Christmas is such a wonderful time to visit Hong Kong. As if Victoria Harbour wasn't striking enough on a normal day, during holiday time it really comes to life with the glittering lights that decorate every corner of the territory.
Christmas might not be a typical Chinese holiday but the territory certainly embraces any chance to celebrate, shop and enjoy great food, and Hong Kong is clearly a magnet to visitors during this season.
Shopping centres, hotels, theme parks, streets, plazas, buildings along the harbour, will all be oozing in lights, glitz, extravagant displays and holiday cheer.
The Christmas decorations start making their way just as the Halloween goblins and pumpkins are being taken down. The arrangements, lights and decorations are getting fancier and more elaborate each year, as hotels and shopping centers try to outdo each other...
Christmas Decorations at Harbour City
The Christmas lights are of course one of the attractions of the season, most of the buildings on the harbour front are brightly decorated. An evening Harbour Cruise during the season is truly a breathtaking experience or a Night Tour on the Open Top Bus
All the buildings along the water are richly decorated
Christmas in Hong Kong
Plan Your Stay
- Holiday Hours - What's Open And Closed
- Plan your Staycation and Christmas Celebration! Hotels with Festive Dining and Holiday Events
Holiday Highlight Events
Most events kick off in late November and run up to the New Year on January 1st.
- Hong Kong Winterfest Christmas Town in West Kowloon Cultural District
- Discovery Bay Sunday Holiday Markets
- Christmas Village Market Pop-Up at K11 Musea
- A Disney Christmas
- Christmas at Ocean Park
- A1A Carnival
- Festive Illuminations at Tsim Sha Tsui East
- Winter at the Wheel in the Harbourfront
- Hong Kong Mega ShowCase
- Lan Kwai Fong Christmas and New Year's Eve Street Party
- New Year's Eve Countdown Celebrations - December 31
Holiday Concerts and Entertainment
- The Hong Kong Ballet: The Nutcracker
- Hong Kong Philharmonic's: Handel's Messiah
- Hong Kong Philharmonic's New Year Celebration
What's On This Christmas in Hong Kong...
Holiday Hours - What's Open And Closed
The Christmas and New Year Holiday period starts towards the end of November, is in full swing in mid-December and culminates with the New Year's Countdown on January 1st.
December 25 and 26 are public holidays, as well as New Year's Day January 1st. Like all public holidays in Hong Kong, government offices and schools will be closed on these days but shopping centers, restaurants, attractions, markets, etc. remain open throughout the period.
In many cases special holiday hours will apply during the Christmas and New Year period. In the case of attractions, that means later closing times, shopping centers and malls maintain their usual hours, normally from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm., markets expand their hours from their normal schedules to capitalize on the increased traffic.
Most restaurants and hotels will be running special menus and events during the period. Needless to say, if you are planning on dining out on Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, reservations are a must!
Public Holidays December 25, 26 and January 1st
Open
Shopping centers and mallsMarkets
Restaurants
Attractions and Theme Parks
Public Transportation
Museums
Closed
Government OfficesSchools
Post Offices
Banks
Public Libraries
Follow The Christmas Lights... Hong Kong Fabulous Christmas Displays
These are some of our favourite places to get into the spirit of the holiday. Themes may vary from year to year, but every time, no exception, they go all out and put extravagant displays, some with live music acts and entertainment, interactive games for kids, or simply fantastic lights and decorations. Warning... watch out for extreme crowds during the holiday season!
Christmas Lights and Displays In Tsim Sha Tsui
If you are in the Tsim Sha Tsui side, you can start your walk at Harbour City, the largest shopping center in the city and conveniently located right next to the Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry then follow the glitter towards the waterfront... More striking displays at 1881 Heritage, the Peninsula Hotel, and along the water, stop and admire the fantastic skyline which will be beautifully illuminated... And as you head towards Tsim Sha Tsui East, this area puts on the yearly Festive Illuminations display, don't miss the humongous LED multimedia video walls with happy holiday wishes and the sea of snowflakes and happy greetings in Mody Lane.
Here are some wonderful displays through the years...
Christmas Lights and Displays Island Side
If you are on the Island side, you can check out the fantastic displays at all major shopping centers, some of the most elaborate that go all out every year are at the IFC Mall, The Landmark, Pacific Place, Times Square, Lee Tung Avenue... Please note that the city's signature Christmas Tree installation that used to be at Statue Square has moved to the West Kowloon Cultural District.
Hong Kong Christmas Displays, Events, Entertainment
Hong Kong Winterfest Christmas Town in West Kowloon Cultural District
The city's signature mega Christmas Tree awaits at the West Kowloon Cultural District. The 20-meter tree will be enveloped by a Christmas town, festive music and lighting effects.
The Winter Harbourfront Pyrotechnics light up the harbour with a 10-minute show showering the skyline with stunning Christmas icons on selected dates during the holiday season. The fireworks will be launched from the waters of Harbourside by the Art Park at the West Kowloon Cultural District, best viewing point will be from the lawn at the WKCD.
When?: Late November through January 1st
Where?: West Kowloon Cultural District
Another way to enjoy the weekend Christmas Fireworks is from the water aboard the World Star, the Star Ferry's new harbour cruise vessel. A sailing is reserved for each fireworks night, departing from the Tsim Sha Tsui pier at 7:45 pm. Sailings last approximately 45 minutes. Prices are for Adults HK280 / $36 Children 1-12 and Seniors HK200 / US$26.
Discovery Bay Sunday Holiday Markets
Handmade Hong Kong brings together the crafting community of Hong Kong to inspire making and creating and at the Sunday Holiday Markets you can expect to find all sorts of beautiful hand-crafted one-of-a-kind items, from jewelry, plush toys, arts and crafts, clothing, indoor and outdoor plants, teas, baked goods and delicacies... it's a fabulous space to browse for that special something for the holidays!
When?: Sundays in December - 11:00 am to 6:00 pm
Where?: Discovery Bay Plaza
Christmas Village Market Pop-Up at K11 Musea
This year's seasonal celebration will be filled with amusement and imaginations, from traditional Christmas decorations and cultural showcases to hobby-driven shows and exhibitions!
See your cherished Christmas traditions and memories come alive in warm, glowing scenes lit by fairy lights stocked with piles of artisanal crafts, seasonal lifestyle products and gourmet delicacies from around the world. Finish your Christmas shopping and get that perfect dreamy holiday snapshot all at the Christmas Village Pop-up!
When?: Late November through January 1st
Where?: K11 MUSEA, K11 Art & Cultural Centre - 6F Tsim Sha Tsui
How Much?: Free, some fees for children's workshops and exhibitions
A Disney Christmas
Parades, Carols, Christmas Trees... The entire park is transformed into a wonderland full of the holiday cheer, shiny ornaments, dazzling lights, fluffy snow, bows, balls and garlands, holiday wreaths... all decorate every corner of this magical world and make it even merrier...
You don't want to miss the magnificent Christmas Tree, the parties, the parades and of course the light-up ceremonies!
When?: Mid-November through January 1st
Where?: Disneyland Hong Kong
How Much?: Christmas events included with admmission ticket
Remember you can buy discount tickets online at Klook.com:
HK Disneyland Discount Tickets Adult HK669 HKD622, Children HK499 HKD475
More Info and Booking at Klook.com
Also available are exclusive experience for World of Frozen and Arandelle Royal Breakfast Buffet
Dining Offers at Hong Kong Disneyland
Christmas at Ocean Park Hong Kong
Simply immerse yourself in the heart-warming traditions and merry mood of Christmas at the Christmas Alley in the Park's Waterfront Plaza. Beautiful snowflakes will greet visitors at the entrance of the alley and take them to an atmospheric Christmas market filled with charming wooden cottages, illuminated decorations, picture-perfect Christmas settings and enticing aromas.
Beautiful sparkling lights will shine through the entire Waterfront Plaza when the Christmas tree is lit up!
When?: December
Where?: Ocean Park Hong Kong
How Much?: Holiday Events included with Park Admission
Remember you can buy discount tickets online at Klook.com:
Ocean Park Discount Tickets Adult HK498 HK$468, child (3-11) HK249 HK$234
Ticket + Halloween Attractions packages also available.
More Info and Booking at Klook.com
Offers for Water World Ocean Park HK Ticket
The A1A Carnival in the Waterfront
The giant, amazing outdoor event in one of Hong Kong's most iconic settings with sweeping views of Victoria Harbour is back!
What's coming? Two months of thrilling rides for all, carnival games, live entertainment including local and international music artists and comedy performers, and of course, festival food from around the world!
Highlights vary from year to year. The World Circus with its exciting performances from all over the world, performance art, interactive sporting events, live music, and local community acts all have a home at the AIA Carnival.
When?: December through February
Where?: Central Waterfront Event Space, at the Central Waterfront next to the Observation Wheel
How Much?: General Admission from HK$140 for adults on Off-Peak Days to HK$160 for Peak Days, Children Off-Peak HK$95 Peak HK$110, add-on tokens HK$180+
Festive Illuminations at Tsim Sha Tsui East
Every year, the glittering illuminations turn Victoria Harbour into a sparkling attraction and fill the holiday season with thanks and blessings.
Come and walk along the stunning Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, explore the many fun snap spots, enjoy scrumptious food, shop for the best holiday gifts and don't forget to spend time enjoying the unique spacious open area at Tsim Sha Tsui East!
When?: Late November to early January
Where?: Tsim Sha Tsui East
How Much?: Free
Winter at the Wheel at A1A Vitality Park in the Waterfront
Immerse yourself in dashing light displays glittering above Victoria Harbour's iconic starry skyline. Take a stroll along the traditional popup Christmas Market of sweets and treats while being enthralled by merry entertainers. Enjoy the family-friendly rides and try your luck at the many games at the carnival.
When?: December
Where?: A1A Vitality Park and the Observation Wheel in the Waterfront
How Much?: Tickets for the Observation Wheel HK20 for adults, HK10 for children (3-11) and seniors, private gondola HK160, Carousel HK30, combo packages available.
Lan Kwai Fong Christmas and New Year's Eve Street Party
One huge street party...
As if this wasn't already the liveliest spot in Hong Kong, during the merry season Lan Kwai Fong goes all out with its renowned Christmas street party and then a week later, ready to do it again, to welcome the New Year.
Food, drink, entertainment... all restaurants, bars and clubs will be at capacity so reserve early!
When?: Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve December 24 and 31
Where?: Streets of Lan Kwai Fong. Take the MTR to Central Station Exit D2, on to Theatre Lane and up D'Aguilar Street.
Hong Kong Mega ShowCase
Christmas shopping on steroids! One mega event Ten Mega Themed Zones combined under one roof, open to the public, the largest Christmas indoor carnival in Hong Kong.
The Hong Kong Mega ShowCase is one big indoor festival that takes place at the Hong Kong Convention Centre every year just around Christmas time and combines several major expos and theme trade shows that are held concurrently, all under one roof:
- Toys and Figure Zones
- Leisure Outdoor Activity and Gym Equipment Zone
- Hipster Pop-Up Street
- Beauty and Health Care Products
- Personal Care and Sanitizing
- Local Brands Bazaar
- Fashion Accesories
- Homex
- Hong Kong Car Show
- Hong Kong Food Festival
When? Around Christmas time
Where? Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
How Much? HK$20 this covers entrance to all zones and mega events
Holiday Concerts and Entertainment
Hong Kong Ballet: The Nutcraker
Christmas just isn't Christmas without The Nutcracker and a visit with Clara and her Prince, the Sugarplum Fairy, King Rat, the Snowflakes and all the fascinating characters from this favourite of childhood classic holiday entertainment.
Set to Tchaikovsky's iconic music with live accompaniment by the Hong Kong Sinfonietta, this is Hong Kong's ultimate family holiday tradition.
When?: Several performances in December
Where?: Hong Kong Cultural Centre - Grand Theatre
How Much?: HK$180+
Suitable for ages 3 and above
Hong Kong Philharmonic's Christmas Concert
Hallelujah! Imagine all the joy, all the melody and all the majesty of the holidays classics, performed by the Hong Kong Philharmonic and world-class soloists. For Ages 6 and Above.
When? December around Christmas
Where? Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall
How Much? HK$50, HK$180, HK260, HK$340, HK$420
Hong Kong Philharmonic's New Year Celebration
Join in at the Philharmonic's signature New Year Concerts as we bid farewell to the old year in grand style and usher in the new one with great fanfare!
The HK Phil typically celebrates the New Year in traditional Viennese style, with waltzes by Strauss, opera from Mozart, and fabulous film scores by Korngold.
For Ages 6 and Above.
When? December, around New Year's Eve
Where? Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall
How Much? HK$220, HK320, HK$420, HK$520
Check out some of this year's beautiful Christmas decorations throughout Hong Kong, follow our Pinterest board!
wish you a joyous and Merry Christmas to you and your family...
Hong Kong Events By Month
Most Popular Excursions in Hong Kong
Book with confidence! Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Send a Tip!
Got something to share? Let us know!