Embrace the festive spirit with a trip around Hong Kong taking in the best Christmas decorations for 2024
Help Santa with the Christmas present rush at his workshop in ifc mall
The exciting run-up to Christmas is well underway and Hong Kong has again done a magnificent job of embracing the festive spirit.
ifc mall has unveiled Santa’s Magic Toy Factory with Santa Claus overseeing the creation of presents for all the good little boys and girls. The journey begins at check-in, where elf helpers must fill-in their Naughty or Nice Report at the Elf Workstation. Then it’s on to the Sweet Corner for a limited-edition candy surprise. Move on to Santa’s Office to meet the big man himself and have a commemorative photo taken. As a thank you to little elves for their hard work they can win a complimentary plus keychain. Santa Meet & Greet sessions cost $150 and reservations can be made via Klook. This year proceeds will be donated to the Hong Kong Committee for UNICEF. Santa’s Magic Toy Factory, 10.30am to 10pm daily, November 21 to January 1, 2025, Oval Atrium, Podium Level 1, ifc Mall, Central.
Think pink at Times Square in Causeway Bay as the main square transforms into a snowy pink Christmas village complete with six-and-a-half metre Christmas tree and Pink Express.
In the pink at Times Square
Hang around for the Christmas snowfall sessions and there’s also a chance to meet a pink Santa on certain days. Head inside the mall to enjoy games, a photo booth and merchandise on the second floor of the Atrium. Snowfall sessions take place on the evenings of December 22, 25, 26 and 31 and Santa is in residence on the afternoons of December 15, 22 and 24. The Pink Christmas @ Times Square, 10am to 10pm, until January 1, Open Piazza, Times Square, Causeway Bay.
Head down to Cyberport in Hong Kong Island's Southside district for Jumptopia, part of Singapore-based 'edutainment' playpark Kiztopia, which is making its debut in Hong Kong this winter at Cyberport Arcade. The special Christmas installation, Sparkle Wonderland: A Festive Gala, features giant inflatables, a seven-metre slide, a fantasy light and shadow show, indoor bouncy castle fun, outdoor competitive games and a night time Magical Carnival with interactive laser performances.
Enjoy laser installations at Cyberport Arcade
Kiztopia friends will also be making an appearance, including Christmas bunny Raby, with special meet and greet sessions on Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Bookings can be made via Klook and prices start from $68 per person depending on age and session time. Sparkle Wonderland: A Festive Gala, 1 to 7pm on weekdays, 11am to 8pm on weekends, December 6 to January 5, 2025, Cyberport Arcade, Cyberport.
Over the harbour in Tsim Sha Tsui, Harbour City will this year be featuring a festive installation that has been created in collaboration with Japanese miniature artist Tatsuya Tanaka. Visitors can explore two attractions, The Big Little Christmas outside the shopping mall with a huge, 28m Santa’s workshop desk and a ten metre Christmas tree created from a Santa hat. Meanwhile, Countdown to Mini-mas is an art exhibition at Gallery by the Harbour displaying 25 miniature artworks. And as you approach the main staircase of Ocean Terminal, be wowed by an eight metre wooden advent calendar, each box hiding festive decorations. Harbour City Mall, until January 1, 32 Canton Road, Kowloon.
Back on Hong Kong Island, Pacific Place has over the years come up with some corking Christmas installations and this year is no exception. The Garden Court is currently dominated by a giant knitting monster as part of the mall’s ChristmasVille decorations.
The Grand Weaver puts the finishing touches to his Christmas stocking at a yarn-themed celeration in Pacific Place
There are themed installations throughout the mall so take your time to wander around and take it all in. Stroll through the Monsters’ Cove and into the Fuzz Ball, a field filled with cuddly furballs. Ring the doorbell at the mysterious cottage and greet the monsters that appear. And check out Knitty Nook, a window into the magic yarn factory where baby monsters are preparing for Christmas. Don’t miss the chance to visit Santa for a photo in his grotto and there are also workshops to join at Crafty Lodge to create your own, bespoke furry ChristmasVille monster. ChristmasVille, 10am to 10pm, until January 2, Garden Court, Level LG1, Pacific Place, Admiralty.
Head along Queen’s Road to where Landmark is hosting a Wrap It Up: Christmas Atelier. The concept is a collaboration between Sarah Andelman, founder of Parisian concept store Colette, and Japanese artist duo Ribbonesia. Children can enjoy ribbon-themed games such as creating their own ribbons or custom postcards. There’s also a Ribbonesia Workshop to create ribbon ornaments. Photo opportunities are available with the popular fuzzy elf character, Zimomo. Wrap It Up: A Christmas Atelier, until January 1, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central.
Further afield on Lantau Island, Ngong Ping cable cars are channeling a traditional vibe this Christmas with retro-themed gondolas to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Red A. Red A is a local plastic manufacturer famous for lamp shades and stools which have been furnishing Hong Kong homes since the 1960s.
A 360-degree Christmas at Ngong Ping Village
The Ngong Ping 360 x Red A Christmas Dream Factory features a five metre ferris wheel with cabins replaced by Red A lampshades and water buckets, a giant Christmas tree and a vintage Red A train. In addition, two gondolas have been refurbished as a Hong Kong cha chaan ten and a traditional herbal tea shop. Swing over the Lantau mountains to enjoy the Red A-themed decorations at Ngong Ping Village. Ngong Ping 360 x Red A Christmas Dream Factory and Nostalgia-themed Cable Cars, until January 1, Stupa Square, Ngong Ping Village, Lantau.
And Hong Kong WinterFest is back on Kowloon side again this year with a spectacular giant Christmas Tree overlooking Victoria Harbour. This festive season the event boasts its largest ever Christmas Town with decorations, firework displays, light shows and more. Head over to West Kowloon Art Park to enjoy the festivities that are organised annually by Hong Kong Tourism Board. Hong Kong WinterFest, until January 1, Harbourside Lawn West, Art Park, West Kowloon.
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