The most common excuse used to get out of a plan comes in the form of a line that many have heard or uttered before: I don’t have the time. However, the holidays are about to come. Instead of counting down the number of times the excuse had been used this year, the calendar now leads to the days when family and friends can have the luxury to bond. By the arrival of the busy pre-Christmas months, the mind escapes the hustle by wandering to the image of the holidays—streets illuminated by the lights as a chorus of festive songs are heard outside the lane of shops; hands inside the pocket of a jacket, hiding them from the cold of the December breeze.
Spending time in a different place during the coming holidays is synonymous to discovery, a perfect way to cap off a year and start a new one. Travel goals that are seemed far-fetched in the busy months become a possibility. Adding your loved ones as company in this adventure can surely enhance the experience. And Hong Kong, with its series of top attractions and activities curated especially for the holiday season, takes the spot as the most promising destination in Asia when December comes.
Ready your coats. Travel like a local. Create new stories.
Here are 10 reasons why the winter breeze of Hong Kong can make the Christmas image in your head come to life—the only “drawing” that matters this time:
1. Brighten your evening at the Hong Kong Pulse Light Festival
It is not Christmas without the lights. Projected in the city’s iconic Victoria Harbor, let the light installations from foreign and local artists awaken your holiday spirit. Complete the entire experience by watching the new ideas and installments to enchant Hong Kong’s promenade with magical lights. On top of that, there will be an International Light Art Displays which will feature both local and overseas light art installations that can operate in both day mode and night mode.
When: November 29 to January 1
2. Bask in the Christmas sparkle at Hong Kong Disneyland
Christmas, they say, is for every child and child at heart. Reminisce the worry-free days of your childhood by strolling every corner of the park decorated with snow, ornaments, and garlands—the magical place made even more magical. See your favorite Disney characters in the winter-themed parade, and have your photos taken in the giant Christmas tree. Stay until the evening for the dramatic light-up ceremony you will never forget.
When: Mid-November to January 1
3. Relish the sensation of Christmas at Ocean Park
Captivating live entertainment takes the center stage in Hong Kong’s Ocean Park. Be entertained by the ice skating shows, Cyber Illusion Spectaculars, Santa feeding the fish at the Grand Aquarium, and other street spectacles at the Summit. Surely, you will never miss the 70-feet Christmas tree at the Waterfront Plaza and the bright-hued Christmas Candyland.
When: Mid-December to early January
4. Be merry at Lan Kwai Fong’s Christmas and New Year’s Eve Street Party
Find out the locals’ definition of hip by attending the famous Lan Kwai Fong street party. The restaurants, bars, and clubs go all out—doubling their efforts of being the liveliest part of Hong Kong when the holidays strike.
When: Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve
5. Be transported to the magical realm of the Great European Carnival
Stroll along this picturesque carnival boasting with a view of the Victoria Harbor. It features games, rides, live performances by local and international musicians; and thrilling performances by world-class acts. Try the various festival foods after gliding in Hong Kong’s biggest outdoor ice skating rink.
When: December to February
6. Bid goodbye to the last seconds of the year at Hong Kong’s New Year’s Countdown
Be festive with fellow travelers and locals. Welcome the new year with an 8-minute spectacular firework display launched from the skyscrapers and harbor barges. Considered as one of Hong Kong’s signature events, the Harbor is transformed into a perfect backdrop as the fireworks adorn the midnight sky.
When: December 31
7. Smell the Christmas in the Air at sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck
Take in the 360-degree panoramic view of the world-famous Hong Kong skyline and Victoria Harbor from 393 meters above sea level. Enjoy the winter exclusive offerings from Café 100 by The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong: Christmas Tea Set; Christmas Dinner; and the 2019 New Year’s Eve Countdown Fireworks Package.
When: December 24 and 25 (Christmas Tea Set and Christmas Dinner)
December 31 (New Year’s Eve Countdown Fireworks Package)
December (1960s Hong Kong VR Experience)
8. Make that white Christmas a reality at the Snow Village in Ngong Ping 360
Stop dreaming and finally experience a white Christmas with Ngong Ping’s outdoor snow installation that runs for two to three times per day and lasts for 20 minutes each. Ride a cable car and have a panoramic view of Lantau. The dreamy ambiance is heightened by the live Christmas carols performed by various groups around the village.
When: December 1 to January 1
9. Put a check on that shopping list at Harbor City
Filipinos are definitely not new to the rush of last-minute shopping. Here, you can have the biggest shopping experience under one roof and find gifts for yourself and your loved ones to complete the Christmas tradition. Take a rest from all the walking and take in the 270-degree panoramic view of Victoria Harbor by stopping by at the Ocean Terminal Deck or one of the many restaurants in the mall.
At night, board the giant Santa Airship with your friends and family and reach for the stars. The atmosphere is moved notches higher by the mix of huge aeronautical ornaments and LED lights. Another visual treat comes with the aerial drone show—a choreographed aerial performance accompanied by the LED violin band and a hoop performance.
When: November 21 to January 1
November 26 to December 26 (Drone Show)
10. Riding Cathay Pacific to enjoy free tour
You can experience all this in Hong Kong with Cathay Pacific’s new promotion for anyone staying 3 nights or more in Hong Kong up until December 31, 2018.
Travelers will be eligible to redeem a tour from a selection of four offers, depending on how you would like to tailor your experience. For those who want to take in as much as possible and see everywhere there is to see there is the “Hop-on, Hop-off Open Top Bus Sightseeing Tour” and “Deluxe Hong Kong Island Combo” which will be able to easily get you around Hong Kong. On the other hand, for those who have an interest in culture and heritage you may want to have a go at the “Old Hong Kong Experience” or “Kowloon Cultural & Life Tour” to be able to experience Hong Kong with a traditional twist. Booking period ends November 30, 2018.
Discover Hong Kong in the merriest time of the year and turn your “drawings” into memorable and vivid travel photos. Visit www.discoverhongkong.com and check out the year-end travel promos and packages you shouldn’t miss! INQUIRER.net BrandRoom/AV