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.
Due to Coronavirus concerns, the status of the many events may change at the last minute but so far, many of the regulars are back on the schedule some in slightly different formats and of course adhering to the measures. Hong Kong Mega ShowCase and the Hong Kong International Races have been confirmed for this month.
For nature lovers, this is the time to enjoy our fantastic reserves and trails. Weather is pleasant and migrating birds are here in spades.
Hong Kong Highlight Events for December 2021
- Hong Kong International Races (Horse Racing) - December 12, 2021
- International Wine and Spirits Fair - Postponed to December 1 - 3, 2021
- Hong Kong Brands and Products Expo - Postponed
- Hong Kong Mega ShowCase - December 24 - 27, 2021 Christmas and New Year's shopping on steroids!
- New Year's Eve Countdown and Fireworks - Midnight December 31, 2021
Holiday Events in December
- A Disney Christmas - November 19, 2021 to January 2, 2022
- European Christmas at Ocean Park - December 18, 2021 to January 2, 2022
- Winter at the Wheel in the Harbourfront - December 16 2021 to February 20, 2022
- Lan Kwai Fong Christmas and New Year's Eve Street Party - December 24 and 31, 2021
- Next Door in Macao: The Festival of Lights - December 4, 2021 - January 2, 2022
- More Christmas and Holiday Events in Hong Kong
Concerts and Entertainment
- A Magical Nighttime Symphony with the HK Phil at Hong Kong Disneyland - December 3 - 4, 2021
- The Hong Kong Ballet: The Nutcracker - December 11 - 26, 2021
- Hong Kong Philharmonic: Christmas Fantasia December 23 - 24, 2021
- Hong Kong Philharmonic: A Viennese New Year December 30, 2021
Ongoing Events This December 2021
- 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 2021
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 HK95 million purse: the Hong Kong Cup, Hong Kong Mile, Hong Kong Vase, and Hong Kong Sprint.
When?: Sunday, December 12, 2021 - 12:00 - 6:00 pm
Where?: Sha Tin Race Course
Hong Kong International Wine and Spirits Fair
The largest wine show in Asia, with wines and spirits from over 37 regions being represented. It is mainly a trade show but on the last day it is open to the public.
Fun events like cocktail mixing demonstrations, wine competitions, wine auctions and of course wine tastings.
All about the world of wine for the wine enthusiast!
IMPORTANT UPDATE: With many pandemic-related travel restrictions remaining in place, exhibitors and buyers may have difficulty joining the HKTDC Hong Kong International Wine & Spirits Fair scheduled for 11-13 November 2021. To assist exhibitors and buyers to overcome the business challenges brought by the pandemic, the HKTDC will organise a new trade fair, HKTDC Lifestyle Sourcing Show | Physical + Online, featuring various industries including wine & spirits products. The event will be held in a physical-digital format:
- Physical fair dates and venue: 1-3 December 2021 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
- Digital fair dates: 6-10 December 2021
Hong Kong Brands and Products Expo - Postponed
This is a mega outdoor fair with more than 600 booths with a wide range of products at great prices, offering splendid shopping experiences for visitors.
Organised by the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong and taking place in Victoria Park, the booths are arranged into several Thematic Areas including the Food & Beverage Zone, Grocery & Noddles Zone, Ginseng, Dried Foods & Soup Packs Zone, Beauty & Healthcare Zone, Fashion & Stylish Products Zone, Living & Household Zone, etc.
Deep discounts are the highlights of the HKBPE as well as the large number of prizes to be awarded throughout the Expo. Last year a total of HK$3.8 million was given out. This is the perfect time to load up on presents for the holidays!
When?: Postponed
Where?: Victoria Park
How Much?: Admission HK8 adults, free for children under 1 meter in height, seniors 65+ and persons with disabilities.
You are requested to bring your own shopping bag, tableware and water container.
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? December 24 - 27, 2021, Food Expo until December 28, 2021
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 2021 and welcome the new year with a bang! Hong Kong's New Year's Countdown to 2022 and fireworks display on the Harbour is one of the territories signature events of the year.
This year's celebrations have not been announced and fireworks are not confirmed yet, it will all depend on the government's measures regarding mass gatherings during that time. Stay tuned!
The fireworks display normally 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!
When? Midnight December 31, 2021
Where? Many vantage points, wherever there is a view of the skies above Victoria Harbour!
How Much? Free!
December 2021 Hong Kong 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 December 11 - 26, 2021
Where?: Hong Kong Cultural Centre - Grand Theatre
How Much?: HK$180, $320, $480, $680, $1,000 (Limited VIP)
Suitable for ages 3 and above
A Magical Nighttime Symphony with the HK Phil at Hong Kong Disneyland
For the first time ever the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra (The HK Phil) will join Mickey and friends with a live orchestra performance "A Magical Nighttime Symphony" in front of the majestic Castle of Magical Dreams where they will perform classic Disney and Christmas songs for a unique magical symphony experience.
Led by guest conductor Chiu Tsang-hei, the HK Phil will present a dazzling programme of popular Disney songs, such as "A Whole New World" and "Frozen Heart", alongside Christmas classics like "Joy to the World" and "Jingle Bells".
When? December 3 - 4, 2021
Where? Hong Kong Disneyland
How Much? Included with Park Admission. Register to win a free ticket to A Disney Christmas and the orchestral Disney music experience from November 9-15, winner announced November 19 (HK residents only)
Hong Kong Philharmonic's: Christmas Fantasia
Apollo Wong leads The Hong Kong Children's Choir and Hong Kong Philharmonic Chorus, together with the HK Phil, in a beautiful programme of sacred and secular music in a Christmas Fantasia.
Programme features Tchaikovsky, timeless melodies from Handel's Messiah, a musical visit from our neighbour Totoro, and tuneful treats from around the world, including all your favourite festive songs.
When? December 23 - 24, 2021 - 8:00 pm
Where? Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall
How Much? HK$220, HK280, HK$380, HK$480
For Ages 3 and Above
Hong Kong Philharmonic's New Year Celebration
We've got Viennese waltzes and sparkling polkas, stirring marches and beautiful love-songs. There's Spanish passion, French elegance, British pageantry and of course a generous selection of Hong Kong favourites too. It's all there for you to enjoy, stunningly performed by Principal Guest Conductor Yu Long and the HK Phil, plus special guests - two of Hong Kong's very finest vocalists, Yuki Ip and Samantha Chong, guitarist Xuefei Yang, and Yiwen Lu plays erhu. Join in, as we toast a new year with melodies that never get old.
When? December 30, 2021 - 8:00 pm
Where? Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall
How Much? HK$220, HK280, HK$380, HK$480
December 2021 Hong Kong Holiday Events
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!
Fans of Frozen get a gift like never before with the opening of the first and largest Frozen Themed Land, "World of Frozen" this November 20, 2023.
When?: November 17, 2023 to January 1st, 2024
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 HK639 HKD584, Children HK475 HKD428
More Info and Booking at Klook.com
Dining Offers at Hong Kong Disneyland
European 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.
This year's surprises include a one-of-a-kind magical journey infused with Hong Kong and Ocean Park elements, magic shows at Applause Pavilion, animal Christmas Arts ∓ Crafts and Christmas Florist workshops perfect for those who want to get a taste of creating their own Christmas decorations.
Beautiful sparkling lights will shine through the entire Waterfront Plaza when the Christmas tree is lit up at 6:30pm. Together with the vibrant colour lights that twinkle atop all wooden cottages at the Christmas Alley, the area will be brimming with romantic glamour.
Adding to the holiday spectacular, lights and fountains will dance before visitors' eyes at 8pm at the Aqua City Lagoon in the award-winning Visions of Hong Kong multimedia show.
When?: December 18, 2021 to January 2, 2022
Where?: Ocean Park Hong Kong
How Much?: Some Pay-as-you-go events include Magic Studio and Arts & Crafts. Christmas Town Entry Ticket HK$10 offers access to the Park's Aqua City Lagoon and Waterfront Plaza after 2pm for a variety of entertainment experiences, including the Christmas Alley, Christmas Shining Bright Party, and Visions of Hong Kong show.
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
Winter at the Wheel at A1A Vitality Park in the Waterfront
Hong Kong's enchanting winter festival is back! Immerse yourself in Hong Kong's most beautiful European-style "Luminaire" light display 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 16 2021 to February 20, 2022
Where?: A1A Vitality Park and the Observation Wheel in the Waterfront
How Much?: Tickets for the Observation Wheel are 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, 2021
Where?: Streets of Lan Kwai Fong. Take the MTR to Central Station Exit D2, on to Theatre Lane and up D'Aguilar Street.
Macao Light Festival 2021
Next door in Macao, the Festival of Lights is back! This is a highly anticipated annual event just in time for the holiday season that lights up the city's heritage landmarks creating a festive and enchanting atmosphere all throughout.
This year's Festival of Lights brings four different projection mapping shows presented by performance teams from Macau, Hengqin, Changsha and Tokyo, dazzling upon different unique architectures and travel attractions.
Sprawling across different local streets and lanes, the festival will illuminate new locations such as the Macao Science Center and Barra Pier from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The Macao Science Center will become a new place to experience projection mapping in the city, while project mapping will dazzle the Chapel of St. Francis Xavier in Coloane as a new show venue for the festival this year.
When?: December 4, 2021 to January 2, 2022
How Much?: FREE
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
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