Best things to do in Hong Kong in December

Winter has finally arrived in Hong Kong, bringing with it merriment, British pop-punk legends and a jolly man in a red hat. For those looking to soak up the festive cheer, the city teems with Christmas markets and shows, festive menus and parties – enchanting the holiday season with a little bit of magic and holiday cheer.

Here are some of the best Hong Kong winter events to discover this December. 

1. Clockenflap

Hong Kong’s biggest music festival is back for another round. Led by headliners Pulp, Joji and Yoasobi, a diverse line-up of acts will be taking over Central Harbourfront for a three-day spectacular between 1 and 3 December. You’ll find the city’s coolest kids crowded around stages dressed in their best festival finery with a beer in hand. Beyond the impressive roster, you’ll also want to check out the festival’s vibrant craft market and fuel up at delicious street food stalls.

2. Christmas markets in Hong Kong

Pick up a thoughtful gift from one of the city’s many Christmas markets, where local artisans and independent sellers congregate and peddle their unique treats and handmade gifts. Those with a sweet tooth should head to Swire’s White Christmas Street Fair at Taikoo Place between 1-3 December and 8-10 December; the entire market will be ‘Chocoland’-themed, with stalls filled with confections. Prestige Fairs , one of Hong Kong’s largest and longest running Christmas fairs, is set to return to the Conrad’s grand ballroom on 12 December with hundreds of international sellers – making it the ultimate spot to grab a gift.

Want something a little different? The summery heat of an Aussie Christmas has inspired Stanley Plaza’s upcoming market between 9 and 26 December. Named “Chillmas by the Sea ”, it will feature over 150 stalls, with a helping hand from Australian organisations to make sure it’s as authentic as possible. 

3. Festive displays

Stroll along the city’s high streets and shopping malls while basking in the joyful atmosphere from all the glittering lights and Christmas displays – from outlandish feats of artistic engineering to fairytale escapes and everything in between. This year, Landmark Atrium transforms into a winter mountainscape, where adorable characters Emma the Mouse, Santa Paws and their animal friends have arrived to play. Kowloon Tong’s Festival Walk celebrates its 25th year anniversary since opening with a whimsical and thoughtful ode to sustainability, with a 15-metre-high Christmas tree that’s built from close to 10 tonnes of recycled materials. Head inside for a look-see, and be sure to check out the green Christmas market while you’re there. 

4. Holiday feasting

The festive season is a favourite for gastronomes and gourmets for a reason: there’s simply so many delicious ways to celebrate. For those seeking Christmas flavours with a twist, how about a full roast turkey set with Vietnamese flair at Sheung Wan’s culinary newcomer Mâm Amis ? For those who love tradition, indulge in a dazzling Christmas dinner with all the trimmings at Rosewood Hong Kong’s Henry steakhouse or a three-course meal at  timeless landmark, The Peak Lookout , with the city’s rolling panorama laid out before you.  

While you’re at it, don’t miss the participating restaurants in our inaugural Cathay Culinary Fest – simply dine at three of them from now till 31 December for a chance to earn 1,000.

Ready to feast? Peruse our favourite festive menus in Hong Kong this season here.

5. The Nutcracker

The story of Clara, the dashing Nutcracker prince and the villainous Rat King is a Christmas staple across the world, and Hong Kong Ballet’s rendition is part of the holiday tradition here in Hong Kong. The talented dancers are yet again set to bring the classic to the stage from 15-30 December. This year, they’re putting the city’s stamp on the tale, as Clara journeys through a world filled with bauhinias, Hong Kong wildlife and even the occasional racing jockey. 

6. AIA Carnival

Flying swings, bumper cars and gigantic circus tents are set to bring colour to Hong Kong’s skyline, as the AIA Carnival returns to Central Harbourfront this December. Over 26 rides, from the mild to the hair-raising, will fill the area, alongside buzzy sideshow games for you to impress (or embarrass) a loved one. Make a visit to the carnival’s World Circus tent a priority, as stunt motorcyclists, trapeze artists and gravity-defying acrobats from all over the globe will bring their acts to the big stage. The carnival will be running between 21 December and 25 February. 

7. Family events in December

Looking for things to do in Hong Kong with your little ones this holiday season? There are options galore: A vibrant puppet-filled show brings the 2005 Dreamworks film Madagascar to life from 14-24 December, while meet-and-greets with Santa Claus himself will take place at Pacific Place’s enchanted Snowfall Hollow . The Sai Kung Hoi Arts Festival also immerses visitors of all ages in the lesser known yet still enormously captivating stories of Hong Kong’s outlying eastern islands, with daily tours, craft workshops, busking and arts performances, all with free public entry until 14 January 2024.

Potterheads can experience the music of the franchise live on 12 December, when KITEC will host a screening of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix accompanied by the City Chamber Orchestra. Dedicated fans of the magical series should also hop on a ferry to Macao, as The Londoner throws open its doors to Harry Potter: The Exhibition from 15 December onwards, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the films and immersive journey into the wizarding world.  

8. New Year’s Eve celebrations

Send off 2023 in style as Hong Kong’s sky comes alight with vibrant pyrotechnics and sparkling displays as we ring in the new year. As for where you want to be when the final countdown starts, will you be vying for a spot along Victoria Harbour for the clearest view of the fireworks? A harbour cruise on the Aqua Luna in the thick of the action? A heaving dance floor behind an antiques shopfront at Central speakeasy Maggie Choo’s ? Or dressed to the nines at sky-high institutions like Aqua for a front-row seat to the spectacle? Make your choice wisely as more event bookings are revealed in the coming weeks.

Discover more winter events to enjoy with Cathay here.