Family-Friendly Christmas Events
What does Hong Kong have in store for you and your family this Christmas?
In 2010, CNN voted Hong Kong as one of the top 10 places worldwide to spend Christmas, and acknowledged the city’s huge efforts in creating a joyous holiday ambiance. Year after year, festivals, fairs, shows and theme parks crop up for everyone to enjoy. And it’s never the same old experience - the organisers always strive to introduce something newer and better. This year is no different; with an abundance of yuletide events across town, here are the top family-friendly ones.
Hong Kong Harbin Ice Festival
Though this event has been open since early October, this outdoor ice carnival is the perfect place to get your kids fired up for the holidays. What could be more fun than giant ice slides, frost-dusted merry-go-rounds, and a load of other games? Let the kids run wild while you marvel at the impressive ice sculptures and sample the street of food booths. There will be also be a line of performances showcasing the region’s most popular and talented artists. We know it’s a bit of a trek, but it’s worth it!
Date: Oct 1 - Jan 4
Time: (Mon-Fri) 11am - 8pm; (Sat, Sun & PH) 10am - 9pm
Venue: Tai Tong, Yuen Long
Price: $90 incl. Ice Exhibition Hall; (Fun Package) $240
Enquiries: 2337 9366; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
More info: www.uepl.com.hk/HK-HarbinIceFestival/en/
Disney in a Whole New Light
Most youngsters are already amazed by the magical playground that is Disneyland, but just wait ‘til they see its transformation for the holiday season! Bursting with lights and colour, Disneyland are determined to wow all the guests by putting on a show like never before. Along with a host of Christmas-themed features, the entire park will be illuminated by millions of tiny lights. And don’t miss the after-dark spectacular - the Paint the Night Parade; it’s a state-of-the-art LED parade immersing all your child’s favourite Disney and Pixar stories.
Date: Nov 13
Time: Various (opening hours here)
Venue: Hong Kong Disneyland
Price: Various (see prices here)
Enquiries: 1-830-830
More info: www.hongkongdisneyland.com
Oliver!
Hong Kong Youth Arts Foundation have a true Christmas favourite in store for us this month - they are bringing the famed musical Oliver! to the stage! Freely based on Charles Dickens’ classic novel Oliver Twist, the musical will feature a cast of 80 young actors, and recreate the captivating tale of the poor orphan boy’s tough life set in Victorian Britain, and his survival against the odds. Grab your tickets for you and the kids and come down to support the cast and sing along to Oliver’s timeless tunes like I’d Do Anythingand Got To Pick A Pocket or Two!
Date: Nov 27-29
Time: 7.30pm - 10pm; (matinee: Nov 29) 2.30pm - 5pm
Venue: Shouson Theatre, Hong Kong Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Rd., Wan Chai
Price: (adult) $220-$280; (child / student / senior) $200-$250 via URBTIX
Enquiries: 2877 2656; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
More info: www.hkyaf.com
Carols by Candlelight Charity Event
The Peak’s heritage hospital will transform into a family playground to raise proceeds for Matilda Children’s Foundation, and grant ill, underprivileged children with life-changing surgeries. The event is open to anyone and will feature six carol-singing choirs, food stalls, knick knack tents and a breath-taking view. Don’t leave the littles ones at home or they’ll miss out on all the games, art and craft activities and a visit from Santa. For ease of access, there will be a shuttle bus running between the Peak Galleria (bus terminal) and the Matilda every 30 minutes from 5.30pm to 8pm.
Date: Dec 4
Time: 6-8pm
Venue: Matilda Hospital, 41 Mount Kellett Road, The Peak
Price: Free admission
Enquiries: 2849 0355
More info: www.matilda.org/childrenfoundation
Puss in Boots: The Panto
During the first two weeks of December, the Shouson Theatre stage at the HK Arts Centre will be brought to life by this year’s annual holiday pantomime. The talented cast from HK Players is excited to present Puss in Boots, another old Christmas classic and an adaptation of the original folktale written by Charles Perrault in 1697. Set in London, the panto’s theme is ‘rags to riches’ (much like Cinderella) and features some very colourful characters. Bring the little ones and even the grandparents along - they’ll love it!
Date: Dec 5-7, 11-14
Time: Various
Venue: Shouson Theatre, Hong Kong Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Rd., Wan Chai
Price: (adult) $290-$330; (child / student / senior) $250-$290 via URBTIX
Enquiries: click here
More info: www.hongkongplayers.com
Jolly Christmas Wonderland
For nearly a whole month, Noah’s Ark are opening their doors for a Christmas-themed affair with all kinds of entertaining and educational activities. It’s a little far out but a guaranteed fun-filled day and your kids will be begging you to take them back again. Let them hop around and discover new interests, like learning tricks from real magicians, participating in a fairy tale musical, making decorative crafts or baking cake-pops. Guide them to the winter cottage to pay Santa a visit and click away in the photo booth for some family selfies.
Date: Dec 6 - Jan 1 (Saturday / Sunday / Public Holidays only)
Time: Various
Venue: Noah’s Ark, 33 Pak Yan Road, Ma Wan
Price: (general) $155; (child / senior) $125 via Noah’s Ark Online Ticketing
Enquiries: 3411 8888
More info: www.noahsark.com.hk
Ocean Park Christmas Sensation
Ocean Park is also joining in on the Christmas fun in Hong Kong of course with a launch of new activities and events for a limited time. The whole park will be glowing in a sea of glittering rainbow lights and festively decorated with sleighs, ivy and a 70 foot sparkling tree. Waterfront Plaza will become an alluring realm of candy canes and a wintery cottage where Santa awaits visits from children to chat about their dreams and wishlists. With fun-filled games, holiday treats and Christmas carols echoing throughout the park, Ocean Park sounds like a great place to really get into the spirit.
Date: Dec 13 - Jan 4
Time: 10am - 10pm
Venue: Ocean Park
Price: (adult) $320; (child - aged 3-11) $160
Enquiries: 3923 2323
More info: www.oceanpark.com.hk
The Nutcracker
Christmas would not be the same (in any of the world’s major cities) without this enchanted fairy tale about Clara and her magical world of sugar plum fairies, evil mice and gingerbread soldiers. This year is no exception as the dancers from The Hong Kong Ballet have worn their pointe shoes out over the past few months in preparation for yet another year of The Nutcracker. Set to Tchaikovsky’s score and accompanied by Hong Kong Sinfonietta, the festive show will mesmerise the youngsters and inspire the little ballerinas-in-the-making.
Date: Dec 14-16, 20-26
Time: (Dec 14-16, 20-24) 7.30pm; (Dec 15-16, 22-23, 25-26) 2.30pm
Venue: Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui
Price: $140-$1000 via URBTIX
Enquiries: 2105 9724
More info: www.hkballet.com
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