Take a break from all the partying and food comas during this Christmas and enjoy these theater performances, art exhibitions and even spine-chilling bike stunts, with these nine artsy events happening this December.

Nutcracker at Esplanade

If it’s not just all VIP clubs and fancy dinners for you and you need a touch of the thea-tah, then Christmas means an Asian-inspired staging of The Nutcracker. Get ready to be enchanted by the spectacular set of pre-WWI Shanghai with choreography by Janek Schergen, music by a certain Mr Tchaikovsky and costumes by local designer Aaron Yap. Esplanade Theatre, 1 Esplanade Dr., 6338-0611.

When: Dec 7-11
How much: $30-$70

Open a Door to Israel Exhibition

For the culturally engaged, expect a 30-minute, multi-sensory experience consisting of nine “curiosity doors”, each leading to a large LED screen with interactive videos, games and libraries showcasing Israel’s vibrant culture and heritage. Spend another 10 minutes and you’ll be greeted with a visual documentation of the country’s advances in technology through synchronized robotic projectors. Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre, Hall C, 1 Bayfront Ave.

When: Dec 9-23
How much: Free

Cirque Adrenaline

Experience a dangerous and death-defying theatrical show that pumps the adrenaline. Almost every act being large scale and risky, the show includes motorbike stunts, high-flying trapeze artists, strong men, aerial acrobatics displays and a blazing fire act. MasterCard Theatres at Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Ave., 6688-8888.

When: Dec 15-25
How much: $38.50 onwards

In Search of Salt

If issue-based art gets you going, this stage performance looks pretty promising. Set in a raw, intimate and immersive space, award-winning film director Sarah Howell will leave you breathless with her compelling, female-driven narratives that explore the grief in today’s social media age. Centre 42, 42 Waterloo St.

When: Dec 16-17
How much: $33-35 per person

First Class Comedy

The plush Post Bar is having a comedy night, complete with excellent cocktails, river views and a barrel of laughs. Performing their stand-up shows are local comedians Jacky Ng, Qamarul Haziq and Sam See. Post Bar, G/F The Fullerton Hotel, 1 Fullerton Square, 6877-8135.

When: Dec 17
How much: $35 per person

TeamLab: Flutter of Butterflies Beyond Borders

A second solo exhibition of the Japanese collective which showcases an interactive digital installation that spans the entire gallery and immerse both wall and floor with projections. Every viewer will experience a different response as the displays continuously changes. Ikkan Art Gallery, #01-05 Tanjong Pagar Distripark, 39 Keppel Rd., 6681-6490.

When: Through Dec 22
How much: Free

How It Feels

Open your mind at this exhibition happening at the Gillman Barracks showcasing abstract paintings in attempt to connect to the audience on an emotional level instead of intellectually. The works are by six Indonesian artists, Made Wianta, Pupuk Daru Purnomo, Faizal, Dipo Andy, Yoga Mahendra and R. Yuki Agriardi. Mizuma Gallery, #01-34 Gillman Barracks, 22 Lock Rd., 6570-2505.

When: Through Dec 23
How much: Free

Imagined Peripheries

Through the paintings, installations and drawings in group exhibition involving five artists from around Asia, contemplate untold stories and the relationship between history, geography, nature and the self. Ota Fine Arts, Gillman Barracks, #02-13 7 Lock Rd., 6694-3071.

When: Through Dec 24
How much: Free

Lepark Christmas Musical

Chinatown’s rooftop hipster eatery Lepark and concert organizers Getai Group are teaming up again for a special Christmas party, with a line-up of live performances. Details are scant as of press time, but they have done a series of these already, so if you like local bands, craft beer and low-slung rooftop views over Chinatown, get your crew together. 6/F People’s Park Complex Carpark, 1 Park Rd., 6909-5809.

When: Dec 25
How much: Free

Liked this? Find out more about the parties, places to check out, restaurants to eat at and more in our Holiday Guide 2016.