Going on an incentives or team building trip to Sapporo, Manila, Singapore, Pattaya or Dubai? Check out one of these bazaars and get some early Christmas shopping done.
GERMAN CHRISTMAS MARKET
Where? Odori Nishi 2-Chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Japan.
When is it happening? November 26 to December 24. Market opens at 12PM on weekdays and 11AM on weekends; closes at 9PM Sunday to Thursday, and 9:30PM on Friday and Saturday.
The German Christmas Market, now on its 11th year, first started as an event to celebrate the 30th anniversary of sister-city relations between Munich and Sapporo. It was organised to promote a better understanding and appreciation of the German culture among local residents. Groups visiting the market can look forward to a mix of traditional German merchandise and locally produced Christmas ornaments, as well as a sampling of German cuisine, including Gluwein (warm wine) and sausages.
Any entrance fees? None.
For more info please visit www.welcome.city.sapporo.jp/english
NOEL DISCOVERY BAZAAR SERIES (12th YEAR)
Where? Manila, Philippines, at the World Trade Center and Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).
When is it happening? November 16 to December 2, 2012 (World Trade Center) and December 14 to 23, 2012 (PICC); 12NN to 11PM.
The 12th Noel Discovery Bazaar Series, just one of many taking place in Manila where Christmas preparations begin as early as September, is welcoming almost a thousand exhibitors this year. The first run will feature some 600 merchants of novelty gift items from bags and apparel to home accents and Christmas trimmings, as well as food and beverages. There will be 350 merchants exhibiting in the second run. Simultaneous activities include hourly raffle draws, on-site makeup sessions and tutorials, beauty and wellness talks, fashions shows, as well as celebrity auctions and entertainment numbers by local artists.
Proceeds from the bazaar – a portion from total ticket sales, merchant participation fees and celebrity auctions revenue – go to the following beneficiaries: Association Missionaries of Assumption, Bantayog ng Mga Bayani Foundation, GMA Kapuso Foundation, Noel P. Gozon Memorial Foundation and Sts Peter and John Parish.
Any entrance fees? PHP100 (US$2) per person for the November run at the World Trade Center, which includes a pass to the second run at PICC; PHP50 (US$1) per person for the December run.
For more info please follow @noelbazaars on Twitter.
CHRISTMAS IN THE TROPICS
Where? Orchard Road, Singapore.
When is it happening? November 17, 2012 to January 6, 2013.
Singapore’s Christmas in the Tropics is more than a shopping extravaganza; it’s a festival unto itself. Themed this year as Christmas on a Great Street, the acitivity kicks off with the Light-Up Ceremon that sees buildings participating in the Best Dressed Building Contest switch on their decorative lights, along with captivating displays on Orchard Road. Visitors to the city can enjoy a season of sales and other promotional offers at this year’s participating malls – 313@somerset, Forum the Shopping Mall, ION Orchard, Mandarin Gallery, Ngee Ann City, Orchard Central, Paragon, TANGS Orchard, The Centrepoint and Wisma Atria – as well as a variety of entertainment options, including a mass carolling scheduled for December 23 and 24 featuring a 1,000-member choir and a Grand Concert that takes place on Christmas Day.
Any entrance fees? None.
For more info please visit www.yoursingapore.com
Photo courtesy of Singapore Tourism Board
20th ANNUAL CHRISTMAS BAZAAR
Where? Hilton Pattaya Hotel’s Seaview Room, Pattaya, Thailand.
When is it happening? November 3, 2012 from 10AM to 4PM.
The Annual Christmas Bazaar organised by the Pattaya International Ladies Club (PILC) is one of the city’s highly anticipated year-end activities. The PILC is a non-profit that supports expat and local women through social, cultural and charitable endeavours, and the bazaar, apart from being a staple in the local holiday shopping season, is also a fundraiser for the club’s welfare initiatives.
Visitors are promised a diverse selection of unique items, from handmade jewellery and Christmas ornaments to baked goods and novel food items. The Rayong Bakery and Tamar Center, organisations that train young women in baking and cooking skills, will also have a table at the bazaar and hand woven quilts made by the club’s beneficiaries will be sold as well. The event has grown since its humble beginnings in 1992, and now anticipates some 1,500 visitors at the one-day affair.
Any entrance fees? THB150 (US$5) per person.
For more info please visit www.pilc-pattaya.com
DUBAI CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL
Where? The Amphitheatre, Media City, Dubai.
When is it happening? December 6, 2012 from 3PM to 12MN; December 7 from 2PM to 12MN; December 8 from 2PM to 11PM
Organised by the same team behind Taste of Dubai, the city’s renowned restaurant and music festival, the Dubai Christmas Festival is looking to welcome another throng of visitors this year-end. Shop for Christmas presents and partake in yuletide activities, including Christmas workshops hosted by local and international celebrities, culinary classes at the Christmas Cookery School and a line up of entertainment numbers and musical acts.
Any entrance fees? Ticket prices to be announced on the website.
For more info please visit www.dubaichristmasfestival.com
Johna Baylon
