidoki), Karmen Loh (bearbrickjia), Yanick Paquette and many more.
Photo from Singapore Comic Con
#10: Bask in cuteness at the Parisian Hello Kitty & Little Twin Stars cafe
Photo from The Stamford Brasserie
We all adore character cafes and the latest one in town is too cute for words. Located within luxury hotel Fairmont Singapore, this kawaii Hello Kitty and Little Twin Stars Cafe boasts dreamy interiors with clouds and cotton candy fields, along with chic Parisian-style decor to boot.
Photo from The Stamford Brasserie
Dig into themed food, drinks, and desserts and don’t forget to take lots of pictures! This is a limited-time pop-up, so make sure you secure your booking fast before all slots are taken up.
Photo from The Stamford Brasserie
#11: Visit the Night Safari’s first Tasmanian Devils and catch a new animal night show
Photo from Mandai Wildlife Group
The Night Safari has gained four new permanent inhabitants - Tasmanian Devils Crumpet, Snickers, Panini and Jesse from Down Under. Small in size but big in personality, this foursome of 3-year-old carnivorous marsupials are now ready to receive visitors and give you a glimpse of their adorable antics.
The Tasmanian Devil is an endangered species, and thus they’re under human care by various wildlife organisations to ensure the sustainability of their population.
Photo from Mandai Wildlife Group
While there, make sure you catch the revamped Creatures of the Night animal show, now housed in an all-new fully-sheltered amphitheater with a larger capacity and upgraded stage elements - including an LED wall, special lighting, water features, and thematic trees. New additions to the show include the Indian Crested Porcupine, Raccoon Dog, and Bearded Pigs joining existing nocturnal animal friends such as the Fennec Fox and Malay Fish Owl.
#12: Sing along to Broadway hit musical, The Sound of Music
Photo from Base Entertainment
Even if you haven’t watched The Sound of Music before, you’re bound to know at least some of the classic tunes from this award-winning Broadway production - My Favourite Things, Edelweiss, Do-Re-Me, and of course, the musical’s namesake. Catch Maria and the seven von Trapp children revelling in song and dance in a brand new international production, now playing at Marina Bay Sands.
Photo from Base Entertainment
#13: Explore immersive new teamLab installations inspired by the sky & outer space
Photo from teamLab
Japanese digital art collective teamLab needs no introduction; After all, their works don’t just draw snaking queues at their standalone galleries in Osaka and Tokyo - they’re also the key highlight of the much-loved Future World exhibition at Singapore’s ArtScience Museum. After running for over 6 years, Future World has gotten a refresh with a new gallery titled Exploring New Frontiers, with even more mesmerising media art by the teamLab geniuses.
Photo from teamLab
Inspired by the vast skies, Exploring New Frontiers at Future World is host to psychedelic installations that are fully interactive, including one which you can climb on, and another that mimics the flickering lights of fireflies. There’s also a station where you can make your sketches come to life on a giant projection screen with a rainbowscape, and control the movements of your own art piece with a tablet.
Photo from teamLab
Aside from that, you can also delve into Graffiti Nature, a new digital light canvas that animates your drawings of flora and fauna to form a whole ecosystem. Interestingly, the creatures you’ve created will multiply if they happen to eat others, and conversely, will disappear if they don't eat enough or are eaten by other organisms.
Photo from teamLab
#14: Pick up handmade treasures from the Etsy Craftivist Christmas Market
Photo from @tenten_tenpo via Instagram
There’s nothing more special than a handmade gift, because everything is lovingly crafted and one-of-a-kind. Our local Etsy team is holding their annual Etsy Craftivist Christmas Market for the 6th year running, providing Singaporean creators an avenue to showcase and sell their unique, quirky wares.
Photo from @art.dae via Instagram
Pictured here are the Japan-inspired laser-cut earrings from Tenten Tenpo, cute animal stickers from art.dae, and the adorable mini foodie trinkets from Delicharms. This is just a small fraction of what’s in store, so head down in person to discover even more handcrafted goodies including Christmas angel dolls, cat-shaped pouches, jewellery, and natural beauty products! You might even find some suitable gifts for your loved ones.
Photo from @delicharms via Instagram
Etsy Craftivist Christmas Market
Date: 9 to 18 December 2022
Time: 10am - 10pm
Location: Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre, Halls 401 to 406
Price: FREE
Website
#15: Experience winter at Ice Magic, a snowy wonderland of ice slides, igloos, and an ice bar
Photo from Ice Magic
Winter in Singapore? Not in a million years, but Ice Magic: The Great Fantasy on Ice is as close to it as it gets! This giant winter playground will make you forget you’re in the warm tropics with its snow and ice zones. We’re talking about temperatures of -15°C here, but don’t worry - winter jackets, snow boots, and gloves will be available for rent, though you’re encouraged to don your own long pants so you can frolic comfortably.
Photo from Ice Magic
Thanks to the same snow machines used during the Beijing Winter Olympics, the Snow Section will give you a realistic taste of what real snow is like - with the opportunity to build a snowman and make snow angels in the clouds of fluffy white! There will also be a 70-metre snow slope with “snow clouds” that you can bounce off.
Photo from Ice Magic
The Ice Section is where a great deal of the action is, with one of the main highlights being a 4.5-metre Ice Slide that goes in a looping figure-8 formation - flanked by ice sculpture created by master artists of the Harbin Ice Festival - for the ultimate thrill. This area will also house ice bowling lanes and an ice cycling rink with single and tandem bikes. You’ll also get to try your hand at Ice Curling, a Winter Olympic Sport.
Photo from Ice Magic
Need a breather? Hop on over to the Ice Bar for beer and cocktails, or pop by the cafe for some comforting hot chocolate.
Ice Magic is under the umbrella of a larger event, The Great Bay Fiesta. Read our article on it here.
#16: Get $10 tickets to Jurong Bird Park before it closes
Photo from Mandai Wildlife Group
Jurong Bird Park will soon be closing at its original location to be rebranded into Bird Paradise at Mandai, but before that happens, they’re having a last hurrah with heavily-slashed tickets at just $10 per person. As part of this farewell special, they’re also having a Celebration Caw-nival with funfair rides and games, along with a traditional hawker food fare with old-school pushcarts. The nostalgia is real, especially with Jurong Bird Park being a huge part of our childhoods!
Photo from Mandai Wildlife Group
#17: Play a futuristic mixed-reality game, enjoy food & free live performances at PLAYfiesta
Photo from PLAYfiesta
Step into the future with PLAYfiesta SG, a futuristic fiesta at Orchard where The Mirror World, a high-tech mixed reality arcade game takes centrestage. Transport yourself to an alternative universe, and keep your wits about you as you fight through 8 realms to defend The Mirror World from various threats.
Photo from PLAYfiesta
Other than that, chill out at the benches in front of the stage and munch on food from the gourmet pop-ups as you catch free live music, or join in on free group workouts. Up on the list for the next few days’ performances are names like DJ Leland, Glenn Yong, and TINC, among other local talents. There will also be Christmas carolling, specifically on 4 December at 6pm.
Photo from PLAYfiesta
PLAYfiesta
Date: Until 4 December 2022
Time: 4pm - 10pm
Location: 37 Emerald Hill Road
Price: The Mirror World: From $25 | Everything else: FREE
Website
#18: Be wowed by cool tricks & cocktails at The Magic Bar
Date nights getting a tad stale? Spice things up with a night out at The Magic Bar - theatrical experience that will have you wowed by illusionist Alexander Yuen, as he mixes his magic with alcohol concoctions, including his own creative blends. The fast-moving tricks and clever sleight of hand are sure to have you at the edge of your seat!
Entry includes 2 complimentary cocktails per person. Check out the cocktail menu here.
#19: Gear up for Christmassy fun at Universal Studios Singapore
Photo from Resorts World Sentosa
It’s that time of the year again, where Universal Studios Singapore busts out their special festive programmes to ring in the Christmas cheer. For a limited period of time only, catch their magical Santa’s Circus Extravaganza night parade, festive circus acts, game booths, and all-new holiday live performances with carols, dancing, and snowfall!
Photo from Resorts World Sentosa
A one-day adult ticket includes perks like a $20 Christmas Treats voucher as well as a $5 retail voucher.
A Universal Christmas
Date: Until 2 January 2023
Location: Universal Studios Singapore
Price: $98 for adults.
Website
