Hello December! As we get ready to dive head-first into the festive season, here are some of the best events to catch this week.

As the Christmas trees and festive lights go up all across the city, we gradually make our way into the time of joy and cheer. There’s always a faint, sweet scent in the air during December — a scent that, while rather inexplicable, assures us that Christmas is well on its way. Whether or not you personally uphold the tradition, this time of year is always cause for celebration, especially as we gear ourselves up for the big countdown. For those who are already in the holiday mood, we’ve rounded up some of the best ways to stay entertained this week, from art exhibitions to exclusive dining events. Scroll to see your plans!

4 Hands Dinner: Paii x Saawaan

WINE & DINE — Chef Weeraket “Joe” Nilayont welcomes Chef Sujira “Aom” Pongmornand and Chef Arisara “Paper”Chongpanitkul – both from the one Michelin-starred restaurant Saawaan – for an exclusive 6-course dinner at Paii restaurant. Entitled ‘4 Hands Dinner: Paii X Saawaan’ this friendly culinary competition sees Paii’s ‘Modern Thai Seafood’ concept meet Saawaan’s concept of a traditional rustic Thai. Diners will not only experience the combination of the talent and skills of these three chefs, but will also enjoy the best of local and imported produce in every course. Moreover, Chef Paper will join Chef Joe to complete the meal perfectly with eye-popping Thai dessert creations. 

THB3,950 per person (includes wine pairing). December 2, 2020. The House on Sathorn. To reserve your seats or find out more, call 0 2344 4025, or email thehouseonsathorn@whotels.com. 

Havana Social Anniversary

WINE & DINE — Havana Social, everyone’s favourite Cuban speakeasy and dance club, turns FIVE this week – where has the time gone? – and to celebrate they are having a massive 5th Anniversary party. Head to Sukhumvit Soi 11, and be sure to come dressed to impress in your best “pre-revolution” Cuban attire. Once through the doors, you can get your fill of cuba libres, mojitos, and hand-rolled cigars, and be ready to samba, rumba, and conga till the wee hours.

8pm – 2am, December 3, 2020. Havana Social. To find out more, visit the Official Facebook Event Page. 

Dream Reunion Dinners at Stage

WINE & DINE — Renowned French chef Olivier Limousin, from L’Executif Chef, will be hosting two extraordinary private 10-course dinners at Stage restaurant, in collaboration with Chef Jay Sangsingkeaw and her talented team. This dream reunion comeback and collaboration promises to be a mind-boggling and mouth-watering exploration of innovative French cuisine.

THB10,000++ per person (includes wine pairing). December 3 – 4, 2020. Restaurant Stage. To reserve your seats or find out more, call 0 2002 5253, or visit restaurant-stage.co. 

Hua Hin Jazz Fest

NEWS & EVENTS — If you happen to be in the Hua Hin area this weekend, be aware that the 2020 edition of the annual Hua Hin International Jazz Festival is taking place. This year’s festival – which usually takes place around June, but was postponed for obvious reasons – is expected to attract no less than 10,000 visitors who will come to enjoy the sights and, most importantly, the sounds; showcasing different styles and eras of music with performers that include 50 of the most up-and-coming jazz artists. Scheduled to perform are Keith Nolan, renowned trumpet player Steve Cannon, and sensational jazz vocalist Julian Cary, Koh Mr. Saxman, celebrity singer Burin Boonvisut, and the Sincharoen Brothers, to name just a few. 

December 4 – 5, 2020. Hua Hin. To find out more, visit FB @huahinjazz. 

Mooban By Wonder

NEWS & EVENTS — This weekend marks the launch weekend of Moobaan Wonder, a mini-version of the sadly postponed Wonderfruit Festival which is set to take place over the course of three weekends in December, and two in January, 2021. The location, as usual, will be The Fields at Siam Country Club, in Pattaya, and organizers promise that Mooban by Wonder will be a sustainability-focused, family-friendly, season-long outdoor event that will host more than 200 DJs, bands, and performers, 40 hands-on workshops, 40 food outlets, and 80 Thai design stores.

Tickets are available per day (THB 690), per weekend (THB 2,190), or get a full season pass for all five events (THB 6,800). December 4 – 6, 2020. The next four Mooban weekends are: Dec. 11–13; Dec. 25–27; Jan. 8–10; and Jan. 15–17. To get your tickets or find out more, visit ticketmelon.com or wonderfruit.co.

Puente

ART & CULTURE — PlayartHouse is featuring a solo exhibition by Karina Retuert, a contemporary Chilean artist known for work inspired by the landscape. Through paintings and mixed media, Retuert invites the viewer to interpret various shapes and colours, based on their own perception. The relationship between the intuitive and the rational; reality and the imaginary, form key conceptual pillars for her work. 

Until December 20, 2020. Play Art House. To find out more, visit playarthouse.com.