We’re still a long way from Christmas but the bells are jingling loud and clear all through December. Expect to see the usual Yuletide events like Christmas buffets, markets, and concerts this month. Marking the end of 2023, December is also ushering in a line-up of different activities to end the year with a bang; from comedy shows to visual art exhibitions.
Your calendar is most likely full of fun things to do with your family and friends this month but you are definitely going to want to squeeze the exciting events below into your plans. Here are the best things to do in KL, PJ and beyond this December.
Things to do in KL and PJ in December 2023
Hennessy Artistry 2023
Back to redefine Malaysia’s nightlife scene, Hennesy Artistry is here once again with the theme “Diffraction”. This year, Korean hip-hop sensation pH-1 will be taking the starring role at Malaysia’s biggest immersive nightclub experience alongside a roster of talented local DJs. Spend the final month of 2023 losing yourself in a sensational night full of bright lights, upbeat music, and Hennesy cognacs at Hennessy Artistry 2023. Don’t forget to attend the after-parties hosted at GEMU, Spark, Xpaze, and Pitt Club in KL, too!
To attend the event, purchase three bottles of Hennesy V.S.O.P here.
Date: 2 December 2023
Address: Sentul Depot, Jalan Strachan, Sentul West, 51100 Kuala Lumpur
Comic Fiesta 2023
Calling all comic lovers: it’s time for one of Southeast Asia’s biggest comic and game conventions: Comic Fiesta 2023. A haven for cosplayers nationwide, this convention is a safe space for local anime nerds to meet kindred spirits, purchase merchandise, and just take the time to celebrate their favourite works of fiction. There will also be a contest for the best fanart so artists, be sure to submit yours.
Date: 23 to 24 December 2023
Address: Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur
Price: From MYR30 to MYR95
Book here.
Symphonic Cello
The cello is a close cousin to the lauded violin, an underrated orchestral instrument that deserves more love. This month at klpac, the string instrument takes centre stage at the Symphonic Cello presented by The Cello Choir. Performing orchestral masterpieces from the likes of Beethoven, Vivaldi, and Goltermann that have been reworked into cello ensembles, get lost in the beautifully melancholic and resonant sounds of the cello.
Date: 24 December 2023
Address: klpac, Jalan Sultan Azlan Shah, Sentul, 51100 Kuala Lumpur
Price: From MYR48 to MYR340
Book here.
Ronnie – The Elusive Chanteuse: Mariah Carey
When December comes around, the whole world is prepared for the Queen of Christmas, Mariah Carey, to make her anticipated return. A special celebration for the Queen of Christmas will be held this month at Jao Tim KL presented by Ronnie & The Orbitons. Revisit her iconic discography spanning nearly four decades with the most number-one hits for a female soloist in Billboard history at this swanky cocktail bar. Yes, people, Miss Carey has more hits than just All I Want For Christmas Is You—shocker.
Date: 15 December 2023
Address: Jao Tim, 61, Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Price: MYR120
Book here.
Bad Habits at REXKL
Before we step into the new year and leave all our bad habits behind in 2023, let’s say our final goodbyes to them for old-time’s sake. Bid farewell in style with REXKL’s Bad Habits, a night full of non-stop music and good vibes. Listen and groove along to the DJs spinning everything from indie rock to classic Malay and every genre in between. Dance the night away at REXKL, from 10 pm till late.
Entry is free.
Date: 1 December 2023
Address: REXKL, 80, Jalan Sultan, City Centre, 50000 Kuala Lumpur
Songs for the Season – A Gift of Music
It isn’t Christmas without a Christmas concert to attend. In honour of the Philharmonic Society of Selangor’s 65th anniversary this year, their community choir will be performing Songs for the Season. With the theme A Gift of Music, it’s time to harness your Christmas spirit while listening to your favourite seasonal tunes, performed live with the help of a string ensemble and a keyboardist. Sing along if you know the words.
Date: 9 to 10 December 2023
Address: DPAC, H-01, Empire Damansara, Jalan PJU 8/8, Damansara Perdana, 47820 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
Price: MYR72
Book here.
Martell 130 Years Pop Up
The oldest cognac house in the world, Martell, is kicking off their 130-year celebration in Malaysia with a special interactive pop-up. A multi-sensory experience powered by cutting-edge AI, the pop-up will take guests on a journey through Martell’s evolution in Malaysia from 1894 to today. The star of the event is an exclusive showing of Martell’s limited edition MYR5 million cognac, Les Remarquables Martell – Edition Laurentine Perilhou for selected guests only. It’s a cognac lover’s paradise.
Date: 1 December 2023 to 1 January 2024
Address: Concourse, Pavilion Bukit Jalil, 2, Persiaran Jalil 8, Bukit Jalil, 57000 Kuala Lumpur
Book here.
James Arthur South East Asia Tour
We don’t want to rewrite the stars after this announcement: James Arthur is making his long-awaited return to Malaysia this December. As part of his Southeast Asia Tour, the British singer-songwriter is set to serenade his Malaysian fans at Zepp KL. Listening to James Arthur sing his biggest hits like Say You Won’t Let Go, Car’s Outside, and Can I Be Him live isn’t the only thing to look forward to—attendees will also be the first to listen to tracks from his upcoming album Bitter, Sweet, Love.
Date: 3 December 2023
Address: Zepp Kuala Lumpur, B2-01-02, Level B2, Entertainment Hub, BBCC, 2, Jalan Hang Tuah, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Price: From MYR288 to MYR4,000
Book here.
Afgan Live in Concert with Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra
After five long years since his last concert in Malaysia, Indonesian singer-songwriter Afgan is putting on his comeback performance at KLCC. Accompanied by the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, the pop and R&B singer will perform some of Malaysia’s favourite nostalgic tunes like “Terima Kasih Cinta” and “Bunga Terakhir”. Afgan’s long-time collaborator, Indonesian singer-songwriter Raissa will also make a special appearance at the concert. Fans will get two for the price of one—a steal.
Date: 2 December 2023
Address: Plenary Hall, KL Convention Centre, 21, Jalan Pinang, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Price: From MYR258 to MYR1,488
Book here.
Beautiful Beast & KLAC’ 23 Exhibition
The only thing that would improve an art exhibition is when the displayed art is the fruits of labour from our very own local artists. Witness firsthand the brimming talent in Kuala Lumpur’s art scene at the Beautiful Beast & KLAC’ 23 Exhibition. The showcase will be held at the KL City Art Gallery, featuring various flora and fauna-inspired art from 60 established and emerging Malaysian artists. The pieces are also available for purchase so be sure to invest because money spent on art is never a waste.
Entry is free of charge.
Date: 26 October to 31 December 2023
Address: KL City Art Gallery, Wisma YPR 1, Lorong Kapar, Off, Jalan Syed Putra, Taman Seputeh, 58000 Kuala Lumpur
Timoteus Anggawan Kusno: Phantoms
Art comes in many forms and this month, Ilham Gallery is home to an exhibition like no other with Phantoms by Timoteus Anggawan Kusno. Created by the Indonesian visual artist and filmmaker, this moving-image exhibition consists of two parts, Reversal and Terra Incognita. Phantoms is a moving story surrounding cultural identity, heritage and resistance. This video series features the traditional Jathilan horse dance in collaboration with the trance dancer community. Don’t miss out on the third part of the series entitled After Collosus, set to debut in 2024.
Entry is free of charge.
Date: 5 August to 24 December 2023
Address: Levels 3 and 5, Ilham Tower, 8, Lorong Binjai, 50450 Kuala Lumpur
Dr Jason Leong & Friends
Is there such a thing as too many comedians in one night? If there is, we’ll definitely find out with Dr Jason Leong’s self-proclaimed “most ambitious comedy project yet”. Performing in his hometown Kuala Lumpur, the comedian brings together his funniest friends including Douglas Lim, Kavin Jay, and plenty more for a special comedy performance for one night only. What better way to end the year than laughing until our stomachs hurt?
Date: 9 December 2023
Address: Zepp Kuala Lumpur, B2-01-02, Level B2, Entertainment Hub, BBCC, 2, Jalan Hang Tuah, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Price: From MYR120 to MYR2,500
Book here.
Scheherazade and the Sea
This month, let’s celebrate the ever-mysterious ocean with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra. Sail away on this beguiling tale told through solo violin melodies featuring work from master composers such as Debussy, Wagner, and Rimsky-Korsakov. When listening to Scheherazade wax her life-saving stories for one thousand and one nights, guests are guaranteed to be just as captivated as the king was.
Date: 16 December 2023
Address: Dewan Filharmonik Petronas, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, 50088 Kuala Lumpur
Price: From MYR198 to MYR488
Book here.
Chuck’smas
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Our favourite annual Christmas market, Chuck’smas, is back once again at The Starhill KL. If you’re still not done with your Christmas shopping, Chuck’smas is the perfect place to finally check gifts for all your loved ones off your list. Shop from over fifteen different vendors selling a wide variety of products such as apparel, skincare, makeup, perfume, and stylish eyewear. Stop procrastinating and get your shopping done before all the good gifts are gone.
Date: 1 to 10 December 2023
Address: The Starhill, 181, Jalan Bukit Bintang, Bukit Bintang, 55100 Kuala Lumpur
Cliff & Max Christmas Pop Up
When December comes around, the itch to do fun festive activities returns like clockwork. We may be unable to go snowman-building and ice-skating but there are plenty of winter things we can do here in Malaysia. Attend festive workshops at Cliff & Max’s Christmas Pop-Up to enjoy that special holiday ambience. Learn how to make Christmas candles and body scrubs while enjoying complimentary drinks and desserts—with a special door gift thrown in.
Date: 1 to 3 December 2023
Address: Papan Haus, 17, Jalan 14/1, Seksyen 14, 46100 Petaling Jaya, Selangor
A Christmas Craft Festival
Southeast Asia’s leading fashion platform, Dia Guild, has partnered up with Kuala Lumpur’s newly revamped restaurant If Only to bring us a Christmas pop-up store like no other. This holiday season, A Christmas Craft Festival is your one-stop destination for artisanal fashion, accessories, and live music. The Christmas market also offers a batik workshop (with complimentary afternoon tea) and an open mic night featuring local musicians. Leaving the best for last; all the products for sale are from Southeast Asian brands. There’s no better time to support our own than this Christmas season.
Date: 3 to 16 December 2023
Address: Ground floor, Regal House, 1, Jalan U Thant, Taman U Thant, 55000 Kuala Lumpur
Price: From MYR150 to MYR190
Book here.
Things to do outside of KL in December 2023
Air Supply Live Concert
December may be the month for Yuletide festivities but real rockers aren’t concerned with time or place. Good news for old-head Malaysian rockers: the famed soft-rock duo Air Supply is coming back to Malaysia for the first time since 2019. Catch Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock performing their Billboard chart-toppers like Lost in Love, Now and Forever, and Making Love Out of Nothing At All live at the Arena of Stars in Genting.
Date: 3 December 2023
Address: Arena Of Stars, Resorts World Genting, Genting Highlands, 69000 Bentong, Pahang
Price: From MY186 to MYR586
Book here.