Christmas is finally in the air – and it’s an especially fun time in Hong Kong. From twinkling light displays to winter markets, cultural extravaganzas and soirees that go well into the night, this city has no shortage of events where you can soak up the holiday joie de vivre. We round up 8 of the most magical things to do this season:
Moonlit Movies
Back by popular demand, the outdoor cinema festival returns to the picturesque setting of the AIA Vitality Park from November 27 to December 22, where it will be playing 15 cinematic classics over 15 nights. Snuggle up to family and loved ones under the iconic Farris wheel and against the city’s dazzling skyline, where you can enjoy iconic films such as Love Actually, Pretty Woman, Home Alone, Grease, Frozen, 10 Things I Hate About You and Romeo and Juliet – just to name a few.
November 27 to December 22; The Hong Kong Observation Wheel and AIA Vitality Park, 33 Man Kwong St, Central; moonlit-movies.com
Stanley Plaza’s Happy Chemistry
Among the city’s longest-standing and most popular Christmas markets, the annual Stanley Plaza Christmas market returns to the waterfront with some sprightly ‘Happy Chemistry’, which is the event’s theme this year. Helping to transform the promenade into a winter wonderland are kaleidoscopic fairy lights, glass domes, and up to 50 booths that will be serving up a myriad of delectable bites, handcrafted gems, various games and Instagram-ready spots.
December 7 to 22; Stanley Plaza, 23 Carmel Road, Stanley; linkhk.com
Sincerely Yours at Pacific Place
Hong Kong local illustrator and comic artist Bonnie Pang joins hands with San Francisco-based illustrator Jennifer Porter to transform the mega mall into Santa’s very own printing house. Discover a range of decorative elements and impressive installations at every corner such as gigantic pop-up Christmas cards that bring 18 characters from classic children’s tales to life, from Little Red Riding Hood to the Three Little Pigs and the Nutcracker Prince.
Afterwards, head up to the lobby of premier hotel Upper House to admire an extravagant Christmas tree by interior designer Fiona Barratt-Campbell, which beautifully illuminates from within.
November 22 to January 2, 2020; Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty; pacificplace.com.hk
Let it Snow! Christmas Ornament Workshop
Flex your creative muscles – or delight your children with a fun experience to remember – at this workshop hosted by leading educational toy designer Mochy Kid. Learn to make artificial snow and create one-of-a-kind Christmas ornaments, baubles natural pinecones and other festive decorations sure to give your Christmas tree a home a touch of personalised flair.
December 7; K11 Musea, Victoria Dockside, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui; k11musea.com
A Feast For Christmas
’Tis the season for feasting to your heart’s content; and over 2 days, gourmands will get to do so at this spectacular outdoor dining pop-up that offers sumptuous all-you-can-eat gourmet dining and free flow drinks. Signature dishes on offer including the Angus beef cheek from Relish’s chef Antonio Oviedo, the Iberico pork neck muffin from Mr Brown’s chef Asher Goldstein, and the prawn toast with spiced mango chutney and bisque by Brut’s chef George Kwok and chef Camille Lisette Glass. Live cooking stations, shared tables and great DJ lineups certainly make this a Christmas fast to remember.
December 14-15; The Hong Kong Observation Wheel and AIA Vitality Park, 33 Man Kwong St, Central; feasthk.com
The Nutcracker
It’s not really Christmas without a journey through Clara and Fritz’s fantastical adventure, is it? Experience the magic of the season with Hong Kong Ballet’s spectacular performance of Terence Kohler's beloved The Nutcracker, complete with Tchaikovsky’s soaring score performed live by the Hong Kong Sinfonietta, and magnificent stage sets and elaborate costumes by Jordi Roig.
December 20 to 26; Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui; hkballet.com
K11 Musea’s Christmas Muse Garden
Adrien Chang’s new cultural destination lights up this Christmas with a designated programme featuring the works of over 100 local and international artists, which includes opera, cinematic showcases, art installations, and the works by the ultra-talented 13-year old artist Elisabeth Anisimow, who will be painting the tale of Donut and his friend Ah Meow in the site-specific works that will be exhibited until 2 January 2020. Her whimsical, delightful illustrative style is especially well known for blurring the line between contemporary reality and classical paintings.
December 3 to January 2, 2020; G/F, Donut Playhouse, K11 Musea, 18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui; k11musea.com
Tai Kwun's Circus Plays
From Christmas Eve to January 5, a series of immersive, interactive contemporary performances by some of the world’s most acclaimed acts will return to the Tai Kwun’s Parade Ground site to dazzle families and spectators alike. Think amazing acrobatics and juggling contests, improv comedy, 3D music-meets-virtual reality showcases and more, all against the luminous decorations and magnificent sparkling Christmas tree within the Tai Kwun complex, which was awarded the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation this year.
Ongoing from now until January, 2020; Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Rd, Central; taikwun.hk
See also: Savour Paris At Your Feet In The New Belle Etoile Suite