Weekender Guide BKK: Best Things to See, Do, Eat on Dec. 16-18, 2022

Ahh, another weekend is upon us and you’re looking for cool things to get up to in the city! We’ve saved you the hassle with The Beat Bangkok’s rundown of the best places to hit up and things to do this weekend—from blink-and-you'll-miss-it pop-up sights and new restaurant openings, to the hottest activities that you shouldn’t miss. To keep your finger on the pulse of the city, follow The Beat Bangkok to see what’s best in store for the weekend. 

1. Wonderfruit Festival

Bring out your Coachella-inspired outfits as Thailand’s hippiest festival is back following a three-year pandemic pause. Set amongst the sprawling fields of Siam Country Club, Wonderfruit is a celebration of creativity within communities through four days of concerts, workshops, immersive experiences, wellness activities, and more. The festival breathes life into a new concept called Ancient Forest, which “explores the ecosystem between nature, architecture, and culture” through a series of installations that festival-goers can engage in. Over at the creators stage, Snapped Ankles, Ajate, Masayoshi Fujita, Anne Müller, H3F, and Autta are part of the line-up of acts to watch out for. Local artists will also whisk you off to a weekend of legendary music, including the Lonely Girls Club set to hype up the crowd on Dec. 16 with their spinning beats.

To set the mood further, the festival has partnered with Campari Group’s Aperol in concocting a series of drinks at The Orange Bar. Bartenders and mixologists will also come together to showcase their imaginative creations and styles. Visit Wonderfruit’s website to know more about their headliners and full schedule of activities.

When: Dec. 15-18

Where: Siam Country 3 at 50 Moo 9 T. Banglamung, Pong, Bang Lamung District, Chon Buri

How much: As of writing, only the Sunday pass is available for THB4,000

2. Winter Fest Brunch at Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel

Let the holiday binge eating begin! And what better way to kick off this season of guilt-free feasts than through Anantara Siam Bangkok’s Winter Fest Brunch? Their Madison restaurant is ready to delight guests with a chef-approved menu that will add cheer this season. For reservations, click here or contact 02-126-8866.

When: Dec. 18

Where: 155 Rajadamri Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok

How much: Starts at THB4,500

3. The 420 Cruise

Hop on a ship this weekend and vibe with your friends through live music while cruising the Chao Phraya River. Headlining The 420 Cruise are Rejizz, Buddha Beat, and Subnet who will deliver fist-pumping tunes ranging from nomadic R&B to ethno pop and electronica. Spinning for guests are Sticky Keys and Pableroy, who is known for Caribbean and Latin beats. A cannabis market is also available, with dispensaries and accessories vendors offering products that will busy your mouth while aboard the cruise. Click here to know more about this event.

When: 6 PM-11 PM, Dec. 17

Where: River City Bangkok

How much: THB520 (regular)

4. Galilei/22 by Embassy of Italy

In observance of the National Space Day on Dec. 16, the Embassy of Italy in Thailand has organised a show to commemorate Galileo's writings, letters, and lute music, featuring actor Bruno Lovadina and musicians Jacopo Gianninoto and Luca Chiavinato. The event will highlight the Italian astronomer and physicist’s life through the lens of young artists, whose works will be used as a backdrop of the performances. Satellite images of the COSMO-SkyMed constellation will also be exhibited. Click here to lock in your tickets.

When: 5 PM-8 PM, Dec. 16

Where: Bangkok Art and Culture Centre, 939 Rama I Road Khet Pathum Wan

How much: Free

5. Inpride

Celebrate diversity with the LGBTQ+ community at TaiPride, a safe space for discussing pressing gender issues coupled with sing-alongs with local talents. National Human Rights Commissioner Suphatra Nakapiw will deliver the opening speech followed by a series of talks about empowerment, coping with violence, and individual perspectives on inclusivity. To register, go to this page.

When: 10 AM-6 PM, Dec. 17

Where: Kru Grape Garden, S. 3 67/1, Soi Sukhumvit 55, near BTS Thonglor

6. Waldorf Astoria’s Festive Afternoon Tea

Waldorf Astoria is gifting diners this December with a Festive Afternoon Tea in Peacock Alley. Play with your taste buds with Baeri Caviar, Misso Gummies, Truffle Bricohe, and King Salmon Gravlax. Let loose with some sweets courtesy of Cinammon Mouse, Chestnut Caramel Cake, and Gianduja Choux Log Cake. Lastly, be merry with Christmas-themed pastries like Orange Santa Hat, and Pistachio, Figs and Strawberry Wreath. For bookings and inquiries, call +66 (0) 2 846 8888 or contact Waldorf Astoria on Instagram. Click here to see the full menu.

When: Now until Jan. 1, 2023

Where: Peacock Alley, 151 Ratchadamri Rd, Waldorf Astoria Bangkok, Bangkok

How much: THB2,700-THB4,900

7. Floating Happiness

For something the whole gang can enjoy, swing by Central Embassy’s holiday celebrations featuring a Christmas tree that’s said to be the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia. Let the kids meet snowman and Santa and his reindeers, while adults go for a last-minute Christmas shopping. There will also be workshops scattered until early next month such as cookie and ornament painting, oak tree wire sculpture, and diorama. To know more about these fun-filled activities, go here.

When: Now until Jan. 23

Where: Central Embassy, 1031 Ploenchit Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok

How much: Price varies

8. RCB Music: Christmas Carols

River City Bangkok’s monthly musical performances are set to close this year, but not without a splash of cheer before Christmas Day. Carolers will serenade you during this chilly weather of December with melodic singing just before we feast on holiday spreads and unwrap gifts. Click here for more.

When: 4 PM, Dec. 24

Where: River City Bangkok, 23 Soi Charoen Krung 24, Talat Noi, Samphanthawong, Bangkok

How much: Free

9. Last-Minute Holiday Shopping

Are you done with your holiday shopping? If you’re part of the last-minute crowd, here’s the best (and maybe only?) time to tick off your nice-and-naughty list. We’ve rounded up some of the best Instagram-based shops in Bangkok where you can score cool holiday presents for your family and peers. From vintage clothes to accessories that scream Christmas, here are local shops worth checking out.

How much: Price varies