How to have the best Christmas ever in Hong Kong

December in Hong Kong is a magical time of year: there’s a welcome coolness in the air, party season is in full swing, and many of Hong Kong’s most iconic spots are decked out with festive decorations. As we count down the days until 25 December, we’re here to help you make the most of the holiday season this year. From magical staycation deals and Christmas markets to the best places to source your decorations in Hong Kong, here’s our guide to everything to see and do to make this the best Christmas ever.  

Rock around the Christmas tree 

There’s nothing quite like the woody aroma of a Christmas tree filling your home during the holidays to get you in the mood - and what’s a more festive activity than choosing your own tree in person? Head to Chun Hing Garden in Yuen Long, where Douglas fir and Nnoble fir trees range from one to more than six-metres-high. For those with less space at home, Mong Kok’s Flower Market has an abundance of smaller Christmas trees, wreaths, garlands and festive foliage for decorating. There’s also a great range available at Anglo Chinese Florist and Florist Paradise Limited – but be sure to order yours quickly, as real Christmas trees sell out fast.

Count down with an advent calendar 

Can’t wait to unwrap your gifts on Christmas Day? With an advent calendar, there’s something to look forward to every day from 1 December to Christmas Eve. For the aspiring super hero, the Lego Marvel Avengers Advent Calendar features 24 favourite comic book characters to build, including Spider-Man and Thor. For those who enjoy a morning brew, P&T’s Masterblends Calendar contains 24 different tea blends in their festive countdown. Or if you prefer a classic choc-a-day advent calendar, the Four Seasons Advent Calendar Gift Box holds a delicious array of festive character-shaped chocolates

Turn your home into a festive wonderland 

Baubles looking dated? Fairy lights getting dim? If your stash of decorations could do with a refresh, some of Hong Kong’s favourite homewares hops are here to help. Franc Franc ’s festive collection covers everything from fun snow globes and tree ornaments to bright LED lights and lush wreaths. Meanwhile, Log-On is a city-wide go-to for ornaments, trinkets and stationery, or check out Lion Rock Press ’s Hong Kong Christmas ornaments to hang, such as Christmas pudding in a steamer basket and a felt mouse Star Ferry worker. This year, you’ll also find Christmas tree ornaments on Cathay, designed to look like four deliciously decorated, aviation-themed gingerbread cookies. Or to browse a huge range of tinsel, artificial trees and lights, head to Sham Shui Po’s Fuk Wing Street, where Christmas decorations are to be found in abundance.

Catch the best Christmas shows in town 

Once you’ve decorated your tree from head to (mistle)toe, you’ll be in the mood for more festivities to enjoy. Be whisked away into the fantastically festive world of The Nutcracker , performed by the Hong Kong Ballet at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre from 11 to 26 December. Also showing is the Hong Kong Players’ pantomime, Robin Hood (oh yes, it is!). Get into the panto spirit and join in with the cries of “he’s behind you” at the Shouson Theatre throughout December.

Visit Hong Kong’s Christmas markets

You might not have Jack Frost nipping at your nose in Hong Kong, but there’s nothing like a festive market to get you feeling jolly, especially when you have a warm glass of mulled wine in hand. The Discovery Bay Christmas Market is back this year on 11 December, spotlighting small businesses selling everything from jewellery to snacks.

The annual Stanley Plaza Christmas Market is the ideal place to source stocking fillers with its array of accessories and handcrafted gifts, and you can find presents for your little ones – even the furry versions - at the Swire Properties White Christmas Street Fair , which runs from 1 to 4 December. Or head to Prestige Fairs’ Christmas Gift and Lifestyle Fair at the Grand Ballroom at the Conrad Hong Kong, where you’ll find everything from designer threads and handmade jewellery to gourmet food and homewares.

Have yourself a merry little Christmas staycation 

There’s no shortage of festive staycations to enjoy in Hong Kong this December. Get in the holiday spirit with The Murray’s Christmas room festive retreat, where you’ll be welcomed with mulled wine, and you can shop at the Christmas Market while your children visit Father Christmas at the Holiday Grotto. 

The Four Seasons’ Festive Escape package is fun for everyone: gather with family and friends to enjoy dining offers and lots of child-friendly arts and crafts and cooking activities. And a winter retreat at The Upper House is filled with festive delights: glimpse their sustainable Christmas Tree, made out of 38,600 plastic bottles, and get exclusive access to Pacific Place’s Santa Hall and to a pod for four at The Grounds.

Don’t miss out on Cathay’s unique range of staycation deals, with getaways available at some of the city’s very best hotels, and a host of additional benefits on top. Don't forget to book with your Standard Chartered Cathay Mastercard^® for all those extra bonus miles.  

See the city’s most spectacular festive displays

Many of the city’s public spaces go all-out for Christmas. Visit the Tree of Togetherness in Tai Kwun , which comes alive every evening with a dazzling LED light show, made even more magical by the lights that adorn the surrounding historic buildings. 

Tsim Sha Tsui’s Harbour City have unveiled a unicorn-themed extravaganza, transforming the entire Harbour Terminal into a unicorn merry-go-round paradise. Featuring glistening Christmas trees, shining stars, a pop-up Christmas store and more, Harbour City’s annual festive display is sure to delight all family members.  

West Kowloon’s Art Park has been transformed into a glimmering Christmas Town complete with wooden lodges, festive music, a Santa meet-and-greet, a dazzling 20m-tall Christmas tree and more. Set against the dramatic backdrop of Victoria Harbour, the LED-adorned tree – the tallest in Hong Kong – provides the ideal setting for a seasonal family photo.

Get merry at these festive workshops and experiences 

There’s no better way to spend time with friends and family over the holiday season than at a festive workshop or two. There’s an abundance of these Christmas activities occurring in the city this year – but be sure to secure your spot early as spaces fill up fast. Use your Asia Miles to book a wreath-making or Christmas tree workshop with Myosotis through Cathay – or opt for a Christmas portrait photoshoot with KaChick (there’s also one available for your furry friends, too).  

Check off your Christmas shopping list with Cathay 

Getting Christmas gifts right for people we love – and occasionally those we don’t know as well – can be a tiresome task. But thanks to Cathay’s extensive range of products and exclusive Christmas offers, the holiday season doesn’t have to be stressful. You can use miles or a combination of Miles Plus Cash to purchase gifts, and free delivery means you can cross gift-buying off your festive to-do list from the comfort of your home, leaving more time to share with loved ones.

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