The excitement of the holiday season is always something to look forward to and, with a blend of traditional and contemporary festivities and events, Hong Kong transforms into a wonderland. 

Despite being known for its bustling atmosphere, Hong Kong tends to quieten down during Christmas, and the city is adorned with extravagant lights, events, and celebrations that appeal to every taste, promising fun for all.

Continue reading to discover eight wonderful activities and events to keep you occupied over the festive period in Hong Kong.

1. Explore one of Hong Kong’s splendid Christmas markets

Perhaps a favourite way to celebrate the festive period is to stroll through a quaint Christmas market, and Hong Kong hosts several. 

For example, you could visit the Lane Crawford Christmas Market at IFC Mall. This could be the ideal place to purchase new festive décor to bring some Christmas spirit to your own home, as the market hosts elegant ceramic stalls, lighting vendors, and many other festive decorations.

Alternatively, if you’d prefer to support independent brands, check out the Discovery Bay Christmas Market, which occurs every Sunday between 12 November and 17 December at DB Plaza. Here, you’ll find a range of holiday gifts, crafts, and cuisines, all promised to fill you with the festive spirit and get you excited for the holidays. 

2. Spend some time in the great outdoors

Even though Hong Kong is known for being a densely populated city, nature lovers can still enjoy a plethora of outdoor activities. Better yet, Christmas is the perfect time to get out and explore since the weather tends to get cooler and dryer during December. 

For instance, you could hike up Fei Ngo Shan, a dramatic 600-metre peak in Ma On Shan Country Park that offers breathtaking views of the sprawling city below.

If you prefer to witness the great outdoors on wheels, ride along one of Hong Kong’s many cycle tracks, such as the Sha Tin to Tai Po route, which hugs the Sing Mun River, or the Yuen Long to Nam Sang Wai route, taking you through Hong Kong’s lush green countryside. 

Alternatively, if you wish to immerse yourself in nature completely, you could go camping at Long Ke Wan, a secluded campground with stunning views of the South China Sea, its crystal-clear waters, and white sands.

3. Attend Clockenflap on the harbour

The Clockenflap International Music Festival, which is held from 1 to 3 December at the Central Harbourfront, is a must-see event for music lovers and art enthusiasts alike.

Beyond a stellar lineup of musical artists from around the world – which, in 2023, includes Pulp, Joji, and Tom Grennan. The event is also host to a fusion of art, film, and performance, promising something for everyone. 

If you have young children to entertain, Clockenflap is the ideal place to introduce them to music and arts festivals – two children under the age of 12 can enter for free.

Since the festival is so central, there are plenty of staycation deals at hotels nearby, such as The Harbourview, Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour, or Burlington Hotel. 

4. Visit Hong Kong’s exciting theme parks

Theme parks can be a sensory experience at any time of the year, but over the festive period, they especially come to life. And Hong Kong is home to several exciting theme parks.

One of these needs little introduction: Disneyland. Here, you can explore several different Disney-themed worlds, such as Adventureland, Tomorrowland, and Grizzly Gulch, all filled with thrilling rides, food stalls, and your favourite Disney characters. 

Over the festive period, the magical theme park transforms into “A Disney Christmas”, offering special live music events, festive-themed foods, dazzling Christmas lights and displays, and more. 

Alternatively, you could visit Hong Kong’s oldest theme park – Ocean Park. Here, you can witness the majesty of several animal exhibits, such as dolphins, arctic foxes, and giant pandas, before completing the day on one of the park’s many adrenaline-inducing rides. 

5. Soak up the festive atmosphere at WinterFest 2023

For those wishing to experience the charm of a traditional Christmas with a Hong Kong twist, the WinterFest offers the ideal place to absorb the festive spirit. 

Between 24 November and 1 January, the harbourfront at West Kowloon Cultural District is transformed into a magical Christmas town, featuring the tallest outdoor Christmas tree in Hong Kong adorned with dazzling light displays. 

There are plenty of festive activities at WinterFest to keep you busy, too. Expect musical performances, craft stations, as well as lots of food and drinks stalls. You might even get the chance to meet Father Christmas at the event.

If you think you’ll need several days to absorb all that WinterFest has to offer, it may be worth considering a staycation deal at the luxurious Ritz-Carlton nearby. This could allow you to relax in style before and after the festive extravaganza.

6. Enjoy some rides and games at the AIA Carnival

Carnivals can be fun for families of all ages, and if you like the sound of thrilling rides, games, and delicious foods, then the AIA Carnival at the Central Harbourfront is one for you. 

Officially opening on 21 December and running until 25 February, the carnival features 25 exciting rides, more than 30 game booths where you can test your mettle and attempt to win some great toys.

There’s even a big top circus. Brace yourself for an entertaining and gripping show, which promises a night of daring motorbike riders, fearless acrobats, and, of course, plenty of hilarious clowns to keep you amused. 

7. Absorb some culture at The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker ballet at the Grand Theatre in Tsim Sha Tsui between 15 and 30 December offers a more refined and cultured way to spend the festive period. 

Here, you can witness Hong Kong Ballet bring Tchaikovsky’s famous music and dance extravaganza to life. Enjoy an exquisite evening of intricately choreographed dances, familiar music, and lively storytelling.

The show is a delight for people of all ages and the perfect way to celebrate the joys of the festive period in style. 

8. Bring in the new year at the Countdown Celebrations

Bidding farewell to the previous year and welcoming in the new one is the perfect way to reflect on the past and anticipate the future. So, to bring in the new year in style, there is perhaps no better place to do so than at the Countdown Celebrations at Victoria Harbour. 

The event hosts many sensational performances, such as world-class pianists, mesmerising acrobats, and traditional drummers.

Follow the vast countdown clock projected onto the side of the Convention and Exhibition Centre and, as the clock strikes 12, watch the spectacular display of fireworks. Launched from some of Hong Kong’s most iconic buildings, they transform the city skyline into a spectacle of light and colour.