PUBLISHED December 31st, 2023 06:00 pm | UPDATED January 2nd, 2024 02:26 pm
Hello, December! It’s time to usher in the year-end festivities with a bang. Join us as we unveil a curated list of the best things to do this December, featuring enticing dining experiences and electrifying concerts. There’s something in store for everyone as we bid farewell to the year.
The Week of 4 to 10 December 2023
A 100% Experience
Step into the vibrant realm of No Spoilers Bar’s newly redesigned and passionately transformed space as you set sail on a thrilling voyage with 100%. Let the waves of eclectic sounds carry you away, transcending genres, embracing Afrobeats, hip hop, and beyond. With curated beats by local talents like Candice B, Swtlkr, YA5TH, and Ramesh, get ready for a night of pulsating sounds and dynamic vibes that promise to captivate your senses and elevate your energy levels.
100% presents Candice B, Swtlkr, YA5TH, Ramesh runs on 8 December 2023 at Projector X: No Spoilers Bar, located at 8 Grange Road, #05-03 Singapore. Tickets are priced at S$20.
A New Addition To Your Boozy Collection
Grand Marnier proudly introduces its Exceptional Range, debuting with the launch of Quintessence, one of two rare Grand Cuvees now available in Singapore. This exquisite spirit pays homage to Grand Marnier’s storied history, showcasing the highest expressions of the iconic French Maison. With a meticulous process involving double-distillation of the finest bigaradia orange peels, Quintessence offers a rich, smooth vintage liquid featuring dry fruit facets of apricot and walnut, complemented by a warm dark vanilla base. Immerse yourself in the unparalleled sophistication of Grand Marnier’s Exceptional Range with this exquisite bottle.
Quintessence is available exclusively through Campari Group’s RARE Division Sales Representative, Cathy Sun, who can be contacted via email at Cathy.Sun@campari.com. Each bottle is priced at S$3,888.
Elevate Your Lunch Game
Discover the essence of grand dining at Brasserie Astoria Singapore with their newly introduced Plat Du Jour lunch menus. As the first international outpost of Brasserie Astoria from Sweden, this Singaporean gem promises a vibrant atmosphere with flambé trolleys, table side service, and an infectious playlist. Choose between a two course (S$65++) or three course lunch (S$75++), showcasing Chef Frantzén’s unique twist on classic brasserie fare that changes every week. If you’re looking for a new lunch spot and feeling fancy, Brasserie Astoria’s grand ambience is sure to make your dining experience memorable.
Brasserie Astoria is located at 11 Empress Pl, Singapore 179558. The Plat Du Jour Menu runs Mon-Fri from 11.45am–2.30pm.
Indulge In A Symphony Of Seasonal Flavours
Immerse yourself in the allure of mid-century modern Japan with the second edition of Live Twice’s seasonal menu, presented by the Jigger & Pony Group. Inspired by the profound appreciation for Japan’s four seasons, Live Twice’s seasonal cocktail selection showcases ingredients at their peak ripeness and flavour. Additionally, savour the Japanese tradition of enjoying crispy fried chicken during Christmas with Kim’s Fried Chicken (S$28), perfect for sharing and delivering an irresistibly finger-licking experience.
Live Twice’s Fall/Winter Menu runs from 29 November 2023 to 30 December 2023 at Live Twice, located at 18-20 Bukit Pasoh Rd, Singapore 089834.
Say Goodbye To December
As December unfolds, Super Enjoy invites you to indulge in a mix of mild and wild enjoyment. Whether you prefer a laid-back BYO session or a lively affair, good times are in full swing with Dexter, Bongo, and Chunes to kick off the night. Bid farewell to 2023 and welcome the festivities with open arms as you raise a toast to a memorable year’s end at Mild Pearl!
Super Enjoy runs on 8 December 2023 at Wild Pearl, located at 195 Pearl’s Hill Terrace, #03-72, Singapore 168976. Tickets are priced at S$19.95.
Soul Collective Presents Bar25
Get ready to groove this December with Soul Collective and their partners in mischief at Thugshop as they bring you the next chapter of their legendary intimate session series, featuring none other than Mira and Chris Schwarzwälder from the iconic Bar25 in Berlin. Immerse yourself in the soulful beats and mesmerising sounds that once ruled the endless parties by the Spree river, leaving you with a feeling that sinks under your skin and a warm-hearted glow. But that’s not all – our local hero, Amber H, will join the stage to add her own flavour to the mix, closing off this electrifying night in style.
Soul Collective Presents Bar25 runs on 9 December 2023 at MDLR, located at 62 Cecil Street #02 00 Singapore, 049710. Tickets are priced from S$69.19.
The Week of 11 to 17 December 2023
A Not-To-Be-Missed Drag Brunch Affair
PlayGround, the innovative event organiser in Singapore, introduces an exciting new venture: a captivating drag brunch experience called “Drag Me to Brunch,” presented in collaboration with Beast and Butterflies by M Social Singapore. This exceptional event unites four of Singapore’s talented drag queens – @kenhermanns, @vivih0e, @mistress_kiramoon, and @iamsammizhen – promising an unparalleled brunch affair filled with electrifying performances, from lip-syncing to incredible high-energy acts. Attendees will indulge in Beast & Butterflies’ specially crafted Christmas Brunch menu, featuring diverse stations such as salads, made-to-order eggs and waffles, live carving, cheeses, hot entrees, and Christmas desserts. Alongside the glamorous drag performances, guests can engage in fun games, interact with the drag stars, and groove to non-stop beats from PlayGround’s DJ, MF.
Drag Me to Brunch – Christmas Edition runs on 16 December 2023, 11.30am-3.30pm at Beast and Butterflies by M Social Singapore, located at 90 Robertson Quay, Level 1, 238259. Tickets are priced at S$85++ (advance bookings), and S$95++ (walk-in) per pax, with free-flow coffee and tea. Add S$39.50++ for free-flow prosecco, wines, spirits, and cocktails. Guests staying at M Social and Studio M during that weekend will enjoy an exclusive price of S$60++ per pax inclusive of free-flow coffee and tea.
An Afternoon Of Monotype Magic
Let your creativity run wild at STPI Gallery’s Arty Afternoon. Immerse yourself in the art of monotype printing which includes printmaking, utilising ink, tape, and string pulling to craft vibrant, layered designs. This hands-on exploration is open to art enthusiasts of all ages, allowing you to experience the magic of creating unique prints. At the end of the event, take home your personalised masterpieces and let the joy of printmaking inspire your imagination.
STPI Gallery’s Arty Afternoon runs on 17 December at STPI Creative Workshop and Gallery, located at 41 Robertson Quay, Singapore 238236.
Party The Night Away
Get ready to celebrate the grand finale of the year in style as EATMEPOPTART, the iconic music maestro, marks its 18th birthday with a bang! As EATMEPOPTART bids farewell to its teenage years, immerse yourself in two rooms brimming with the most audacious, celebrated, indulgent, and blissful tunes spanning their remarkable 18-year journey. Hosts like weelikeme and YA5TH curate an extravagant musical feast featuring the sweetest pop, rock, indie, alt-rock, electro, and throwbacks that have defined their dance floors since day one.
EATMEPOPTART 18 runs on 16 December 2023 at The Projector @ Cineleisure, located at
Indulge In Hawai’ian Wood-Fired Delights
Known for its fusion of butchery expertise and contemporary wood-fired culinary artistry, Butcher’s Block is a love letter to Chef Jordan Keao’s Hawai’ian roots. The restaurant celebrates an extensive array of meats, seafood, vegetables, and fruits committed to the whole-animal and zero-waste principles. The newly introduced IMUA tasting menu showcases the restaurant’s specialties guaranteeing seasonal ingredients, rich flavoured and aromatic dishes. Some highlights include Smoked Sashimi Poké, Mackerel with Starfruit curd and Hokkaido Yumepirika sushi rice and the succulent A5 Saga Beef. The culinary journey extends to a diverse wine selection with close to 300 bottles, a seat at the Chef’s Table or a Sommelier’s Table.
Butcher’s Block is located at 328 North Bridge Rd #02-02, Raffles Arcade Singapore 188719. Open for dinner Wed-Sun, 6pm-9.45pm, and lunch Thurs-Fri 12pm-2.30p. Closed on Mon &Tues. The IMUA tasting menu is available for lunch ($168++ for five courses) and dinner ($218++ for six courses). Additional tailored wine pairings available for five glasses($118++ )and six glasses ($138++). Three-course set lunch and a la carte options also available.
Bussy Temple presents: XENOFLESH
Bussy Temple presents XENOFLESH, an immersive blend of noise, experimental music, techno, and performance art exploring the concept of queer post-humanism, blurring boundaries between machine-nature and mutant-human. Held by the collective dedicated to creating safe spaces for queer individuals, look forward to an impressive lineup of DJs and performers from Los Angeles, Singapore, Vietnam, and beyond. Fitnesss and LUηG from LA present a synthesis of electronic rage and sorrow, while Jas Lin 林思穎 & Hearthealer create a bioluminescent performance experience. Chaulichi, a multi-disciplinary artist and self-made musician/DJ from Saigon, creates a multi-sensory experience through her sets. Local talents like ila / madamdata, Baben Shin, and howrøng contribute their unique sounds, delving into power dynamics, explorations of queer identity, and techno vibrations.
Bussy Temple presents: XENOFLESH runs on 16 December 2023, 10pm-late, at MDLR, TPI BUILDING, Level 2, 62 Cecil Street. Singapore 049710. Tickets are priced from S$37.76.
Festive Cocktails & An Ugly Sweater Brunch
As the festive season arrives, Hendrick’s Gin brings an array of celebratory experiences to spice up the holidays. Enjoy delightful yuletide cocktails at vibrant bars throughout December, including SKAI Restaurant, ANTI:DOTE, and Last Word, where every trio of cocktails purchased earns you a pair of complimentary festive socks from Talking Toes. On the menu are Hendrick’s French 75, Cucumber Collins, Las Paloma Rosa and Hendrick’s Cranberry Fizz. On Christmas Day, SKAI Restaurant hosts the indulgent Hendrick’s Ugly Sweater Brunch ($228++ per pax) with free-flowing gin cocktails, live oysters, artisanal cheeses, and more. Did we mention that you’ll be walking away with a limited-edition Hendrick’s Ugly Sweater designed by artist Mok Zijie? Share your merriment on Instagram and tag @hendricksgin in your Ugly Sweater to win an additional pair of festive Hendrick’s Gin socks.
Hendrick’s Gin festive cocktails will be available at select bars including SKAI Restaurant, ANTI:DOTE, and Last Word, throughout December. Hendrick’s Ugly Sweater Brunch runs on 25 December 2023 at SKAI Restaurant, located at 2 Stamford Road, Level 70, #70-02 Swissôtel The Stamford, 178882. For more information, please click here.
The Week of 18 to 24 December 2023
Unmute Invites: PRISMER
Put on your dancing shoes and groove to the dynamic beats of Prismer, supported by local talents TMDDJ (Thugshop) and Vaibs (Thugshop/Unmute). Helmed as one of India’s rising sonic stars, the guitarist-turned-electronic-maestro utilises deep frequencies which channel universal energy to captivate the mind, body, and soul. Since 2010, he has continually evolved his unique blend of electronic music and has worked with labels like Fabric Records (London) and Tokyo Hell (Tokyo). The boundary-defying sonic maestro has even shared the stage with heavyweights like DJ Stingray, Benjamin Damage, and more.
Unmute Invites: PRISMER runs 23 December 2023 from 10.30pm at Tuff Club located at 138 Robinson Rd, #19-01, Singapore 068906. Tickets run S$31.79.
Buzz-Worthy Cocktails for the Festive Season
Drink and “Bee” merry as Jigger & Pony presents a special festive menu dedicated to Singapore’s industrious bees and dedicated beekeepers. Three exquisite cocktails, crafted in collaboration with Nutrinest and “Bee Man” Xavier Tan, each spotlight an ingredient bees produce. Elevate the festivities with Kentucky Christmas Tea (S$28++), featuring bee bread with bourbon, americano and blood orange tea. Drink to good health and happiness with the Honey Mulled Wine (S$28++) – a twist on the traditional Christmas drink. Savour the complex and balanced Beeswax Old Fashioned (S$35++), which sees local honey and beeswax stirred with Whisky and Angostura bitters.
Jigger & Pony is located at Amara Singapore, 165 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088539, p. +65 9621 1074. Open Tue-Thu 6pm-12am, Fri-Sat 6pm-2am, Sun 6pm-12am. Closed Mon.
Pet Pawty at One Holland Village Mall
Far East Organization has recently unveiled the all-new One Holland Village mall, and now the group is extending the celebratory fervour throughout the month. In commemoration of this significant launch, the Glow Up @ One Holland Village welcomes a series of themed events. The Christmas Market invites attendees to indulge in workshops like Pawtastic memories photo-taking by Hoshi Studios and Jolly Art Jaming by SF Galleries Art Studio and shop from an array of brands. Notably, the Pet Pawty on December 15th hosts pet-centric activities including photo-taking and art sessions, culminating in a Pet Dress-up and Talent Competition on December 17th. Live performances by Vivienne & Figenr, Ralph & Ben, and movie screenings add to the festive ambiance. Food stalls by Baker X x The Good Cupcakes and Hydeout further enhance the vibrant atmosphere. This three-story open-air mall features 90 diverse tenants spanning F&B, boutique retail, medical services, wellness, fitness, and pet offerings, amongst others.
Glow Up @ One Holland Village runs from now till 25 December 2023, at One Holland Village mall, 7 Holland Village Way, Singapore 275748. For more information, please visit the website.
Keep It Crisp with Brooklyn Pilsner
Brooklyn Brewery brings the vibrant spirit of New York to Singapore with the fresh and crisp Brooklyn Pilsner. Harmonising clean malts and bright hops, the lager bursts with light toast flavours and subtle spicy citrus notes, leaving a refreshing finish on the palate. Arriving just in time for the festivities, the golden lager is set to add joy to any table, as the perfect companion to ham and roasts, especially roast pork. Grab a New York-style hot dog and kick back with an ice-cold Brooklyn Pilsner – perfect to beat the heat.
Buy Brooklyn Pilsner from S$15.90 from Shopee or Lazada.
Boozy Drinks In A Tipi Tent & Prizes To Be Won
The perfect end to the year for the whole family – Mandai Wildlife Group has introduced its Secret Wild-erland, a captivating day-to-night adventure at River Wonders and Night Safari running till 17 March, 2024. Partnering with NAKED, INC., known for immersive digital art, this experience unveils the hidden world of underwater and nocturnal creatures. River Wonders takes you into the Amazon Flooded Forest, showcasing stunning projections of Amazonian wildlife and emphasising the significance of clean water in ecosystems. Night Safari’s East Lodge offers interactive displays allowing guests to spot native wildlife and engage in fun activities, while the signature Tipi Tent transforms into a Mystical Bar, in partnership with Air New Zealand. Head down soon to revel in New Zealand-inspired projections, delightful drinks by Jekyll & Hyde, and a chance to win a family trip to New Zealand or other prizes until 31 December, 2023.
Secret Wild-erland runs from now till 17 March, 2024 at River Wonders and Night Safari. For more information and tickets, please visit the website.
Exquisite Thai Flavours
Khiri, meaning “mountain” in Thai, stands for the strength and culinary excellence of Chef Miller Mai. Serving up an eight-course prix fixe menu (S$148++ per person), the contemporary Thai restaurant is a gastronomic delight, brimming with textures and balanced flavours in every bite. Relish in elevated street snacks like lemongrass chicken and prawn cake in the Kai Pan Ta-Krai, Thod Man Goong, and whet your appetite with Miang Kham, a Rayong shrimp dish served with a shot of lemongrass! Choose between the fork-tender Slow-cook Angus Beef Short-Rib or the moreish Essan-styled Iberico for your mains (we loved both!). We highly recommend adding on their Signature Khao Pad Kid Terng (S$14++ per bowl, minimum two bowls). Full of wok hei, the fried rice comes with generous toppings of crab meat and tobiko and is seasoned with their super yummy six-month cured salted threadfin.
Restaurant Khiri is located at 15 Hamilton Rd, Singapore 209185, p.+65 8686 6169. Open Mon – Sat 6pm -10.30pm. Closed Sun.
Peace Out, Play for Good
When was the last time you let yourself ‘Play for Good’? Before the mall demolishes, join changemakers Playpan and friends as they breathe new life into Peace Centre. Amidst live music and colourful graffiti, go thrifting with Thryft and shop at unique pop-ups at the Creatives Market. Learn more about your play personality at the interactive play exhibition and get front row seats at a pro-wrestling show! Follow their socials for the weekly lineup of activities and more.
Playpan runs every Fri-Sun from 12pm-9pm at Peace Centre located at 1 Sophia Road, Singapore 228149.
The Weeks of 25 t0 31st December 2023
Bar Termini’s Bottled Negroni Comes to Town
London’s Bar Termini sets foot in Singapore with its famed bottled Negronis. Made from an innovative sous vide method, the ready-to-drink bottled Negronis are said to be as good as aged cocktails. Available exclusively at the coffee and wine bar, Wildcard, sip on the Negroni Classico (S$92 for 750ml) for a taste of aged Negroni and reach for the Negroni Superiore (S$92 for 750ml) for an infusion of pink peppercorns built upon the Classico. Negroni Rosato (S$92 for 750ml) features an infusion of dried pink rose petals, while the Negroni Robusto (S$98 for 750ml) presents a deeper and more robust flavour.
Bar Termini’s Bottled Negroni is available at Wildcard located at 405 Havelock Road, #01-03 Furama RiverFront, Singapore 169633, p.+65 8817 8922. Open Wed -Sat 9am -11pm, Sun 9am -6pm. Closed Mon & Tue.
10 Years of Brewed Bliss
Marking a remarkable decade, Singapore’s first all-draft craft beer hawker stall, Smith Street Taps, celebrates its big ten with friends. Boasting 22 taps of liquid gold from 10 global breweries, savour unique craft beers from award-winning breweries like Brewerkz (SG), Far Yeast Brewing Company (Japan), Heart of Darkness (Vietnam) and Susegado (India). Knock back six or more of these distinctive beers (from S$14) and win at their exclusive prize draw. Stand a chance to bring home their special anniversary pint glass, limited edition t-shirts, ten specially designed coasters, stickers, and other highly sought-after merch.
Smith Street Taps is located at 335 Smith Street #02-062, Level 2 Chinatown Food Complex, 050335, p.+65 8853 8535. Open Tue – Thu 6pm -10.30pm, Fri 6pm -11pm, Sat 2pm -11pm. Closed Sun & Mon.
Catch Kotsu in Action at Headquarters
Immerse yourself in the essence of Friday at Headquarters, and let Kotsu lead you through an extraordinary musical voyage. A member of the house music collective CYK, Kotsu boasts an extensive performance history across Japan and internationally, renowned for his boundary-defying selections and ability to sync music with social vibes. Alongside Kotsu, Muto from Thugshop will ignite the party with a blend of uplifting house and feel-good disco, setting the tone for an energetic night. Additionally, Thugshop’s own Aya will take the decks, delivering stomping bangers and cerebral techno all night. CYK frequently participates in B2B sets and has graced Tokyo venues such as CONTACT, Womb, and VENT, along with major festivals like Rainbow Disco Club, Fuji Rock Festival, and Wonderfruit Festival. ce floor remains in a frenzy.
Thugshop Presents – KOTSU [CYK] runs on 29 December 2023 at Headquarters, 66A Boat Quay Singapore, 049854. Tickets are priced from S$36.94.
Its Happy Holigays with BABY BOY
Embrace a fresh start and welcome the new year on the dance floor at BABY BOY vol 30: NEW YEAR’S SLEAZE (NYE 2024) on 31 December at Hard Rock Cafe (Cuscaden). This “Dirty 30” edition promises a festive atmosphere, serving up a celebration for the ‘Holigays’ with a special New Year’s countdown. Expect an unforgettable last dance of 2023 and a wild kick-off to 2024 with a bang. Featuring drag performances by Earth Na Khaa, Kak Nina Boo, Opera Tang, Sapphire Blast, and Tiara Sorrel, dance acts by Dineaish, Irzie, Zaini, and DJ sets by Lokies Khan, it’s an invitation to let loose and revel in the New Year’s festivities!
BABY BOY vol 30: NEW YEAR’S SLEAZE (NYE 2024) runs on 31 December 2023 at Hard Rock Cafe, 50 Cuscaden Road, Hpl House #02-01 Singapore 249724. Advance tickets are priced from S$25, walk-in tickets are subject to availability.
Top image: Live Twice