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 showcases, or a trip to one of the city’s emerging design neighbourhoods. Epicureans rejoice: the Hong Kong Food Festival marks its return.

Live Music and Performance

Clockenflap: December 2023 edition

1—3 December, 2023
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

2—3 December, 2023
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.

All About Us Film Festival 2023

Until 10 December, 2023

Explore diverse perspectives at the All About Us Film Festival 2023. This year’s edition featues short stories by Hong Kong’s ethnic minority youth. Join conversations with real people as ‘living books’ at the human library, and see evocative exhibits.

BODW CityProg 2023

Until 17 December, 2023
Sham Shui Po, To Kwa Wan

CityProg is a design-driven programme that happens every year as part of the Business of Design Week (BODW) event. The aim is to activate design and creative clusters through workshops, exhibitions, and more. This year’s edition focuses on unique, up-and-coming neighbourhoods such as Sham Shui Po and To Kwa Wan.

The Nutcracker by Hong Kong Ballet

15—30 December, 2023
Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui

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

12 and 26 November, 10 and 17 December, 11 am to 6 pm
Discovery Bay

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 2023

30 November—3 December and 8—10 December, 2023
Tong Chong, Quarry Bay

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 2023

9—26 December, 2023
Stanley

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 2023

23—26 December and 27 December, 2023
Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai

The 21st 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 2023

21 December, 2023—25 February, 2024
Central Harbourfront Event Space, Central

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.