Please note that this is an overdue event

Dazzling December at the National Museum

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Enjoy your December holidays with us to celebrate Deepavali and Christmas!

Discover the similarities and differences of the festivals through lights, flowers and a fabulous tale of masala thosai. Catch a soothing choir performance and a heart-thumping drum performance all in the same day, or visit our festival market for some treats that are available for purchase!

Don't miss our special photo station from 9 to 17 December, featuring an old school kopitiam, and stand a chance to win a Toastbox voucher.

A Lighter Side of History: Illuminating Deepavali and Christmas

9 December 2023, Saturday
2pm – 4.15pm | Seminar Room, Level 2
$50/pax or $90/pair | Register by clicking here

Prepare to be captivated by an exploration of Deepavali and Christmas. Hear from Frank Fu – the author and illustrator of Let’s Celebrate (大家来过节), a series of light-hearted books about festivals in Singapore as he delves into the significance of light in both celebrations, unraveling the symbolic representation and practices that make these festivals so vibrant.

Following the insightful sharing, participants will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the artistic expression of both celebrations. Guided by facilitators from Epic Workshops, attendees will unleash their creativity onto canvas, translating the essence of Deepavali and Christmas into visual masterpieces. What makes this experience truly magical is the integration of LED light elements into their artwork!

Price includes a presentation, a hands-on workshop, and artwork to be created by participants.. All materials (except the canvas and LED lights) will have to be returned at the end of the session. This programme is suitable for all participants ages 13 and above.

Interactive Storytelling: Manju's Stupendous Masala Thosai

9 December 2023, Saturday
3pm – 4pm | Get Curious Studio, Level 3
$15/adult-child pair | Register by clicking here

Ever wonder what it would be like if you could have it all? Murukku and gingerbread cookies? Reindeers and peacocks? Deepavali and Christmas at the same time?

Join storyteller Abhi Krish for a fun afternoon session of songs, storytelling, and craft activities to discover the similarities shared across two iconic celebrations of Singapore and how we can nurture meaningful friendships with our neighbours!

Limited spaces available. This programme is recommended for families with children aged between 5 -8 years. The price includes one craft pack per pair.

Festival Market

9 December 2023, Saturday
10am – 6pm | Glass Atrium, Level 2
Free admission, charges apply for purchases

Visit our market to savour festive treats such as special Christmas bakes and kulfi, an Indian ice-cream with flavours inspired by sweets usually eaten during Deepavali. Drop by our henna artist’s stall for some art or shop around for some gifts for friends or loved ones!

Cash payment is accepted but digital modes of payment such as PayNow is preferred.

Drop-in Craft Activity: Bottle Full of Blossoms

9 December 2023, Saturday
Glass Atrium, Level 2
10.30am – 11.30am (priority slot for people with disabilities)
11.30am – 12.30pm & 2 – 5pm (for public)

Join us as we celebrate Deepavali and Christmas together! Mix and match your own combination of preserved flowers with colours commonly associated with both festivities and decorate your home with a bottle full of blossoms.

Limited spaces available. This programme is recommended for both adults and families with children aged 5 and above. Each child must be accompanied by an adult. While stocks last. The station will be closed for lunch from 12.30 – 2pm.

We Celebrate: Gallery Hunt

9 December 2023, Saturday
10.30am – 12pm & 1.30 - 6pm | GT Foyer, Basement Level
Free | Register by clicking here

Discover the different aspects of Deepavali and Christmas through puzzle solving and a hunt of our galleries. A token from the museum awaits participants who complete all the questions correctly!

Suitable for participants aged 13 and above. Children aged 12 and below are welcome and must be accompanied by their parents. Registration via Peatix is encouraged and the museum will only hold the slot for ten minutes before releasing the slot to other participants. Walk-in participation is subject to availability.

The station will be closed for lunch from 12–1.30pm. Final registration will be at 5.30pm and the redemption counter will close at 6pm.

Music Performances

9 December 2023, Saturday
11.30am & 5pm | The Platform & Main Entrance
Free admission

Hear the melodic voices of our choir as they present Christmas favourites for you to sing along to or catch a lively drum performance with our percussionists and dance along to the beats.

Image Credit: National Museum of Singapore