Reading Time: 9 minutesIf 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
HKPhil’s The Nightmare Before Christmas
Dates: 22-23 December 2023
Experience Tim Burton’s timeless holiday classic, The Nightmare Before Christmas on the big screen in its full glory, with Grammy-winning composer Danny Elfman’s music score performed live with the film by your home orchestra, The Hong Kong Philharmonic.
The concert runs approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes with an intermission.
AIA Winter Carnival 2023
Dates: 21 December, 2023 – 25 February, 2024
The AIA Carnival returns on 21 December and will run daily. 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 go on sale from 27 September, with promotional partner discounts and early bird deals. Look out for offers and discounts up to HKD36 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.
From now until 15 October, customers who purchase a ticket through the official website will also enter a lucky draw for a chance to win a Golden Ticket, a coveted Ultimate VIP Experience for the winner and four friends, promising an ultimate day out with unlimited free rides, free tokens and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. More details on how to enter can be found on the event website and social media channels.
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. Early bird tickets are on sale 12-21 September.
Hong Kong Players Dick Whittington
Dates: 1-10 December, 2023
Don’t miss Dick Whittington, this year’s pantomime by The Hong Kong Players at the Shouson Theatre. Guaranteed to be a fun afternoon for the whole family, there will be outrageous costumes, jokes, innuendo, music and singing and lots of laughter to get you into the spirit of Christmas.
Christmas Town in the heart of Hong Kong
The Hong Kong Tourism Board’s WinterFest is back and it’s bigger and better than ever. Check out the massive, towering Christmas tree full of garlands and colourful displays. The Art Park will be transformed into a Christmas wonderland full of magical love and joy.
Check out the HKTB Instagram page for more details and other festive surprises.
Festivities at K11 Musea: a Variety of Special Treats
Date: through 2 January 2023
Venue: K11 MUSEA Victoria Dockside, TST
The Love of Couture: Artisanship in Fashion Beyond Time exhibition, is set to excite the senses as craft couture from the east and west, past to present is brought to the public. See the works of merging fashion designers from Japan, South Korea, China and Hong Kong now through 29 January 2023. Book tickets www.k11experience.com
Kids Christmas Playdate is an event full of family-friendly activities. Choose from Donut Playhouse Weekday Pass (45 mins), GLOW IT! by Slime it! Weekday Pass, or Victoria Playpark Christmas Party Playtime (40-45 mins) and receive HK$100 Petit Bazaar Shopping, HK$100 Greyhound Café Galleria, HK$100 eslite children’s bookstore, or HK$100 Hanna Scallop…and more. Check out the options and book www.k11experience.com.
Christmas Weekend Market is where you’ll find artisanal jewellery, candles, beverages, pet supplies and much more. Visit 19 booths with Cacao-Guilt free chocolates, Maison Argaud, Coffee Island, 00RINGS, OON Jewellery, Veni Vidi Amavi, Vetopia, Wine Hut and others. Open Saturdays and Sundays 12 – 9pm.
Hong Kong’s flagship Fortnum & Mason will have a signature feature window display like no other in Hong Kong complete with holiday lighting and fun animation. Kids will LOVE it.
Outdoor ice rink is coming to K11 MUSEA on 14 December! If it’s been your dream to glide merrily across a Christmas ice rink at London’s Canary Wharf or New York’s Rockefeller Plaza, prepare yourself for the outdoor ice rink at K11 MUSEA – Hong Kong’s very first ice skating experience at Victoria Dockside. Located on the harbourfront against the breath-taking view of the Victoria Harbour, it is the ultimate Christmas experience that you definitely don’t want to miss.
Creative workshops LEGOLAND Discovery Centre
Date: through 2 January 2023
Venue: Shop B131-133 B1, K11 MUSEA Victoria Dockside, TST
Kids, bring your adults to experience fun and festive activities – LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Hong Kong has prepared a series of Christmas surprises for families to celebrate the holiday season. Santa Claus and his crew are hiding in different corners, waiting to be discovered by you. Meet Santa and discover holiday surprises, explore MINILAND and participate in ‘LEGO Santa Clauses Hide and Seek’. Then share a photo on social media with the campaign hashtags (#ChristmasBricktacular #LEGOLANDDiscoveryCentreHK) and show it at LEGO Creative Workshop to receive a complimentary gift (while stocks last). Play the ‘Christmas Secret Mini Game’ to win another special gift, simply by checking out the colourful candy cane decorations at different corners the discovery centre.
You can also join the Christmas Creative Workshop to learn new building skills. Come and create limited-time endearing Christmas elves and reindeers.
Citywalk’s ‘Merry Christmas! Goodbye Plastic!’
Date: 25 November 2022 – 2 January 2023
Time: 10am- 10pm
Venue: Event Hall @ Citywalk, 1 Yeung Uk Rd, Tsuen Wan
With the backdrop of polar glaciers, there will be educational games and inspiring experiences that blend fun with meaningful messages about environmental protection. Come see the adorable penguin installations, play in the three game zones, hit up Insta in the two photo spots (a super tall recycled Christmas tree and a trick eye backdrop full of penguins), check out an exhibition on penguins and have a look at a recycling education centre. Children will love wearing the penguin costumes and gliding down an eight-metre-long glacier slide with plastic “waves”. They can also try the ice fishing challenge and take a walk on floating ice. There will also be upcycling workshops led by professional instructors. Don’t miss the pop-up Polar Shopping Village by Ocean Park for all your penguin-related and polar-themed gifts.
Celebrating Christmas in Hong Kong with Lumations
Date: 10-25 December 2022
Time: 12-9pm
Venue: PMQ Courtyard, 35 Aberdeen Street
Soak up some Christmas atmosphere at PMQs Christmas boulevard while enjoying refreshments and pastries. Christmas decorations from home decor brand Lumations will also be for sale, with proceeds supporting Branches of Hope – a charity that works with refugees in Hong Kong.
Robin Hood, The Panto
Dates: Thurs 1 Dec – 11 Dec 2022
Venue: Shouson Theatre, Hong Kong Arts Centre
Laugh aloud as Robin Hood and his Band of Merry Men strive to put an end to greed and corruption and right some wrongs, all the while singing and dancing. Support Hong Kong Players in this, it’s 61st consecutive year of annual pantos. For Ticketing info.
Santa’s Adventure Cruises on the Aqualuna
Date: Month of December 2022
Venue: Departs from Central Pier 9
Santa Claus is coming to the aqualuna! Get into the spirit of the holiday and bring the kids to meet Santa on board the aqualuna for a magical 60-minute sea ride, complete with Christmas songs, a candy cane hunt, Christmas cookies, hot chocolate, and a gift from Santa. Price: Child: $330; Adult: $250
Gingerbread for Good
Date: 28 November 2022 – 2 January 2023
Venue: Shop 350, 3/F, LANDMARK ATRIUM, 15 Queen’s Road Central
Lee Tung Avenue
Head to Lee Tung Avenue in Wan Chai this festive season to check out the Giant Disco Ball measuring 7 meters in diameter and dance away to the retro 70’s vibe! Watch the avenue transform into a dance party atmosphere with sparkling sequins and a professional stage. A lighting ceremony on November 17th 2022 will kick off the Disco Fever party daily from 6pm to 9:30pm featuring live DJs and dance performances. On Christmas Day there will be a party from 7pm to 9pm at the Central Piazza with dance performances and a DJ spinning top tracks. For more information.
Hong Kong Disneyland “A Disney Christmas”
Date: Until 2 January 2023
Venue: Hong Kong Disneyland
renowned musicians will be performing classical music, jazz at the all-new “Disney Live in Concert!” Holiday Music Celebration. If you can’t make these weekends never fear as Mickey and friends will still be performing the Disney classic Christmas shows such as “Mickey & Friends Christmastime Ball,” “Santa Goofy’s Magical Snowfall,” and “A Holiday Wish-Come-True Tree Lighting Ceremony throughout the festive period. Book yourself a ticket and enjoy celebrating Christmas in Hong Kong.
The Cecilian Singers Choir Concert
The Cecilian Singers Choir are performing three concerts in aid of ImpactHK!
Dates: 28 Nov 2022 at St. John’s Cathedral
2 December 2022 at St Stephens Chapel
5 December 2022 Kowloon Junior Church
TEDxTinHauWomen
The only annual women-dedicated TEDx community in Hong Kong returns with a theme of “In Bloom”. Focused on self-care, purpose and perspective, the audience will be inspired by talks on diverse topics from Hong Kong speakers who are passionate about big ideas and impact.
Date: 1 December 2022, 1:00pm – 7:00pm
Venue: Xiqu Theatre in Western Kowloon.
Cost: Tickets cost $600
Christmas Staycations
Cordis Hotel Hong Kong
Cordis, Hong Kong has partnered with Ocean Park to design a staycation for families with complimentary tickets to the park. Guests will have a chance to interact with the giant pandas and learn more about them. Children guests will also receive the park’s red panda mascot “Cody” and “Coco” plush toys and amenities.
Package prices start at HKD$6,888.
Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong
Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong promises a holiday season full of festive cheer by offering an array of irresistible staycation retreats, decadent feasts and relaxing spa treatments.
The Festive Limited -Time Offer room package is available until 14 December 2021 for stays on 24 and 25 December 2021. Priced from HKD$5,888 per night.
The Festive Wonder Staycation at M.O. is the perfect package for gourmands. Available until 31 December 2021 for stays on 24, 25 and 31 December 2021, room rates start from $8,000 per night.
Bask in life’s finer moments with an opulent stay in one of the hotel’s notable suites by booking the Celebration Suite package. Available until 31 December 2021, this room package is priced from $6,000.
Get more information here.
Island Shangri-La
Indulge the whole family in true holiday glamour with a stay at the Island Shangri-La Nutcracker Suite. One of Island Shangri-La’s signature suites will be luxuriously transformed to celebrate Noble Mr. Nutcracker in an enchanted Christmas Kingdom. The abode will be decked-out with Nutcracker-themed decorations, an awe-inspiring Christmas tree, personalised stockings for children, and guests will even receive a visit from Santa Claus himself! The two-night Nutcracker Suite Staycation (starting from HKD$88,000 for two adults and two children) will be available throughout December and includes a Christmas-themed family dinner served in the suite, a festive hamper, breakfast at cafe TOO, and round-trip Rolls-Royce transfers.
Get more information here.
For those looking for some adventure this holiday season, the Christmas Kids’ Camp (starting from $8,400 for two adults and one child) is sure to thrill. The staycation combines a two-night luxurious stay at Island Shangri-La with a nature-focused outdoor adventure programme for children aged 5 to 12 years. Children will be entertained as they merrily explore Hong Kong’s natural wonders and see their home city from a whole new perspective. Parents will have the opportunity to bond with their little ones during family-friendly activities, whilst also having time for their own rest and relaxation.
Get more information here.
The Langham
This holiday season, The Langham, Hong Kong presents a culinary celebration with an annual tree lighting on 1 December, traditional menus across all restaurants and bar, live carols, a ballet performance, a visit from Santa Claus, and other curated festivities for families and friends to enjoy. Guests can also enjoy Christmas carolling every evening from 18 –26 December 2021 and enjoy a complimentary mulled wine.
Starting from $1,388 for a one night stay in a superior room with breakfast for two and a set lunch for two in Palm Court. Staying period: 1 December 2021 – 2 January 2022.
Get more information here.
Christmas Afternoon Teas
Tea WG Festive Afternoon Tea
Tea WG has unveiled its Festive Music Box Tea Set, each of which contains four lavish ornament-sized mini tea tins. Varieties of tea include those with notes of chocolate, citrus, vanilla, berries and ginger. You can find the box tea sets at Tea WG Boutiques and HKTVmall for $488 a box.
Shangri-La Festive Afternoon Tea
Throughout December, head to The Lobby Lounge and Island Gourmet to enjoy the Shangri-La’s Festive Afternoon Tea. Curated by Executive Pastry Chef Julien Gourmelon and the experienced kitchen team, the Festive Afternoon Tea brings the best of Christmas flavours together, from miniature lobster buns and Foie gras tarts, to nutty and chocolatey sweet desserts.
Price: HKD$718 for two people.
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