Things to do in December 2019 in KL, Selangor & Genting
Image adapted from (clockwise from top left): Riuhinthecity, Lilin And Co, Da Niu Bake Pie & @achmadbakhtiar_
It’s hard to believe that 2019 is drawing to a close. But telltale signs that the festive season is approaching are hard to miss — the lights seem to shine brighter, the mood is merrier, and of course, Christmas jingles are blasted through the speakers of almost every shop you enter.
If you’re looking for some festive activities to indulge in, we’ve rounded up a list of 15 events that are worth checking out this December in Malaysia, from festive bazaars to dazzling light shows.
1. Visit A Very Merry RIUH for Christmas carols and performances
Image credit: Riuhinthecity
RIUH, a themed market which takes place every month, is back with its Christmas-edition A Very Merry Riuh. Coming off its SYOK SYOK-themed Malaysian-pride RIUH in November, you can grab some street food – such as Quack Teow’s fragrant Char Kway Teow (RM10) that’s stir-fried with duck egg – while shopping for artisanal goods and trying your hand at creative workshops this time around too.
Image credit: @quackteow.ttdi
And with Christmas just around the corner, The Young KL Singers’ Christmas carols and Dua Space Dance Theatre Academy’s performance of The Nutcracker will help you kickstart this festive month.
Tote-bag from Suri Lifestyle that uses recycled old denim in its modern design
Image credit: @surilifestyle
You can also shop for eco-friendly gifts for your loved ones – from repurposed denim clothes and bags from Suri Lifestyle, chic leather REEN slip-ons (RM179) from June and Riga, and Colouring Placemats (RM60) from Chubby Fingers Play that can be reused by simply wiping them down.
Chubby Fingers Play’s reusable colouring placemats that come with non-toxic markers
Image credit: @chubbyfingersplay
For a full list of events and schedule at this 2-day event, click here.
Venue: Sentul Depot, Sentul West, 51100 Kuala Lumpur
Dates: 7th – 8th December 2019
Time: 12AM-10PM
Website
2. Indulge in unique snacks and Japanese street food at Lot10’s Street Food Weekender
Image credit: @unicornshake.my
Lot10’s Street Food Weekender is a street food bazaar that takes place on the first weekend of every month. It brings the best of Asian, Western, and Japanese cuisine to the entrance of Lot10 mall so you can have a foodie adventure without having to walk more than a mile.
If you have an insatiable sweet tooth, you’ll want to check out Unicorn Shake’s pop-up store here. All its Unishake ice-blended drinks – with flavours such as Kitkat (RM9) and Strawberry (RM8) – are cold, sugary delights that get topped with a fluffy, colourful crown of cotton candy.
There’s also Cold Brew Coffee (RM12) and Pineapple Ginger Tea (RM10) to cool you off from the heat, which you can get from The Tiffi Tap’s unique setup – a vintage Volkswagen bus outfitted with beach chairs and a striped awning that only makes its rounds at food fairs.
The Tiffi Tap’s VW Bus serves up cold brew coffee and tea, and low-sugar chocolate cookies
Image adapted from: @lot10klofficial
You can also try some crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside Japanese Takoyaki (RM12) and grilled Yakitori (RM5/stick) – a Japanese version of satay with pork belly, chicken thigh, or meatball glazed with tare sauce – from Takokichi at J’s Gate Dining.
Takoyaki from Takokichi at Lot10’s Street Food Weekender
Image credit: J’s Gate Dining
Street Food Weekender is conveniently located outside Exit D of Bukit Bintang MRT Station, so if you’re worried about traffic jams in KL or expensive car park fees just hop on a train and make your way down here without any hassle.
Venue: Premier Terrace & Lottie Entrance, Lot 10, Jalan Sultan Ismail, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Dates: 6th – 8th December 2019
Time: 10AM-10PM
Website
3. Drink to your heart’s content with 2-for-1 wine at Le Marche Bottega Christmas Market
Image credit: @yingroe
Traders Market, a roving market that supports local brands, is holding a 1-day Le Marche Bottega Christmas Market at Bottega Mediterranea, a cosy Italian cafe and deli in KL that serves up great vibes with its rustic food. You can expect the same chill vibes at this market, with a live DJ and 12 brands selling handcrafted goods on its outdoor patio.
Image adapted from: Su Ann Lim
The deli will remain open so you can get Italian Cold Cuts (from RM18), Sun-Dried Tomatoes (RM29.70) and homemade Ravioli (from RM12). 396east, which sells boho-chic baskets and bags, and Sambal Enak, which carries 7 varieties of bottled sambal, will also be popping by so you can stockpile for your next soiree.
The best part is that you can do this all while having a slice of Margherita Pizza (RM19.10) and indulging in the deli’s Happy Hour 2-for-1 wine deal (RM58) – with your choice of red or white wine and a complimentary third glass.
Hand-crafted rattan baskets and bags from 396east
Image credit: @396east
Venue: Bottega Mediterranea, 1A, Jalan Ceylon, Bukit Ceylon, 50200 Kuala Lumpur
Date: 7th December 2019
Time: 2PM-8PM
Website
4. Get lit with the annual light show at LAMPU Putrajaya 2019
Image credit: @lampu2016
If you can’t get enough of Christmas and festive lights, drop by Putrajaya for its annual LAMPU Putrajaya 2019. From 28th – 31st December 2019, the roads of Putrajaya are closed off, and food vendors and street performers will set up shop to cater to the throng of visitors who drop by to see the light show.
In the 2018 event, there were trishaws decorated in neon lights to bring you around Precinct 4 in Putrajaya, and over 10 art sculptures – including one of a massive Transformer-like robot – and public gardens decorated with lights where you could take IG-worthy pictures. You can expect the same at this year’s edition.
Transformer-inspired art sculpture
Image credit: @Fienuts
The main draw of the event is the Grand Projection Mapping, a light show that takes place every night that the event is held, starting from 9PM on Perbadanan Putrajaya Complex and Istana Kehakiman. Colourful designs are projected on both buildings every 30 minutes or so throughout the night.
There will also be a Digital Firework Show on the last day to wrap up the event and usher in 2020.
Venue: Dataran Putrajaya, Precinct 3, Putrajaya
Dates: 28th – 31st December 2019
Time: 7.30PM-12.30AM; Grand Projection Mapping from 9PM
Website
5. See the life-sized Millennium Falcon at Pavilion KL’s A Starry Christmas
Image credit: @pavilionkualalumpur
Pavilion KL’s Centre Court is festively decorated with Christmas trees and life-size replicas from the Star Wars series this month in anticipation for the release of “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” in theatres 19th December 2019.
There’s a Millennium Falcon true-to-life replica that takes centre stage at the Centre Court for fans to geek out and gawk at – complete with fairy lights hanging above it that looks like the galaxy that the starship flies through in the film. A Star Wars Inspired Light Experience happens daily at 8PM too, where the starship rises from its perch for a light show.
Other fun Star Wars activities include getting a selfie with Sith Troopers, which are permanent fixtures at the court, and a Stormtrooper, R2-D2 and C3-PO photo-op happening every other hour from 1PM on 8th – 9th December 2019.
Image credit: @eddiefrondeur
And that’s not all – pop-up stores, including one from Toys “R” Us selling Star Wars merch, and another from Royal Selangor offering Star Wars collectables such as chess sets and pewter figures, will also be part of this event. And on Christmas Day itself (25th December 2019), you can also look forward to festive marching band and dance performances, and a chance to meet Santa Claus.
For a full list of events, click here.
Venue: Centre Court, Pavilion Mall, 168, Bukit Bintang Street, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Dates: 19th November – 31st December 2019
Time: 10AM-10PM
Website
6. Roleplay as a survivor of a zombie apocalypse at Train To Busan Horror House
Image credit: @traintobusan_vr
Inspired by the popular Korean zombie movie “Train to Busan”, Train to Busan Horror House in Genting Highlands will let thrill-seeking Malaysians outrun the undead in a fictional zombie apocalypse brought to life. Held daily for a month only – 2nd December 2019 to 1st January 2020 – this hyperreality theme park deals out real scares with its immersive sets and realistic actors in zombie gear.
You begin your journey at the Horror House on the colourful streets of Seoul, where visitors can indulge in Korean food and drinks before venturing into the land of the undead. Once you get your train ticket – or entry ticket, which starts from RM90 – you enter an interactive simulation that has you navigating through Daejeon Train Station and the famous train in the film, all while zombies are threatening to scare you at every corner.
Image credit: Train To Busan VR Tour
If you’re still itching for more action after running through the train, grab a headset and prop gun at the 360 VR Room. In an arcade-style setup, you can roleplay further as a survivor in an interactive world to take out zombies in a reimagined Train to Busan VR world.
And you don’t have to know the film to enjoy this horror house, but if you’re curious after living through it, you can catch a daily screening of the film at 6:15PM at Bona Cinemas.
Venue: Level 1, Skytropolis Indoor Theme Park, Genting Highlands
Date: 2nd December 2019 – 1st January 2020
Time: Streets of Seoul 10AM-10PM; Train to Busan Horror House 12AM-10PM
Price: From RM90. Get your tickets here.
Website
7. Do some last-minute Christmas shopping at Sunny Side Up Market Christmas Edition
Tea towels and pouches with images of old-school brands from Bingka
Image credit: @bingka.kl
The Christmas edition of Sunny Side Up Market — a community market that gives local brands a platform to showcase their work — brings a whole new list of brands and food vendors to Slate At The Row, a rustic event space in KL.
Some brands that will be here are CRUSH Beauty, Jui Craft and Collections, and Bingka, all of which sell sustainable lifestyle and fashion goods such as pouches and fashion accessories that make great gifts under RM50 for your friends.
Image credit: Da Niu Bake Pie
And if you get hungry while shopping, you can pick up Da Niu Bake Pie’s crispy flatbread with toppings such as Spicy Lamb (RM12) and Cheese (RM10), both of which have a record of selling out by the end of the day at previous markets they visited.
Venue: Slate At The Row, 52, Jalan Doraisamy, Chow Kit, 50300 Kuala Lumpur
Dates: 13th – 15th December 2019
Time: Fri 11AM-4PM | Sat-Sun 11AM-6PM
Website
8. Browse through 4.5 million books at Big Bad Wolf Sale
Image credit: @OnyxBookJP
Straight from its 10-day event in Melaka, Big Bad Wolf Sale, a book expo known for operating 24 hours every day it is held, is back in the Klang Valley – this time at Mines International Exhibition and Convention Center in Seri Kembangan. From 6th – 16th December 2019, you can browse from over 4.5 million books in English, Chinese and Malay at every hour of the day.
Popular titles tend to get snatched up really quickly during the first week of the fair, so try and make your way out here as soon as you can.
Venue: Level 2, MIECC, Jalan Dulang, Mines Wellness City, 43300 Seri Kembangan, Selangor
Dates: 6th – 16th December 2019
Time: 12AM-11:59PM
Website
9. Get fresh produce at this indoor market in Alila Bangsar
Image credit: @ulric5
If you want to get out of the sun this coming month, drop by Friends of Entier Farmers Market on 8th December. This curated farmers’ market is held indoors at Entier French Dining, located on the 41st floor of Alila Bangsar, a swanky, modern hotel with great views of Bangsar. This will be the first event that the French-Japanese restaurant is hosting.
You can get organic produce from Secai Marche, an online farmer’s market, Coffee Beans (from RM30) from PPP Coffee, and Salted Egg Chips with Figs (RM18) from Mutiara Figs.
Sweet and salty combination in Mutiara Figs’ Salted Egg Chips with Figs
Image credit: Mutiara Figs
Lilin+Co – a candlemaker that sells soy-based candles – has its Nice (Blackcurrant & Plum Candle; RM65) and Naughty (Mulled Wine; RM65) Candles which make perfect Him & Her gifts.
Image credit: Lilin+Co
Venue: Level 41, Alila Bangsar, 58 Jalan Ang Seng, 50470 Kuala Lumpur
Date: 8th December 2019
Time: 11AM-5PM
Website
10. Pick fresh greens & listen to indie artists at Christmas Quarter Market
Lettuce maze at APW Bangsar’s first Quarter Market
Image credit: @cultiveat
APW Bangsar’s Christmas Quarter Market comes hot off the heels of its first Quarter Market in March – which featured a quirky maze of 25,600 lettuce heads, where visitors could snap a shot and take one home with them, or participate in a Samyang ramen-eating competition for a cash prize of RM200.
This 1-day December market on 14th December will be filled with even more thrills and shops, with the bazaar featuring 30 vendors, up from 22 vendors the previous time round. If you’re in need of a refresher at the market, check out He Cha Kombucha’s sparkling, Vegan-friendly Orange and Kaffir Lime Leaves Kombucha (RM13/per bottle) – which comes in five other flavours such as Ginger and Roselle too.
Image credit: @hechakombucha
While the shopping’s great, the Quarter Market’s Open Mic also brings creative individuals on stage for you to sit back and enjoy acoustic renditions of hits from Rihanna and Alec Benjamin. And with food vendors offering artisanal ice cream and cinnamon pastries and cupcakes, it’s no wonder this place is always packed all day.
Venue: APW Bangsar, 29, Jalan Riong, 59100 Kuala Lumpur
Date: 14th December 2019
Time: 10AM-7PM
Website
11. Catch a showing of Great British Circus’s Circus on Ice
Image credit: @arfisoetaryo
The Great British Circus, known for its gravity-defying aerial and acrobatic performances, is taking it up a notch this year by performing its entire routine on ice. Expect to see performers, including Elsa and Olaf from Frozen and the penguins from Madagascar, glide through ice-skating and ballet routines and daredevil performances too.
Image credit: Great British Circus Malaysia
At the end of the show, you can get also get a photo-op with these beloved characters.
Venue: Laman Lanai @ MaTiC, 140, Jalan Ampang, Kampung Baru, 50300 Kuala Lumpur
Dates: 6th December 2019 – 1st January 2020
Time: 5:30PM and 8:30PM
Admission: From RM48. Get your tickets here.
Website
12. Immerse yourself in unique art installations at Bizarre Xmas Festival
Image credit: @cmykpopup
Bizarre Xmas Festival is putting a twist on your usual Christmas bazaars by having immersive art installation spaces at its bazaar that will make great backdrops to your selfie and the street food and beer that you can get here.
There will be over 150 vendors at this outdoor Christmas bazaar – which is expected to fill the 300-metre stretch of street along EKOCheras Mall, which will be lit in neon lights to keep up with its neon art sculptures. Muyoo will be having a pop-up store here, so try out one of its oozing Cheesy Cranberry Lava Buns (RM8.90) and crafted fruit teas (from RM10.90).
Muyoo’s gooey Chocolate Almond Mochi Bread (RM8.90)
Image credit: @muyoomalaysia
And if you’re looking for ways to decorate your house for the new year, get some quirky Japanese Kokedama moss balls (from RM50), an easy-to-maintain indoor plant, from Mossybola Kokedama.
Image credit: @mossybolakokedama
To top it all off, there’s a Christmas Countdown Celebration with fireworks to usher in the joyous occasion on Christmas Eve – as well as chances to win great deals for the New Year’s by participating in its “Surprise Carnival” filled with games and activities.
Venue: 300M Alfresco Street, EKOCheras Mall, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur
Dates: 20th – 25th December 2019
Time: 4PM-11PM
13. Eat the best of Thai food at Golden Thai Carnival
Image credit: @kitokankawan
Golden Thai Carnival is taking over Setia Eco Templer in Rawang with a floating market that sells the best of street food from Thailand. It’ll also feature photographable attractions, such as its paddy field filled with 15,000 LED lights and an inflatable moon that changes to purple when the night falls.
Image adapted from: @afqhikal
With 30 street vendors at this carnival, you’ll be able to get your hands on your favourite Thai dishes such as Pad Thai (RM10) and Pandan Chicken (RM10/4pcs) from Ran Ahan Thai Deim, and Crispy Soft Shell Crab (RM12) from Warmie Crab. Some of the food vendors operate out of standstill boats on a digitized river to replicate the famous floating markets of Thailand.
Street Thai food sold from boats at this Thai carnival
Image credit: Kingdom Event Sdn Bhd
Several local brands will be selling handmade goods here too, like Li Yin Handmade with its silky, floral headbands, bags and scrunchies (from RM6.50) that make great stocking fillers.
Headbands from Li Yin Handmade
Image credit: @liyinhandmade
Venue: Setia Eco Templer Sales Gallery, Jalan Ipoh- KM20, Taman Rekreasi Templar, 48000 Rawang, Selangor
Dates: 30th November – 1st December; 7th – 8th December; 14th – 15th December 2019
Time: 3PM-10PM
Website
14. Get a good bargain at well-known Malaysian brands’ year-end sales
Image credit: @foongpc
Year-end sales are part and parcel of the festive season — which means that you can look forward to getting some great bargains at Pavilion KL, Sunway Pyramid, Mid Valley Mall, and 1Utama, with shops such as Topshop and TUMI having discounts of up to 50% until 1st January 2020.
Image credit: @topshopmalaysia
And if you’re an avid online shopper, there are also Cyber Monday sales on 2nd December and 12.12 sales on 12th December 2019. Be on the lookout for Zalora’s Online Fever 2019 that combines the best of both worlds for a month of discounts throughout its store, and Shopee’s 12.12 Birthday Sale, which sees major deals on brands such as Unilever and Carlo Rino.
15. Concerts in KL to check out
There’s also an impressive line-up of concerts this month if you’re looking to dance the night away and sing your lungs out with your friends. From South Korean groups and singers to the anticipated return of JJ Lin to Malaysia, here are some of the concerts you can attend:
EXO at Axiata Arena Bukit Jalil
Image credit: @weareone.exo
After four successful concerts in Malaysia, EXO is bringing their EXO Planet #5 – EXplOration Tour back to Axiata Arena Bukit Jalil on 14th December 2019. Patience pays off, as EXO fans can finally see them perform their explosive title track “Love Shot” on stage.
Venue: Axiata Arena Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur
Date: 14th December 2019
Time: 6PM
Admission: From RM248. Get your tickets here.
IU at Axiata Arena Bukit Jalil
Image credit: @dlwlrma
Triple-talent IU is back with “Love Poem” after putting on her acting shoes for Hotel Del Luna. And she’s dropping by Axiata Arena Bukit Jalil on 21st December to promote the 6-track album in her Love, Poem Tour in Malaysia. Her new single, Blueming, with its old-school guitar notes and funky pop beat, is bound to have you on your feet even if you don’t speak Korean.
Venue: Axiata Arena Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur
Date: 21st December 2019
Time: 7PM
Admission: From RM488. Get your tickets here.
The Rose at KL Live
Image credit: @official_therose
If you’re into Brit Pop, indie bands, and soft ballads, check out The Rose, an indie group from South Korea performing at KL Live on 6th December. It’s not too late to play catch up on their hit singles I.L.Y and sorry – which incorporates both English and Korean into their lyrics – and be prepared to be serenaded by the lead singer’s sweet vocals and catchy guitar notes.
Venue: KL Live, Kuala Lumpur
Date: 6th December 2019
Time: 7:30PM
Admission: From RM240. Get your tickets here.
JJ LIN at Bukit Jalil
Image credit: @jjlin
Tickets are selling fast for JJ Lin’s Sanctuary 2.0 World Tour in KL on 7th December. So if you want to catch this Singaporean singer in concert, be sure to get your hands on a ticket as his concert in Singapore sold out in over an hour.
Venue: National Stadium, Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur
Date: 7th December 2019
Time: 7:30PM
Admission: From RM592. Get your tickets here.
Events in December 2019
There’s no better way than to end the year in a merry mood. Whether it’s seeing your favourite band in concert, taking selfies with light sculptures or having a foodie adventure, make the most of this coming month and usher in the new year with good vibes and better company.
Other things to check out in Malaysia: