If you’re staying local this festive period, there’s heaps of fun things happening. From activities to camps and staycations to beautiful afternoon teas and more. Check out our ultimate guide to celebrating Christmas in Hong Kong, then relax and enjoy the holidays.
*This page will be continuously updated as more Christmas celebrations are added, so be sure to bookmark this page!
Christmas Events
Christmas Shows and Performances to See in Hong Kong
The Snowman & The Bear
Dates: 21, 22, 23 December
Location: Sha Tin Town Hall
Enjoy these two heartwarming animated winter tales on the big screen, accompanied by live music performed by the City Chamber Orchestra of Hong Kong. Tickets are available from Urbtix. Get 20% discount on the ticket price by quoting SB2123.
Hong Kong Ballet – The Nutcracker
Dates: 15-30 December, 2023
Even if you’ve seen The Nutcracker before, we thoroughly recommend going to see Septime Webre’s heartwarming interpretation which has a wonderful Hong Kong twist. With scores of glittering costumes and extraordinary sets, this wondrous world finds Clara and her brother Fritz on a magical coming-of-age adventure with the Nutcracker Prince, battling the evil Rat King and his army, meeting a host of lively characters and encountering a kaleidoscope of Hong Kong’s colourful peacocks, lush cockatoos, energetic racing jockeys, and blossoming bauhinias. You’ll be enchanted by the splendour and spectacle of this endearing Hong Kong classic as you celebrate the joy of the holidays with your loved ones! Hong Kong Ballet’s The Nutcracker takes place at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre.
Read More: Behind the Scenes with Hong Kong Ballet
The World Circus
Dates: 21 December -25 February 2024
Returning within the AIA Carnival, but requiring an additional ticket, is The World Circus. Head to the big top to enjoy death-defying stunts and jaw-dropping entertainment for the whole family. Early bird tickets are available.
HKPhil’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
Dates: 22-23 December 2023
Experience the magical world of Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” on the big screen with a live orchestra performance by the Hong Kong Philharmonic. Watch as the Pumpkin King, Jack Skellington, attempts to take over Christmas in this enchanting tale. But who will save the day? The show lasts approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes with a brief intermission. Suitable for ages 6 and above. Tickets start at $200. Visit www.hkphil.org for more information and to secure your spot. Don’t miss this extraordinary cinematic and musical event!
Music performances @ Snowpark ifc mall
Dates: 23-26, 31 December 2023
Acclaimed pianist Shelley Ng and violinist Felix Tham, as well as guitarist Christopher Michael Collins, and renowned Jazz vocalist Janaia Farrell bring beautiful music to ifc mall this holiday season. The finale of SnowPark features legendary Canadian jazz vocalist Janaia Farrell, whose vocal skills have graced ensembles and recording studios from Hong Kong to Hollywood. Go enjoy a heart-warming line-up of Christmas tunes, tango, classical, blues and light jazz to warm up your jolly holiday. Events will run 3pm – 3:45pm in the Oval Atrium, Podium Level 1, ifc mall.
Here’s the line-up of performances:
Dec 23: Acoustic funk pop
Dec 24: R’nB / Soul / Pop
Dec 25: Chants de Noël Soul
Dec 26: Christmas Rhythms and Blues
Dec 31: Christmas Rhythms and Blues
Christmas Music Feast Evenings at Lan Kwai Fong
Dates: 9 and 23 December
Location: Lan Kwai Fong
To add an extra touch of festive cheer to the community, the Lan Kwai Fong Association is presenting the “Christmas Music Feast Evenings” on the 9th and 23rd of December. The evenings will showcase a jazzy party called “The Xmas Knights Singalong” and a performance by the Greater Bay Area Children’s Chorus, titled “Xmas Choir Harmony.” Taking place in the heart of Lan Kwai Fong, they will enchant audiences with joyful tunes and captivating a cappella performances.
“The Xmas Knights Singalong” Jazz Band
Date: December 9th (Saturday)
Time: 8:30 PM – 10:30 PM
Venue: The Plaza
“Xmas Choir Harmony” Children’s Carolling
Date: December 23rd (Saturday)
Time: 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
Venue: Front of California Tower
Frozen at M+
Date: 25 December
Head to the M+ Museum for a Christmas Day screening of Disney’s Frozen. Showing at 2.30pm, tickets cost just $85. Find out more
Hong Kong Players Pantomime – Dick Whittington
Dates: 1-10 December, 2023
Hong Kong Players are back with the most purr-fect Christmas panto!
Enjoy the enchanting tale of Dick Whittington and his cool cat, Tom, as they set off on a thrilling adventure to seek their fortune in London. But wait, there’s a twist! Dick’s Aunt Fanny will be there to provide some much-needed (or maybe not-so-much-needed) assistance along the way.
Prepare for a rollercoaster of laughs and excitement as disaster strikes and the trio discovers that London’s streets are not paved with gold, but infested with mischievous rodents. Can Dick rise to the occasion and defeat the evil Rat Queen to save the day?
The talented performers will dazzle you with their incredible dances, the live band will serenade you with sparkling songs and the spectacular stage combat will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Suitable for ages 3-93, this hilarious pantomime promises to be the ultimate festive treat for the whole family!
Behind the Scenes at the Hong Kong Players Pantomime
SAR Philharmonic The Colours of Christmas Classics for Kids
Date: 2-3 December
Head to the APA Amphitheatre to enjoy The Colours of Christmas with the SAR Philharmonic Orchestra, a 90-minute multi-sensory celebration of the colours and sounds of Christmas perfect for the whole family. Tickets are available from HKTicketing and cost from $250 to $650.
Festive Activities in Hong Kong
AIA Winter Carnival 2023
Dates: 21 December, 2023 – 25 February, 2024
The AIA Carnival returns on 21 December and will run daily until 25 February. This year, the Carnival promises to be bigger, better, and more exciting than ever, as we celebrate the first mask-free Christmas, New Year’s Eve, and Chinese New Year in recent years! The Carnival promises new and returning rides, games, new and immersive selfie opportunities, entertaining street and stage performers, and an international travelling Circus extravaganza.
Tickets for the AIA Carnival are on sale now, with promotional partner discounts and early bird deals. Look out for offers and discounts up to $36 per ticket (compared to buying at the gate) and be sure to secure tickets on popular peak dates in advance (like Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year holidays). Also get quicker entry access via Advance Ticket queuing lanes and more when booking online.
Check out our favourite Christmas markets and Fairs
Storytelling and Father Christmas at Fortnum & Mason
Dates: Mid November – late December
Hong Kong’s Fortnum & Mason store at K11 will will transform into a Christmas destination this festive season, with a signature feature window display like no other in Hong Kong complete with the Storytelling with Father Christmas and festive delights.
Other places to see Santa in Hong Kong this Christmas
A Disney Christmas
Dates: 17 November – 1 January 2024
Experience the enchantment of “A Disney Christmas“ at Hong Kong Disneyland. On 2,3,9 and 10 December, 7:30-8:15pm, visitors will be able to experience the brand new “Disney Christmas Live in Concert!” at the iconic Castle of Magical Dreams. The show will feature guest performances from local singers: Jason Chan on December 2 and 3, and Phil Lam on December 9 and 10. Over a hundred of choir members from The Hong Kong Children’s Choir will also perform and invite everyone to sing along. Disney friends will also make an appearance, including an inaugural appearance by Mirabel from Disney Animation’s “Encanto,” and Anna and Elsa from “Frozen”. Tickets to watch the show in the seated area cost $299 and are available from 6 November. During your visit to the park you will also be able to step into the extraordinary “World of Frozen,” the world’s first land inspired by the film, which opens on 20 November.
Christmas Town at LEGOLAND Discovery Centre
Dates: Now – 2 Jan
LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Hong Kong will transform into a Christmas town, with festive surprises spread throughout the venue. Visitors can visit the LEGO® Snowman photo spot to capture magical festive memories, and children can participate in the “Christmas Exclusive LEGO® Creative Workshop”. There will also be a unique Christmas Mystery Treasure Hunt to add to the fun.
Christmas Sensation HOHOHO at Ocean Park
Dates: 9 Dec-1 Jan
Enjoy an enchanting visit to Ocean Park as it celebrates the festive season and witness the Finnish-themed festivities on display. , Ocean Park brings Christmas at the Northern Lights to reality. At Waterfront Plaza, stroll through the Christmas Alley to shop for treasures to share with loved ones or bring home, snap sensational selfies with the glittering Christmas tree and enjoy a variety of special festive performances by local schools and groups. Santa Claus will be making appearances to take photos with you and wish you Hyvää joulua! Head on down to OP for the European Christmas Market, the Christmas Shining Bright Party with Santa, and jubilant performances at Jingle All The Way.
Check out our favourite festive displays in Hong Kong
Santa’s Adventure Cruise Aqualuna
Date: 3 – 25 December
Get into the spirit of the holiday and bring the kids to meet Santa in his cabin for an enchanting and memorable experience! Santa and his helpers will take you on a magical 60-minute cruise complete with sing-a-long Christmas songs. Kids can meet and tell him about their Christmas wish list, talk about reindeer and pose for a Christmas photo. Take part in a fun candy cane hunt, make a Christmas-themed craft, enjoy a Christmas cookie and warm up with a cup of hot chocolate. Each ticket includes one complimentary drink; one Christmas cookie and a present per child.
You might also be interested in: Festive afternoon teas in Hong Kong
CoCoMelon Winter Wonderland
Dates: 25 November – 1 January
Step into the CoComelon Winter Wonderland at Olympian City and let the holiday magic unfold! From 25 November, 2023, to 1 January, 2024, children can become Santa’s Helpers in this amazing 3000-square-foot Christmas Inflatable Wonderland, embarking on a fun-filled adventure with festive zones and three exciting missions designed to test their agility and quick reflexes. Navigate through the Candy Cane Tunnel and explore an inflatable obstacle course in search of hidden beanbags, which they then need to toss into an inflatable chimney while bouncing on a trampoline. Capture precious moments at Instagrammable spots, including a towering 11-meter-tall CoComelon Inflatable Christmas Tree and the chance to meet the lovable character “JJ” in his festive outfit.
As a reward for their bravery and hard work, each child will receive a special commemorative pin. But the adventure doesn’t end there… They can slide into a supersized ball pit and celebrate their victory in style.
The CocoMelon Winter Wonderland is suitable for children 2-12 years. Tickets – from Monday to Friday, S+ REWARDS members can use Points for admission to the Christmas adventure. On Saturdays, Sundays and holidays, participants can purchase a ticket via KLOOK for $80 to enjoy 25 minutes of free play within the venue. The tickets will be sold on KLOOK starting November 15, 2023. Enjoy a discounted $70 admission during the early-bird period from 15 – 24 November.
“Tinsel Town Takeover” LKF Street Interactions – Festive Street Delights
Dates: 9, 15, 23rd, 24th December
Time: 9:30 PM – 11:30 PM
Venue: LKF streets and LKF Concept Restaurants, including Aria, BACI Trattoria & Bar, FUMI, Kyoto Joe, Porterhouse Seafood & Steak, and Tokio Joe.
On weekends leading up to Christmas Eve, LKF will come alive with the “Tinsel Town Takeover” street interactions. Visitors can encounter a group of fun performers dressed as reindeer, Nutcrackers, and Santa Claus, who will be distributing small holiday gifts along the streets of Lan Kwai Fong.
Cookies with Mrs Claus
Date: 12 December
Head to LaplandHK’s enchanting Santa’s Secret Kingdom for a delightful cookie decorating workshop with Mrs. Claus and The Cookie Fairy. The Cookie Fairy will share tips and tricks, providing each child – aged 4 and older – with four signature cookies, icing, and sprinkles to bring their own festive designs to life. Children will leave with their cookies, a cookie recipe, and cherished Christmas memories. Accompanying adults can purchase add-on tickets for a special family experience. Tickets are $350 per child.
Dan Ryan’s Gobstopping Christmas Carnival
Dates: 16 & 17 December, 1-5pm
Step into the enchanting world of Christmas at Dan Ryan’s Wonka-inspired carnival in the Lee Tung Avenue branch of Dan Ryan’s. Featuring a chocolicious menu, ornamental workshops, face painting, balloon twisting, beer pong and a candy table, it promises lots of fun. Make sure you check out the cocktail menu, ‘Clearly A Chocolate Martini’, anyone? Or perhaps a non-alcoholic Scrumptious Chocolate Shake.
Seaside Pet Chill Christmas Carnival
Dates: 16-23 December: Monday to Thursday: 6-9pm; Friday to Sunday: 12nn-9pm
24 & 25 December: 12nn-12pm
26 December: 12:nn-9pm
Location: HarbourChill, Wan Chai (Next to the Wan Chai pier)
Celebrate the festive season with your pets at the “Seaside Pet Chill Christmas Carnival” at HarbourChill in Wan Chai. Organised by the SPCA, this pet-friendly carnival covers a vast area of nearly 3,000 square metres and offers a wide range of attractions across five zones.
Indulge in a culinary adventure at the Tipsy Area and the Tasty & Yummy Area, where you’ll find delicious food and beverages. Explore the Festive Shopping area, featuring over 40 stalls filled with unique and festive products perfect for your Christmas shopping needs. Don’t forget to check out the Furry-tale Stalls, offering a variety of food and accessories for your beloved furry friends. And for those energetic pups, there’s the Furry Fitness Zone, where they can engage in dog agility games and burn off their boundless energy.
Take photos in front of the impressive 8-metre-tall Christmas tree and 1.8-metre snow globe. And, to add to the festive ambiance, there will be live music performances by renowned local singers such as Zeno Koo, Manson Cheung, Match, XiX, and EOS on the evenings of 23rd to 25th December.
“Pawfect Match” Dog Charity Party at Lan Kwai Fong
Date: 17 December
In collaboration with Dog Rescue Action Int., the LKF Association presents the “Pawfect Match” Dog Charity Party on the 17th of December. This fun-filled event invites all dog lovers, offering them a chance to showcase their creativity by dressing up in coordinated outfits with their beloved canine companions. As part of the event, participants will have the opportunity to support Limitless Coffee, a community café that empowers individuals with disabilities and the elderly.
Dog Rescue Action (DRAI, Dog Rescue Action International Charity) was founded in 2018 and officially registered as a local charitable organisation in 2020. The organisation comprises a passionate group of animal lovers who operate on a voluntary basis. With the motto, “Respect Life, Pets for Life!”, DRAI prioritises the welfare of animals by advocating against killing or abandoning them. Additionally, they actively engage with the community by visiting those in need and organising educational events to promote awareness of animal rights and welfare.
You might also like to read:
Advent Calendars for the whole family
Your Guide to a Sustainable Christmas
