10 things to do in the Greater Bay Area this December

This winter, Hong Kong gears up for Clockenflap, the biggest music extravaganza of the year arriving 1-3 December, bringing global acts to Victoria Harbour. But even without tickets to the world class festival, there’s still much to do in the Greater Bay Area to make your time in the region – especially during the winter holiday season — all the more worthwhile. From new rooftop entertainment destinations to festivals and sporting events just a hop and skip across the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao bridge, check out our top picks below. 

1. Across China: Winter Solstice

Winter Solstice, which marks the longest night of the year, is a time when Chinese families gather to enjoy a delicious meal. In Hong Kong, a Winter Solstice dinner typically ends with a warm bowl of tong yuen, glutinous rice balls, served in a sweetened ginger broth and stuffed with black sesame, red bean paste or other tasty fillings.  

22 December.

Great dessert shops for tong yuen in Hong Kong 

Fook Yuen Desserts 

This North Point shop is known for its cheap and cheerful dessert soups and tong yuen. Its signature black sesame and peanut rice balls are also sold in their online shop in frozen form. 

Shop I-1, G/F, Lei Do Building, 7 Fuk Yuen Street, North Point, Hong Kong 

Kai Kai Dessert 

For 40 years, Kai Kai has served Ningbo-style tong yuen to a loyal fanbase. The classic black sesame version served in a ginger broth has been perfected by this Michelin Bib Gourmand awardee. 

G/F, 29 Ning Po Street, Jordan, Hong Kong 

Ching Ching Desserts 

For a new take on the festive staple, head to this Wan Chai shop for its tong yuen in a gingery, rose-flavoured wine broth or filled with custard. 

Shop A1, G/F, The Zenith, 8 Wan Chai Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong 

2. Hong Kong: The Trilogy opens 

Singular Concepts’ The Trilogy , a two-storey music destination at H-Code, is firing up the city’s nightlife scene. There are three aspects to this party plot: Ella, a New Orleans-themed speakeasy; Wav, a beachy rooftop bar with views of the bustling areas of Soho and Central; and Keyz, a slick club where house music plays all night long.  

3. Hong Kong: Madagascar, The Musical 

It might be cold outside, but the sun-drenched forests of Africa are coming to you this December with the arrival of Madagascar: The Musical . Based on the Dreamworks movie of the same name, join Alex the lion, Marty the zebra, Melman the giraffe and Gloria the hippo as they break out of their cages in Central Park Zoo and find freedom on a stunning tropical island – and all the chaos that comes with it.  

14-24 December.  

4. Hong Kong: New group game Bomb Battle arrives

Part escape room, part bomb-defusal simulator, the new Bomb Battle Hong Kong is an ideal team-building or party activity. You and your friends are tasked with completing a series of missions to stop the baddies from taking over Kwun Tong. The final stage gets messy, as you’ll have to solve a puzzle together to stop a “bomb” from exploding. Fail the task and you’ll be cannon-blasted with neon paint. Losing has never been so much fun. 

5. Macao: Andas Macau opens its doors  

Another glitzy hotel is set to open in the Vegas of the East, as Hyatt and Galaxy Macau are joining forces on their newest venture: Andaz Macau . Macanese culture is tied into everything from the art adorning its walls to the architecture, with thoughtful nods to the city’s maritime history and Portuguese heritage. Take time to explore its grand staircase, where videos detailing Macao through the ages captivate passers-by.  

6. Macao: Harry Potter exhibition at The Londoner Macao 

You don’t need an owl post for an invitation to Hogwarts this month, just a ticket to The Londoner Macao’s Harry Potter: The Exhibition . Filled with props, and behind-the-scenes secrets from the acclaimed film series, books and play, the interactive show transports you to the Wizarding World, where you can create your own Patronus, give Quidditch a go and wash it all down with a pint of Butterbeer. Stop by the gift shop on the way out for your own set of wizarding robes and chocolate frogs. 

From 15 December onwards. 

7. Macao: Macau Snooker Masters 

Some of the world’s best snooker players will gather at the Wynn Palace this month to compete in the Macau Snooker Masters . Watch the likes of World Snooker Champion Ronnie O’Sullivan play against celebrated contenders including Triple Crown winners Judd Trump and Mark Williams, Hong Kong’s Marco Fu and Ding Junhui – Asia’s first world number one player. 

25-29 December. 

8. Jiangmen : High Speed Rail connection opens

It’s now easier than ever to get from Hong Kong to Jiangmen, as the High Speed Rail has recently launched a new Zhanjiangxi route with five new stations in Guangdong. From Hong Kong West Kowloon Station, it now takes less than two hours to get to Jiangmen, cutting the travel time down by about 30 minutes. 

9. Jiangmen: Crowne Plaza Jiangmen Binjiang opens

Another business-focused hotel has opened up in the Greater Bay Area. Located near the Pearl West Exhibition Center and Sports Center, the stylish 290-room Crowne Plaza Jiangmen Binjiang allows travellers to relax at the hotel’s indoor pool after a long day of work, and enjoy the culinary delights of Wuyi and the Chaoshan region at the elegant Canal Luna restaurant. 

10. Guangzhou and Shenzhen: Guangzhou and Shenzhen Baoan Marathons 

On 10 December, the Guangzhou Marathon returns for its 10th edition, where 30,000 participants will descend upon the streets of the city to test their physical and mental endurance. Starting from Tianhe Sports Center, runners pass through iconic landmarks such as the Pazhou and Liede bridges. Then on the morning of 31 December, the Shenzhen Baoan Marathon takes over the city’s busiest thoroughfares to close out 2023.