Christmas (and 2022!) are just around the corner – and the festive spirit is already in the air! Here are some fun activities happening this month to spread a little cheer to your families and help you end the year with a bang:
Christmas Events
1. Mystical Christmas, Pavillion KL
Take your little ones to the enchanting Mystical Christmas celebrations at Pavillion Kuala Lumpur and explore the snow village at their Centre Court, which features quaint stalls, jolly snowmen, festive reindeer and mystical fairies. We would also recommend taking some pictures at the Coach ‘Give a Little Love’ Bespoke Holiday Installation and the stunning 40-foot fairy Christmas tree at the mall’s Main Entrance.
Date: Throughout December 2021
Venue: Pavillion Kuala Lumpur
2. Toys for Tots, JW Marriott
Spread the joy this season to over 100 underprivileged children from shelters and orphanages across the city, with the Toys for Tots efforts at the JW Marriott, Kuala Lumpur. View the magnificent Christmas tree at the hotel’s Lobby, where the names and Christmas wishes of these children will be displayed. Any contribution made in the form of a gift or funds would truly be appreciated. For more information on how to put a smile on a child’s face this Christmas, do approach the Concierge desk.
Date: Friday, 3rd December 2021 onwards
Venue: Hotel Lobby, JW Marriott, Kuala Lumpur
3. The Tale of the Nutcracker, The Gardens Theatre
The Selangor Symphony Orchestra celebrates the festive season with two year-end favourites, which meld the music of old and new: Tchaikovsky’s immortal tale of a heroic Nutcracker, as well as a modern take on ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’. The tales of Christmas are woven through the baton of sterling maestro Kevin Field, welcoming more magical times ahead. Catch this spellbinding musical performance by purchasing your tickets here.
Venue: The Gardens Theatre, The Gardens Mall
Date: Sunday, 12th December 2021
4. The StoryBook: Christmas Carol and The ? Who Stole Christmas, Phileo Damansara 1
The Storybook will be organising two fantastic programmes this December. If you and your kids are a fan of classic tales, don’t forget to join in this storytelling session of ‘The ? Who Stole Christmas!’, on Saturday, 11th December 2021, based on the much loved and popular ‘The Grinch Who Stole Christmas’ by Dr Seuss. This session will be filled with the magical art of storytelling, family outdoor games and craft activities for families with kids aged 4 to 6.
Tickets are priced at RM25 per child, which includes craft material and RM15 per adult. Slots are limited as the organisers will only be admitting a maximum of only 7 families (25 pax) into the venue. There will also be an optional gift exchange and attendees are encouraged to bring an item of RM10 (min value) along if they would like to join in the fun.
The Storybook is also organising a special performance of A Christmas Carol by the students from THE STORY BOOK Academy on Saturday, 18th December 2021. Join in the celebrations (as well as the Christmas gift exchange session!). Everyone is encouraged to bring a gift (minimum value of RM10) for the gift exchange and do note that ‘used items’ are not allowed for the gift exchange. The session will be held at the outdoor area of THE STORY BOOK at Phileo Damansara 1, unless it rains. Only 25pax will be allowed to enter the session, excluding the parents of the performers.
For more information, check out their website or Instagram page.
Date: Saturday, 11th December 2021 (11am to 12pm) and Saturday, 18th December 2021 (6pm to 7pm)
Venue: Phileo Damansara 1
Christmas Markets
1. RIUH X Selangkah’s Christmas Tropicola
RIUH, in collaboration with Selangkah, are excited to bring to you Christmas Tropicola – a weekend packed with fun, sand, shopping and of course, glorious food! Book your slot quickly, as entrance is only allowed for those who who pre-book their entry for allocated two and a half hour sessions (beginning 2 pm until the wee hours of midnight on Saturday, 4th December and 12 noon until 10.00 pm on Sunday, 5th December 2021). Slots are limited to only 5 pax per booking and one slot and one day.
And while you’re there, drop by and say hi to team makchic who will be selling copies of our new children’s picture book, ‘What if?’ at a special Christmas promo price, as well as running a Toy Donation Drive in collaboration with Toys Libraries Malaysia. Don’t miss out either on the “Meet the Creators of What if?” session, happening on Sunday, 5th December 2021 from 5pm to 7pm, and get your book personally signed. Stay on for a bite and for a glimpse into the book, during the special Storytelling Session, happening from 7pm to 7.30pm.
Date: Saturday, 4th December and Sunday, 5th December 2021
Venue: Sentul Depot
2. Tukar Tangan Market by makersandcomarket
The Tukar Tangan Market will be taking place at the School, Jaya One on Saturday, 4th December and Sunday, 5th December 2021. TukarTangan highlights a medley of handmade crafts, preloved collections and new collections as well as apparel, vintage knick knacks, home decorative items and more at an affordable price of RM50 or below per item.
Date: Saturday, 4th December and Sunday, 5th December 2021 (11.00 am to 6.00 pm)
Venue: Ground Floor, the School, Jaya One
3. Sunny Side Up Market, Slate at The Row KL
Make sure to pencil in some time on your calendar for the Sunny Side Up Market at Slate at The Row, KL, which is also happening the weekend of Saturday, 4th December and Sunday, 5th December 2021. It’s a wonderful place to support your local community vendors, with more than 30 homegrown brands and small businesses.
Date: Saturday, 4th December and Sunday, 5th December 2021 (11.00 am to 5.00 pm)
Venue: 48, Jalan Doraisamy (next to Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur)
4. Whimsical Mess by themessyclub
If you’re not all bazaar’ed out yet, pop by the Whimsical Mess bazaar, organised by themessyclub at Kedai KL on Saturday, 4th December and Sunday, 5th December 2021, and treat your loved ones with gifts from 50+ local creatives.
Date: Saturday, 4th December and Sunday, 5 December 2021 (10.00am to 8.00pm)
Venue: Kedai KL, Block B, Level 2, MAHSA Avenue
5. The Chuck’smas Market at The Starhill KL
Get geared up for the Chuck’smas Market, a week-long, festive pop-up at The Starhill KL, designed to bring a little Christmas cheer and a whimsical, magical shopping experience for you. With many local brands ranging from beauty to homeware and apparel, there’s something for everyone to suit all gifting needs. Delight in a wonderland of treats and start your Christmas shopping early at this pop-up market, happening at The Starhill Entrance Atrium, from 8th to 14th December 2021.
Date: Wednesday, 8th December to Tuesday, 14th December 2021
Venue: Starhill Entrance Atrium
6. Mari Christmas at KEDAI KL, MAHSA Avenue
To get a further fix of glitter, magic, Christmas carols and gift-giving, drop by the #MariChristmas 2021 Bazaar organised by KEDAIKL on 11th and 12th December 2021.
Date: Saturday, 11th December and Sunday, 12th December 2021
Venue: Kedai KL, MAHSA Avenue
Holiday Programmes for Kids
1. Young Writers’ Series and Young Problem Solvers’ Series, The Learning Lab Asia
December is the time for celebrations and festivities, as well as long holidays for the little ones in your life. Here are some ways to continue sparking creativity and critical thinking over the break!
The Learning Lab Asia is currently running a virtual Year-End Holiday Enrichment Programme in December 2021, which include the Young Writers’ Series (for 8 to 12-year-olds) and Young Problem Solvers’ Series (for 8 to 10-year-olds). Help your child develop their creative thought processes to read and unlock their writing potential, or get them prepared to problem-solve complex puzzles and equations successfully, using the programme’s unique Model Method. Sign up today and receive a 10% discount off all programmes.
Date: Beginning Monday, 6th December 2021, but do check The Learning Lab Asia’s website for specific schedules and the latest updates.
2. Christmas Workshops, The Childrens Art Studio
What better way to get into the mood of everything green red and glittery, if not by making your own Christmas cards with the little ones at The Childrens Art Studio? The two-day ‘Create Christmas Cards Watercolour Workshop’ will be held over two Saturdays (4th December and 11th December 2021). Each step-by-step two hour long session allows participants to spread a little extra love by making their very own handmade gifts. The workshop is priced at RM120, and all material can be purchased from the Studio at the beginning of the workshop.
Event: Create Christmas Cards Watercolour Workshop
Date: Saturday, 4th December 2021 and Saturday, 11th December 2021
The Studio will also be organising a ‘Create Christmas Gifts Acrylic Painting Workshop’ on Sunday, 5th December and Sunday, 12th December 2021). The family will have a blast with acrylic painting on canvas, so hurry and book your slots, as places are limited! This workshop is priced at RM160 and material can be purchased at the beginning of the workshop.
Event: Create Christmas Gifts Acrylic Painting Workshop
Date: Sunday, 5th December 2021 and Sunday, 12th December 2021
Venue: The Childrens Arts Studio, Petaling Jaya
3. I Wanna Play Art Showcase by Art Market Malaysia
The I Wanna Play Art Showcase, organised by Art Market Malaysia is open for all kids from ages 5 to 12 years old from Sunday, 12th December 2021 to Tuesday, 28th December 2021. The programme allows kids to express themselves through art and organisers will also be recording a word or two from participants to learn what inspires them.
Venue: GMBB, Robertson Road
Date: Sunday, 12th December 2021 to Tuesday, 28th December 2021
4. Naturekids School Fun Virtual Holiday Programme
Naturekids School is excited to bring you their fun virtual holiday programme which runs over three days – from Tuesday, 14th December 2021 to Thursday, 16th December 2021. Fun sessions include Under the Sea Messy Play (DIY Ocean Sensory Bag, Seahorse Fun with Slime and School of Fish Fun with Foam), Weather Sensory Play (DIY Rainbow Slime, Fun with Playdough Sun, Winter Snowman Dough, Raincloud Jar) and Science Experiment Fun (DIY Solar Oven Experiment and DIY Oobleck Experiment) – all conducted in the safety and comfort of your own home.
Contact 011-1670 0064 for more information.
Date:Tuesday, 14th December 2021 to Thursday, 16th December 2021 (10 am to 12 pm or 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm (Limited to 10 children per session))
Venue: Online
5. The Adventure Camp Series : Maze Race Camp
The 3 days-2nights Maze Race Camp organised by the Mad About Education Group is designed to build children’s teamwork and leadership skills. Your child will participate in activities that will encourage them to take responsibility in leading a team, taking part in activities that will hep them brainstorm, coordinate, organise as well as execute and complete tasks together as a team. The camp welcomes kids from 7 to 12 years of age, and fees are priced at RM650 per pax.
For more information, contact Beverley at 0122094262 or Debbie at 0165530325, or email the following e-mail address: enquiry@madabouteducation.com
Date: Tuesday, 14th December 2021 to Thursday, 16th December 2021
Venue: Paradise Valley Resort, Broga, Semenyih
The Arts and Other Activities
1. Gallery Weekend Kuala Lumpur & SGA – Chinatown Culture Walk
Take a stroll down the enchanting lanes of Chinatown – and enjoy the small nooks of heritage and life you’ll experience through the bustling streets and stalls, and old-school buildings in the community. Book your slots (WhatsApp 019 699 2668 to secure your places) as soon as you can, as each walkabout is limited to 20 persons only. The meeting place will be confirmed by the event organisers two days before the Walkabout Date.
Date: Friday, 3rd December 2021 (9.00am to 12 noon)
Venue: Chinatown
2. Healing – Cycle of Emotions
Close the year on a high note surrounded by beautiful artwork by the late local artist, Kok Yew Puah, VerSes PJ invites you to a Sunday Matinee of healing music and a new year filled with hope. Fill your Sunday with gems of choral, solo vocal and acoustic instrumental music composed between the 1600s – 1900s, curated to bring you through a cycle of emotions, from grief towards hope and healing.
Indulge your sights and senses with the sounds of Purcell (Dido’s Lament and Music for a While), Allegri (Misrere Mei – an Excerpt), and Bach (Bouree and Bist du bei mir). Performing artists include YS Tang (Classical Guitar), Dr Yili Chang (Gamba), Wong Ming Li (Soprano Soloist), Darrel Chan (Countertenor Soloist) and the KL Madrigal Singers. Entry is by pre-registration only (e-mail versespj@gmail.com to do so).
Venue: Ilham Gallery, No 8 Jalan Binjai, Off Persiaran KLCC, 50450 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
Date: Sunday, 12th December 2021 (3.30pm to 4.15 pm)
3. Kitab Basah by Project Cahaya in collaboration with Kumpulan Kuda Kepang Parit Raja and Pusaka
Be entranced by the enigmatic kuda kepang dance in this fourth edition of Project Cahaya’s show (entitled ‘Kitab Basah‘), which will be held at Black Box, Publika on Saturday, 18th December 2021. This year, Senilab and 33.3™, in collaboration with Kumpulan Kuda Kepang Parit Raja and Pusaka, explore the history of kuda kepang, a dance of Javanese origin performed in Johor by communities of Javanese lineage.
RSVP here to enjoy this performance that preserves local tradition, history and culture through Cahaya’s sonic and visual reinterpretations.
Date: Saturday, 18th December 2021
Venue: Black Box, Publika
by Elyza Noordeen
Elyza Noordeen is a mother of one, currently adjusting to getting back into the work force whilst juggling the responsibilities of being a single mum to her nine-year-old superhero son. As she balances the new norm of wading through the endemic world with the transition from home schooling and working from home to braving meeting people once more , her current idea of sanity is copious amounts of iced milo and anything that involves not washing any dishes.
