5 Hong Kong spots that leave us feeling festive this Christmas
- From giant, eco-friendly trees to light shows, Italian-themed Christmas wonderlands and a YouTube pop-up cafe, the city has it all this holiday season
- With no Covid-19 restrictions this year, revellers are geared up to celebrate at these gorgeous, Instagram-worthy spots
Full Wing Street in Sham Shui Po is buzzing with people shopping for Christmas decorations as the holiday nears. Photo: Xiaomei ChenHong Kong has brought out all the bells and whistles to end the year on a festive note. With no Covid-19 restrictions currently in place, the city is set to celebrate in a much more spirited way than it has in the last few years.
From giant eco-friendly trees to a YouTube pop-up cafe, Hong Kong has it all. Young Post has done the groundwork for you, putting together a list of the best-looking spots around the city for fun, Instagram-worthy photos or a festive outing with loved ones.
1. Tai Kwun, Central
The theme for this year’s festivities at the former Central police station compound is “Simple Gifts of Joy 2023”, and the area boasts a 12-metre tree, a Christmas playground and a daily light show. You can find a schedule on Tai Kwun’s website of the various concerts and circus acts being held this month, featuring local and international artists. Tai Kwun’s restaurants are also offering festive menus, traditional mulled wine, and Yule Log cakes to get your taste buds tingling.
2. Festival Walk, Kowloon Tong
This year, the mall has gone green with eco-friendly decor and a Christmas puppet sculpture made from locally recycled wood. Their festive project, “Walk With Me”, features classic decor that uses energy-saving measures and encourages low-carbon living. Twelve craftsmen will adorn one-of-a-kind Christmas outfits created from recycled clothes, and a sustainable Christmas market will feature offers from local brands.
3. Times Square, Causeway Bay
Finnish elf Lumi, created by Japanese artist Kohei Ogawa, is visiting Times Square this festive season, turning it into a Christmas workshop with a series of heart-warming installations. Visitors can find a Christmas Elfventure photo booth where they can make Lumi-themed WhatsApp stickers, and Santa will make a host of appearances throughout the season. On December 19, students from St. Stephen’s Girls’ College will head to the mall to carol, along with violin students from the Kalvin Chau School of Music.
4. Discovery Bay
This year’s theme is “Christmas Wonderland”, featuring festive lighting, Italian-themed decorations, artificial snow and light shows. Christmas Sunday markets will fulfil your holiday shopping needs with a wide array of Christmas-themed merchandise as well as music and dance performances. Students from Discovery Bay Ice Skating School will perform a captivating figure skating show called “Joyous Christmas On Ice” on December 16 and 17. The island’s architectural landmark, the Discovery Bay North Clock Tower, has been transformed into a replica of the renowned Milan Cathedral, with details mimicking the signature stained-glass windows of the cathedral.
5. K11 Musea, Tsim Tsa Tsui
K11 Musea has picked up some inspiration from London’s Crystal Palace, the site of the first-ever World Expo in 1851, and transformed the mall into a Christmas Palace. Check out YouTube’s first-ever pop-up cafe, Rhythm & Brews, featuring a holiday-themed menu and a host of live musical nights to amp up the holiday season. The Christmas Village pop-up also makes a comeback this season with goodies from around the world to surprise your loved ones. Lastly, the Christmas Jukebox Advent Calendar will keep patrons swinging to its tunes.