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 2023
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
- My Little Pony Winter Roller Skating at Plaza Hollywood - November 9, 2023 to January 1, 2024
- Discovery Bay Sunday Holiday Markets - Sundays November 12, 26, December 10, 17, 2023
- Christmas Palace and Christmas Village Market Pop-Up at K11 Musea - November 17, 2023 to January 1, 2024
- A Disney Christmas - November 17, 2023 to January 1, 2024
- Christmas Sensation at Ocean Park - December 9, 2023 to January 1, 2024
- A1A Carnival - December 21, 2023 - February 25, 2024
- Merry Spacemas @ Harbour City - November 17, 2023 to January 1, 2024
- A Fairytale Christmas at Pacific Place - November 17, 2023 to January 1, 2024
- Mount Santa Paws at Landmark - November 19, 2023 to January 1, 2024
- A Botanical Christmas at 1881 Heritage November 13, 2023 to January 7, 2024
- A Ride To Christmas Cheer at IFC Mall - November 22, 2023 to January 1, 2024
- Citygate Outlets - November 21, 2023 to January 2, 2024
- Festive Illuminations at Tsim Sha Tsui East - November 28, 2023 to January 2024
- Christmas Elfventure at Times Square - November 18, 2023 - January 1, 2024
- Hong Kong Mega ShowCase - December 23 - 26, 2023 Christmas and New Year's shopping on steroids!
- Lan Kwai Fong Christmas and New Year's Eve Street Party - December 24 and 31, 2023
- New Year's Eve Countdown Celebrations - December 31, 2023
Holiday Concerts and Entertainment
- The Hong Kong Ballet: The Nutcracker - Several performances December 15 - 30, 2023
- Hong Kong Philharmonic's: The Nightmare Before Christmas Live In Concert December 22 and 23, 2023
- Hong Kong Philharmonic's New Year Celebration December 30 and 31, 2023
Top Picks Christmas Events for Kids and Families
- A Disney Christmas - November 17, 2023 to January 1, 2024
- Christmas at IFC Mall - November 22, 2023 to January 1, 2024
- Christmas at Pacific Place - November 17, 2023 to January 1, 2024
- My Little Pony Winter Roller Skating at Plaza Hollywood - November 9, 2023 to January 1, 2024
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, 2023 and January 1st 2024
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 thorugh 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.
2023 Hong Kong Winterfest Christmas Town in West Kowloon Cultural District
This year, the city's signature mega Christmas Tree is back at the West Kowloon Cultural District. The 20-meter tree will be enveloped by a Christmas town, festive music and lighting effects.
New this year are the Winter Harbourfront Pyrotechnics. Yes! Fireworks will light up the harbour with a 10-minute show showering the skyline with stunning Christmas icons in the 3 weekends preceding Christmas. 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?: November 24, 2023 to January 1, 2024
Fireworks: Saturday and Sundays December 9 - 10, 16 - 17, 23 - 24 and Christmas and Boxing Day December 25 - 26, 2023 at 8:00 pm
Where?: West Kowloon Cultural District
2023 Hong Kong Christmas Displays, Events, Entertainment
My Little Pony Winter Roller Skating and Christmas Party at Plaza Hollywood
This Christmas, My Little Pony has galloped into Hollywood Plaza, and the mall's atrium has been transformed into a Winter Roller Ice Rink, gorgeous castles and the eye-catching "Romantic Star Pavillion".
When?: - November 9, 2023 to January 1, 2024
Where?: Star Plaza on the first floor at Plaza Hollywood, 1F at 3 Lung Poon Street, Diamond Hill, Kowloon
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?: - November 12, 26, December 10, 17, 2023 - 11:00 am to 6:00 pm
Where?: Discovery Bay Plaza
Christmas Palace and Christmas Village Market Pop Up at K11 Musea
This season, K11 Musea transforms into a Christmas Palace, inspired by London's Crystal Palace, see your Christmas dreams come alive with cultural, art, and festive happenings at K11 MUSEA to awaken your holiday spirit.
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?: November 17, 2023 to January 1, 2024
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!
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
Christmas Sensation at Ocean Park
Ocean Park is adorned with twinkling lights this Christmas! Be ready to be surrounded by sparkling Christmas trees and glittering decorations that draw you into the festive winter! The Christmas Garden of Glitz's dazzling glow and shimmering lights offer the best spot for selfies of you and friends! At Waterfront Plaza, don't miss the amazing performances at Jingle All The Way. Santa Claus and his elves will show up to send festive blessings!
And there's an additional surprise for 2023, Le Petit Prince, the character from the French renowned tale, makes his way to Ocean Park to celebrate a sparkling Christmas. Embark on a glittering journey of light and stroll down the canopy of lights and luminous installations scattered around the park.
When?: December 9, 2023 to January 1, 2024
Where?: Ocean Park Hong Kong
How Much?: Christmas events included with general admission
Remember you can buy discount tickets online at Klook.com:
Ocean Park Discount All Day Delight Tickets Adult HK498 HK$368, Child HK249 HK$233.
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 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+
Merry Spacemas @ Harbour City
Harbour City's Christmas displays are legendary and one of Hong Kong's must-see holiday attractions.
This Christmas, Harbour City turns the Ocean Terminal Forecourt into a Space Station where friends from "Bear Planet" have landed aboard the magnificent "Bear Rocket". With three distinct launch zones and over 30 delightful Bear Astronauts, Christmas Tree Robots, and Alien Friends, the 10 photo check-in spots offer a truly unforgettable experience.
When?: November 17, 2023 - January 1, 2024
Where?: Harbour City Ocean Terminal Forecourt
A Fairytale Christmas at Pacific Place
The winter fairies and all the creatures of the forest have been secretly arranging a Fairytale Christmas! Forests bursting with giant luminous mushrooms and real dancing fairy lights, tree hollows filled with fairies, immersive musical light shows and countless magical encounters to discover.
Back are the many workshops and Santa's meet ups. This year make a beautiful fairy wreath or a magical snowdrop lamp, or take part in a magical wintery Christmas adventure!
Live performances and spellbinding dances that awaken the magical forest and all the creatures within, with special performances by Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra on Christmas Eve.
When?: November 17, 2023 - January 1, 2024
Where?: Pacific Place
How Much?: FREE, fee for Workshops, Santa's Grove and some kids's adventures
Mount Santa Paws at Landmark
An exciting, fun-filled ski adventure awaits at Landmark. Explore an enchanting snow-draped world of immersive festive attractions, and meet the adorable cast of 100 animals and festive friends, including Emma the Mouse, Timmy the Squirrel, and Santa Paws the Polar Bear as they embark on a heartwarming adventure to discover the true meaning of Christmas.
When?: November 19, 2023 to January 1st, 2024
Where?: The Landmark Atrium
A Botanical Christmas at 1881 Heritage
In celebration of the festive season, 1881 Heritage has staged a splendid botanical garden in the Grand Piazza to spread the joy and magic of Christmas.
The ornate structure in the style of Victorian glasshouses is flanked on either side by cast iron benches decorated with colorful flora. Wander into the glasshouse and marvel at the towering Christmas tree and blooming flowers...
When?: November 13, 2023 to January 7, 2024
Where?: 1881 Heritage on Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
How Much?: Free
A Ride To Christmas Cheer at IFC Mall
The first snow of the season has finally come in town, which means it's time for Frosty the Snowman and his friends to get ready for this year's Christmas celebration. Where are they heading to? Bundle up in your holiday sweaters, follow the Christmas lights and board the gondolas to the wonder of Snow Park.
Embark on a thrilling ski adventure and swoosh down the slopes, step into the towering Christmas tree, immerse yourself in the festive cheer of an après-ski party, try your hand at ice fishing, and sink into a couch with loved ones in a cosy igloo.
Christmas Music performances on select dates: December 1 - 3, 9 - 10, 16, 23 - 26, 31, 2023 from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm
When?: November 22, 2023 to January 1st, 2024
Where?: Oval Atrium, Podium Level One, IFC Mall
How Much?: Free. Make a donation of HK$100 to UNICEF HK to receive a physical Explorer Pass. Present your physical Explorer Pass at designated merchants to enjoy irresistible shopping and dining privileges at ifc mall.
SMURFS UP Christmas at Citygate Outlets
SMURFS are coming to Citygate Outlets this Christmas for a jolly holiday season! A Smurfy Christmas Adventure awaits at the Smurfs Christmas Village, together with interactive hotspots and LED Light Shows, a Smurfmas outdoor market, Smurfmas meet and greets, Cotton Candy truck and many more lusive Activities
When?: November 21, 2023 to January 2, 2024
Where?: Citygate Outlets
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?: November 28, 2023 to early January 2024
Where?: Tsim Sha Tsui East
How Much?: Free
Christmas Elfventure at Times Square
Lumi, the adorable elf inspired by the Finnish Christmas elves, will be greeting you at his Christmas workshop at Times Square this holiday season.
Besides elfventure stories and photo booths, Santa will be making the visits and there will be delightful violin performances and Christmas carols!
When?: November 18, 2023 to January 1st, 2024. Christmas carols and violin performance on December 19, 2023
Where?: Times Square G/F Open Piazza and 2/F Atrium
How Much?: Free
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, 2023
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? December 23 - 26, 2023, Food Expo until December 27, 2023
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 2023: With Live Accompaninment on December 15 - 17, 19 - 21, 23 - 26, 2023 and with Recorded Music on December 29 - 30, 2023
Where?: Hong Kong Cultural Centre - Grand Theatre
How Much?: HK$220, $340, $490, $720, $1,200 (Limited VIP)
Suitable for ages 3 and above
Hong Kong Philharmonic's Christmas Concert - The Nightmare Before Christmas
Come experience Tim Burton's timeless holiday classic on the big screen in its full glory, with Grammy-winning composer Danny Elfman's music score performed live with the film by your home orchestra.
Pumpkin King Jack Skellington is trying to take over our beloved holiday by kidnapping Santa Claus. Who will save Christmas?...
When? December 22, 23, 2023
Where? Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall
How Much? HK$200, HK280, HK$380, HK$480
Hong Kong Philharmonic's New Year Celebration
Join in at the Philharmonic's signature New Year Concerts as we bid farewell to 2023 in grand style and usher in 2024 with great fanfare!
Five festive orchestral favourites, including Revueltas' Sensemayá, Gershwin's Cuban Overture, excerpts from Piazzolla's The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires, J. Strauss II's Die Fledermaus Overture, and Ravel's La valse.
For Ages 6 and Above.
When? December 30 and 31, 2023
Where? Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall
How Much? HK$200, HK280, HK$380, HK$480
More Christmas Cheer...
- Lifestyle Asia: Where to go for a scrumptious Christmas lunch and dinner in Hong Kong
- Sassy Hong Kong: Where To Go For Christmas Dinner In Hong Kong
- Little Steps' Santa Sightings Meet and Greets
Check out some of this year's beautiful Christmas decorations throughout Hong Kong, follow our Pinterest board!
wish you a safe and Merry Christmas to you and your family...
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