This December, experience the world created by Dutch Post-Impressionist painter Vincent Van Gogh at the Van Gogh Alive exhibition at Pavilion Bukit Jalil. (Van Gogh Alive pic)
PETALING JAYA: Oh, would you look at the time already? It’s December! And just like that 2023 is right at your doorstep.
It has been quite the year with ups and downs aplenty, and many are likely relieved to see it end. Yet, even as the year draws to a close, there are interesting events worth looking forward to this month alone.
So, whip out those calendars now and mark these dates as December is shaping up to be a rather fun-tastic time of year.
1. Van Gogh Alive (Dec 17–Mar 16)
Even the most insulated will have some inkling of the famous Dutch artist, whose story is just as intriguing as his art.
From “The Starry Night” to “Sunflower”, you will be able to experience the artist’s awe-inspiring masterpieces like never before courtesy of the Van Gogh Alive exhibition at Pavilion Bukit Jalil.
This exhibition will feature the maestro’s artworks in a floor-to-ceiling immersive digital display, the paintings’ vibrant colours springing to life to the accompaniment of specially composed classical symphonies.
Tickets are priced at RM75, so hurry over to experience the world Van Gogh created.
2. Eslite Spectrum’s Grand Opening (Dec 17)
A famous Taiwanese bookstore chain, Eslite Spectrum is opening its first Southeast Asian outlet in Bukit Bintang’s Starhill. (Eslite pic)
Local bibliophiles already got quite the treat this year with the opening of Tsutaya Books in Pavilion Bukit Jalil.
Yet, there is one more treat to be had before the year calls it quits, with a grand new bookshop opening soon in Bukit Bintang’s Starhill.
Eslite Spectrum is a famous Taiwanese bookstore chain which will offer quite the experience for local bookworms.
Malaysia has the honour of housing its very first outlet in Southeast Asia, with the store occupying a whopping 70,191 sq ft.
There will be books aplenty for everyone, with the majority of these being in English; so, come one and come all to see if there’s anything worth browsing through!
3. Comic Fiesta (Dec 17–18)
Tickets may already be sold out, but at least you won’t be completely lost as to the abundance of comic characters appearing in Kuala Lumpur this month. (Comic Fiesta pic)
Cosplayers! Gamers! Weeaboos! Rejoice, all of you, for Comic Fiesta is finally back in action after a two-year hiatus!
For those unaware, Comic Fiesta is among the region’s largest celebrations of all things animation, comics and games (ACG).
Held fifteen times since 2002, this year’s event at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre will see tens of thousands attending.
In addition to dozens of merchandise stalls, visitors to the event will likely gawk at the astounding costumes made and worn by fellow attendees.
Tickets are sold out at this point, but at least you won’t be surprised to see strangely-dressed folks running around in Kuala Lumpur around this time!
4. The World of DC Exhibition (Dec 23–Apr 1)
Fans of all things ‘superheroes’ will find much to marvel at while at The World of DC Exhibition. (World of DC pic)
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No, it’s Superman! And Batman! And Wonder Woman! And… let’s just say the whole DC posse is in town this month.
The World of DC Exhibition will be held at Tropicana Gardens Mall, Petaling Jaya, with hundreds of exhibits showcasing everything from costumes to futuristic vehicles.
In addition to the superheroes that Malaysians know and love, the supervillains will also be hitting the road, with the Joker and Harley Quinn likely to be causing a scene.
There will be seven distinct zones for visitors to walk through, with an estimated 45 minutes required to see all there is on display.
This is the first time the exhibition will be hosted by an Asian country, with Malaysian citizens being charged RM55 per ticket, and RM38 for children.
5. Big Bad Wolf Books Sale (Dec 20–Jan 2)
Save some cash this Christmas by buying book gifts at ridiculously low prices at the Big Bad Wolf Books Sale! (BBW pic)
“And I’ll huff! And I’ll puff! And I’ll… sell books at ridiculously discounted prices! And then, blow your house down!”
Yep, Malaysian bookworms really have much to celebrate this month. Aside from the aforementioned Eslite Spectrum, the beloved BBW Books Sale is back in town.
Once again hosted in the Mines Convention Centre, the sale will feature thousands of discounted titles.
Whether you are a student looking for academic books, or someone doing their Christmas shopping on a tight budget, you’re bound to find something of worth here.
Like always, entrance is free, and you are encouraged to bring your own bags and boxes to lug your books around. Word of caution: expect to fight for parking spaces if you’re there on the weekends!
