(Credit: Matthew Klein - flickr.com)

Grab a new book at Kinokuniya

2019 is “the year of books”. At least that is what the government has christened it by allowing Thais to actually write off part of their book purchases on their tax returns (sorry expats). But even if you can’t do away with the tax of yours, buying a new book or two is always a good start to the New Year and one of our favorite ways to kick back during the holidays. On our last visit, we grabbed The Witch Boy (B427)—a children’s book about magic whose plot explores gender diversity in a rather charming way—and Illegal, a middle-grade illustration novel which tackles the subject of African refugees and their struggles of finding a new home. If you are Thai, you can get a tax rebate of up to B15,000. The staff will hand you a form after purchase.

3/F, Siam Paragon, 02-610-9500. Open daily 10am-10pm

Sweeten your bitter life at Gram Cafe

Spending 2018’s last days with these wobbly souffle-style pancakes is about all we want for the holidays. As people flock to their upcountry vacations, the normally massive crowds for these Osaka-hailing fluffy pancakes will die down, so now is your chance. Order their signature 4cm-thick fluffy pancakes (B295), where the pastry chef whips up maple syrup, buttercream and whipped cream into spongy nama cream and stacks it between the three layers. Delicious.  

G/F, Siam Paragon, 061-469-6745. Open daily 10am-10pm.

Have a festive toast at Jamie’s Italian

The restaurant from British celebrity chef Jamie Oliver is serving festive favorites like roast chicken—locally sourced from Sirin Farm—and prime Angus beef fillet in their three-course festive menu. Order the free-range duck liver pate immersed in balsamic-marinated onions, which give it a soft, velvety texture. At B1,250, you can also get a free glass of Prosecco if you book your reservation using Tavolos—available from today to Jan 2.

G/F, Siam Discovery, 02-255-5222. Open daily 11:30am-10pm

Watch these stunning international performances at Siam Paragon

Between Dec 24 and Dec 31, the grounds in front of Siam Paragon will be transformed into a theater for over 40 members of different art troupes from Belgium, Italy and The Netherlands. They'll be performing shows like Bike Parade—where people from Theater Tol, one of Belgium’s venerated performance acts, retell classic tales through stunt cycling. Music lovers can also gather around to listen to a piano performance complemented by graceful dance routines from The Romantic Carillion’s ballerina crew while professional dancers in red silk outfits from The Netherlands’ Teatro Pavana will demonstrate their swift moves along to the upbeat tunes.  

Take selfies with the giant crystal tree at Siam Paragon’s Festival of Light 2019

You might notice by now that Siam Paragon is flashier than usual, especially at night. Thanks to its latest Christmas installation, now you can trot along the malls, collectively known as OneSiam, as they are bathed in Artic-ish light. The Festival of Light 2019 boasts a handful of adorable little elves and a crystal Christmas that draws inspiration from the renowned German artist Felipe Pantone. Explore the crystal tunnel and grab some IG snaps before it is all over.

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