As the last month of the year rolls around, there’s no doubt we’re all sharing the same thought: Where in the world did 2020 go?!
But you know what they say — time flies when you’re having fun. And we bet December will be full of just that as the festivities begin! To supplement the Christmas and year-end celebrations we’ll be welcoming with open arms, AVENUE ONE has curated a unique round-up of activities to engage in this season with friends and family.
For all the Grinches out there looking for some place sans sparkly decorations and merry tunes, lucky for you, here are 12 things to do far away from Whoville.
1. Go bar hopping
Revel in an all-new whisky experience with Whisky Journey from 11 to 20 December 2020 as we celebrate the holiday season with loved ones one golden-hued dram at a time.
In a never-before-experienced concept, 15 local bars and restaurants will be partnering up with whisky distilleries all around the world to offer unique tasting menus, whisky pairings, and exclusive limited edition bottles for sale. Join homegrown F&B brands this month in Singapore’s first island-wide, 10-day whisky trail starting from just S$32. Participating bars and restaurants include Wala Wala Café Bar, SLATE, The Writing Club, and more — from first-time imbibers to connoisseurs, there’s something for everyone!
Organised by The Whisky Store, the brand hopes to broaden the appreciation of whisky for new and younger audiences alike, shared founder Mr Chua Khoon Hui. Participants can look forward to over 300 whiskies from 16 international whisky distilleries, including heritage brands like Bunnahabhain, award-winning whisky icon Tomatin, and Scottish master Loch Lomond.
Where? At various locations around Singapore
Grab your tickets now at The Whisky Store online.
2. Catch a live sporting event
Fancy a bit of an adrenaline-pumping night? ONE Championship will once again be welcoming back live audiences to the Singapore Indoor Stadium this December with ONE: BIG BANG and ONE: COLLISION COURSE. Watch as reigning ONE Light Heavyweight Kickboxing World Champion Roman Kryklia defend his World Title against Murat “The Butcher” Aygun in the main event of ONE: BIG BANG on 4 December. Catch other icons battle it out in the ring, including third-ranked featherweight contender Koyomi Matsushima of Japan and second-ranked flyweight contender Danny “The King” Kingad of the Philippines.
We’ll definitely be at the edge of our seats as Bantamweight Muay Thai World Champion Nong-O Gaiyanghadao puts his World Title on the line against Rodlek PK.Saenchai Muaythaigym in the main event of ONE: COLLISION COURSE on 18 December. Not to forget the bout between Former ONE World Title challenger Amir Khan of Singapore and ONE Warrior Series contract winner “Crazy Dog” Dae Sung Park of South Korea.
Want to get up close and personal with your favourite stars, ONE continues to offer 250 special in-person “Superfan” packages priced at S$188 each, inclusive of premium seating and exclusive merchandise (worth over S$80). It’s worthy to note that patrons will be required to undergo the Antigen Rapid Test (ART) on event day and produce a valid negative certificate to qualify for admission.
All action can be enjoyed on the ONE Super App, ONE’s social media channels, locally on Channel 5, and on the meWatch App.
Where? Singapore Indoor Stadium, 2 Stadium Walk, Singapore 397691
Exclusive limited offers can be purchased online here.
3. Watch a play over Zoom
As safe-distancing measures continue to pose limits over the number of attendees for live events, The Haque Collective (THC) has adapted to the realities of today with their latest production, Contract. With a hyperlocal focus on Singapore’s take on the global pandemic, the 70-minute original play will be performed live over a series of Zoom calls, following Jane, a fresh hire at a multinational company.
Set to be staged two weeks before the Christmas weekend from 10 to 12 December 2020, gear up for the festive season in a unique manner this year and gather around with close friends and family with this never-before-seen format — while supporting local arts right from the comforts of your home! This pre-holiday production will be held across six viewings, at timings between 5pm and 11.45pm, optimised for a great post-work affair, pre-game before weekend dinners, or after drinks.
Tune in anywhere to enjoy the magic of live theatre with this unique online theatrical event at S$20/ticket and receive a virtual goodie bag alongside that filled to the brim with vouchers from partnering sponsors. Watch Jane as she faces a tough choice on her first day at work: destroy her family and her future or become an accomplice to mask murder?
Where? Online
Grab your tickets now!
4. Attend an international film festival
Not much into live performances? Why not opt for a film or two instead! As the 31st Singapore International Film Festival returns this year-end, deepen your appreciation for cinema as the festival takes place in a hybrid format this year. This means you can catch exclusive premieres and screenings of international films right from the couch!
From now till 6 December, expect a stellar line-up of more than 70 films from over 45 countries both offline and online as we celebrate the works of filmmakers who continually challenge and inspire us — including more than 20 films by local auteurs.
Highlights include Beginning by Director Dea Kulumbegashvili, The Salt In Our Waters by Director Rezwan Shahriar Sumit, and Ammonite featuring Kate Winslet and Saoirse Ronan.
Film buffs looking to expand their cinematic discourse can also take part in panel discussions held online with the likes of Anthony Chen, Tan Wei Ting, Ann Hui, and more.
Where? Online & at various locations around Singapore.
Grab your seats and find out more here.
5. Join in on early bird programmes from Singapore Arts Week 2021
Before the official launch of the 9th Singapore Arts Week (SAW) from 22 to 30 January 2021, art enthusiasts can look forward to an exciting array of programmes held in the digital and physical realm, including exhibitions, workshops, and panel discussions.
Catch guest-curated exhibition, Proposals for Novel Ways of Being: Strange Forms of Life, that seeks to bring together works by 10 Singaporean artists to explore the ideas of ‘liveliness’ starting 5 December 2020.
Admission is free.
Where? STPI – Creative Workshop & Gallery, 41 Robertson Quay, Singapore 238236
Or if you’d rather extend your appreciate for the arts right from home, Aliwal Tracks is a video web series that invites viewers to explore the nuanced sounds around Kampong Gelam. This programme features a virtual exhibition, behind-the-scenes shorts, and digital performances as you meander through the streets of Singapore’s vibrant enclave. Weekly releases will begin on 18 December 2020.
Admission is free.
Where? Online
From now till 6 February 2021, experience colour and its historical, experiential, and anthropological lineage in a study of both material and visual culture in Chromatic Identities. Discover the expressions hues, tints, tones, and shades reveal in food, textile, architecture, art, and everyday objects in this exhibit presented by Appetite.
Admission is free.
Where? 72A Amoy Street, Singapore 069891
Check out more virtual and live events here.
6. Catch an inclusive arts live performance
In conjunction with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities as well as the 5th anniversary of the Enabling Village, SG Enable proudly presents the inaugural Enabling Lives Festival starting from 3 to 22 December 2020.
Whether you’re a caregiver, person with disability yourself or just looking to learn how we can create a more inclusive Singapore, there’s definitely something for everyone. Participate in a series of workshops, sharing sessions, and live performances while supporting the return of i’mable Gift Market featuring the artistry of talented persons with disabilities.
Check out these chic handmade creations curated by over 30 vendors from various non-profit enterprises starting 5 December 2020 here!
Catch Universe of Feelings: A Multisensory Adventure, a 60-minute play following a non-verbal child’s journey at the Esplanade to show your support while getting into the festive mood this year from 19 December 2020.
Where? Online & at the Esplanade
Find out how you can pre-register for workshops and exciting activities here!
7. Help raise funds a charity art auction
Make a difference this holiday season with private art auction, “A Million Dreams”, this upcoming December. Organised by Maduro Singapore and the Rotary Club of Singapore, the fundraiser will feature incredible artworks donated by 19 award-winning artists as well as gifted young painters from all over the world, including homegrown talent Gloria Keh.
All funds raised will go towards meeting the target of S$75,000 to support orphanage houses and shelters for abandoned and street children in Indonesia, Malaysia, and India through the registered charity network of the Rotary Club of Singapore. As Covid-19 continues to put a stopper on charity initiatives worldwide, let us take every opportunity we have to extend a helping hand especially during these troubled times.
The auction will take the form of a closed-door event with no minimum bid on 17 December 2020 from 7pm to 10:30pm. Attendees will have a chance to make a difference, enjoy impeccable hospitality, a specially curated menu set against the backdrop of soft jazz, promising to be a meaningful evening
Where? Maduro, 40C Harding Rd, Singapore 249548
Visit the official auction site here for more details.
8. Take part in a phygital tea and coffee festival
Taking place from now till 6 December 2020, tea and coffee lovers can look forward to a variety of delectable food, drinks, and workshop offerings (online and offline) as well as live streamed events at the inaugural phygital Singapore Tea and Coffee Festival. Tickle your tastebuds with the world’s favourite caffeinated drinks and artisanal brands, presented by teapasar in collaboration with over 50 tea and coffee vendors. Explore new blends from Parchmen Academy of Coffee and Tea to The 1872 Clipper Tea Co from just S$5 — plus, receive an additional S$5 voucher to offset purchases right here.
Browse brand booths and interact with vendors in real-time through sgteacoffee.com, and take the chance to discover your perfect blend while keeping your eyes peeled for flash sales on the Instagram and Facebook livestreams — including a Singapore Tea and Coffee Festival goodie box (worth S$75) at an irresistible 50% off!
Be sure to tune in to the available workshops where you can learn how to create your very own tea-flavoured cocktails, enjoy a DIY Acupressure Massage, make some kick-ass Kombucha, and more!
Where? Online & at various locations around Singapore.
Visit the official site for The Singapore and Coffee Festival for full details.
9. Master hand-brewed coffee
Can’t get enough of caffeine? Why not try your hand at hand brewed coffee at the World Coffee Mart Hand Brewing Workshop held in collaboration with TAD Coffee. Elevate your home coffee drinking experience with this specialty workshop where you can look forward to mastering the basics of coffee, including fundamental barista skills, and brewing ratio and technique.
Learn from the very best as founder and head roaster of TAD Coffee Singapore shares his expertise on artisanal brews while imparting his knowledge of the tools and equipment needed. Who knows, you might develop a finer appreciate for the art of coffee through this hour and a half workshop!
Where? TAD Coffee, 65 Ubi Road 1, #03-61, Singapore 408729
Starting at S$69.90/pax, sign up here now!
10. Pick up calligraphy in six days
Always wanted to learn calligraphy but haven’t got the right tools nor guidance? Put your struggles and those YouTube tutorials aside as Leah Design takes you through a six-day calligraphy course to strengthen your typography skills no matter your starting proficiency.
From basic strokes to the digitisation of calligraphy, the course will be held over six sessions both online and offline as Singapore-based designer and artist, Leah, shares her secrets to accelerated learning with step-by-step demonstrations. Expect to obtain a new skill set for custom calligraphy and design projects which you can utilise for hand-written greeting cards or personal hand-made gifts in the upcoming festivities!
Check out the full course details here.
Where? Online & at 2 Handy Road, B1-11 The Cathay, Singapore 229233
Starting at S$758.09, sign up here now!
11. Bond with the kids on a Walk of Love
Get into the pink of health with an exclusive walk with Pororo and the Flying Dutchman this weekend on 5 December 2020 before the belly-stuffing season begins!
Enjoy an afternoon of family fun with the little ones on this 1km walk at Singapore Sports Hub, alongside exclusive Pororo merchandise including a goodie bag (worth S$50), a S$5 Pororo Park voucher, and a medal once you’ve completed the walk! Plus, stand a chance to win a two day, one night staycation giveaway when you register for the walk.
This walk is part of the Love to Bond series, featuring the Cook with Love initiative with Celebrity Jamie Yeo and Virtual Walk of Love taking place the whole of December. 10% of all proceeds will go towards Focus on Family, a local charity aimed at bringing families closer by equipping them with resources and skills to nurture strong marriages and raise resilient children.
Where? Singapore Sports Hub, 1 Stadium Place, Singapore 397628
Sign up now to receive a S$5 off early bird discount. Visit the Love to Bond site for more details!
12. Get creative in a parent-and-child photography workshop
Looking to spend some productive time with the kids this school break? Here’s the perfect opportunity! Canon Singapore offers a specially curated parent-and-child photography workshop for budding photographers to acquire all the basic skills required to capture the best memories.
Led by professional photographer and educator, Bernard Teo, who has a Master of the Arts degree in Photojournalism & Documentary Photography, this four-hour workshop will impart to parent and child insightful knowledge on using shapes, colours, and creative framing to create stunning images.
All participants will also receive a souvenir print of their favourite photograph for keepsake at the end of the workshop.
Where? 1 Fusionopolis Place, 3rd Floor East Lobby, Singapore 138522
Starting at S$100 for both parent and child, register via email for the 12 December intake. For more details, head over to Canon Imaging Academy online.
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