Tis the season of mulled wine and mince pies, but for us, December is also a month of wanderlust, offering travel opps aplenty. From Asia’s top festivals to Miami’s seminal Art Week and Sydney’s famous NYE countdown, read on for a toe-tapping lineup of events worth travelling for in December.
Cambodia – snap n’ run
Siem Reap welcomes its annual Photo Fest (3-7 Dec), a five-day visionary feast of workshops, exhibits and activities held in the Festival Centre (My Cargo). Shutterbugs from all backgrounds gather to swap their portfolios and seek inspo from the pros. Don’t miss inside tips on how to secure National Geographic funding for your next creative project.
Not a runner but feel swayed by new decade resolutions? Although registration for the wondrous Angkor Wat International Half Marathon (8 Dec) has closed, you can still pop by to cheer along, or fuel your motivation for 2020. With a route that weaves around Siem Reap’s UNESCO protected, 900-yr-old temples, it’s hands down one of the most magical marathons around.
Bangkok – juicy Lucy
It might be located in notoriously lurid Pattaya, but down in the fields at Siam Country Club you’ll find far more teas than sleaze at boho festival Wonderfruit (12-16 Dec). This year’s weekender will exude all forms of creativity, workshops and experiences in the Living Village, plus delicious zero-waste food stalls all set to the international beats of Beardyman, Go Go Penguin and more.
Miami – art, art, baby
With hurricane season well and truly over, Miami frocks up for Miami Art Week (2-8 Dec), which comes hand in hand with jet-set magnet Art Basel at Miami Beach (5-8 Dec). Notable events include Art of the Cocktail at The Confidante (3 Dec), discussions around the Stonewall riots, climate change and beyond throughout the week, plus Women in Art at The Dream Party, W South Beach (8 Dec) and the Miami Street Photography Festival VIP party (8 Dec).
Sydney – putting on the ritz
Considered best-in-world, crowds flock to find the best vantage point for Darling Harbour Fireworks (31 Dec). Sidestep the hordes by taking to the waters instead. Book a private cruise for unspoilt views with maximum dazzle, and start the year as you mean to go on. Cin cin!
Hero Image: Wonderfruit Festival, Thailand
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