Guess the weight of the chocolate and number of nuts used to create Orchard Hotel's giant Nutcracker Dream Castle and you mught win a weekend stay for two in the hotel's luxurious Signature Club room. The castle is made up of 5,000 assorted nuts, 150kg of dark chocolate, 2300 eggs and 385kg of icing sugar among other ingredients.
Where: Orchard Hotel Lobby, Orchard Road MRT: Orchard When, Till Thu , 11am - 9pm daily Admission: Free Tel: 6734-7766 Info: The Festive Castle houses Christmas goodies such as Christmas Stollen and Roast Turkey. Visit www.orchardhotel.com.sg
Anniversary
ELVIS PRESLEY'S 74TH BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY DINNER
Fans of rock icon Elvis Presley can celebrate his 74th birthday anniversary with an eight-course Chinese dinner, performances by Singapore's own Elvis Presley, Wilson David, and core singers from the Singapore First Elvis Fan Club and catch a screening of Presley's Aloha From Hawaii concert.
Where: Hotel Royal, Jade Room, 36 Newton Road
MRT: Novena When: Jan 8, 5.30 - 11pm (5.30pm: screening of Elvis Presley's Aloha From Hawaii concert with dinner starting at 7pm) Admission: $40 Tel: 9686-3806 (Daniel Chan) Info: There will be lucky draws and quizzes E-mail dcelvis_meetup@yahoo.com.sg to book or visit www.elvis_meetup.com/169/about
Art
4TH LPN CHILDREN ART SHOW: FURRY WONDERS
Colourful images of pets, such as cats, dogs and rabbits, are showcased at this Children's Art Show of 2D artworks ranging from paintings to collages by students aged three to 16 who took part in a year-end Furry Wonder Art Camp by LPN Art School here.
Where: Suntec City Mall, Tower Two, 03-013C near Toy'R'Us, 3 Temasek Boulevard MRT: City Hall When: Sat - March 31 next year, noon - 9pm (weekdays), 9.30am - 9.30pm (weekends) Admission: Free Tel: 9622-7586
CATMASUTRA 5 BY PAUL MYSH
Quirky, amusing and karmic, local artist Paul Koh's paintings take you into the 'in-between' world of the CatmaSutra cat where innocence and mischief go hand in hand. They are displayed together with a feline series, A Blue Beginning, by fellow artist Michelle Chang featuring a cat on a quest to rid itelf of blues.
Where: Utterly Art Exhibition Space, 229A South Bridge Road, Level 2, diagonally opposite the Ari Mariamman Temple, Pagoda Street Exit MRT: Chinatown When: Till Sun , noon - 8pm (Mon - Sat), noon - 5.30pm (Sun), closed at 5.30pm on Wed (Christmas Eve) and closed on Thu (Christmas Day) Admission: Free Tel: 6226-2605 Info: E-mail utterlyart@pacific.net.sg
ELEGANCE (STONE SCULPTURE ART EXHIBITION)
Showcased are Shoushan Stone carvings by experienced and talented carvers from the Shoushan region of China who make the best use of the natural shapes, colours and veins of the stones transforming them into beautiful artworks.
Where: Heng Artland Co Pte Ltd, Paragon 05-28, 290 Orchard Road MRT: Somerset/Orchard When: Till Sun , 11.20am - 8pm Admission: Free Tel: 6738-4380
A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE
Singapore landmarks, such as The Raffles Hotel, are depicted in the watercolour series of local artist Dick Lim.
Where: d'Art Studio, Blenheim Court 02 -03, 5 Westbourne Road, Wessex Estate off Portsdown Road MRT: Buona Vista When: Till Wed , 11. 6pm (Mon - Sat & public holidays), 1.30 - 6pm (first, second and third Sundays), closed on 4th and 5th Sundays Admission: Free Ino: www.d-artstudio.com.sg
'TROPICAL ART' BY SINGAPORE ARTISTS
This art exhibition by a group of Singapore artists with various artistic styles depict their rich imagination and creativity.
Where: Cape of Good Hope Art Gallery, MICA Building 01-06, 140 Hill Street MRT: City Hall/Clarke Quay When: Till Wed , 11am - 7pm daily Admission: Free Tel: 6733-3822
MAN, HEROES, MYTHS & GODS
The wild and imaginative works of Thai artists Jirapat Tatsanasomboon and Kamol Tamseewan will change your view of Thai contemporary art.
Where: Mulan Gallery 02 -33, Tanglin Shopping Centre. Tanglin Road MRT: Orchard When: Till Jan 8, 11am - 6.30pm (Mon - Sat), 1- 6pm (Sun) Admission: Free Tel: 6738-0810
JOEY PIZIALI IN VISIBLE LIGHT
The artworks of San Francisco artist Joey Piziali use materials, such as billboards, tape and spray paints, to suggest alternative reflections of various facets of reality.
Where: Collectors Contemporary, 5 Jalan Kilang Barat 01-03 Petro Centre MRT: Bukit Merah/Queenstown When: Till Jan 24 next year, 11am - 7pm (Tue - Sat), closed on Sun Admission: Free Tel: 6878--0103
INSPIRATIONS FROM KAMPONG GLAM (POTTERY EXHIBITION)
Get inspired by this premier pottery exhibition featuring pottery by well-known Singapore potter Ismail Jalil, the artist-in-residence at the Malay Heritage Centre pottery studio, and other artists such as Ahmad Bakar, a lecturer at the Lasalle College of the Arts.
Where: Malay Heritage Museum (former Istana Kampung Glam), Gallery Nine, Kampong Glam MRT: Bugis When: Till Jan 31, 10am - 6pm (Tue - Sun), 2- 6pm (Mon) Admission: Free Tel: 6391-0466 Info: www.malayheritage.org.sg
Charity
CHESTNUTS FOR A MERRY GOOD CAUSE
'Tis the season for sharing. Give a voluntary donation to the Thian Leng Old Folks Home at Traders Hotel and the hotel will give you free warm roasted chestnuts in the spirit of giving.
Buy cat-related collection items and T-shirts and help raise funds for needy stray cats and for cat-related organisations, such as the Pawpledge and the Nanyang Technological University Cat Management Network as well as individual cat foster bodies and volunteers. There will also be a cat adoption drive at this event to raise awareness about stray cats and cat-related issues.
Where: Suntec City Mall, Level 3, Happy Kidz level, 3 Temasek Boulevard MRT: City Hall When, Sat & Sun , 2 - 6pm Admission: Free Tel: 9622-7586 Info: Catch cat-related programmes for children, such as a cat drawing contest, gace painting contest for parent and child, cat talk and cat craft demonstrations
SWOP!
Swop items, such as second-hand clothes, books, CDs, shoes and accessories, for a worthy cause. Take along at least five items and exchange them for other items at this charity swopping event in aid of Transient Workers Count Too, a non-profit organisation which helps foreign workers and maids.
Where: The Other Side, an arts space at 66 Rowell Road MRT: Farrer Park/Little India When: Sun , 4 - 6pm Admission: $5 Info: http://swop.wordpress.com
LAUNCH OF GOOD LIFE RECIPE BOOK WITH A HEART
Buy any of more than 30,000 copies of the Good Life Recipe Book at any NTUC FairPrice supermarket and hypermarket in Singapore and help raise more than $100,000 for The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund which helps needy schoolchilden here.
Where: All NTUC FairPrice supermarkets and hypermarkets in Singapore When: While stocks last Admission: Pay $12.80
for the book or $3.90 with purchases of $25 and above Tel: 1800-5522-722 (9am - 5pm on weekdays) Info: The book contains 16 innovative recipes by local celebrity chefs, including Violet Oon, Chan Kwok, Sam Leong, Angelo Sanelli and Chookiat Kantha who collaborated with Fairprice and Peter Knipp Holdings in this project for the needy.
BLOOD DONATION DRIVE
Save a precious life. Donate blood during this festive season and school holidays when there is a 10 per cent drop in blood collection. This blood donation drive is being held by the Singapore Red Cross.
Where: Qian Hu Fish Farm, 71 Jalan Lekar, Sungei Tengah MRT: Choa Chu Kang When: Sat , 11am - 3pm Where: Marsiling Zone '2' Residents' Committee office, Block 102 Woodlands Street 13 #01 -236 RC Salon MRT: Woodlands Tel: 6220-0183 Info: You can also donate blood at the Bloodbank @ HSA, 11 Outram Road MRT: Outram.
Info: www.donorweb.org
AN EN-DEERING GREEN CHRISTMAS
Save the planet and celebrate a green Christmas at the Night Safari. Donate books and toys to children from the Make-A-Wish Foundation at the Night Safari's Green Hut, and catch musical performances by percussion players using recycled materials.
Where: Night Safari, 80 Mandai Lake Road MRT: Choa Chu Kang/Yishun When: Till Sat , 7pm - midnight Admission: $22 (adults) & $11 (children aged three to 12)
Tel: 6269-3411
BEAR A BEAR, BLESS A LIFE
Adopt a limited-edition charity bear or bunny from Spinelli for $39.90. All proceeds will go to Mustard Seeds, a non-profit organisation for needy children and the elderly in the Asia-Pacific region. You will also receive a $5 Spinelli Coffee beverage voucher.
Where: All 27 Spinelli outlets islandwide When: Till Sun , usual store opening hours Tel: 6339-7538 Info: The charity bear or rabbit comes with a costume and for an extra $8, your furry friend will get a passport and a gift box. Visit www.spinellicoffee.com
TREE OF JOY & LUV BY LEE HWA JEWELLERY
Share your love with sick children this Christmas. Buy a Destinee Joy & Luv charm from Lee Hwa Jewellery at Bugis Junction's Malay Street and five per cent of sale proceeds will go to the Children's Cancer Foundation.
Where: Bugis Junction, Malay Street, Level 1, in front of InterContinental Singapore MRT: Bugis When: Till Jan 4: 10am - 10pm Admission: Free Tel: 6557-6557 Info: Replicas of the charms are displayed at a designer Tree of Joy & Luv there
WILL THE BULL CHARGE IN THE YEAR OF THE OX?
Get insights from Hong Kong's Feng Shui Grand Master Raymond Lo on the coming Chinese Year of the Ox. For each premium ticket sold for this session, Singapore Pools will donate $50 to the President's Challenge, which helps more than 40 charities, including the needy and the disabled.
Where: Singapore Conference Hall, Singapore Chinese Orchestra Concert Hall, 7 Shenton Way MRT: Tanjong Pagar When: Jan 8, 7.30 - 9.15pm Admission: $20 (standard ticket) & $68 (premium ticket) Tel: 6786-6688 Info The premium ticket includes a special pre-event dinner, a private group interaction session with Raymond Lo and a goodie bag. Visit www.singaporepools.com.sg
Christmas
CHRISTMAS DAY OPEN HOUSE
Have a fun-filled day with your family at this Open House where you can learn more about Singapore's heritage and culture.
Where: Singapore Philatelic Museum, 23-B Coleman Street MRT: City Hall/Clarke Quay When: Thu , 9am - 7pm Admission: Free Tel: 6337-3888 Info: Check out exhibitions such as Comics and Superheroes, Dragons, Treasures and Masterpieces and A Rat's Tale. Visit www.spm.org.sg
ARTY WONDERLAND (CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE)
Enjoy choral performance by local Xin Yao artistes, create finger art and have your caricature drawn at the Art Wonderland at the Singapore Art Museum.
Where: Singapore Art Museum, Bras Basah Road & 8Q sam, the museum's new contemporary art wing, nearby at Queen Street MRT: City Hall When: Thu , 10am - 7pm Admission: Free Info: The programmes at 8Q sam: 1 - 4pm. Christmas goodies await the first 100 persons to queue at 8Q sam. You can also learn balloon sculpturing and plant a balloon flower at SAM's front lawn at the Open House. Visit www.singart.com
AMARA SINGAPORE'S CHRISTMAS DAY FEAST
Celebrate Christmas Day with your family at Amara Singapore. You can enjoy a lunch buffet at the Element outlet, a set dinner at Hue Restobar or a dinner with set dinner, live music and dancing at the Alphabet Bar.
Where: Amara Singapore, various outlets, 165 Tanjong Pagar Road MRT: Tanjong Pagar When: Thu , noon - 2.30pm (Lunch Buffet at the Element outlet ), 3 - 6pm (Tea Time Buffet at the Lobby), 7 - 10.30pm (Set Dinner at the Hue Restobar), 6.30 - 10.30pm (Christmas Day Tuck & Tune with set dinner, live music & dancing at the Alphabet Bar), 7 - 10.30pm Admission: $48 (Lunch Buffet), $68 (Set Dinner), $25 (Tea Time Buffet), $68 (Tuck & Tune) Tel: 6879-2555 Info: www.amarahotel.com
CHRISTMAS DAY BRUNCH@TRADERS HOTEL
Pamper your family with a Christmas Day Brunch at Traders' Hotel's Cafebiz outlet. Tuck into spangled snapper fillet with grilled King prawn and turkey as well as Ah Hoi's black pepper crab and end with yummy desserts such as Shangri-La's chocolate yule log and durian pengat.
Celebrate Boxing Day on Friday with a toe-tapping selection of popular jazz big band swing classics and Christmas favourites by the Windworkz Big Band, a 10-piece local band.
Welcome to the world of elves at the Grand Park Hotel here. Showcased here are two prize-winning displays of the Elves' World complete with ferris wheels and a Wishing Tree with attached signs inviting people to adopt a needy children from WorldVision.
Where: Grand Plaza Park Hotel, Coleman Street MRT: City Hall When: Till Wed : 24-hour hours Admission: Free Tel: 6732-1111/6336-3456 Info: The displays were designed by teams of students from the Raffles Design Institute for the inaugural 'Christmas By The Park' Competition. You can get leaflets from World Vision from the bottom of the Wishing Tree to find out how to adopt a needy child via WorldVision
MY MEMORABLE CHRISTMAS
An exhibition of Christmas cards and stamps featuring the winning entries of the recent Design Christmas Card Competition organised by the Singapore Philatelic Museum for children aged seven to 12.
Where: Singapore Philatelic Museum, 23-B Coleman Street MRT: City Hall/Clarke Quay When: Till Jan 4 next year, 1 - 7pm (Mon, 9am - 7pm (Tue - Sun) Admission: $5 (adults), $4 (children aged three to 12 and senior citizens aged 60 and above), free for senior citizens every Mon Tel: 6337-3888 Info: www.spm.org.sg
12 DAYS OF CHRISTMAS (OPEN HOUSE)
This Christmas, get updated on history and culture. You get free entry to six galleries at the National Museum of Singapore to view the permanent and on-going exhibitions including as the VOOM Portraits by Robert Wilson and Doubleness: Photography by Chang Chien-Chi till Jan 4 next year.
Where: National Museum of Singapore, Stamford Road MRT: Dhoby Ghaut When: Till Jan 4 next year, 10am - 6pm Admission: Free Tel: 6332-3659 Info: Children can have fun at craft activities on Christmas Day today and there will be guided tours of the Singapore Living Galleries on New Year's Day.
PARTY AND STAY PACKAGE
Treat your family to Orchard Hotel's Merriment Party & Stay Package with stay in a Superior or Deluxe Room and wake up to a spectacular buffet spread.
Where: Orchard Hotel, Orchard Road MRT: Orchard When: Till Jan 31 next year, Admission: $225 a night in a superior room or pay $20 extra for a Deluxe Room Tel: 6734-8595/6739-6588 Info: E-mail reservations@orchardhotel.com.sg
Class
BITESIZE
Learn how a cappella groups perform without musical instruments and try it out yourself at this two-hour workshop by Angelina Choo, director of the a cappella group, Youth Voices, and the newly-set up TAS Children's Pop Choir.
Where: Esplanade Rehearsal Studio MRT: City Hall When: Sat, 2 - 4pm Admission: $16 Tel: Sun (6348-5555
Club
'KING OF SWING' JEREMY MONTEIRO WITH GREG FISHMAN
Singapore King of Swing Jeremy Monteiro will perform with Greg Fishman, a saxophonist from Chicago with a passion for Brazilian music, who has 10 albums under his belt.
Where: The Regent Singapore, The Bar, Level 2, 1 Cuscaden Road MRT: Orchard When: Till Thu , 9pm - 11.55pm, Fri 26, 9.30pm - 12.25am. Admission: Free (pay for drinks) Tel: 6725 3240. Info: www.fourseasons.com
Contest
HEINEKEN LITE PEG GREETING ON THE WALL CONTEST
Take part in a contest to create the best Lite Peg (plastic stick) greeting on the Heineken Lite Peg Greeting Wall, an installation around the Clarke Quay Fountain, for a chance to win a year's supply of Heineken beer. The installation is there till New year's Eve . Just create a greeting and alert the Heineken photographer to snap a picture of it.
Info: The contest runs Till Sat & next Wed from 8pm to midnight at Clarke Quay. Visit www.heineken.com.sg for details and to check on your winning status after Jan 7 next year and send e-greetings cards with the virtual Lite Peg wall.
THE LITTLE RED DRESS FASHION PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION
This is a contest for budding fashion photographers, who stand to win mentorships with renowned photographers Geoff Ang, Ivanho Harlim and Lance Lee. The 'Little Red Dress' is an international symbol for women's fight against heart diseases and stroke.
Info: Submit entries by Sun ). To download a competition brief and for details, visit www myheart.org.sg.
This inaugural competition is organised by the Singapore Heart Foundation to kick off its annual Go Red for Women campaign
CHILDREN'S ART COMPETITION
Your child can showcase his or her artistic talent for a chance to take home the top prize of $200 plus a trophy in each of three categories of this Children's Art Competition on the theme of Singapore festivals. Organised by the Federation of Art Societies and Life Art Society here.
Where: Federation of Art Societies Singapore), 10 Kampong Eunos, MRT: Eunos When: Sun , 9.30am - 1pm Admission: Free Tel: 6742-9707 Info: The competition is divided into three categories - Category A for children aged 10 to 12, Category B for those aged seven to 9 and Category C for those aged six and below. They must report to the venue before 9.30am on Sunday
'KEEP THE DREAM ALIVE' ART COMPETITION
Create artworks showcasing your dreams in this art competition and you might take home prizes such as design software worth $3,300, art courses for children worth $200, book vouchers of as much as $250 in this competition.
You have to buy an art competition kit at $15 each, with part of the proceeds going to the Business Times Budding Artists Fund which gives artistically gifted children a chance to explore artistic programmes. Open to children and those above 13. Organised by boutique design agency Yellow Octopus Pte Ltd.
Info: The competition is divided into three categories - a Children's Category 1 for children aged four to eight, Children's Category 2 for those aged nine to 12 and an Open Category for those aged 13 and above.
Buy the art competition kits at The Arts House and Basheer Graphic Books store at 04-19 Bras Basah Complex, Closing date: submit entries by Feb 14 to Yellow Octopus Pte Ltd, 85A Owen Road, Singapore 218899 Tel: 6298-9920 Info: www.keepthedream alive.yolo.sg and the Budding Artists Fund website, www.baf.sg
Film
JUNO (NC16)
This whipsmart comedy about how a teenage girl handles an unexpected pregnancy won an Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. Stars Ellen Page, Michael Cera and Jennifer Garner. Part of Run And Re-run!
Where: The Arts House, Screening Room, Old Parliament House, 1 Old Parliament Lane MRT: Raffles Place
When: Sat , 4.30pm Admission: $8.50 Tel: 6339-6919
SHINE A LIGHT (M18)
See The Rolling Stones as you have never seen them before in this concert documentary by Academy Award-winning film-maker Martin Scorsese. Part of Run And Re-run!, a monthly themed film programme.
Where: The Arts House Screening Room, Old Parliament House, 1 Old Parliament Lane MRT: Raffles Place
When: Sat , 6.30pm, Sun , 7pm Admission: $8.50pm Tel: 6339-6919
C.R.A.Z.Y (M18)
This film about a man who is born different from his brothers has a great soundtrack featuring songs by David Bowie, Pink Floyd and The Rolling Stones. Part of Run And Re-Run!, a monthly themed film programme.
Where: The Arts House Screening Room, Old Parliament House, 1 Old Parliament Lane MRT: Raffles Place
When: Sun : 4.30pm Admission: $8.50
Tel: 6339-6919
Gig
A VACANT AFFAIR
Local band A Vacant Affair perform music from their new CD. Part of the Esplanade's Late Night programme.
Where: Esplanade Recital Studio MRT: City Hall
When: Fri, 9.30pm Admission: $28 Tel: 6348-5555
Holidays
ESCAPE TO AFRICA AT JURONG BIRDPARK
Have an African adventure right here in Singapore. Groove to the rhythm of African contemporary drum performances by Rhythm Masala and West African djembe ensemble Lila Drums, and dance with the Authentic Tribal Dancers from Nigeria.
Where: Jurong BirdPark, 2 Jurong Hill MRT: Chinese Garden When: Till Dec 31, 8.30am - 6pm daily (Sat & Sun, Christmas Day & New Year's Eve, 10.30am & 2.30pm, Authentic Tribal Dancers from Nigeria at Pool Amphitheatre; every Sat only, 10.45am and 2.45pm, Lila Drums at African Waterfall Aviary; every Sun, 11.30am, Rhythm Masala at Main Station and Entrance Plaza) Admission: $18 (adults), $9 (children & senior citizens aged 60 and above) Tel: 6265-0022
Shopping
SHOPPING REWARDS
Spend $50 at Raffles City shopping centre and you might drive home in a 1.4-litre Peugeot 207 Vive hatchback car in a grand draw or win a seven-day stay for two at any Marriott Rewards Participating Hotels & Resorts in California in a fortnightly draw.
Where: Raffles City Shopping Centre, 252 North Bridge Road MRT: City Hall When: Till Sun , 10am - 10pm Admission: Free Tel: 6318-0238 Info: Visit www.rafflescity.com
Show
FROM ART TO HEART (A PHOTOGRAPHIC JOURNEY)
This international photographic exhibition by leading photographers tells the story and struggles of more than 2,000 children from more than 30 countries who have been helped by Israeli doctors and nurses from Save A Child's Heart (SACH), an Israeli-based international humanitarian project which provides life saving surgery and follow-up care for children from developing countries.
Where: The National Library, Promenade, Level 8, Victoria Street MRT: Bugis When: Till Mon , 10am - 9pm
Admission: Free Tel: 6834-9262
WEARABLE ART EXHIBITION
View more than 40 wearable art pieces including interactive paintings featuring wildlife-inspired designs. They were fashioned from various materials such as traditional Chinese medicinal herbs, spices, feathers, industrial scraps and more.
Where: Night Safari, Entrance Plaza, 80 Mandai Lake Road MRT: Choa Chu Kang/Yishun When: Till Jan 4: 7pm - midnight Admission: Free Tel: 6269-3411 Info: The designs were created by the designer consultant for the CDC Public Contingent for Chingay 2009. Visit http://www.nightsafari.com.sg
Theatre
TEOCHEW OPERA: A MOTHER'S WOES
A man gambles away his wife on their wedding day and later tries to sell his mother. An opera by the Nam Hwa Amateur Musical & Dramatic Association.
Where: Esplanade Theatre MRT: City Hall When: Sat , 8pm Admission: $31 - $81 Tel: 6348-5555
WILD WILD ROSE - THE MUSICAL
Adapted from Bizet's opera Carmen, this musical is about the 1960s when song and dance ruled the night. Stars Hong Kong stage actress Perry Chiu and local actor Thomas Ong in his theatre debut.
Where: Victoria Theatre Empress Place MRT: Raffles Place When: Next Thu (New Year's Day) - Jan 4, 3 & 8pm Admission: $41 - $81 Tel: 6348-5555
Tour
SINGLES' CONNECT NIGHT BUS TOUR
Singles can come attired in red, green or gold and join this bus tour to make new friends.
Where: meet at Newton Hawker Centre for this bus tour to places, such as Mount Faber and Henderson Waves bridge at Henderson Road MRT: Newton When: Fri , 8pm - 12.30am Admission: $20 with a snack pack Tel: 9823-2289 Info: E-mail singlesconnectevent@yahoo.com.sg or visit singlesconnect.org.sg
Web
THE LATEST USER-GENERATED VIDEOS
Watch the latest user-generated videos from the Stomp community. Browse extensive categories such as traveller's tales, just for laffs, everything under the sun and much more.
Info: Visit www.diy.stomp.com.sg
Compiled by Magdalene Lum
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