Hong Kong
EXPERIENCE THE MAGIC OF WINTER IN HONG KONG
Can you believe winter is almost here already? I know I sure can’t.
Maybe it’s because Hong Kong is still a nice 80°F outside, but it didn’t dawn on me until the other day when I went inside a mall that was decked out in Christmas decorations and music. Then I realized that November is rapidly ending– and what, tomorrow’s Thanksgiving?
I talked all about Christmas and holiday events last year, so believe it or not, this will actually be my only winter/Christmas related post this year. Now that this will be my 3rd Christmas spent in Hong Kong, I can confidently recommend the best things to do this winter season. But if you want more in-depth posts about specific winter events and how holidays are spent in Hong Kong, I’ll post links to my previous posts for you at the bottom!
At night, Hong Kong is lit up like a Christmas tree– and that’s just a normal day around here. During the actual holiday season, Hong Kong shines her brightest with even more lights and cheer. Even though there’s no snow and it may never really feel like it’s winter in Hong Kong, there are still plenty of good reasons to visit Hong Kong this winter.
Top 5 Things to do during Winter in Hong Kong:
1. Experience Hong Kong’s WinterFest
WinterFest takes place all throughout the city in Hong Kong, although its main attractions are located in Statue Square. For the past few years it has been a Tiffany & Co. inspired event with magical carousels and activities for the whole family. This year, the main attraction is WISH, a giant sculpture depicting dandelions losing their seeds in the wind. So go ahead and make a Christmas wish, and let it be carried on the wind with WISH.
2. Take in the Christmas Lights
As I’ve mentioned before, Hong Kong is a feast for your senses. The skyline at night beautifully glimmers in the waters of Victoria Harbour, and in the winter the skyline is filled with extra Christmas lights. Growing up, I always loved driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations around the neighborhood, and that tradition can continue here. Many bus tours, including the popular Big Bus Tours, offer special Christmas light tours that are perfect for kicking back and taking in the seasonal atmosphere of Hong Kong.
3. Do your Holiday Shopping
Hong Kong is a shoppers paradise year round, with more stores than imaginable considering the small space. On top of being able to find everything you need for gifts here, malls set up elaborate displays for the holidays. From spinning Nutcracker ballerinas to stripper Santas, Hong Kong has some of the craziest mall displays I’ve seen.
4. Visit a Theme Park
I’m always up for a visit to Hong Kong Disneyland or Ocean Park, but these theme parks are even better during the holiday season. You can expect marine-themed Christmas decorations, special shows and food, and even an “Ocean Santa” at Ocean Park. Whereas, at Disney you can find fun parades, Christmas-themed gifts and even fake snow floating through the air. And the fun doesn’t just have to stop just with those two theme parks, as you’ll also find holiday events at Ngong Ping 360, Madame Tussauds, Noah’s Ark and at sky100.
5. Ring in the New Year
New Year’s Eve is always a fun spectacle, but mix in Hong Kong’s party atmosphere and some amazing fireworks, and you’ve got yourself one world class event. The fireworks shot off for New Year’s Eve have been some of the best I’ve seen in my life. So grab a group of friends and head down to the harbor to watch them, just make sure to arrive early so you can actually enjoy them.
Between these amazing events for the Christmas season and the ones soon to follow for Chinese New Year, winter has definitely become my favorite season in Hong Kong.
So if you’re looking to come to Hong Kong this holiday, and you haven’t booked your flights and accommodation already, you’d better get on that pronto. Hong Kong is crowded enough on its own, but during the holidays even more so. And while many people end up staying on the Hong Kong side, my recommendation would be to stay in one of the many fabulous Tsim Sha Tsui Hotels that give travelers great views of the Christmas lights.
Want more info about winter in Hong Kong? Here’s a few of our previous stories:
A Guide to Christmas in Hong Kong
HK Disneyland: A Sparkling Christmas In Photos
Foto Friday: Merry Christmas Hong Kong
A Very Merry Hong Kong (Instagram) Christmas
3…2…1… Happy New Year Hong Kong!