Even if you only have a few days, Hong Kong is an excellent place to spend your Christmas and New Year holidays.
There’s so much going on in the city during this time, and you can really feel the festive spirit. As an added bonus, Christmas time is low season, meaning that hotels are cheaper and popular attractions are a little less crowded. You’ll also be glad for the mild winter weather, as Hong Kong rarely drops to seriously low temperatures, making it the perfect time to walk around, explore, and party without freezing your butt off. In short, it’s one of the best times of the year to visit the city!
So grab a Santa hat, and check out our top recommendations for things to do during Christmas holidays in Hong Kong.
Witness stunning Christmas displays
They’re everywhere! All of the big malls and shopping complexes don elaborate Christmas decorations and displays, both indoors and outdoors, complete with Christmas carollers, spreading cheer. If you only have time for one, don’t miss WinterFest, a yuletide extravaganza boasting a massive Christmas tree, decorations, pyrotechnics and more.
Another beautiful display is the almost 20-metre-tall Christmas tree in Statue Square, Central, right in the heart of the business district.
Experience holiday-themed attractions
Hong Kong’s biggest theme parks and tourist attractions all host huge Christmas events, with lights, Christmas trees, carollers, and even (fake) snow! This year, Hong Kong Disneyland is putting on a spectacular live performance in front of the Castle of Magical Dreams on December 2, 3, 9 and 10. Get your tickets here.
Alternatively, take a special open-top bus tour of Hong Kong. Probably the most efficient and awe-inspiring way to see the city’s best sights! Purchase tickets here.
Shop at Christmas markets
The annual Stanley Plaza Christmas Market has more than 80 booths selling food, drink, and Christmas goodies in this quaint seaside town. Discovery Bay on Lantau Island also puts on a Christmas market in its outdoor piazza, while Taikoo Place transforms its Tong Chong Street Market into a winter wonderland.
Check out our complete guide to the top Christmas markets.
Eat festive food
Most Hong Kong apartments are not fitted with ovens for baking, so that’s all the more reason for locals to head to top restaurants around the city to experience Christmas cuisine. Various eateries offer Christmas meals complete with baked turkey, ham, potatoes, gravy, eggnog and mom’s pumpkin pie, while others put their own spin on the holiday classics. For the best holiday buffet deals, make sure to check out the Marriott Ocean Park, The Fullerton, and The Park Lane.
If you haven’t yet experienced high tea in Hong Kong, the festive season is a great time to do so. Hotels, such as The Peninsula, offer special sets featuring delectable holiday goodies.
Venture into the great outdoors
(Relatively) mild winter weather = prime hiking season! There are plenty of (again, relatively) easy hiking trails traversing the city’s plethora of country parks.
Additionally, as unexpected as it may be, Hong Kong is actually a wonderful destination for nature enthusiasts. Check out these easily accessible natural wonders, or recharge your Octopus card and make it your mission to explore the New Territories.
Go on vacation (or a staycation)
If you’re getting a bit stir-crazy, you’ll be happy to hear that many vibrant destinations are just a hop, skip and jump away from the S.A.R. Ferry out to Macau, known for casinos and its distinctive culinary heritage, or ride all the way to Shenzhen, a sister city with a wildly different vibe. Alternatively, fly out to one of these island getaways, only a cheap (under HK$2,000.00 direct flight away!
Keep in mind that this is a popular time to travel. To rephrase in Cheapo speak: take advantage of the low season, and book a staycation! From glamping to harbour-view hotels, experience luxury— affordably.
See the New Year’s Eve fireworks
The incredible pyrotechnic show takes place on Victoria Harbour, and the best place to see it (for free) is from the waterfront around Central and Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade next to the Star Ferry. But it’s no-joke crowded, so if you prefer, you can book your spot at one of the sky-high bars to get a view from above, or a harbour cruise, to watch it from the water.
Have a Happy Holidays in Hong Kong! Planning to spend the Lunar New Year in the S.A.R.? Check out our guide.
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