UNRESERVED Recommends: Your December Entertainment Diary
CHRISTMAS MARKETS
Strasbourg Christkindelsmärik
WHEN: THROUGHOUT DECEMBER 2018
WHERE: STRASBOURG, FRANCE
One of the oldest in Europe, this magical Christmas market is now a UNESCO world heritage site. It is currently set up in the heart of the Grande Île. With over 300 wooden chalets housing all manner of Christmas food and trinkets, it’s truly a delight to get lost in. Sip a glass of Alsatian wine and enjoy the array of fairy lights and dazzling decor, especially the towering Great Christmas Tree in Place Kleber. If you want a truly traditional and merry Christmas while in Europe, this is the first stop. To add an extra sprinkle of fun at the market, every year they have a ‘guest’ country village. Stop by to find out the Christmas magic in store for you this year.
View this post on InstagramThe weather outside is frightful but the Apple Gingerbread Pancakes were SO DELIGHTFUL 🎄 🥞 🎁
Salzburger Christkindlmarkt
WHEN: UNTIL 26 DECEMBER 2018
WHERE: ON CATHEDRAL AND RESIDENZ SQUARE, SALZBURG, AUSTRIA
The birthplace of Christmas carol supreme, Silent Night, Salzburg is also home to this beautifully old Christmas market. Set in the centre of the city of illustrious composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Salzburger Christkindlmarkt dates back to the 15th century, making it one of the oldest in town. The city is lit in the soft glow of yellow Christmas lights reflecting off the snow-covered roofs, a romantic sight only enhanced by the warm cheer coming from the market. Enjoy the aroma of hot milk, toasted almonds, roasted chestnuts, baked goods and savoury treats while you browse through the Christmas ornaments, toys and sweaters galore. Don’t miss out on the mulled wine, but beware of getting your tongue ‘burnt’.
LIGHTS
Illuminated Christmas Lights Trail
WHEN: THROUGHOUT DECEMBER 2018
WHERE: BLENHEIM PALACE, ENGLAND
Gifted to the first Duke of Marlborough, John Churchill, and the birthplace of Winston Churchill, Blenheim Palace is now living history. The interior of the palace is rich in historical items, beautiful portraits and old architecture. Not only can you find out the history of such an iconic palace but you can also enjoy the festivities on the grounds. There is an illuminated winter trail through the festive gardens that is littered with all manner of decorative lighting to brighten the way. With lasers, projections and thousands of pea lights, this winter trail promises to be brighter than ever before. If you’re in the United Kingdom, head over to Blenheim Palace for a magical night of colour, frosty snowflakes, stars and glistening baubles. If you’re lucky enough you might even find Santa and his elves along the way. Bring the children for an unforgettable night of wonder.
Amsterdam Lights Festival
WHEN: THROUGHOUT DECEMBER 2018
WHERE: AROUND AMSTERDAM
A more expansive light show is right in the middle of Amsterdam, the literal highlight of the holiday season. A collaboration between artists and lights, there are light sculptures along Amsterdam’s historic Canal Ring, the River Amstel as well as other locations. A boat ride along the canal is a good way to fully experience the lights and be immersed in the shine, but one could leisurely explore the artworks by foot or bike easily. If you prefer a guided tour instead, there are many set up for you that will probably include restaurant stops and theatre spots. Over 600 artists, Dutch and international, have sent in their ideas and only 30 have been selected to be showcased. Head over to Amsterdam this year for something a little different for Christmas and see why these sculptures are raved about.
ON THE BIG SCREEN
Aquaman
There may be more Game of Thrones fans at this movie premiere than comic book fans. How else would they get more of their precious Khal Drogo turned King of Atlantis, commander of sharks? Moving on from being the chieftain of the Dothraki, Jason Momoa has slipped into the very buff role of the ruler of DC Comics’ fictional kingdom of Atlantis. Kicking off from Justice League’s premiere earlier this year, we get an actual backstory to the whale whisperer. At the behest of Mera, Arthur Curry has to return to Atlantis to resolve turmoil brewing in the city under the ocean. In the movie, Curry is a reluctant leader of Atlantis and Ruler of the Seven Seas. Momoa fills out the role with muscles and a gruff attitude, a different turn from DC’s Curry who is similarly gruff but very blond. It’s still to be seen if Amber Heard will do justice to the role of the hydrokinetic and telepathic Mera, Queen of Atlantis.
THE ARTS
UNTAPPED
WHEN: 21 DECEMBER 2018
WHERE: CHAN + HORI CONTEMPORARY, SINGAPORE
To establish a support network and offer a platform for local artists, the Visual Arts Development Association (VADA) supported by Chan + Hori Contemporary in Singapore is hosting an annual exhibition titled UNTAPPED. Artists are invited to submit artwork proposals for participation in a group exhibition held in the Chan + Hori gallery space. This is an effort to connect emerging artists with art patrons in a neutral setting, giving exposure to those who would otherwise be hidden. The artists featured this year are Daniel Chong, Zestro Leow, Huijun Lu, Joanne Pang, Fajrina Razak, Joel Seow, Desiree Tham, Dan Wong, Kester Wong and Denise Yap. The art styles range from batik to ceramics, but each and every artist aims to cut deep into the emotional psyche of the viewer with their messages.
Drawing Reverberation
WHEN: THROUGHOUT DECEMBER 2018
WHERE: OTA FINE ARTS, SINGAPORE
New York-based artist Firoz Mahmud is exhibiting his artwork in Singapore throughout December. Born in Bangladesh and educated in Dhaka and Tokyo, this artist has been featured internationally in various exhibitions in countries such as Norway and Egypt. His works, like many other artists, reflect socio-political culture, tradition and history from his native land. A must-see in this Singapore exhibit is his series of drawings titled Distance From The Past which speak in bright colours and fine lines of days gone by. Don’t miss his woodcarvings either, especially Curving Itihash 1 (2017).
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