As the year draws to a close and the festive season beckons, Hong Kong takes on a distinct allure—a time when gatherings with friends and family feel even more magical.
Bars and restaurants across the city embrace the holiday spirit with themed menus, live music, and special events designed to elevate every celebration. After all, this season of gratitude and joy is best enjoyed with loved ones—and sometimes, Hong Kong’s compact homes aren’t quite up to the task.
Tatler’s editors have curated a list of the city’s best spots to celebrate, from indulgent Christmas cocktails to inviting spaces perfect for creating lasting memories.
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Kinsman
Kinsman’s local-themed interior design radiates a festive charm that strongly evokes Christmas for me. They offer live acoustic Cantopop every Tuesday, which is perfect this year since December 24 falls on a Tuesday, making it an ideal spot for holiday celebrations. Of course, the cocktails remain the main attraction for me, and I'm particularly excited about their new menu! The menu is inspired by Hong Kong's age-old communities, and the execution is done quite well.
- Andy Cheng, Regional Head of Dining, Tatler Asia
Bar Leone
Festive cheer tastes better with a Filthy Martini in hand, and nowhere does it better than Bar Leone. Yes, I know it’s a bit basic to say it’s one of my top bar spots in Hong Kong right now—like declaring a preference for Mariah Carey on the Christmas playlist—but when the cocktails are “for the people” and I am, indeed, the people, who am I to argue? Throw in an offensively loud Christmas jumper, a frozen cappuccino, and a bowl of possibly the world’s best olives, and I’m jingling all the way. Buon Natale!
- Fontaine Cheng, senior dining editor, Tatler Hong Kong
The weather in Hong Kong right now is absolutely perfect. There’s something magical about this time of year, especially at Armoury Terrace in Tai Kwun. I loved bundling up, sitting outside on the terrace, and ordering a steaming cup of rich hot chocolate (or a festive cocktail). The atmosphere is electric, especially when the Christmas tree lights up; it transforms the entire space into a winter wonderland. If you’re flying solo, it’s also the best place to people-watch! I highly, highly recommend it.
- Tara Sobti, head of VIP content and community, Tatler Hong Kong
You might also like: The Tatler guide to Tai Kwun: Where to eat, drink and shop
Armoury TerraceAddress: G/F Armoury Building 02, Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong
Terrible Baby
Let me start with this: there’s no bad time to drink at Terrible Baby, Eaton HK’s beloved bar.
That said, Hong Kong’s winter weather makes its outdoor terrace particularly enjoyable. Add to that the hotel’s thoughtfully curated cultural programming, guaranteed to put you in a festive mood. From Christmas and New Year’s Eve parties to holiday markets and diverse DJ sets—it’s all set.
At the end of the day, it only feels right to make Terrible Baby my ultimate destination to celebrate the year’s end with loved ones, especially given how “Eaton HK,” “community,” and “celebrations” go so seamlessly hand in hand.
- Salomé Grouard, digital editor, Tatler Hong Kong
One of K Town’s best-kept secrets is The Wilshire Bar. Tucked away inside 11 Westside, it’s the kind of place you might find yourself wandering into after a satisfying meal of tacos at the Mexican eatery. Once the staff has let you in the bar—there’s a hidden door—you’ll find yourself being welcomed into a cosy, dimly lit venue, with a pool table serving as a centrepiece. The cocktail menu is limited, only five or six drinks are on offer, and it’s best to choose the bartender’s choice, they have never let me down at least. It’s just the kind of place where conversations can flow, making your celebration so much more special.
- Suchetana Mukhopadhyay, content production manager, Tatler Hong Kong
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I love b.a.r. Executive Bar in Causeway Bay for an intimate get-together. Hidden in a commercial building, this cosy bar is a one-man show reminiscent of hole-in-the-wall gems in Tokyo. It has views over the Happy Valley Racecourse, but the real draw here is the amazing whisky selection, which owner Ichiro Hiidome sources from Scotland, Ireland, Japan and the US. They also do a fantastic martini. He also has a whole leg of premium Spanish jamon on the counter, which is sliced to order. Also, ask about what Japanese seasonal fruits he has on hand because he sources only the best. Honestly, give me a perfect highball, ham and some fresh fruit—and I’m a happy girl.
- Coco Marrett, lifestyle and travel editor, Tatler Hong Kong
Call me the ultimate French cliché, but let’s be honest—December without raclette or fondue is like winter without the chill: something’s missing. Christmas is all about gathering around a table with loved ones, and what better way to do it than with kilos of melting cheese and heaps of charcuterie? Finding these comforts in Hong Kong isn’t exactly easy.
While it’s not a bar per se, Black Sheep Restaurants is saving the season with the return of its beloved Le Chalet des Alpes. Its resident sommeliers have curated the perfect roster of wines to complement the Chalet des Alpes menu, including Provence Rosé, Whispering Angel, Ruinart, Chandon Garden Spritz, and a selection of French and Swiss labels. From December 16 to 29, this cosy pop-up will transport us straight to the snowy peaks of the Alps—no passport required.
- Alix Lefebvre, assistant manager of VIP relations, Tatler Hong Kong
Read more: Black Sheep Restaurants' Chalet des Alpes pop-up returns with raclette, fondue and more
Le Chalet des AlpesAddress: 1/F, 22 Staunton Street, Central, Hong Kong
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