Clockenflap is back with its second event in one year, and the month is predictably packed with holiday-themed events. Fill your calendar up with music, theatre, and dance performances, thought-provoking exhibitions and a run for a great cause. Epicureans rejoice: the Hong Kong Food Festival marks its return.

Live Music and Performance

Clockenflap

Central Harbourfront Event Space

Photo by Kitmin Lee

Picture this: a three-day extravaganza of music, arts, and all-around good vibes set against the iconic backdrop of the city’s skyline. From indie bands to international headliners, Clockenflap a sonic playground for music lovers.

Arts and Culture

Arts in the Park

Victoria Park, Causeway Bay

Arts in the Park is an annual six-month youth arts program culminating in a two-day free admission festival at Victoria Park, Causeway Bay. Launched in 2001, AIP has become Hong Kong’s largest outdoor youth arts festival, featuring vibrant street parades, stage performances, and art stalls, drawing over 190,000 visitors annually.

Freespace Dance

Freespace Dance Festival is a celebration of movement and choreography, showcasing innovative performances from local and international artists. The event pushes the boundaries of dance through cutting-edge works, interdisciplinary collaborations, and immersive experiences. With a diverse program featuring live performances, video installations, and artist sharing sessions, the festival offers a unique platform for exploring the art of dance in all its forms.

Busines of Design Week

Business of Design Week (BODW) 2024 returns from 2–7 December, bringing together global thought leaders in design, innovation, and business. Hosted in Hong Kong, this year’s theme, Inter/Section, explores the transformative power of design across industries and cultures.

The event features over 40 sessions, including keynote speeches, panel discussions, and workshops led by international experts. Highlights include discussions on emerging design trends, sustainability, and technology’s role in shaping the future. Attendees can also network with industry leaders and explore creative showcases.

The Nutcracker by Hong Kong Ballet

Dancers (from top): Ye Feifei as
Ballerina, Shen Jie as the Nutcracker | Creative: Design Army |
Photography: Dean Alexander | Courtesy of Hong Kong Ballet | Photo by Hong Kong Ballet

The Hong Kong Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker is a highly anticipated event. Set in early 20th-century Hong Kong, this performance follows Clara’s magical adventure with the Nutcracker Prince, battling the Rat King and encountering vibrant characters amid the backdrop of Hong Kong’s peacocks, cockatoos, racing jockeys, and blossoming bauhinias. With dazzling costumes and sets, it’s a delightful holiday tradition perfect for families.

Festivals

Discovery Bay Christmas Market 2023

Hosted by Handmade Hong Kong, Discovery Bay’s Sunday Market is a regular homegrown craft market aiming to foster a sense of “old-fashioned neighbourliness”. Find homeware, clothing, jewellery, food, and beauty, most of which have been crafted by hand and many benefiting charitable organisations in the city. A Cheapo favourite Christmas market!

White Christmas Street Fair

Get ready for a festive wonderland at the White Christmas Street Fair 2023 in Tong Chong Street! This Christmas extravaganza is filled with life-size attractions, game booths, and, of course, a chocolate lover’s paradise. Indulge in Christmas shopping, savor festive food and beverages, and enjoy live performances.

Stanley Plaza Christmas Market

Who doesn’t love a Christmas market? Celebrate a twist on Christmas magic at Stanley Plaza’s Chillmas by the Sea. Running for three weekends from December 9, this event infuses Australian summer vibes into the holiday season.

Food and Beverage

Hong Kong Food Festival

The 22nd Hong Kong Food Festival is returning to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibitions Centre, Hall 3, for five days. This year’s exhibition features renowned brands from Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and various parts of Southeast Asia, along with new local brands making their debut.

AIA Winter Carnival

Every winter the Central Harbourfront Event Space hosts a two-month-long family-friendly carnival, complete with rides, games, performers, and huge plush toys to be won. This year’s edition promises to be as fun as ever.

Sports

Pride Run

Pride Run Hong Kong is an annual event celebrating fitness, friendship, family, and diversity within the LGBTQI+ community. The 2024 edition, scheduled for Sunday, December 8, offers participants a choice between a 9 km run and a 5 km family-friendly hike through the scenic Aberdeen Country Park. The event welcomes runners and walkers of all paces and abilities, aiming to foster inclusivity and community spirit.