As one year ends, another begins. Regardless of how the year was for you, it’s time to celebrate and usher in the New Year. There’s no better way to end 2016 than to spend it in a fun-filled place like Hong Kong! After all, Hong Kong brims with spectacular events and places to visit whenever Christmas rolls around.

This year, get your year-end adrenaline pumping by attending this fantastic line-up of unstoppable activities like a local!

Hong Kong Pulse 3D Light Show

Be awed by the dazzling audiovisual display at the Open Piazza in the Hong Kong Cultural Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui, and watch festive images come to life.

If your kids are with you, have them enjoy the endearing adventures of the unlikely hero  ’Eddie the Elf’, who’s on a quest to win the hearts of Santa and the other elves and, most importantly, the attention of Santa himself. Don’t forget to meet and greet Eddie and his friends who will be making an appearance at various times on November 25 – 27, and December 2 – 4, 9 – 11, 16 – 18, and 23 – 25.

Also, don’t forget to catch the Hong Kong Pulse 3D Light Show from November 25 to December 28, 2016, at 8:20 P.M., 8:45 P.M., 9:15 P.M., and 9:45 P.M. nightly (about 8 minutes per session). So be sure to mark your planners!

Hong Kong New Year Countdown Celebrations

“Three… Two… One… HAPPY NEW YEAR!” Ever wanted to shout those words with at least a million other people? Then join the Hong Kong New Year Countdown Celebrations, and catch the breathtaking fireworks displays. For the best view of the fireworks, grab a spot at one of these vantage points: Hong Kong Cultural Centre Open Piazza, Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, The New Central Harbourfront, Golden Bauhinia Square, Victoria Harbour Night Tour, and any area around Central Piers No. 9 and 10.

The Statue Square Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

Amidst Hong Kong’s skyscrapers in North Statue Square, Central, will be a Christmas tree that’ll spread light and love throughout the city. The tree will be lit from 8:00 P.M. – 10:00 P.M. on December 2, 5:00 P.M. – 10:00 P.M. from December 3 to 15, 5:00 P.M. – 11:00 P.M. from December 16 to 26 (except December 24), 5:00 P.M. – 10:00 P.M. from December 27 to January 1, 2017 (except December 31), and 5:00 P.M. – 12:00 M.N. on December 24 and 31.

Bring along your significant other to hang your “Love Locks” on the railings near Statue Square Christmas Tree as a sign of your unbreakable love. You can also listen to lovely Christmas carols by the resident choir between December 19 and 24, or keep an eye out for Santa and his friends on December 2 – 4, 9 – 11, and 16 – 25 to make your Christmas wishes.

Hong Kong Disneyland

From November 17, 2016 to January 2, 2017, Hong Kong Disneyland will kick off the festive season with the theme “A Sparkling Christmas.”  See Mickey and his friends dressed in their best Christmas outfits, or catch Santa Goofy who’ll listen to your wishes in person and set up a special postal service to deliver all your wishes for Christmas. Enjoy the lighted lanterns and Christmas trees, feel the gentle snowflakes on your skin, and let the surrounding winter wonderland fill you with warmth and happiness. Remember to join the carollers and belt your lungs out to your favourite Christmas songs too!

Ocean Park

In line with the theme “Ocean Park Christmas Sensation,” world-class illusionists will keep you glued to your seats at the Applause Pavilion, as they showcase a series of stunning performances such as disappearing acts, double levitation acts, and daring escapes from a cage of fire.

Tai Mo Shan

Need to take a less-travelled path, literally? Schedule a trip to Tai Mo Shan (lit. “Big Hat Mountain”), the highest mountain in Hong Kong at 957 metres (3,140 feet). It’s covered by clouds for most of the year, hence the name.

Once you’re on top, you can have a breath-taking view not only of the city of Hong Kong, but also of the beautiful countryside. It’s a good mountain to climb for both experienced and beginner hikers, since there are trails for people of all fitness levels. Bear in mind, however, that the area above 915 metres is off-limits, since the Hong Kong Observatory weather radar station is located there.

Dragon’s Back

If you want to hike on a path not normally mentioned in guidebooks, Dragon’s Back will be another option. True to its name, the path ripples through the hilltops of Wan Cham Shan and Shek O like a dragon’s backbone. While walking on Dragon’s Back, you can have a bird’s eye view of Stanley town, Tai Long Wan bay, the Tai Tam reservoir, and the South China Sea.

To start your hike, look for the sign on Shek O Road (near To Tei Wan village) that designates the entrance to the path. Along the trail, you can fly kites, go paragliding, or take a well-deserved rest under the green, leafy shades of the Pottinger Gap. Once you reach Tai Long Wan, you can get refreshments from nearby cafes and cap off your journey.

So what are you waiting for? Book your flight to Hong Kong before seats run out! ADVT

INQUIRER.NET/Issa Mirandilla