Things To Do In Hong Kong This Christmas
‘Tis no surprise that the holidays are going to look different this year.
Revellers will not be flocking Lan Kwai Fong till the crack of dawn, Disneyland will not be the most magical place for the festive jingle, Pacific Place will sparkle but it won’t be the same North Pole wonderland of the past; Mr Claus, after all, is skipping the real thing and entering the virtual realm for those on the ‘nice list’.
Times are strange but if 2020 has taught us anything, it’s the art of thriving when all you could dream of was surviving.
With the 4th wave of COVID-19 currently hammering Hong Kong, you might not be able to have a miraculous, over-the-top Christmas extravaganza but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a jolly good time whilst respecting the current government guidelines.
Here’s how:
GET YOUR STOCKING-STUFFER SHOPPING DONE
It’s that time of the year when Mariah Carey insists the pressies under the tree aren’t as important as the love of a family… though she’s spot on, Christmas shopping is a time honoured tradition and one that cannot be left to the last minute, especially this year with the uncertainties surrounding COVID-19.
It might be infinitely easier to add to cart on Amazon or order away on ASOS, but small businesses have taken a solid hit and would appreciate your support to stay afloat. Make the effort of finding a cool, local brand that kids and kids-at-heart will love and wrap away.
CHECK OUT THE CHRISTMAS DECOR IN TOWN
Give your IG feed a whimsical touch with backdrops from the many dazzling Christmas displays in town.
Pacific Place, Admiralty
Like every year, Pacific Place will transform into a winter wonderland replete with elves, arctic animals, log cabins, a virtual Santa visit, games and a host of workshops and story telling sessions.
Pacific Place, 88, Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong
K11 Mall, Tsim Sha Tsui
Beautiful, festive and romantic!
The light and the sights of the sparkling Christmas trees at the main atrium in K11 Musea are a sight to behold. Head to the roof-top to marvel at the Globoscope, an immersive light installation by Collectif Coin which has travelled through France, Italy, U.K., USA and now landed for the first time in Asia.
Plenty of Christmas activities are on the cards here in accordance with COVID-19 restrictions.
K11, Victoria Dockside, 18, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Harbour City Mall, Tsim Sha Tsui
With large-scale dazzling decorations and a host of festive activities every year, Harbour City Mall goes all out on holiday décor and lights. 2020 is no different. For decades its extravagant displays at the Ocean Terminal have been major tourist attraction.
This year’s theme, “Christmas Every Day”, aims to sprinkle the festive joy and mirth all year round.
The mall has 4 stunning photo ops. Don’t miss it for IGs sake!
Harbour City Mall, 7, Canton Street, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
Landmark, Central
Queue up for a peep into the ginormous displays of Santa Paws, Polar Paws and the Snowman, and if you’re feeling charitable then hop on to the mall’s charity Xmas market supporting three local non-profit organisations, namely, Youth Outreach, Make-A-Wish Hong Kong and Principal Chan Free Tutorial World.
Landmark, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central
Lee Tung Avenue, Wanchai
Is it just us or everyone agrees this quaint, tree-lined boulevard tucked away in bustling Wanchai exudes very English, very London Christmas vibes!
Premiering from December 3rd, ‘Butterflies of Hope’ is a stunning, sparkling 3D installation of colourful, glass butterflies which switch colours with changes in temperature and humidity. The music and light symphony will transport you to a nostalgic festive wonderland.
Get snapping next to their 12-meter tall Christmas tree which comes with touch-less interactive features.
Lee Tung Avenue Atrium, 200 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Mira Place, Tsim Sha Tsui
The popular Japanese capsule toy Shakurel Dinosaurs is joining the merry making at Santa Claws village in Mira Place! Dinosaurs in festive costumes… what’s not to adore! Kids will go bananas snapping pictures here. And adults, there’s a 70% shopping discount across stores in the mall.
O sweet deal days!
Mira Place, 132 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
PACK IN A FEAST
The best part about holidays is gifts and the rest is all food!
I mean is it even Christmas if it doesn’t show on the waistline? From mulled wine to marshmallows and hot cocoa, a beef roast, stuffed turkey, mashed potatoes, the much debated brussel sprouts, glazed carrots and parsnip, a classic pudding… the list is endless! What’s Christmas without a bit of over indulgence.
Revelling up with the whole family might not be an option this year, so the next best thing – intimate family dinners or fancy takeaways. You read it right, for the first time several top restaurants are offering complete home delivered Christmas menus to wipe out your stress of whipping up a masterpiece with COVID-19 restrictions in effect.
The Hong Kong dining scene needs your support so pick up the phone and order a takeaway, will ya?
Four Seasons Hotel, +852 3196 8708, [email protected]
Rosewood Hotel, +852 38918818, [email protected]
Mandarin Oriental, +852 2825 4008, [email protected]
Castelo Concepts, +852 2792 0970, www.casteloconcepts.com
Black Sheep Restaurants, +852 26702670, [email protected]
Big Birdy, +852 2360 0968, [email protected]
Habitu, +852 3550 0023, [email protected]
GO ICE SKATING
Don’t blame us for dreaming of a Snow White Christmas!
Ice rinks are your only bet of getting the frosty, white Christmassy feels in Hong Kong! And winters are truly the best time of the year to go zipping on ice, sing “Let It Snow” and feel like the star of your own Disney movie!
With COVID-19 regulations changing by the day, we advise you to call and check the opening schedules before planning a day out with the family.
The Rink, G/F, Elements, 1 Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui, +852 2196 8016
Sky Rink, 8/F, Dragon Centre, 37K Yen Chow Street, Sham Shui Po, +852 2307 9264
Ice Palace, 1/F, Cityplaza, 18 Taikoo Shing Road, Taikoo Shing, +852 2844 8688
Mega Ice, 10/F, MegaBox, 38 Wang Chiu Road, Kowloon Bay, +852 2709 4023
The Glacier, U/G, Festival Walk, 80 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, +852 2844 3588
Ski Tech, Unit 922–923, One Island South, 2 Heung Yip Road, Wong Chuk Hang, +852 2177 0008
GIVE BACK THIS CHRISTMAS!
For every fortunate child waking up to a loving family, hot cocoa and Christmas presents, there is another with no food, gifts or even a place to call home.
COVID-19 has hit families real hard in Hong Kong and now, more than ever, is the time to loosen your purse strings or donate your time to a cause you care about. Whatever you choose there are plenty of ways to give back to society and Lord knows people need our help this year!