activitiesAsiaFestivalsHong KongList

Why You Need To Experience Hong Kong WinterFest This 2018!

If you thought Victoria Harbour, Disneyland, and The Peak were breathtaking, then get ready to be blown away when you check them out during Hong Kong WinterFest!

As glowing Halloween pumpkins and spooky skeletons are taken down, shiny Christmas lights and gigantic statues of Santa Clause slowly make their way up. Then, the WinterFest finally begin — starting on December 1, 2018 to January 2, 2019, Hong Kong gets dressed up with eye-catching light shows, spectacular events, and distinctive shopping restaurants and menus for both locals and tourists to enjoy.

Here is everything you need to know about Hong Kong WinterFest this 2018 to 2019!

Glimpse Hong Kong WinterFest Highlights:

1. The Hong Kong Philharmonic

(Image via HKPhil)

Go big or go home! Visit Hong Kong’s grandest orchestra band located in Cultural Centre. An array of heart-warming selections will be played such as the  renowned Home Alone melodies and crowd-pleasing Christmas favorites like the Jingle Bell Rock, Let it Snow!, and O’ Holy Night. Sing along with thousands of others’ joy and spirit.

  • Location: Level 8, Administration Building, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui, KLN, Hong Kong
  • Date: December 23, 3:00pm and 8:00pm

2. Hong Kong Symphony of Lights

(Image via Shutterstock)

Can you believe this absolute luxury costs nothing? Visit Victoria Harbour’s presentation of lights and find out why this destination is one of the most famous spots in the world.

View buildings with dazzling LED and laser illuminations in different vantage points such as Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront outside the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, the promenade at Golden Bauhinia Square in Wanchai, and from sightseeing ferries in the Victoria Harbour.

  • Location: Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong
  • Dates: All year round, starting 8:00pm

3.  The Nutcracker

(Image via Flickr)

What do you get when you combine crazy acrobatic talent with magical snow? An outstanding ballet performance that’ll bring you a sense of wonder and nostalgia!

The world famous ballet performance named ‘The Nutcracker’, is a great way to spike festive cheers. Get to know the story behind the infamous Christmas ornament, the Nutcracker, as you familiarize yourself with Yuletide-themed acts. Get your fill of fun and crazy costumes, including the evil Rat King, insane dolls, and utterly captivating ballerinas.

  • Location: Grand Theatre in the Hong Kong Cultural Centre next to the Star Ferry Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon
  • Dates: December 14 – 16, 19 – 23, and 25 – 26, 2018 at 7:30pm and December 15-16, 22-23, and 25-26 at 2:30pm

Pro-tip: Book tickets earlier for cheaper prices

4. Statue Square Christmas Tree

(Image via: Wikimedia Commons)

Oh Christmas trees, oh Christmas trees, they put a smile on our face! Find a gigantic, glittery, and brilliantly-lit tree located at the heart of the city. Take and cherish photos with your loved ones as you enjoy the festival to the fullest with a real life Santa Claus and wonderful carol. Ho ho ho!

  • Location: North Statue Square, Central, Hong Kong Island
  • Dates: December 1 – January 1, 2018

5. NY 2019 Fireworks

(Image via Shutterstock)

Hong Kongers celebrate both Western and Chinese new years with a big bang. If you happen to be in Hong Kong by the end of December, be sure to catch the amazing New Year hype of vibrant fireworks and thrilled watchers.

  • Location: Victoria Harbour
  • Dates: December 31, 11:00pm

Admire Illuminated Attractions:

1. Disneyland

(Image via Wikimedia Commons)

Sure, you’ve been to Disneyland and got to relive your childhood. But come on the winter season, where the true magic happens! You’ll see that you can not only just relive your childhood, but also be a part of it.

If feeling as if you’re one of the characters of a Disney Christmas movie sounds like your idea of a merry time, a trip to the park is right up your alley.  Join your friends as they dress up with adorable Christmas costumes, sparkly lights, and a gigantic tree filled with occasional fake snow.

Get your Disneyland tickets right here!

2. Ocean Park

(Image via Wikimedia Commons)

Love Hong Kong’s thrilling Ocean Park adventure? Well, you’ll love it more when this park gets dressed up for the season with beaming illuminations, snowy themed rides, and joyous carols! Check out our guide for some useful tips, what to expect, and how to maximize your time.

Get your Ocean Park Hong Kong tickets here!

Take ‘Christmas-y’ photos at These Iconic Spots:

1. 1881 Heritage

(Image via Wikimedia Commons)

Classy and creative is how you can describe 1881 Heritage during the winter. From dressing up as a giant snowman, a castle, teddy bear, and much more, this luxurious shopping mall is an absolute must-visit.

2. Langham Place

(Image via Wikimedia Commons)

Take a step in this mall and  find yourself in an indoor Christmas wonderland. Lose yourself as you find towering reindeers, bears, elves or ride along a snowy chu-chu train where you uncover white covered trees, flashing lights, and adorable Hello Kitty statues.

3. Harbour City

(Image via Wikimedia Commons)

Starting from November 21, 2018 to January 1, 2019, you’ll find everything you wished for during this season as a kid. Starting from gigantic airship rides, balloon house photos, and extraordinary LED shows.

Join the country’s intense celebration this cold season through lavish shopping sprees, sightseeing, and dazzling shows that are definitely worth the wait every year. What do you want to see and do in Hong Kong during this winter? Let us know in the comments below!

For more amazing Hong Kong experience, check out the following: