Christmas in Hong Kong

Christmas in Hong Kong

By Dom Bewley

Want to make the most of Christmas in Hong Kong? Check out our picks of all the best Christmas entertainment in the city and make it a memorable one!

Including:

  • How is Christmas celebrated in Hong Kong?
  • Is Hong Kong good for Christmas?
  • Is Hong Kong cold in December?
  • How to celebrate Christmas in Hong Kong
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How is Christmas celebrated in Hong Kong?

On Christmas Day in Hong Kong, Christians can attend church services in both English and Chinese. They're held at different times of day, so it's worth checking ahead to make sure you attend the right one! As for specific Christmas events, we'll get into those a little further down.

Is Hong Kong good for Christmas?

Christmas - and December as a whole - are great times to visit Hong Kong! The weather is cool and dry, and there are a ton of things to do and see. If you were worried that Hong Kong was bereft of Christmas cheer, worry no more.

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Is Hong Kong cold in December?

With average highs of 70°F and average lows of 59°F, December is the most temperate time of year in Hong Kong. For most of us, even the low end borders on t-shirt weather, so maybe leave the Christmas jumpers at home. It's also the driest month of the year, so pack appropriately.

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Christmas in Hong Kong: A Disney Christmas

Last year, Hong Kong Disneyland hosted A Disney Christmas, a unique seasonal experience from mid-November until January 2. And this year, it's no different. If you want the perfect mix of live music, food, and ceremony, look no further!

The Disney Live in Concert! event is arguably the jewel in the crown, with a medley of genres taking the stage, from Jazz to classical, and surely some Christmas jingles and carols thrown in for good measure. There's also the Mickey and Friends Christmastime Ball, Santa Goofy's Magical Snowfall, and a tree-lighting ceremony hosted by a guest of honor.

Perfect Christmas fun for all the family!

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Christmas in Hong Kong: Noah's Ark

Noah's Ark is another spot that's perfect if you've got your little ones in tow. This family-friendly haven offers a blend of traditional and innovative Christmas activities that kids will adore.

Immerse yourself in the spirit of the season with Nativity Scene performances as well as seasonal cross-overs like Bear's Sushi Production Class, where your little ones will learn to cook up a storm, and Trolltech Sports Training School, which is a fun way for them to stay active.

Of course, we have to mention the Ark itself. A 1:1 recreation of Noah's boat from the good book, it's quite the sight. Whether you're a Christian or otherwise, the size and scope of the Ark will blow you away. Inside, you'll find tons of interactive exhibits, restaurants, and even a hotel if you fancy staying over.

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Christmas in Hong Kong: Symphony of Lights

Every night, Victoria Harbour treats visitors to a mesmerizing holiday light show known as the Symphony of Lights, and this year's display promises to be even more spectacular with the addition of lasers and LED screens.

For the ultimate viewing experience, head to the Avenue of Stars promenade, where you can witness the show, complete with narrations and music by the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra. Alternatively, savor a meal on a restaurant boat or enjoy the Symphony of Lights from the deck of the iconic Star Ferry.

Loudspeakers across the harbor broadcast synchronized music and a captivating narrative to enhance proceedings. During December, many buildings join the festivities by showcasing their unique Christmas light displays, adding to the architectural choreography that graces the harbor, making it a magical holiday season in Hong Kong.

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Christmas in Hong Kong: Pulse 3D Light Show

Over the Christmas period, Hong Kong's famous Symphony of Lights is also joined by a high-tech laser audiovisual extravaganza called Pulse 3D Light Show, which illuminates the area surrounding the clock tower at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui, conveniently located near the Star Ferry Terminal. This mesmerizing show surpasses expectations and has drawn crowds of spectators.

Said lasers create a spectacle like no other, creating moving images that demand a photo or ten.

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Christmas in Hong Kong: Ocean Park Christmas Sensation

From mid-December through to the beginning of January, Hong Kong's Ocean Park puts on its own Christmas shenanigans, with a Christmas Market, a visual show, magic, and more throughout each day. Visitors will also be treated to a giant Christmas tree, artificial snow, and a Santa's Grotto where they can sit on the big man's lap and tell him all their secret present desires!

Perfect for kids and big kids alike, nothing will put you in a festive mood quite like a classic Christmas village.

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Christmas in Hong Kong: Sales and Markets

And, finally, let's talk about shopping because, whether you like it or not, Christmas has become a consumer's paradise! And, of course, Hong Kong gets in on the act.

You'll notice a significant drop in prices, as local stores and malls are eager to clear their backlog of unsold products, making room for new inventory. That doesn't mean you won't pick up any goodies - you'll just need to keep an eye out for worthwhile bargains. Typically, these sales take place in the run-up to Christmas and last all the way until Chinese New Year, so if you don't have time before December 25, you needn't worry. Shoppers seeking Christmas gifts like electronics, clothing, and other common items can explore street markets like the Ladies Market in Mongkok, offering a wide range of products from clothing and electronics to souvenirs and jewelry.

For a diverse shopping experience, Temple Street near the harbor offers various products for tourists and features numerous open-air restaurants serving delicious Chinese cuisine. So, shop about and see what's good!

And that's everything you need to know to make the most of Christmas in Hong Kong! If you're looking for some non-seasonal cheer to amp up your visit, check out Go City! With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can see all of the city's best bits for one low price!

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Hong Kong in December
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Hong Kong in December

Are you thinking about visiting Hong Kong in December? Check out our extensive guide and find out why it just may be the perfect month to travel! Including: Is December a good month to visit Hong Kong? What is the cheapest month to fly to Hong Kong? How many days do you need in Hong Kong? Hong Kong in December: Weather Hong Kong in December: What to pack December Events in Hong Kong The Best December Attractions in Hong Kong Is December a good month to visit Hong Kong? We would argue that December is one of - if not the best - month to visit Hong Kong. Dry, cool days and tons to do and see also make it one of the busiest months to visit the city, as plenty of tourists do the very same. What is the cheapest month to fly to Hong Kong? October is the cheapest month to fly to Hong Kong, with flights at a historic low during that time. Why? Well, we don't rightly know. October is the official end of Hong Kong's wet season, which also means it's when temperatures start to drop. You'd think it'd be one of the busiest and, therefore, most expensive times to visit, but alas, it is not. How many days do you need in Hong Kong? At a minimum, we'd say you should spend at least three days in Hong Kong to see and do most of the good stuff, but you'd be pushing it. Really, you should look at spending four to five days in the city so you can take your time and really soak it up. Plus, with a bunch of December-specific events in Hong Kong, those may take up more time than you'd realize. Hong Kong in December: Weather With average temperatures hitting highs of 68 °F and lows of 61 °F, Hong Kong in December is warm at best, cool at worst, and a great time to visit the city. And, while you'll see many sunny days, UV levels aren't particularly high, so even our fairer-skinned friends will have a good time! Unlike December - and winter - in many Western countries, Hong Kong is also remarkably dry in December. With just over an inch of rain falling across four December days, the rest of your Hong Kong stay will be rain-free! You just have to hope that your trip doesn't fall on that period. Plus, if your hometown is beset by snow over the Christmas period, Hong Kong is not, so it's another reason to skip some wintery days and soak up some sun! Hong Kong in December: What to pack We recommend packing a range of clothes that'll suit each situation. For 68 °F days, jeans, t-shirts, and light jackets will suffice. When the temperature starts to drop, bring a thicker jacket you can wear in the evenings. One thing worth noting is that the dry weather may wreak havoc on your skin. For that reason, pack a ton of face and hand moisturizer so that you don't flake apart. If your trip is unlucky enough to land on the rainy days, it's also worth packing an umbrella or light waterproof to ensure you stay dry. And, if you plan on doing a lot of walking - and why not with such great weather - wear some decent footwear. December Events in Hong Kong: New Year Hong Kong's most magnificent New Year's Eve celebration unfolds beside the IFC Towers along Victoria Harbor. Huge crowds congregate along the Avenue of Stars and around the IFC Towers to partake in the countdown and witness the mesmerizing midnight fireworks cascading from the building. If you're big on fireworks and happen to be spending the Gregorian New Year in Hong Kong, you won't find a better spectacle in town. December Events in Hong Kong: Winter Festival Hong Kong transforms into a magical destination during Advent and Christmas, and the Winter Festival is the pinnacle of festive charm! Think dazzling lights, carol singing, and plenty of other traditions we Westerners see every Christmas back home. The festive spirit lingers throughout December, especially in Queen Square. Here, the Christmas celebration unfolds with an 18-meter-high Christmas tree, providing the perfect backdrop for photos. Visitors can also inscribe their blessings on cards and place them on the tree, adding a personal touch to the season's festivities. So, if you thought you'd be in for a Christmas-free December in Hong Kong, think again! December Events in Hong Kong: Hong Kong Food Festival Speaking of Christmas, if you're someone who doesn't give two hoots about the big day but does love tasty treats, head on down to the Hong Kong Food Festival, which kicks off on either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, depending on the year. For five days, you can savor delicacies from around the globe and peruse exhibitions featuring renowned food brands. Additionally, your ticket offers access to the concurrent Hong Kong Mega Showcase, creating an all-encompassing experience for visitors to relish - pun very much intended. The Best December Attractions in Hong Kong: Ngong Ping See a slice of history at Ngong Ping, a village untouched by time and surrounded by wonderful architecture and photo-friendly landmarks. Take the cable car up to the village, snap as you go, and then reach the top and explore! Make sure to see the Tian Tan Buddha, Po Lin Monastery, and Wisdom Path, then buy a souvenir from the village before taking the cable car back to civilization! The Best December Attractions in Hong Kong: Lan Kwai Pub Crawl If you're traveling alone or in a small group and want to meet like-minded people while downing a few suds, try this pub crawl of the best watering holes in lively Lan Kwai. With your boozy guides in tow, you and your group will visit some of the lesser-known hotspots in town. And in each one, you'll get free drinks, shooters, and entry. Then, when you're good and merry, your final stop is one of the city's hottest clubs, where you can dance the night away. And that's everything you need to know about visiting Hong Kong in December! For more vacation inspiration to fill out your itinerary, check out Go City. With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can see all of the city's best bits for one low price!
Dom Bewley
Hong Kong in February
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Hong Kong in February

Are you visiting Hong Kong in February? Check out our guide to the weather, the local events, and experiences you can't afford to miss! Including: Is Feb a good time to visit Hong Kong? What is the cheapest month to travel Hong Kong? Is 2 weeks in Hong Kong enough? Hong Kong in February February Events in Hong Kong The best February Attractions in Hong Kong Is Feb a good time to visit Hong Kong? February is peak winter in Hong Kong, which in some cases may be off-putting. But here, that makes it one of the driest months of the year, which makes a change from many Western countries! However, it's worth noting that this isn't a secret, and many people will travel in winter to make the most of the cooler, drier weather. So expect more tourists. What is the cheapest month to travel Hong Kong? The cheapest month to fly to Hong Kong is usually October. Why? Well, it's the country's wettest month. So cheaper doesn't always mean better! Is 2 weeks in Hong Kong enough? Two weeks is a long time to spend visiting any country, and that's just as true in Hong Kong. We'd recommend staying in the country for 3-5 days to see all its best bits, maybe a bit longer if you're traveling in February during the New Year celebrations - more on that below! Hong Kong in February: Weather Being at the tail end of winter, temperatures are a bit warmer than in January. Expect average highs of 65°F and lows of 59°F. It is worth noting that cold fronts can drop the temperature quite dramatically, with lows of 32°F and snow having been recorded in some of Hong Kong's higher locations. Sun-wise, don't expect much. February in Hong Kong is predominantly cloudy, which at least means only the fairest skinned need to worry about sunscreen. And, while February is typically a dry month, you can expect around six days of rain over the month. So pack accordingly! Speaking of... Hong Kong in February: What to pack For your average day, we'd recommend light, layerable clothing. Think T-shirts, long dresses, and sweaters. It's also worth packing a warmer jacket for cooler evenings, and a waterproof/umbrella in case your visit sees any rainfall. February Events in Hong Kong: Chinese New Year Chinese - or Lunar - New Year typically falls in February and spans a total of 16 days, making it the most significant and lengthiest celebration in Hong Kong. During the festivities, you can check out the Chinese New Year Parade along Tsim Sha Tsui, and a spectacular fireworks extravaganza lights up the skies above Victoria Harbour. Or, if racing's your bag, head to the Chinese New Year horse races at Sha Tin Racecourse. It's also the perfect time to visit local businesses and immerse yourself in culture. While smaller shops do close for a period over the celebrations, once they're open, they sell all manner of New Year-related goodies that'll happily top someone's mantlepiece back home. February Events in Hong Kong: Spring Lantern Festival At the tail end of Chinese New Year, the Lantern Festival rings in the springtime. During the festival, lanterns are illuminated and adorned on trees in public parks, beaches, and various buildings across Hong Kong. It's truly a sight to behold and practically demands about 50 photos! Then, head to the Hong Kong Cultural Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui and check out the Spring Lantern Carnival, where you'll find a parade, street performers, and general festival revelry to enjoy. The best February Attractions in Hong Kong: Ngong Ping If you can brave the cooler climates up on Ngong Ping, taking a tour of the village and seeing the stunning Tian Tian Buddha statue is one of the best things to do in Hong Kong in February! The cable car up the mountain is a treat in itself, but once you're there, you can visit the Po Lin Monastery, walk the Wisdom Path, and visit the second-largest sitting Buddha statue on the planet! Then, before you get the cable car down, visit the village and buy some goodies for back home. The best February Attractions in Hong Kong: Big Bus Sightseeing Tour You can't visit Hong Kong without hitting up all the city's biggest landmarks. And, on this hop-on, hop-off bus tour, you can do just that. Simply disembark at any stop that takes your fancy, go explore, and then hop on board the next bus to continue along. Go at your own pace, explore what you want, and see everything in a day. It doesn't get much more convenient than that! With hotspots like Victoria Park, Man Mo Temple, Lan Kwai Fong, and Causeway Bay part of the route, you'll come home with plenty of pictures. Plus, with an audio guide available in a ton of languages, you can even learn about the sites you decide not to explore. Good stuff! The best February Attractions in Hong Kong: Legend Heroes Park If you want to avoid the outside world during the colder, wetter days, where better to hide than a modern arcade? With arcade cabinets, VR headsets, and an on-site cafe, Legend Heroes Park is the perfect getaway. The VR experiences can be enjoyed solo or in a group, so no matter your travel plans, you'll be well looked after. And if you've never tried VR, it's a wild ride. Shoot zombies, bungee jump, or drive a race car - the possibilities are endless. Outside of that, you have your classic arcade cabinets, air hockey, pinball, and a coffee bar with snacks to fuel all your gaming needs. The best February Attractions in Hong Kong: Lan Kwai Pub Crawl And, if you want to make friends and hit up some of Hong Kong's best watering holes, try this pub crawl of the lively Lan Kwai. With your boozy guides in tow, you and your group will visit some of the lesser-known hotspots in town. And in each one, you'll get drinks, shooters, and entry, all included. Then, when you're good and merry, your final stop is one of the city's hottest clubs, where you can dance the night away. And that's everything you need to know about Hong Kong in February. For more vacation inspiration to fill out your itinerary, check out Go City. With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can see all of the city's best bits for one low price!
Dom Bewley
Best Art Galleries in Hong Kong
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Best Art Galleries in Hong Kong - Guide for Art lovers

If you’re looking to get stuck into Hong Kong’s art scene, here are our top gallery suggestions!
Dom Bewley

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