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19 New Things To Do In December 2022: Free Art Exhibitions, Underground Carnival, Etsy Market & More

19 New Things To Do In December 2022: Free Art Exhibitions, Underground Carnival, Etsy Market & More

Lifestyle Activities & Events
By Rachel Yohannan on 01 Dec 2022
Senior Digital Editor
Crazy cat lady who loves afternoon tea, kawaii Japanese fashion, and all things Sanrio.

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!

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#1: Discover the newest free art exhibitions at Gillman Barracks

Here We Are On Earth at Mizuma Gallery Gillman BarracksPhoto 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.

Here We Are On Earth at Mizuma Gallery Gillman BarracksPhoto 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.

Tales of the Metamorphosis of the Unnamed at Yeo Workshop Gillman BarracksPhoto 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.

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Tales of the Metamorphosis of the Unnamed at Yeo Workshop Gillman BarracksPhoto 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

Space Fest @ EXPO Singapore December 2022Photo 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.

Space Fest @ EXPO Singapore December 2022Photo 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.

Space Fest @ EXPO
Date: 3 to 30 December 2022 except Wednesdays
Time: 1pm - 9 pm
Location: Singapore EXPO (Outdoor Atrium & Hall 4)
Price: From $16 for adults. Get your tickets here.
Website

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#3: Delve into the enchanting new VR experience at ArtScience Museum

The Line at ArtScience Museum VR GalleryPhoto 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.

The Line at ArtScience Museum VR GalleryPhoto 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.

The Line at ArtScience Museum VR GalleryPhoto 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.

The Line
Date: Until 20 April 2023
Time: 10.30am - 6pm
Location: ArtScience Museum VR Gallery
Price: $16 for Singaporean adults. Get your tickets here.
Website

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#4: Cuddle pedigree kittens at Truly Dolls, Singapore’s first Ragdoll cat cafe

Truly Dolls Ragdoll Cat Cafe in SingaporePhoto 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.

Truly Dolls Ragdoll Cat Cafe in SingaporePhoto 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.

Truly Dolls Ragdoll Cat Cafe in SingaporePhoto from GirlStyle Singapore

#5: Enjoy a Christmas movie screening with Korean-style retro photo print & bead keychain making

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Studio03 Korean profile photos in SingaporePhoto 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.

Studio03 Korean profile photo prints in SingaporePhoto from Studio03

For just $50, you’ll get the following:

  1. Profile Photo with basic editing (can be done with or without bubbles)
  2. Korean retro-themed print-out (4R size)
  3. Bead keychain making
  4. Christmas movie screening

This is an extremely good deal because their usual Profile Photo packages already cost $55.

Studio03 bead keychain makingPhoto from Studio03

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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!

Studio03 Korean-style photo studio in SingaporePhoto from Studio03

While you’re here, check out our article on Studio03’s glam Korean-style IC, passport, and LinkedIn photos.

Christmas Special at Studio03
Date: 10 December 2022
Time: Various slots from 11am to 5pm
Location: Studio03 at CT Hub 2
Price: $50. Book your slot here.
Website

#6: Get wild with ZoukOut 2022’s big comeback

ZoukOut 2022Photo 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!

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ZoukOut 2022
Date & Time: : 2 December 2022: 6pm - 5am | 3 December 2022: 6pm - 7am
Location: Siloso Beach, Sentosa
Price: From $168 for a 1-day pass. Get your tickets here.
Website

#7: Check out graffiti, tattoo art, NTFs & more at a street culture festival 

Culture Cartel 2022Photo 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.

Culture Cartel 2022 tattoo showcasePhoto 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!

Culture Cartel 2022Photo from Culture Cartel

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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!

Culture Cartel 2022Photo 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.

Culture Cartel 2022
Date & Time: 1 December: 1pm - 10pm | 2 to 4 December: 11am - 10pm
Location: *SCAPE
Price: From $25. Get your tickets here.
Website

#8: Admire glowing rainbow jellyfish, go neon karting & more at an Underground Carnival

Underground Carnival at Changi AirportPhoto 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!

Underground Carnival at Changi AirportPhoto from Changi Airport

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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.

Underground Carnival at Changi AirportPhoto 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

Singapore Comic Con 2022Photo 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.

Singapore Comic Con 2022Photo 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.

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Singapore Comic Con 2022Photo from Singapore Comic Con

Singapore Comic Con 2022
Date: 10 & 11 December 2022
Location: Sands Expo & Convention Centre
Price: $28. Get your tickets here.
Website

#10: Bask in cuteness at the Parisian Hello Kitty & Little Twin Stars cafe

Hello Kitty & Little Twin Stars Cafe SingaporePhoto 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.

Hello Kitty & Little Twin Stars Cafe SingaporePhoto 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.

Hello Kitty & Little Twin Stars Cafe SingaporePhoto from The Stamford Brasserie

#11: Visit the Night Safari’s first Tasmanian Devils and catch a new animal night show

New Creatures of the Night show at Night Safari SingaporePhoto 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.

Tasmanian Devils at Night Safari SingaporePhoto 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.

Find out more about the Tasmanian Devils at the Night Safari here.
Book your slots for the Creatures of the Night show here.

#12: Sing along to Broadway hit musical, The Sound of Music

The Sound of Music Singapore 2022Photo 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.

The Sound of Music Singapore 2022Photo from Base Entertainment

The Sound of Music musical
Date: Until 18 December 2022
Time: Tuesday to Friday: 7.30pm | Saturday: 2.30pm, 7.30pm | Sunday: 1pm, 6pm
Location: Sands Theatre at Marina Bay Sands
Price: From $78. Get your tickets here.
Website

#13: Explore immersive new teamLab installations inspired by the sky & outer space

Exploring New Frontiers at Future World ArtScience Museum SingaporePhoto 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.

Exploring New Frontiers at Future World ArtScience Museum SingaporePhoto 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.

Exploring New Frontiers at Future World ArtScience Museum SingaporePhoto 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.

Exploring New Frontiers at Future World ArtScience Museum SingaporePhoto from teamLab

#14: Pick up handmade treasures from the Etsy Craftivist Christmas Market

Etsy Craftivist Christmas Market Singapore December 2022Photo 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.

Etsy Craftivist Christmas Market Singapore December 2022Photo 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.

Etsy Craftivist Christmas Market Singapore December 2022Photo 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

Ice Magic SingaporePhoto 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.

Ice Magic SingaporePhoto 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.

Ice Magic SingaporePhoto 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.

Ice Magic SingaporePhoto 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.

Ice Magic
Date: Until 1 January 2023
Time: 10am - 10pm
Location: Bayfront Event Space
Price: $45 for adults. Get your tickets here.
Website

#16: Get $10 tickets to Jurong Bird Park before it closes

$10 Jurong Bird Park ticketsPhoto 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!

$10 Jurong Bird Park ticketsPhoto from Mandai Wildlife Group

#17: Play a futuristic mixed-reality game, enjoy food & free live performances at PLAYfiesta

PLAYfiesta Singapore December 2022Photo 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.

PLAYfiesta Singapore December 2022Photo 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.

PLAYfiesta Singapore December 2022Photo 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.

The Magic Bar
Date: Thursdays in December 2022
Time: 7pm & 9pm
Location: Tasting Room by The Orientalist Spirits
Price: $95. Book your tickets here.
Website

#19: Gear up for Christmassy fun at Universal Studios Singapore

A Universal Christmas at Universal Studios SingaporePhoto 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!

A Universal Christmas at Universal Studios SingaporePhoto 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