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Early white Christmas for Hong Kong festive market supporting Operation Santa Claus, with chocolate and sustainability on the menu

  • While snow might have been lacking, chocolate-themed activities brought festive cheer to Swire Properties’ annual street fair
  • Since 2013, annual event has raised more than HK$8 million for charity drive Operation Santa Claus

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The event was planned and executed by the Swire Properties Placemaking Academy 2023 cohort, comprising 10 talented local university students. Photo: Handout
Jimmy Chow

Hong Kong celebrated an early white Christmas at an annual festive market, with plenty of chocolate on the menu at the sustainability-driven event aiming to raise funds for a worthy cause.

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Swire Properties’ White Christmas Street Fair returned to Taikoo Place in Quarry Bay, taking place across two weekends for the first time, from 30 November to December 3 and December 8 to 10.

Since its first edition in 2013, the annual fair has raised more than HK$8 million (US$1 million) for Operation Santa Claus (OSC), a yearly charity drive organised by the South China Morning Post and public broadcaster RTHK since 1988.
(Front row, from left) MC Jason Wong, MC Katie Fung, Director of Home Affairs Alice Cheung Chiu Hoi-yue, Swire Properties chief executive Tim Blackburn, Chief Secretary Eric Chan, SCMP editor-in-chief Tammy Tam, Eastern District Officer Simon Chan Sheung-man and Santa Claus attend the White Christmas Street Fair lighting ceremony at Taikoo Place. Photo: Edmond So
(Front row, from left) MC Jason Wong, MC Katie Fung, Director of Home Affairs Alice Cheung Chiu Hoi-yue, Swire Properties chief executive Tim Blackburn, Chief Secretary Eric Chan, SCMP editor-in-chief Tammy Tam, Eastern District Officer Simon Chan Sheung-man and Santa Claus attend the White Christmas Street Fair lighting ceremony at Taikoo Place. Photo: Edmond So

Appearing at the event’s launch ceremony on November 30, the city’s No 2 official, Eric Chan Kwok-ki, said the fair had “consistently contributed to the betterment of Hong Kong society”.

“This year’s edition is no exception, as all proceeds will be donated to Operation Santa Claus 2023, which supports various charitable organisations aimed at helping the community,” the chief secretary said.

Apart from live musical and dance performances, the fair also featured chocolate-themed activities.

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Among them were carnival-style game booths, picture-printing on chocolate plaques and photo-taking with a Santa Claus in his cabin, all of which aimed to create sweet and festive moments while making the experience more colourful for visitors.

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