December arrives with a burst of culture, creativity, and festive magic as Kuala Lumpur rolls out various events to close the year on a high. From enchanting ballets and powerful musical theatre to vibrant cultural festivals and an immersive book fair. The city offers something for every kind of explorer. Each event brings its own world to step into — whether it’s The Nutcracker dreamscape, the grandeur of Swan Lake, or the heritage showcase of Irama Asli & Asal.
These experiences don’t just entertain; they celebrate community, tradition, and storytelling in all forms. Visitors can journey through Malaysia’s indigenous arts or relive the legacy of Yap Ah Loy through musical theatre. Book lovers can also immerse in the world’s largest book experience. December in KL is packed, purposeful, and full of wonder. It’s a perfect invitation to end the year with beauty, curiosity, and a little holiday magic.
Ballet Festival: Swan Lake
- Date: 5 – 7 December 2025
- Venue: Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS, KLCC
The Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra’s Ballet Festival will close out its 2025 season with a stirring production of Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake, conducted by Stanislav Kochanovsky and performed by the National Classical Ballet of Moscow. Premiering at Dewan Filharmonik PETRONAS on 5 and 6 December, with an additional show on 7 December, this timeless tale of Odette and Odile unfolds in a symphony of dramatic choreography and lush orchestral grandeur.
Nutcracker & Clara’s Dream
- Date: 12 – 14 December 2025
- Venue: Pentas 1, klpac
- Purchase tickets here.
klpac’s staging of Nutcracker & Clara’s Dream whisks audiences into a whimsical Christmas fantasy inspired by E.T.A. Hoffman’s 1816 fairytale The Nutcracker and The Mouse King. Presented by City Ballet Academy as a tribute to Tchaikovsky’s iconic ballet, the performance blends elegant choreography with theatrical storytelling that follows Clara’s magical journey after receiving a nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve. Exquisite Baroque-style gowns, drifting snowflakes, and charming dreamscape scenes create a rich winter-wonderland atmosphere on stage. The show runs for 130 minutes with a 15-minute intermission.
Irama Asli dan Asal 2025 (Indigenous Rhythms Festival)
- Date: 12 – 14 December 2025, 10am – 10pm
- Venue: Level G, East Entrance, Berjaya Times Square
- Free entry
The Indigenous Rhythms Festival (Irama Asli & Asal) returns this December after its strong 2024 debut. Organised by the Yayasan Kesenian Orang Asli & Asal (YKOA) with support from MOTAC, the festival will take place at Berjaya Times Square. It unites the Orang Asli of Peninsular Malaysia and the Orang Asal of Sabah and Sarawak. Visitors can expect live indigenous music, traditional performances, craft showcases, workshops, and an artisan bazaar. The goal is simple yet powerful: to spark awareness, deepen appreciation, and preserve the cultural identity of Malaysia’s first peoples.
The festival also honours the legacy of the late Datuk Antony Ratos, whose lifelong work uplifted indigenous communities through exhibitions and rural outreach. His vision lives on through Irama Asli & Asal, now led by YKOA Chairman Dr Andre Ratos. He sees the event as a movement that protects ancestral knowledge while celebrating cultural diversity. YKOA also invites the public to participate as vendors, strengthening community involvement. The festival is free to all and runs daily from 10am to 10pm.
Kapitan – The Musical
- Date: 13 – 14 December 2025
- Venue: Thean Hou Temple Hall, Kuala Lumpur
- Purchase tickets here.
Kapitan – The Musical is a Malaysian-original stage production celebrating the pioneering spirit of Yap Ah Loy and the early settlers who helped shape Kuala Lumpur. Set to run on 13–14 December 2025 at Thean Hou Temple Hall, the show is produced by Opus Harmonia Association with the PJ Philharmonic Orchestra Academy. With lyrics by Chin San Sooi and music by Lam Siu Chong, the musical weaves symphonic music and theatre to evoke themes of perseverance, unity, and compassion.
Big Bad Wolf Books 2025
Photo: BBW Facebook
- Date: 19 December 2025 – 4 January 2026 (10am – 2am daily)
- Venue: Sunway Pyramid Convention Centre
Big Bad Wolf Books returns with its most ambitious event yet as it unveils the World’s Biggest Book Experience. The annual flagship fair promises new titles at discounts of up to 95%. The redesigned experiential layout will transform the way visitors browse, discover, and enjoy books. This year ushers in a more dynamic and family-friendly environment, complete with curated genre lanes and an expanded Children’s Discovery Zone. Guests can also look forward to daily festive activities, and playful photo installations.
Co-founder Jacqueline Ng notes that the 2025 edition aims to make book hunting an inspiring outing for readers of all ages. Meanwhile, co-founder Andrew Yap highlights the brand’s dedication to accessibility through unbeatable prices, extensive selections, and late-night hours until 2 a.m. With restocks throughout the 17-day event and new surprises, Big Bad Wolf continues to cement its status as Malaysia’s most exciting book extravaganza.
