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Christmas 2023: What's Happening in Kota Kinabalu This Holiday Season?

Sleigh it ain’t so! The holiday season is upon us – and there’s so much to do! But with so many festive events taking place over the next few weeks, how does one keep up with them all? 

Lucky for you, Santa’s elves at Sabah Travel have been working overtime to pull a list together! Just sit back, relax, and let us take you through some highlights of Christmas events to keep watch for in Kota Kinabalu this month. 

Spectacular Who-Liday: Meet Santa 

Date: 15th to 17th December 2023 

Time: 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 

Venue: Centre Point Sabah, Jalan Centre Point, Kota Kinabalu 

“No matter how different a Who may appear, he will always be welcomed with holiday cheer.” And no matter whether you’re big or small, you’re all invited to meet Santa at the mall! For all the Santa believers, for those young or simply young at heart, here is a spectacular opportunity to make beautiful Christmas memories with your family and loved ones. 

Organiser: Centre Point Sabah 

For more information: Facebook | Instagram 

Christmas Wreath Watercolour Workshop 

Date: 16th December 2023 

Time: 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

Venue: Monocolo Boutique Hotel, Mile 1.5, Jalan Tuaran, Kota Kinabalu 

Looking for a way to make the holidays a little more personal? Sick of the same ol’ Hallmark greeting cards? Then head over to Monocolo this coming weekend for some paint and play, and go home with some cool festive décor – and a new skill! 

Organiser: Artsy Shelly 

For more information: Facebook | Instagram 

Cahaya in the City Winter Festival & Fundraiser 

Date: 16th & 17th December 2023 

Time: 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. 

Venue: Grand Ballroom, Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, Jalan Aru, Tanjung Aru, Kota Kinabalu 

A two-day festival and fundraiser bringing festive cheer to KK city this holiday season, Cahaya in the City features games, workshops, a Christmas market, and live music and performances. Part of the proceeds from the event will be donated to Cahaya Society, a pro-advocacy and community group developing alternative education programmes for orphans, illiterate children, and less affluent communities in Sandakan, Sabah. A weekend of fun and festivities for families and friends of all ages! 

Organiser: LITC Productions 

For more information: Website | Facebook | Instagram 

Prisma Experiment 

Date: 16th & 17th December 2023 

Time: 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. 

Venue: Brahminy Kite Holiday Home, Jalan Wong Thau Yong, Bukit Bendera 

Countering the culture of waste during festive seasons, Prisma Experiment is a weekend of creative expression and mindful movement that combines wellness, imagination, and sustainability. Activities including eco-conscious gift wrapping, dance classes, clothing swaps, and more will be running throughout the two days. 

Organisers: GaiaOne Restoration Project & Pillars of Sabah 

For more information: Website | Facebook | Instagram 

Makers & Mavens Market 

Date: 16th & 17th December 2023 

Time: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 

Venue: The Walk, Riverson, Jalan Riverson 1, Kota Kinabalu 

Makers & Mavens is back for a special Christmas edition, featuring some of your favourite local vendors, street food, and live performances. Slip in some last minute Christmas shopping or just soak in the festive spirit as we count down to the most wonderful time of the year! 

Organiser: Riverson 

For more information: Facebook | Instagram 

Sweet Creations Xmas Baking Workshop 

Date: 17th December 2023 

Time: 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. 

Venue: Tamaha Kitchen, Jalan Masjid Lama, Bandaran Berjaya, Kota Kinabalu 

Looking for a fun, wholesome activity for your kids over the holidays? Tamaha Kitchen is hosting their Sweet Creations Xmas Baking Workshop, inviting kids aged 4 to 12 years old to an afternoon of cupcake baking and gingerbread decorating. 

Organiser: TOOJOU 

For more information: Facebook | Instagram 

The Grinchmas Show 

Date: 17th, 23rd & 24th December 2023 

Time: 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. 

Venue: Centre Point Sabah, Jalan Centre Point, Kota Kinabalu 

Centre Point is going Grinch this year for the holidays, with a full month of themed activities. Their Grinchmas Show promises to immerse you in the Christmas spirit with carolling, live bands, and dance performances to ring in the season! 

Organiser: Centre Point Sabah 

For more information: Instagram 

Christmas Carol 

Date: 23rd December 2023 

Time: 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. 

Venue: Sutera Harbour Resort, 1 Sutera Harbour Boulevard, Kota Kinabalu 

Sutera Harbour Resort will be having back-to-back-to-BACK carolling next week, hopping from The Pacific Sutera to the Marina to Magellan, all in one evening! Pick your favourite spot or tag along to all three – either way, it’s sure to be a jolly good time. 

Organiser: Sutera Harbour Resort 

For more information: Instagram 

KKCity Riverson Christmas 

Date: 23rd to 25th December 2023, 30th December 2023 to 1st January 2024 

Time: TBD 

Venue: The Walk, Riverson, Jalan Riverson 1, Kota Kinabalu 

Ho! Ho! Ho! The first edition of KKCity Riverson is riding in just in time for the festivities, with a bazaar of handmade crafts and activities for collectors and hobbyists of all kinds. If you're still looking for something to do on Christmas day, here’s an option for you. 

Organiser: KKCity Event 

For more information: Facebook | Instagram 

Children’s Christmas Party 

Date: 26th December 2023 

Time: 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. 

Venue: Sutera Harbour Resort, 1 Sutera Harbour Boulevard, Kota Kinabalu 

Calling all parents and their little ones! Muffinz Deli Café at Sutera Harbour Resort invites you to a delightful Children’s Christmas party. Food, games, and festive fun throughout the afternoon for all who attend! 

Organiser: Sutera Harbour Resort 

For more information: Facebook | Instagram 

Have a holly, jolly Christmas!