SSO CHRISTMAS CONCERT/CIMB-SSO CHRISTMAS CONCERTS

Get into the festive mood with traditional and Yuletide favourites by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, the Singapore Symphony Chorus and the Singapore Symphony Children's Choir. Lim Yau conducts.

Where: Esplanade Concert Hall MRT: City Hall When: Wed , 7.30pm (SSO Christmas Concert), Thu & Fri , 7.30pm (CIMB-SSO Christmas Concerts) Admission: $12 - $63 Tel: 6348-5555

Art

X'MAS @ CONNOISSEUR ART GALLERY

Celebrate the Yuletide season appreciating artworks by Chinese and European artists, such as Jia Juan Li, Ge Shu Qing, Christian Gaillard and Dorina Mocan.

Where: Connoisseur Art Gallery, Raffles Hotel Arcade 02 -23, 328 North Bridge Road MRT: City Hall When: Wed - Dec 30, 10.30am - 7pm (Mon - Sat), by appointment on Sun & public holiday Admission: Free Tel: 6837-0320 Info: connisseur-art.com

PASSION FOR ART

Russian artist Tatiana Alieve focuses on oil paintings depicting the sea, boats and hot-air balloons while Ukrainian artist Kateryna Pervak's works depict the scenery of Thailand and Myanmar.

Where: Gallery Nawei Pte Ltd, Marina Mandarin Hotel, Level 4 & 5, 6 Raffles Boulevard MRT: City Hall When: Till Dec 28, 10.30am - 7pm (Mon - Sat), by appointment on Sun Admission: Free Tel: 9668-4313

Asia On The Edge

ASIA WITHOUT BORDERS

Asian Geographic's showcase of winning and short-listed photographs in this year's competition depict the continent's land, people, architecture and wildlife. The contest is a launch pad for young photographers.

Where: The Arts House, Print & Film Galleries, Old Parliament House, 1 Old Parliament Lane MRT: Raffles Place When: Till Jan 19 next year, 10am - 10pm Admission: Free Tel:

6332-6919 Info: Visit www.asiaontheedge.com

Book

THE 2008 COLLECTION OF SINGAPORE STAMPS

The 2008 Collection of Singapore Stamps is a colourful coffeetable book capturing key moments in Singapore in 2008, from the opening of Singapore Changi Airport Terminal 3 to the nation's First Formula 1 Grand Prix.

Where: Singapore Philatelic Museum, 23-B Coleman Street MRT: Clarke Quay/City Hall and all post office and 11 philatelic outlets When: Till Dec 31 Admission: Pay the promotional offer price of $59.90 a copy of the book, including GST, From Jan 1 2009 onwards, pay $65 a copy including GST Info: The book contains 69 pieces of mint stamps and three miniature stamp sheets with a total face value of $51.30. You can order it from the SingPost online shopping portal vPost at http://shop.vpost.com.sg

Charity

2008 YMCA FLAG DAY

The YMCA of Singapore aims to raise $60,000 to enrich the lives of intellectually, mentally and physically challenged, out-of-school youth, youth-at-risk, underprivileged and abused children, the poor and elderly. Besides donating moeny, you can sign up as one of 450 volunteers to sell flags around Singapore.

Where: islandwide When Wed : 9.30am - 3.30pm & 2 - 6.30pm (two shifts to sell flags) Admission:

Free Tel: 6586-2343 Info: Individuals can donate $50 while corporations can donate $500 each. Donors can

send their donation cheques payable to 'YMCA of Singapore' and mail them to One Orchard Road, Singapore 238824 with their names, addresses, IC numbers and mark 'YMCA Flag Day 2008' on the back of the cheques to receive official acknowledgments. E-mail flagday@ymca.org.sg by Mon to sign up as a volunteer or visit www.ymca.org.sg/flagday for more information.

CHARITY GIFT HOUSE

Make a $15 donation to The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund and pick up a token gift in exchange at the Charity Gift House at Paragon Shopping Centre.

Where: Paragon Shopping Centre, in front of the Information Counter, Orchard Road MRT: Somerset

When: Till Dec 26, 10am - 10pm Admission: Free

Tel: 6738-5535 Info: www.paragon.com.sg

BEAR A BEAR, BLESS A LIFE

Give the needy a beary happy Christmas. Adopt a limited-edition bear or bunny at $39.90 and all proceeds will go to Mustard Seeds, a non-profit organisation for needy children and the elderly. You will also receive a free $5 Spinelli Coffee beverage voucher.

Where: All 27 Spinelli outlets islandwide, When: Till Dec 28, usual store opening hours, Tel: 6339-7538 Info: The charity bear or rabbit comes with a costume and for an extra $8, yiour Furry friend will get a passort and a gift box. www.spinellicoffee.com

ADOPT A PRECIOUS SCHOOL POCKET MONEY FUND BEAR

Support the Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund - adopt a Precious School Pocket Money Fund bear for only $2.

Where: Suntec City Mall, Tropics, Level 3, 3 Temasek Boulevard MRT City Hall When: Till Dec 28, 10am - 10pm Admission: Free Tel: 6825-2668 Info: www.sunteccity.com.sg

Christmas

IMM DOLL HOUSE MINI WINTER WONDERLAND

View and photograph miniature displays of Victorian-style doll houses illuminated by colourful fairy lights and snap pictures of them. They are part of the winter wonderland setting which includes Santa with his sled of gifts, a moving electric train amidst snowcapped Christmas trees and landscape. A highlight of IMM's 'I'm Home This X'Mas' festive celebrations.

Where: IMM, level 1, Atrium MRT: Jurong East When: Till Dec 21, 10am - 10pm Admission: Free Tel: 6665-8288 Info: You can experience 'snow' at the mall's level 3 Garden Plaza daily at 8pm from today till Dec 21.

ZIRKUS CHRISTMAS FANTASY

Have a razzle-dazzle time watching the Zirkus Christmas Fantasy ice-skating musicals at Central shopping mall.

Where: Central, 6 Eu Tong Sen Street MRT: Clarke Quay When: Till Dec 24, 11am - 10pm daily -Ice Skating Show Times: -1 & 7om every Tue - Fri & 1, 4 & 7pm every Sat & Sun), (Till Sun : Zirkus Zirkus), Till Dec 24 (A Fantastique Experience) Admission: Free Tel: 6532-9922 Info: Spend $30 for a chance to skate in the rink or play a game of Puck Toss, which is like hocky on ice, visit www.thecentral.com.sg

PRECIOUS MOMENTS LASER SHOW AND FOUNTAIN OF WEALTH CHRISTMAS LIGHT-UP

Shoppers and diners at Suntec City mall will be entertained by the Precious Moments Laser Show during Christmas.

Where: Suntec City Mall, Fountain of Wealth, 3 Temasek Boulevard MRT: City Hall When: Till Dec 28, 7.45, 8.14 & 8.45pm (Precious Moments Laser Show Time) Admission: Free Te:' 6825-2668 Info:www.suntecity.com.sg

Contest

2008 NATIONAL CHINESE MUSIC COMPETITION

Young talents compete on the dizi, erhu, guzheng, pipia, sheng, suona, yangqin and zhongruan in this biennial competition, culminating in a Prize Winners' Concert on Sat at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music Concert Hall.

Where: Esplanade Recital Studio MRT: City Hall When: Till Fri , 9am - 6pm Admission: Free for prelimiaries and

final, pay $11 for Prize Winners' Concert & $6 for a masterclass Tel: 6348-5555 (tickets for concert and

masterclass) 6837-9544 (inquiries) Info: Masterclasses will be held at the Singapore Conference Hall on Sun .

Visit www.nac.gov.sg

ELVIS PRESLEY KARAOKE CONTEST

This contest is held in conjunction with Elvis Presley's 74th birth anniversary, with performances by

Singapore's own Elvis Presley, Wilson David.

Where: Hotel Royal, Jade Room, 36 Newton Road

MRT: Novena When: Jan 8, 6.30 - 11pm (5.30pm: screening of Elvis Presley's Aloha From Hawaii concert) Admission: $40, pay $10 to enter the contest Tel: 9686-3806 (Daniel Chan) Info:

The Elvis Presley karaoke contest is open to both genders. Submit entries by Dec 14. E-mail

dcelvis_meetup@yahoo.com.sg to book or visit www.elvis_meetup.com/169/about

DISNEY PRINCESS MAKEOVER CONTEST

Little girls stand to win up to $3,000 worth of prizes if they're crowned a Disney Princess. This makeover contest is meant for girls aged four to 10

Where: Raffles City shopping centre, City Square, Level 3 MRT: City Hall When: Till Dec 18, usual opening hours Admission: Free entry Tel: 6216-8388 Info: You have to buy a Disney Princess Costume package at $139.90 which incudes a Disney princess costume, wand, tiara, shoes, bag, makeover and photography session and a chance to enter the contest

Dance

THE NUTCRACKER

A mega-production by the Singapore Dance Theatre (SDT) about a girl and her adventures after she receives a nutcracker doll. In celebration of SDT's 20th anniversary with Singapore Press Holdings as the silver anniversary sponsor.

Where: Esplanade Theatre MRT: City Hall When: Fri , Sat , Dec 17 - 20, 8pm Admission: $51 - $141 Tel: 6348-5555

Film

CHINA FILM FESTIVAL 2008

The week-long festival features a documentary detailing the extensive and elaborate preparations for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on Friday .

Where: GV VivoCity MRT: HarbourFront When: Wed : 7pm (Love, Come Back), 9pm (Mamaiti's 2008), Thu , 7pm (Li Shuangliang), 9pm (The One Man Olympic), Next Fri , 7pm (The Dream Weavers -Beijing 2008), 9pm (The

Longest Night In Shanghai), Dec 13: 4.30pm (Love, Come Back), 7pm (Mamaiti's 2008), Dec 14, 4.30pm (The ONe Man

Olympic), 7pm (Li Shuangliang), Dec 15, 7pm (The LONgest Night In Shanghai, Admission: $10 a film, Info: Vsiit

www.gv.com.sg

UNARMED COMBAT (PG)

A quirky comedy where a laundy shop owner is infatuated with a beautiful woman and unconsciously tries to change his wife to become more like her, setting off a chain reaction that would turn his life topsy-turvy. By Han Yew Kwang.

Where: Sinema Old School, B1-12, 11B Mount Sophia

MRT: Dhoby Ghaut When: Wed ), 5.45pm Admission: $6 Tel: 6336-9707 Info: www.sinema.sg/oldschool

S11 (M18)

A film about a lonely clerk at a dead-end job and a girl who sells pornographic material after school to put her brother through school. By Joshua Chiang and Gilbert Chan.

Where: Sinema Old School, B1-12, 11B Mount Sophia

MRT: Dhoby Ghaut When: Wed , 8pm, Sat , 9.30pm, Dec 17: 4.50pm, Dec 20, 9/50pm, Admission: $6 Tel: 6336-9707 Info: www.sinema.sg/oldschool

HIGH COST OF LIVING (M18)

This film by Leonard Lai is about two different yet similar persons on opposites side of the law.

Where: Sinema Old School, B1-12, 11B Mount Sophia

MRT: Dhoby Ghaut When: Wed , 3.30pm, Dec 13, 2.30pm, Dec 17, 6.45pm,

Dec 21, 6.50pm Admission: $6 Tel: 6336-9707

Info: www.sinema.sg/oldschool

Gig

WORLD YOUTH CHORAL FESTIVAL

The China Broadcasting Children's Chorus, the Oulainen Youth Choir from Finland, and The Indonesian Youth Choir - Cordana perform tunes from their home countries.

Where: Victoria Concert Hall, Empress Place MRT: Raffles Place When: Wed , 7.30pm Admission: $11 Tel: 6348-5555

Guitar Festival/Competition

PAULO BELLINATI/CRISTINA AZUMA (BRAZIL)

A guitar recital by two Brazilian guitarists. Hosted by Tomas Music Consultants.

Where: DBS Auditorium, Shenton Way MRT: Tanjong Pagar When When: Wed , 8pm Admission: $38 - $73 Tel: 6348-5555 Info: The guest-of honour at this opening recital is RAdm (NS) Lui Tuck Yew, the Senior Minister of State, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts. Visit www.bellinati.com and www.tomas-music.com

4TH INTERNATIONAL GUITAR COMPETITION

Prizes totalling more than S$38,000, and specially handcrafted guitars and accessories await winners at this competition, with contestants from countries such as China, the United States, Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore.

Where: DBS Theatrette, Level 2,

DBS Building Tower 1, 6 Shenton Way MRT Tanjong Pagar When: Wed , 10am - 4pm (Semi-Final)

Admission: $21, DBS Auditorium, Level 3, DBS Building, Tower 1, 6 Shenton Way MRT: Tanjong Pagar When: Sun , 8pm

(Final) Admission: $33 & $43 Tel: 6344-3671 Info: Visit www.tomas-music.com to register

Holidays

PA KIDDIES - TREE TOP ADVENTURE

An adventure for schoolchildren where they can use ladders, bridges, swings, nets and trapezes to experience what's it like to go from tree to tree - five metres above the ground. For kids no taller than 1.45m in height.

Where: Forest Adventure @ Bedok Reservoir Park MRT: Bedok When: Wed , 9.30am - noon Admission: $28 - $32 Info: www.one.pa.gov.sg

International Kids performing Fest

WE DANCE. YOU SING. I ACT! VIDEO CONTEST

Shoot a one-minute candid video performance by your child for a chance to win the top prize of $1,000 plus a $50 Popstar City voucher. Also, vote online for your favourite 'We Dance. You Sing. I Act! Video' by tomorrow and you could take home $500 cash when you pick the winning video.

Info: Upload your video via www.ikpf.net to the contest and selected videos will be broadcast over the website. The

top three favourite videos will be announced on Wed .

THE SCHOOL OF ROCK ALL-STARS

Get ready for a night of rock 'n' roll. Young performers from the Paul Green School of Rock Music in the United States will wow you with songs by Led Zeppelin, Metallica and other rock greats. Recommended for those aged four and above.

Where: Esplanade Theatre Studio MRT: City Hall When: Wed , 8pm Admission: $33 (standing room only or

$93 for one concert and one workshop) Tel: 6348-5555 Info: Visit www.ikpf.net

Show

IKENOBO IKEBANA SOCIETY ANNIVERSARY EXHIBITION/PUBLIC DEMONSTRATIONS

Learn more about Ikenobo, the Japanese tradition of floral arrangement. Promoting the floral art tomorrow is the Special Visiting Ikenobo Professor, Noda Manabu.

Where: Singapore Council of Women's Organisation (SCWO) Centre, 96 Waterloo Street MRT: Bugis When: Wed 10.30am - 1.30pm, 2.30 - 5.30pm Admission: $50 a lesson including flowers Info: E-mail ikenobosg@yahoo.com.sg

PEOPLE Of LIBERIA

Get a glimpse of the people of Liberia, one of the most underdeveloped countries in Africa, at this photo exhibition.

Where: Oei Tiong Ham Building Lobby, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, National University of Singapore Bukit Timah Campus, 469C Bukit Timah Road MRT: Newton When: Till Fri , 10am - 6pm Admission: Free Info: E-mail panos.vrahiotis@nus.edu.sg

Talk

PICTURE BOOK FORUM

First-time writers and illustrators feature at this Picture Book Forum featuring The Straits Times Press book publishing team, Australian writer Meredith Costain and Leigh Hobbs, an Australian artist author and illustrator of children's books.

Where: Grand Plaza Park Hotel, Ballroom 1, Level 2, 10 Coleman Street MRT: City Hall When: Fri & Sat, 8.30am - 5.30pm Admission: $55 a day and $85 for two days Tel: 6848-8290 Info: The forum is organised by the Media Development Authority and the National Book Development Council of Singapore. Visit http://www.bookcouncil.sg

Theatre

SIMON SAYS

An intense study of the human psychology under pressure, this play asks questions about your faith, beliefs and place in the social system. This play won the first prize in the Singapore Young Dramatists Awards (Category B) in 1999.

Where: The Arts House, Play Den, Old Parliament House, 1 Old Parliament Lane When: Till Wed 8pm Admission: $27 Tel: 6332-6919

THE OFFICE PARTY

This comic drama will take you on a rollercoaster ride through a minefield of office politics, petty differences, sexual harassment and hidden desires. Directed by Tracie Pang.

Where: DBS Arts Centre, Merbau Road, Roberston Quay MRT: Clarke Quay When: Till Sat : 8pm, also

4pm on Dec 12 & 13 Admission: $51 & $61 Tel: 6348-5555

SNOW WHITE & THE SEVEN DWARFS

Catch this pantomime which gives a twist to the beloved childhood tale of Snow White. It comes with side-splitting gags and snazzy songs. Directed by Hossan Leong, this Wild Rice production features Sebastian Tan as The Queen and Elena Wang as Snow White.

Where: Drama Centre Theatre, National Library Building, 100 Victoria Street MRT: City Hall/Bugis When: Till Dec 20, 7.30pm (Tue - Fri), 2.30 & 7.30pm (Sat & Sun) Admission: $41 - $62 Tel: 6348-5555

Web

CHAT WITH STAR BLOGGERS

Want to know our star bloggers better? Chat with them from 9 to 10pm.

Info: Visit www.stomp.com.sg/starblog

Compiled by Magdalene Lum

Listings on this page are free. Write to Life!Events, Life!, The Straits Times, Podium Level 2, 1000 Toa Payoh North, Singapore 318994, e-mail stlife@sph.com.sg or fax 6319-8276 at least two weeks ahead. Include the name of the event, organiser, venue, date and time, ticket prices and nearest MRT station, as well as your name, address and contact number. Send pictures if you have any, We reserve the right to edit or reject items submitted