December is finally here!
The last month of the year is indeed a festive galore. From parties to shopping up to your heart’s content, this end of season is full of energy.
Before you stack away your journals for the month, here are a few events that will definitely make you want more room in your calendar.

1.  The 5th Ajyal Youth Film Festival.

This one’s for the movie buffs that care about content and not just the banner. An initiative by the Doha Film Institute, the festival began on November 29th and will continue to hold public screenings of family-friendly short and feature length films till December 4th 2017 at Katara.

2. The 28th Doha International Book Fair.

The connection between a reader and his book cannot be summed up in words. There is only so much that an audio or an online book can do for you.   If you have a big appetite for books and always looking to add to your library, then this place should definitely be in your agenda. The fair started on November 29th at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center and will remain open till 5th December 2017 hosting hundreds of publishers from over 30 countries.

3. Doha Burger Festival.

While Google debated and finally figured out their burger emojis, looks like Doha decided to celebrate this delicacy with all its variations. The first ever Doha Burger festival is scheduled from the 6th to 9th of December 2017 at Hotel Park, Sheraton and will pleasantly enlighten us to the various possibilities of burger stacking. Yummy!

4. QAWS Christmas Quiz

The thought of furry animals makes all of us melt and looks like Qatar Animal Welfare Society is boosting animal welfare with a festive spirit. A quiz night filled with fun, food, games and obviously puppies and kittens! The Save-A-Stray Christmas Quiz night will be held on December 7th 2017.

5. Qatar National Day.

With the present political scenario in Qatar, the National day 2017 is highly anticipated. The celebrations have only gotten more colourful and majestic with every year and this year will be bigger for sure. From the military parade in the morning to the seating arrangements for the evening firework display, the hustle has already begun. Be sure to step out on December 18th if you do not want to miss out on all of Qatar celebrating its glory.

6. Discovery Scuba Diving

On every second Friday of the month, Qdivers host a scuba diving event exclusively for first timers. Lucky for you, December 8th is yet to come and perhaps you can beat the chilly weather by diving straight into the underwater. This could also be a way to finally cross deep water diving off your bucket list instead of adding into your “new year – new me” list.

7. Drive in Doha.

Movies, Sports, Live shows and Food caravans, Drive-in Doha is a one stop spot for all your entertainment needs. The month of December will witness the Extreme Doha Stunt Show LIVE from the 7th of December, 2017. Buckle your seats and head on to the Aspire park if thrill is what you live for.

8. Torba Farmer’s Market.

2017 has been a year of firsts for Qatar. One such endeavour is the Torba Farmer’s Market, Qatar’s first ever artisan and organic market. The aim is to encourage local and organic produce focusing on the health and well-being of the people. The place is open to public on every Thursday and Friday and is indeed a refreshing change from the usual grocery shopping in supermarkets.

9. Qatar International Derby.

December 29th and 30th has to be marked down on every horse lover’s calendar as the Qatar International Derby is taking place at the Qatar Racing and Equestrian Club. For fans and families that enjoy these magnificent animals in action, the two day event is an exciting opportunity to see Qatar’s prestigious horses, best jockeys and the leading trainers. Of the many sport events that occur in Qatar, this truly takes the prize.

10. New Year’s Eve Party.

Every year, a bunch of Hotels and Restaurants host New Year’s eve parties so you don’t have to. Just a search around the web will show you your options in and around Doha. We just wanted to give you a heads up since many of these party slots are on pre-booked basis. From the classic candle lit dinners to crazy DJ parties, whatever floats your boat. Let the best party win!

Written by Adithya Nair

Adithya is an Electronics engineering graduate who embarked on her artistic journey in her final year of college. From co-founding a handmade gifts company to being placed on the leader board of Zomato, she explores every facet of her life eagerly. She shares her paintings, poetry and blogs on her social media and is an artist in the making. Follow her on Instagram @artbyadithyanair.