What’s on Singapore: Best Things to See, Do, Eat, Drink on Dec. 5-11, 2023

Ahh, another week is upon us, and you’re looking for cool things to get up to in Singapore! We’ve saved you the hassle with The Beat Singapore’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 Singapore to see what’s best in store for the week ahead.  

1. Yesterday Once More feat. Vanessa Kee

Want to turn your Tuesday night into a nostalgic journey through the groovy '70s and '80s? Buckle up! One of Singapore’s leading theatre actresses, Vanessa Kee, is set to serenade guests with iconic tunes from the likes of the Bee Gees, The Carpenters, Carole King, and Elton John.

Vanessa's illustrious career includes captivating performances in acclaimed productions such as "AIDA the Musical," "Fiddler on the Roof," and "Quasimodo The Musical." For more information, go here.

When: 7 PM-8 PM, Dec. 5

Where: Esplanade Concourse, Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay, 1 Esplanade Drive

How much: Free

2. Spread Holiday Joy: Buy a Tote Bag and Support Shelter Dogs

If your tote collection needs a holiday boost, here's a chance to make it meaningful by supporting Causes for Animals. Self-storage provider Lock+Store will be offering limited edition foldable cotton tote bags, featuring the beloved Singapore Special Charlie, that are not just stylish but also carry a cause close to our hearts.

Running until Dec. 22, this community outreach programme is an integral part of Lock+Store's commitment to spreading holiday joy during the Yuletide season. As a testament to their dedication to animal welfare, Lock+Store previously sponsored a kennel space for Gimmy, an 11-year-old Singapore Special under the care of Causes for Animals.

When: Dec. 6 

Where: Lock+Store, Ayer Rajah, Tanjong Pagar, and Chai Chee

How much: S$10 via PayNow only

3. Lee Junho 1st Fan Meeting Tour 'Junho The Moment 2023' in Singapore

Calling all hottest! The main vocalist of Korean boy group 2PM, Lee Junho, is hitting the Lion City for his maiden fan meeting. Get ready to be swept off your feet by more than just his undeniable charm, as Junho's bringing the heat with his killer vocal range and dance moves.

The multi-talented Korean superstar has not only carved his name in the music industry but has also garnered acclaim for his acting endeavors, with various K-dramas such as “King the Land,” “The Red Sleeve,” “Rain or Shine,” and “Confession,” among others.

When: 7:30 PM, Dec. 8-10

Where: The Star Theatre, The Star Vista, 1 Vista Exchange Green, #04-01

How much: S$138-S$268 via Ticketmaster

4. BookFest@Singapore 2023

Revel in a literary extravaganza as the highly anticipated annual year-end book fair by Popular Bookshop returns for two weekends of pure bookish bliss. With the theme “Buzz in Bloom,” the BookFest@Singapore will take place across 24 Popular stores in the Lion City. Book and craft enthusiasts, get ready to unleash your inner bargain hunter with a lot of irresistible deals on offer, spanning books, stationery, gifts, and all things awesome!

Other activities to enjoy at the BookFest include a spellbinding Harry Potter quiz and costume contest, gadgets and IT shows for your tech cravings, a Christmas party, and a honey harvest for a chance to win S$15,000 worth of prizes.

When: Dec. 8

Where: Multiple locations

How much: Free entry

5. Santa Race for Wishes 2023

It’s time to put on your Santa hats and lace up those running shoes because we've got a heartwarming cause on the horizon: the Santa Race for Wishes. This holiday-driven initiative by Make-A-Wish Singapore is dedicated to granting life-changing wishes for children battling critical illnesses.

Your support goes a long way in making dreams come true, as you help these little warriors and their families navigate tough times and inject a big dose of hope, strength, and joy into their lives. 

Whether you're a virtual runner, a leisurely walker, or a cycling enthusiast, there are different categories to fit your style, spanning distances from three to 50 kilometres and 10 to 200 kilometres, respectively. To learn more about this initiative, visit this link.

When: Dec. 9

Where: Online

How much: Free registration

6. Festive Finds at Marina Central

Marina Central is throwing down the gauntlet with its Festive Finds challenge, and it's not your average giveaway! Instead of a straightforward giveaway, the venue will host a real-life treasure hunt where guests will search for hidden coins. Each coin can be redeemed for a S$50 Marina Central voucher, which can be used for shopping and dining.

To join in the fun, keep an eye on the district’s Instagram stories posted daily between Dec. 2-9 at 4 PM for location clues. For the nitty-gritty details of this epic adventure, go here. Terms and conditions apply.

When: 4 PM-6 PM, Until Dec. 9

Where: Marina Central District, 26 Beach Road

How much: Free

7. Singapore Comic Con 2023

From comics and toys to cosplay and gaming, Singapore Comic Con is rolling into town to bring a one-stop shop that will delight geeks and pop culture enthusiasts alike. This event is a celebration of Asian and Western pop culture, featuring a Creator Con, talks by industry professionals, live performances, a cosplay competition, exclusive screenings, and more.

Kids under 12 can enter for free, with each paying adult allowed a maximum of two accompanying children. Learn more about Singapore Comic Con here.

When: 10 AM-9 PM, Dec. 9-10

Where: Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre, 10 Bayfront Avenue

How much: S$35 via Klook

8. Ice Magic: Winter Wonderland

Starting this Saturday, your dream of a snow-kissed Christmas in Singapore will come true! Ice Magic Winter Wonderland is about to turn the sunny island into a snowy oasis with its pop-up winter playground, sprawling over an impressive 3,000-square-metre area.

Some of the winter wonders that await you are Merry-Go-Round on Ice, Double-Lane Couple Ice Slide, Ice Magic’s Wooden Cottage, and more.

The touring pop-up winter playground is designed for all ages. If you’re ready to experience its wintry magic, each visitor gets a play for a duration of 60 minutes. However, those with medical issues related to the heart, back, and neck or any other condition exacerbated by cold temperatures are advised to refrain from participating.

When: Dec. 9

Where: Bayfront Event Space, 12A Bayfront Avenue

How much: S$19-S$49 via Sistic

9. Esplanade Presents 'National Theatre Live: Hamlet (Screening)'

Calling all Hamilfans! National Theatre Live is bringing us the must-see screening of William Shakespeare’s "Hamlet," starring award-winning actor Benedict Cumberbatch.

This riveting tragedy delves into themes of revenge, madness, and the intricate layers of human nature, filled with betrayals, manipulations, and tragic consequences that crescendo to a dramatic and fatal conclusion.

Whether you're a seasoned viewer or someone who's yet to witness this theatrical masterpiece, you can buy your tickets here.

When: 2 PM, Dec. 10

Where: Esplanade Theatre, Esplanade Mall, 1 Esplanade Drive

How much: S$24-S$28

10. 34th Singapore International Film Festival

Cinephiles are in for a wonderful treat! The Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF) is back for its 34th edition, serving a cinematic buffet of 101 films from 50 countries.

Some of the films you can watch on the big screen are “Tiger Stripes” (festival opening), “Green Night,” “The Tenants,” “All This Wasted Space,” and “Wonderland,” to name a few.

When: Until Dec. 10

Where: Multiple locations

How much: S$10-S$25 via Sistic

Promote your upcoming event now! Click here to submit your event and have it considered for inclusion in our upcoming coverage and newsletters.