Hong Kong Festivals and Events
December 2016

December is a very pleasant time to be in Hong Kong with cooler and drier temperatures as the WinterFest celebrations are getting underway.

With Christmas just around the corner, the lights, decorations, and smells of the season are permeating every corner of the land.

Santas, caroling angels, snow flurries, glittering stars, all come together to get you in the mood of the holiday.

For nature lovers, this is the time to enjoy our fantastic reserves and trails. Weather is pleasant and migrating birds are here in spades.

And of course, the event and entertainment schedule is as full as ever. Here are the top Hong Kong Festivals and events for December 2016.

Hong Kong Highlight Events

• Hong Kong WinterFest and Christmas Events - November 25, 2016 - January 1st, 2017

• Hong Kong International Boat Show 2016 - December 2 - 4, 2016

• Hong Kong International Races (Horse Racing) - December 11, 2016

• The Great European Carnival - December 16, 2016 - February 12, 2017

• Hong Kong Mega ShowCase - December 24-27, 2016 Christmas and New Year's shopping on steroids!

• New Year's Eve Countdown and Fireworks Midnight December 31, 2016

Concerts and Entertainment

• Disney On Ice - December 8 - 11, 2016

• Wicked - The Musical - December 8, 2016 - January 22, 2017

• The Nutcracker by the Hong Kong Ballet - several dates December 16-25, 2016

• Hong Kong Philarmonic New Year's Eve Celebration December 30-31, 2016

Holiday Events in December

• Disneyland Sparkling Christmas - November 17, 2016 - January 2, 2017

• Ocean Park Hong Kong Christmas Sensation - December 17, 2016 - January 2, 2017

• Lan Kwai Fong Christmas and New Year's Eve Street Party - December 24 and 31, 2016

Also check-out these popular ongoing events during December 2016:

• Free cultural exhibitions: Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Feng Shui

• The Symphony of Lights, Hong Kong's light and sound show

• Victoria Harbour Cruises

• It's race time! The Horse Races at Happy Valley are on!

Hong Kong Highlight Events December 2016

Hong Kong WinterFest

Hong Kong WinterFest is the series of events sponsored by the Hong Kong Tourism Board which kick-off late November/early December and run up until the New Year's Countdown on January 1st.

One of the highlights is the centrepiece in Central's Statue Square, which becomes the season's icon.

When?: November 25, 2016 - January 1st, 2017
Where?: Central's Statue Square and events all throughout Hong Kong
How Much?: Free
More Info: Hong Kong Christmas Events

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The Hong Kong International Boat Show 2016

Some serious boat eye candy!

As the most established platform in Southeast Asia for the international boating industry especially for dealers and traders seeking to expand in the booming China market, the Show, now in its 22nd year will have a unique collection of the latest boat models presented by world leading makers and dealers from Italy, France, USA, Britain, Greece, Holland, Sweden, Germany, Japan, Taiwan and China!

In addition, a wide array of water sports equipment and accessories will be on display in the hardstand booths.

When?: Friday to Sunday, December 2 - 4, 2016
Hours: Friday 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Where?: Club Marina Cove at 380 Hiram's Highway, Sai Kung, Kowloon

How Much?: FREE

More Info: www.clubmarinacove.com

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Longines Hong Kong International Races

Longines is the tittle sponsor and official timekeeper of the biggest and most anticipated meeting in Hong Kong's horse racing calendar.

Without a doubt a thrilling day not to be missed for horse-racing enthusiasts as the four international G1 Races share in the stupendous HK83 million purse: the Hong Kong Cup, Hong Kong Mile, Hong Kong Vase, and Hong Kong Sprint.

When?: Sunday, December 11, 2016 - 12:00 - 6:00 pm

Where?: Sha Tin Race Course

How Much?: General Admission at Public Enclosure HK10 or Members' Enclosure with Tourist Badge HK190 (must bring passport)

More Info: Hong Kong International Races

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The Great European Carnival

A giant, amazing outdoor event in one of Hong Kong's most iconic settings with sweeping views of Victoria Harbour. What is it? Thrilling rides for all, carnival games, live entertainment including local and international music artists and comedy performers, Hong Kong's biggest ever outdoor ice rink, and of course, festival food from around the world!

When?: December 16, 2016 to February 12, 2017 - 11:00am to 11:00 pm

Where?: Central Waterfront Event Space, at the Central Waterfront next to the Ferris Wheel

How Much?: General Admission: Adults HK 125 (includes 10 tokens), Child (3-11) HK 90 (includes 7 tokens)
Tokens are HK10. Number of tokens required for each attraction/ride vary.

More Info and Tickets: The Great European Carnival Asia Official Site

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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 for a total of ten themed zones:

• Hong Kong Homex
• Hong Kong Car Show
• Hong Kong Food Festival
• Hong Kong e-Expo
• Beauty and Health
• Books, Gifts and Toys
• Trendy Fashion and Accessories
• Baby and Kids
• DIY Crafts and Creativity
• Pioneer Zone

When? December 24 - 27, 2016 Food Festival until December 28, 2016

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

More info: Hong Kong Mega ShowCase

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Hong Kong's New Year's Countdown and Fireworks

Wave goodbye to 2016 and welcome the new year with a bang! Hong Kong's New Year's Countdown to 2017 and fireworks display on the Harbour is one of the territories signature events of the year.

This year's limelight is expected to be on the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre as it was in prior years. The fireworks display lasts about eight minutes, and are launched from both the skyscrapers and the harbour barges. The scope and range of view is massive but you still want to stake out your position well ahead of midnight!

We are looking forward to this year's celebration!

When? Midnight December 31, 2016

Where? Many vantage points, wherever there is a view of the skies above Victoria Harbour!

How Much? Free!

More Info: Hong Kong's New Year's Countdown to 2017

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December 2016 Hong Kong Concerts and Entertainment

The Wonderful World of Disney On Ice

Join Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy on a walk down memory lane in colorful celebration of magic, spirit and family fun.

And who else? All our favourites from Finding Nemo, Frozen, Toy Story, Lion King...

Make unforgettable memories as you explore The Wonderful World of Disney On Ice!

When?: Several performances December 8 - 11, 2016

Where?: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre - Hall 5BC

How Much?: Standard: $680, $480, $380, $280 Wheelchair Space: $280

More Info and Tickets: www.disneyonice.com/hk

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Wicked The Musical

One of Broadway and the West End's most celebrated, spectacular and successful musicals of all time.

Discover a colourful fantasy world of wizards, witches, sorcery and magic and experience an enchanting story of two unlikely friends – the blonde and popular Glinda and the green-skinned outcast, Elphaba.

Musical in English with Chinese Subtitles

When?: Several performances December 8, 2016 - January 22, 2017

Where?: The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Lyric Theatre

How Much?: HK$445 - HK$1095. Student, Senior and Family Packages available.

More information and tickets at www.hkticketing.com.

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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.

When?: Several performances December 16 - 25, 2016

Where?: Hong Kong Cultural Centre - Grand Theatre

How Much?: HK$180, $320, $480, $680, $1,000 (Limited VIP)

More information and tickets at The Hong Kong Ballet.

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Hong Kong Philarmonic's New Year Celebration

Blue Danube Waltz , Radetzky March and more Viennese waltzes and polkas. Yarub Traub conductor. Like the spectacular Viennese celebration that inspires this always-sold-out performance, the concert will culminate in the Blue Danube Waltz and the Radetzky March (clapping and foot-stomping encouraged!).

When? Friday and Saturday December 30-31, 2016 - 8:00 pm

Where? Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall

How Much? HK$180, HK280, HK$380, HK$480

More Info and Tickets: www.hkphil.org

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December 2016 Hong Kong Holiday Events

Hong Kong Disneyland Sparkling 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 fireworks.

When?: November 17, 2016 - January 2, 2017

Where?: Disneyland Hong Kong

How Much?: Included with Admission Ticket.

Remember you can buy discount tickets online at Klook.com:

HK Disneyland Discount Tickets Adult HK619 HKD524 US$67, Children HK458 HKD366 US$48

More Info and Booking at Klook.com

More info:Disneyland Hong Kong Sparkling Christmas.

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Ocean Park Hong Kong Christmas Sensation

Lots happening at Ocean Park during the holiday season, we've had stunning ice skating shows, this year's highlight is the Cyber Illusion Spectacular Stage Show, a spellbinding show that will feature breathtaking magic acts, cutting-edge visual effects and amazing live entertainment performed by internationally-acclaimed illusionists.

And you can always count on...

• The 70-foot tree at Waterfront Plaza
• Christmas Candyland
• Christmas Street Shows at the Summit
• Santa feeding the fish at the Grand Aquarium
• Christmas Menus, snacks, cakes and tons of souvenirs to highlight the season

When?: December 17, 2016 - January 2, 2017

Where?: Ocean Park Hong Kong

How Much?: Included with Admission Ticket

Remember you can buy discount tickets online at Klook.com:
Ocean Park Discount Tickets Adult HK438 HKD380 US$49, Children HK219 HKD193 US$24

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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, 2016
Where?: Streets of Lan Kwai Fong. Take the MTR to Central Station Exit D2, on to Theatre Lane and up D'Aguilar Street.
How Much?: Varies

More information at www.lankwaifong.com.

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Ongoing Hong Kong Events for December, 2016

These are some popular ongoing events that are worth checking out, specially since they are FREE or offered for a low fee!

Pulse: Hong Kong's 3D Light Show in the Harbourfront

Hong Kong Pulse is a great FREE show with spectacular 3D audiovisual effects in the Kowloon harbourfront at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre and the TST Clock Tower, just a short walk from the Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry station and the Avenue of the Stars.

In December, the show runs through the Winterfest season and the theme is of course holiday related. There are four nightly sessions, each 8 minutes long.

When?: November 25 - December 28, 2016 - 8:20pm, 8:45pm, 9:15pm and 9:45pm nightly

Where?: Hong Kong Cultural Centre and Clock Tower

How Much?: FREE

More info: Hong Kong Pulse.

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Hong Kong Cultural Events

These events feature some of the great and ancient traditions of the territory and are offered by experts in their corresponding fields:

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The Symphony of Lights

The Symphony of Lights is Hong Kong's light and sound show, a tribute to the city and its people, their diversity, energy and vitality.

The stage is the entire city, which is what makes it so unique, you can watch the lights from just about anywhere in the waterfront. This free show offered by the city, takes place every night at 8:00 pm and lasts aboout 15 minutes.

When?: Every Night

Where?: Can be seen from both sides of Victoria Harbour

How Much? Free

Click here for more on Hong Kong's Symphony of Lights and best spots to watch.

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The Happy Valley Horse Races

Happy Valley Hong Kong whether or not you are a horse racing enthusiast is an experience not to be missed!

The beautiful horses, the skillful jockeys, the crowds going wild, they all add up to an exciting, fun-filled, thrilling atmosphere in a world-class venue.

The Happy Valley race course itself is a sight in itself, the city has built around it through the years and it is now practically surrounded by skyscrapers, an awesome experience specially at night when the city is illuminated.

When?: Wednesday Nights. First race starts at 7:15 p.m. and the gates open at 5:15 p.m. The races are done by 11:00 p.m.

Where?: Happy Valley Race Course

How Much? Depends, there are many ways to experience the races, from General Stand to Private Boxes and special packages including dinner and drinks. General Stand entrance starts at HK10. The "Come Horseracing Tour" provides transportation to/from your hotel, dinner and drinks and access to the Member's Boxes.

Click here for more on Happy Valley Horse Racing, how to get there and options for viewing the races.

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Hong Kong Events