13 New Things To Do In December 2023: Space Fest, Strawberry Picking, Christmas Markets & More
‘Tis the season for some well-earned quality time with your loved ones, or some good wild fun to end off 2023 with a bang! From polishing your rollerblading skills at Rollermania 3.0 to escaping the heat and humidity at Ice Magic, there are certainly plenty of exciting happenings to pick from. However you may choose to spend the last month of 2023, we’ve rounded up 13 fresh things to do that may just suit those plans (or help you make new ones).
Keep scrolling to check out our pick of 13 activities and events happening in Singapore this December!
#1: Get ready for blastoff into a universe of fun at Space Fest @ Expo
Photo from Space Fest Singapore
Feeling like your life has been all work and no play lately? Space Fest @ Expo is about to turn that frown upside down with a dash of intergalactic fun! Expect no less than 20 rides and games by Uncle Ringo, F&B and retail booths by INVADE, food trucks, stage performances and more at this huge indoor space-themed carnival.
Photo from Space Fest Singapore
Those who plan on visiting more than once during the month of December can opt for the Space Pass, which holds pre-loaded credits. The early bird gets the worm — the first 50 people daily to purchase a Space Pass (with a minimum of $50 credits) get to bring home complimentary Space Fest @ EXPO merch!
#2: Delve into the dreamlike world of BTS x James Jean at the Seven Phases Art Exhibition
Photo from James Jean
When it comes to artistic pairings, pop icons BTS and acclaimed artist James Jean are like ice cream and fries — unexpectedly harmonious. Seven Phases is a series of original exhibits created through their collaboration for the museum of HYBE, consisting of beautiful mixed media artpieces that pay tribute to each BTS member.
Photo from James Jean
This collection has journeyed from South Korea to Frankfurt and Manila, and is now finally arriving in Singapore! Whether you’re an ARMY or a hardcore art lover, this immersive exhibition is definitely not to be missed. Visitors will also get the chance to purchase exclusive merchandise, such as postcards and photo cards at the gallery.
#3: Kick back and relax while enjoying specially curated films at the Singapore International Film Festival
Photo from Singapore International Film Festival
Film junkies, get ready for a real blast because the 34th edition of the Singapore International Film Festival is currently underway! You can indulge in over 100 films from 50 countries, specially curated for categories like the Asian Feature Film Competition, Southeast Asian Short Film Competition, Singapore Panorama and more.
Photo from Singapore International Film Festival
There are also interactive segments, film premieres and other activities in store for attendees. To get the most bang for your buck, pick up a Festival Pass. This lets you enjoy unlimited film screenings and also gains you entry into an exclusive Festival Pass Networking Party!
#4: Explore a wintry Viking-inspired wonderland at Poinsettia Wishes: A Nordic Christmas Adventure
Photo from Gardens by the Bay
Inspired by Nordic winter landscapes, Gardens by the Bay has come up with Poinsettia Wishes, a yuletide display featuring enchanting fir trees and more than 20 varieties of poinsettias! Visitors can expect picturesque red and white blooms, along with less conventional types with bright yellow, plum-tinted or even mouse ear-shaped petals.
Photo from Gardens by the Bay
There are also beautiful landscapes to look out for: like fishing villages, and fishermen’s cabins, as well as adorable Nordic Nisses, a cross between a garden gnome and Santa Claus!
Poinsettia Wishes: A Nordic Christmas Adventure
Date: 24 November 2023 - 1 January 2024
Time: 9am - 9pm
#5: Marvel at Yip Yew Chong’s largest masterpiece to date
Photo from Fairmont Singapore
If you haven’t heard of local artist Yip Yew Chong or viewed any of his work, I Paint my Singapore is the perfect place to start. Unlike most exhibitions, this one only has one piece, measuring a jaw-dropping 60m long and encompassing many tiny, intricate details. The artist took 1.5 years to complete it, making it a magnum opus indeed.
Photo from Fairmont Singapore
This piece has been deemed his most significant painting to date, in part due to its nostalgic depiction of Singaporean life during the 1970s and 80s with places like Orchard Road, Chinatown, and Pulau Tekong taking the spotlight.
I Paint my Singapore
Date: 30 November 2023 - 1 January 2024
Time: 9am - 9pm
Location: Level 4, Raffles City Convention Centre, 80 Bras Basah Road, Singapore 189560
Price: from $12 for adults (included in entry to Flower Dome)
Website
#6: Let all the stresses of daily life go at the Immersive Disney Animation Experience
Photo from Marina Bay Sands
Grew up watching Disney movies? Swing by the Immersive Disney Animation Experience at Marina Bay Sands and get ready to step into the world of your favourite animated movies! Over 40 of Disney’s most beloved films will be brought to life via responsive projectors, creating a 360-degree multi-sensory experience.
Photo from Marina Bay Sands
Visitors can expect to see iconic songs and scenes as if they were part of the film, and interact with custom-designed exhibits. There will also be behind-the-scenes clips of how this experience was created and opportunities to learn how to draw Disney characters!
#7: Round up your buddies for a rolling good time in skates at Rollermania 3.0
Photo from Trip.com
If skating around a retro roller rink on LED-lit wheels to the beat of groovy music sounds like fun to you, Rollermania 3.0 is where you should be headed this month! This pop-up roller experience is great for groups or dates, with awesome backdrops for your selfies and squad goals snaps. Attendees will also find an underground Timezone arcade here, where you can sit back and play games after your time on the rink is up.
#8: Treat yourself to some chocolatey goodness at Mr Bucket’s Christmas Village
Photo from GirlStyle Singapore
Chocolate lovers are in for a serious treat this festive season at Mr Bucket’s factory in Dempsey. For the first time ever, the chocolaterie will be transformed into a Christmas market with stations where visitors can create their own Christmas tree-shaped chocolates, as well as grab complimentary cups of hot chocolate and mulled wine! You can also spread the joy by picking up some of Mr Bucket’s limited-edition Festive Chocolate Bon Bons at the factory, so everyone at home can enjoy that melt-in-your-mouth goodness too.
#9: Indulge in retail therapy over at Christmas Musicbox @ Singpost Centre
Photo from SingPost Centre
What better way to end off the year than shopping till you drop? For two weeks, Christmas Musicbox @ Singpost Centre will have festive gift booths filled with everything from handmade pastries to cute outfits and personalised jewellery. To liven up the atmosphere, shoppers will be hosted by local artistes like Shelby Wang, The Facade, 987 DJ Louisa Kan, MediaCorp Ria 897 DJ Azura Goh, and more. There will also be live performances and free gift wrapper redemptions in store, making this a joyous shopping experience worth checking out!
#10: Enjoy all-day dining and stock up on festive gifts at Market Blue’s kk Christmas Market
Photo from Market Blue
For five days only, the popular Market Blue will be hosting kk Christmas Market, where you can find Korean vendors offering items like Christmas decor, accessories, clothing, beauty products, homeware and Korean treats. The best part? There will be a lineup of delicious Korean festive food and drinks, plus traditional Christmas mulled wine up for grabs!
#11: Add some personality to your notebooks with Moleskine’s complimentary embossing service
Photo from Moleskine
Love getting hands-on and customising your stationery, or simply need an exceptional last-minute gift? Head down to the Moleskine Paragon Outlet on 9 December 2023 or the Moleskine Pop-up store at Jewel Changi on 15 December 2023 to get your Moleskine notebooks embossed with a quote by @thenovelencounter. The service is complimentary with any purchase of a Moleskine notebook, which means that you can decide exactly how your one-of-a-kind notebook should look!
#12: Go strawberry picking right here in Singapore at Blooom Strawberry Farm
Photo from Blooom
That’s right, you can now harvest and bring home strawberries right here in Singapore, thanks to Blooom — an award-winning vertical farm where strawberries are cultivated year-round. These strawberry fields look just like a high-tech laboratory where multiple varieties of red, white and pink strawberries are grown and kept at their prime, ready to be picked! Every purchase of their harvesting tickets also come with an audio-guided tour, which will lead you on a berry exciting journey in learning about the farm.
Blooom Strawberry Farm
Date: All Tuesdays and Fridays
Time: 2pm, 3pm, and 4pm (45 min slots)
Location: #02-04, 81 Science Park Drive, Singapore Science Park 1, Singapore 118257
Price: From $38 per harvesting session
Website
#13: Turn your dreams of a white Christmas into reality at Ice Magic: Winter Wonderland
Photo from Ice Magic
Why settle for fake snow and confetti when you can enjoy real ice and snow without travelling abroad? Ice Magic: Winter Wonderland brings the white Christmas of our dreams to life with a plethora of winter activities, such as the first-ever Merry-Go-Round on Ice, Singapore's Longest Snow Slope, Singapore’s first-ever Double-Lane Couple Ice Slide, and a cozy yet charming Wooden Cottage where you and your loved ones can take a break and snap some photos!
Photo from Ice Magic
What’s more, there will be a Christmas light-up at the end of each session where illuminated Arctic winter lights will be turned on, transforming the space into a romantic winter wonderland. Each entry ticket to Ice Magic gives you access to the Winter Food Village outside as well, which has 10 winter-themed culinary delight kiosks to satisfy any festive cravings you may have.
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