What’s on Bangkok: Best Things to Do on Dec. 26, 2023-Jan. 1, 2024

Ahh, another week is upon us, and you’re looking for cool things to get up to in Thailand! We’ve saved you the hassle with The Beat Bangkok’s rundown of the best places to hit up and things to do right now—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 week ahead. 

1. Boxing Day Sale

Gear up for an awesome shopping spree and score some holiday savings! The much-awaited Boxing Day sale is just around the corner, so start jotting down your shopping must-haves. Shoppers can snag up to THB12,000 vouchers on special offers. Participating stores and restaurants will also treat you to special set menus and extra privileges. Terms and conditions apply.

When: 10 AM, Dec. 26

Where: Central Embassy, 1031 Phloen Chit Road, Pathum Wan, Bangkok

How much: Prices vary

2. ‘Middleman's 1st Love’ Final EP Movie Screening

Gather your crew and make sure not to miss the grand finale of the BL rom-com series “Middleman,” featuring Yim Pharinyakorn Khansawa as Jade and Koraphat “Tutor” Lamnoi as Mai. Originally released on Nov. 10, "Middleman’s 1st Love" has now reached its conclusion, and now it's time to discover the destiny of our beloved "middleman."

This is your golden ticket to say goodbye to the series and score some exclusive memorabilia. Fans attending the final episode screening will receive an official photocard, hand-signed poster, plastic ticket, send-off, and hi-touch experience.

When: 8 PM, Dec. 29

Where: Major Cineplex Ratchayothin, Theater 14, 1839 Phahon Yothin Road, Khwaeng Lat Yao, Khet Chatuchak, Bangkok

How much: THB1,590-THB2,090 via Ticketmelon

3. Nichkhun Solo Fan Meeting in Bangkok: Happy Khun Year

Get ready to be starstruck as the multi-talented star and member of the South Korean boy band 2PM, Nichkhun Buck Horvejkul, will have his solo fan meeting just before 2023 ends. This exclusive event comes with a lineup of fan benefits that'll make your K-Pop heart skip a beat: from a press conference pass and sound check privilege to a group photo, signed Polaroid, poster, hi-bye session, special photo card, and an official poster.

When: 6 PM, Dec. 30

Where: MGI Hall, 6th floor, Show DC Shopping Center, Bravo BKK Bang Kapi, Huai Khwang, Bangkok

How much: THB2,800-THB6,800 via Thai Ticket Major

4. ‘From Day and Night’ Solo Exhibition

“From Day and Night” is a game-changing solo exhibition by Buakow Phasom, in collaboration with River City Bangkok and Pagoda the Art Club. At the heart of this exhibition lies a poignant theme — a deep dive into the theme of sorrow, personified by an enigmatic character, a young soul with eyes that speak volumes.

While sorrow is often perceived as a negative emotion and is synonymous with distress, Buakow sees it differently. In her artistic interpretation, sorrow is like the spice of life, revealing the very essence of our existence. These emotional landscapes have not weakened her but, instead, have fuelled her to turn negatives into artful positives.

When: Until Dec. 31

Where: River City Bangkok Artery, 1st Floor, 23 Charoen Krung Soi 24, Talard Noi, Sampantawong, Bangkok

How much: Free admission

5. Chase Zhang Zhehan 2023 Fan Meeting

Chinese actor and singer Zhang Zhehan will be having a fan meeting to welcome the new year. He rose to stardom with his standout role as Wei Ying in the Chinese historical drama “Legend of Ban Shu” in 2015. He was also recognised for his roles in “Legend of Yunxi,” “The Bloom at Ruyi Pavillion,” and “Word of Honor.”

Despite facing some challenges in the past, Zhang made an impressive comeback in 2022, reclaiming his star status by dropping not one but two hit singles called “Melancholy Sunshine" and "Knight Errant,” which both hit No. 1 on the global iTunes music chart.

When: 9 PM, Dec. 31

Where: MGI Hall, Show DC Shopping Center, Bang Kapi, Huai Khwang, Bangkok

How much: THB1,800-THB13,800 via Thai Ticket Major

6. ‘Love Actually’ Screening

If you're in the mood for some fresh air and a cinematic treat, here's a heads-up on another film screening to catch before we ring in 2024! One of the finest romantic comedy films “Love Actually” is gracing the big screen, thanks to theCOMMONS’ Sunset Film Club and Documentary Club.

This outdoor movie screening showcases a carefully curated selection of classic films, documentaries, and family-friendly releases. All movies will be screened with English and Thai subtitles.

When: 6 PM, Dec. 31

Where: theCOMMONS Thonglor, 335 Akkhara Phatsadu Alley, Khlong Tan Nuea, Watthana, Bangkok

How much: THB350 (comes with free popcorn and a soft drink)

7. Brasserie 9 Bangkok New Year’s Eve Dinner

French restaurant Brasserie 9 invites you and your loved ones to a New Year’s Eve dinner, featuring its lavish seven-course feast complete with a welcome Champagne, live jazz entertainment, and wine pairing.

The menu will tempt your taste buds with its Amuse-Bouche, Gillardeau N2 oysters dashi jelly and finger lime, Brittany blue lobster with Calvsius caviar, Normandy wild cod fillet royale of Japanese leek and choron sauce, and slow-cooked Venaison fillet Normoutiers potato millefeuille and wild berries grand veneur sauce, to name a few. Moreover, if you're among the first 10 to secure your seats, you can get a 15% discount. You may book a table here.

When: Dec. 31

Where: Brasserie 9 Restaurant Bangkok, 27 Sathorn Soi 6, Silom, Bangrak District

How much: THB6,990+ per person

8. New Year’s Eve Buffet Dinner and Countdown

Here’s another buffet dinner to check out this New Year’s Eve! This event is going to be epic, with live band tunes, a DJ on deck for the countdown, fortune-telling sessions, walkabout magic performances, and a special corner to keep the little ones entertained. The buffet spread offers a wide selection of both Western and Asian culinary delights, complete with seafood, carving, and dessert stations. Children under five years old can dine for free.

For more information, visit this link. You may also call 0 2632 9000 or email [email protected]. Terms and conditions apply.

When: 6 PM till late, Dec. 31

Where: Panorama (Level 23), Crowne Plaza Bangkok Lumpini Park, 952 Rama IV Road

How much: THB2,283-THB4,943 nett

9. New Year’s Day Brunch

If you're more of a day explorer than a night owl and fancy a delightful daytime dining experience, we've got the perfect suggestion for you — New Year's Day brunch at VIU. The menu includes Australian Wagyu Beef Wellington with Truffle Sauce, a Burrata Station, Lobster Benedict, Oyster Rockefeller, and more. Click here to view the full menu.

This brunch party also offers a free flow of non-alcoholic drinks, but if you prefer some wines and spirits, you can add that on for an extra THB2,000 per person. To reserve a table, contact 02-207-7777 or email  [email protected].

When: 12:30 PM-3:30 PM, Jan. 1

Where: VIU, 159 Rajadamri Road, Pathum Wan

How much: THB4,900+ per person

10. J.I.A Fan Meeting in Bangkok

Ring in 2024 with a musical bang as Meng Jia will hold a fan meeting in the kingdom. The Chinese singer and actress is a former member of the South Korean girl group Miss A. Get ready to be serenaded by her captivating tunes, including hits like “Drip,” “Who’s That Girl,” “Good Good Love,” “Wherever,” and “蝴蝶海,” to name a few.

When: 7 PM, Jan. 1

Where: MGI Hall, Show DC Shopping Center, Bang Kapi, Huai Khwang, Bangkok

How much: THB1,500-THB6,000 via Thai Ticket Major

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