December is a fantastic time to be in Hong Kong with cooler and drier temperatures and a flurry of fabulous events 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 2017.
Hong Kong Highlight Events
- Hong Kong WinterFest and Christmas Events - mid-November - January 1st, 2018
- Hong Kong International Boat Show 2017 - December 1 - 3, 2017
- Formula E Hong Kong ePrix - December 2-3, 2017
- Hong Kong International Races (Horse Racing) - December 10, 2017
- The Great European Carnival - Dec 21, 2017 - Feb 25, 2018
- Hong Kong Mega ShowCase - December 23-26, 2017 Christmas and New Year's shopping on steroids!
- New Year's Eve Countdown and Fireworks - Midnight December 31, 2017
Concerts and Entertainment
- Shawn Mendes Illuminate World Tour - December 13, 2017
- The Hong Kong Ballet: The Nutcracker - several dates December 15-26, 2017
- Hong Kong Philharmonic: Christmas for the Family December 23 - 24, 2017
- Hong Kong Philharmonic: A Viennese New Year December 30 - 31, 2017
Holiday Events in December
- Disneyland Sparkling Christmas - November 16, 2017 to January 1, 2018
- Ocean Park Hong Kong Christmas Sensation - Dec 11, 2017 - Jan 1, 2018
- Lan Kwai Fong Christmas and New Year's Eve Street Party - December 24 and 31, 2017
- More Christmas and Holiday Events in Hong Kong
Ongoing Events This December 2017
- Free cultural exhibitions: Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Feng Shui
- The Symphony of Lights, Hong Kong's light and sound show
- It's race time! The Horse Races at Happy Valley are on!
Hong Kong Highlight Events December 2017
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 and is always a stunner.
When?: Mid-November to January 1st, 2018
Where?: Central's Statue Square, Winterfest events throughout the territory
How Much?: Free
FIA Formula E Hong Kong ePrix
The FIA Formula E Championship is the world's first all-electric motor racing series. With exhilarating international racing and a supercharged line-up of world-class musical acts, the 2017 FIA Formula E HKT Hong Kong ePrix will once again electrify Asia's World City.
Set against the iconic skyline, the Hong Kong ePrix circuit is approximately a 2 km track located in the Hong Kong Central Harbourfront area. The 10-turn circuit uses the existing roads with drivers racing past instantly recognisable landmarks, such as the Central Star Ferry Pier and City Hall.
When?: December 2 - 3, 2017
Where?: Hong Kong Central Harbourfront area. An eVillage is set up with international music acts, live action big screens, games, simulators, a kids' area, food and beverages, and merchandise. Grandstand seats available for
the best view of the action at Lung Wo Road, Lamar Park and the Observation Wheel.
How Much?: For the 2017 Hong Kong E-Prix, 20,000 eVillage tickets (10,000 per day) will be given away free of charge to the general public. In order to ensure the fair allocation of tickets, a public ballot system has been implemented.
Grandstand tickets from HK2,380, concession HK1,190 single day
The Hong Kong International Boat Show 2017
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 23rd 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?: December 1 - 3, 2017
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
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 10, 2017 - 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)
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 set to return after four years!
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!
The 2023 - 2024 Carnival will feature many highlights as in years past. The World Circus is back with new 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 21, 2023 - February 25, 2024
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+
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 23 - 26, 2017 Food Festival December 24 - 28, 2017
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
Hong Kong's New Year's Countdown and Fireworks
Wave goodbye to 2017 and welcome the new year with a bang! Hong Kong's New Year's Countdown to 2018 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, 2017
Where? Many vantage points, wherever there is a view of the skies above Victoria Harbour!
How Much? Free!
December 2017 Hong Kong Concerts and Entertainment
Shawn Mendes
Illuminate World Tour 2017
When?: Wednesday December 13, 2017 - 8:00 pm
Where?: AsiaWorld-Expo Hall 10
How Much?: HK$680 +
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 December 15 - 26, 2017
Where?: Hong Kong Cultural Centre - Grand Theatre
How Much?: HK$180, $320, $480, $680, $1,000 (Limited VIP)
Suitable for ages 3 and above
Hong Kong Philharmonic's Christmas For The Family
When? Saturday December 23, 2017 - 8:00 pm and Sunday December 24, 2017 - 3:00 pm
Where? Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall
How Much? HK$180, HK280, HK$380, HK$480
For Ages 3 and Above
More Info and Tickets: www.hkphil.org
Hong Kong Philharmonic's A Viennese New Year
Blue Danube Waltz , Radetzky March and more...
David Angus 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!). Ages 6 and above.
When? Saturday December 30, 2017 - 8:00 pm and Sunday December 31, 2017 - 3:00 pm
Where? Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall
How Much? HK$180, HK280, HK$380, HK$480
December 2017 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, the light-up ceremonies and of course the fireworks.
When?: mid-November to early January 2018
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 HK639 HKD584, Children HK475 HKD428
More Info and Booking at Klook.com
Dining Offers at Hong Kong Disneyland
Ocean Park Hong Kong Christmas Sensation
Lots happening at Ocean Park during the holiday season...
There is always a holiday highlight, we've had stunning ice skating shows, Cyber Illusion Spectaculars and all sorts of spellbinding cutting-edge live entertainment!
And you can always count on the giant 70-foot Christmas tree at Waterfront Plaza, Christmas Candyland, the Holiday Street Shows at the Summit, Santa feeding the fish at the Grand Aquarium, and of course Christmas Menus, snacks, cakes and tons of souvenirs to highlight the season!
When?: Mid-December to early January
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 Standard HK438 HK$388
More Info and Booking at Klook.com
Offers for Water World Ocean Park HK Ticket
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, 2017
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
Ongoing Hong Kong Events
These are some popular ongoing events that are worth checking out, specially since they are FREE or offered for a low fee!
These events feature some of the great and ancient traditions of the territory and are offered by experts in their corresponding fields:
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 about 12 minutes.
When?: Every Night
Where?: Can be seen from both sides of Victoria Harbour, specially stunning aboard a Harbour Cruise.
How Much? Free
- More on Hong Kong's Symphony of Lights, best spots to watch.
- Symphony of Lights Harbour Cruise with Aqualuna (NOW SAILING! Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays)
The Horse Races Are On! This is how you can attend
The horse races in 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 two world-class venues, at the Sha Tin Racecourse and the iconic Happy Valley Racecourse.
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?: Happy Valley Night Races on Wednesday Nights. On race day, 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.
Sha Tin Day Races are on Sundays. First race normally starts at 1:00 pm, earlier if there are more than 10 races. Gates open at 11:00 am.
All races will be streamed live at the HK Jockey Club Racing Channel.
How Much? 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. You can join this guided experience and learn all about horse racing and betting, Enjoy the HKJC horse races from the 2M roof deck.
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!