Where to Celebrate Christmas This December 2022

With the Christmas season in full force, it’s about high time we got thinking about celebrating this holiday properly. This year, we plan to take advantage of the festive events, sights, and family-friendly activities in Hong Kong to dial up our Christmas spirits until it breaks the merry-meter.

Wrap those scarves around your neck and grab a pair of gloves because this year we’re heading out to catch all the worthwhile festivities and celebrations. The Beat Asia has curated our top picks for where to visit and sightsee this December 2022, so what are you waiting for? Down that mug of hot chocolate and off we go!

‘Christmas in HK with Lumations’ in PMQ

Inspired by the Christmas tree markets in Europe, "Christmas with Lumations" magically transforms the PMQ courtyard by erecting brightly coloured Christmas trees up from the concrete. This Christmas Wonderland has everything from a fully stocked Christmas Store, to a Tree Boulevard, and a refreshments space to chill out and munch on winter-inspired freshly baked pastries from NOC. In the spirit of giving, all proceeds from product sales will go to Branches of Hope, a local charity that works with refugees in Hong Kong.

Join in on their free Santa’s Tree Workshop, where you and your kid can be Santa’s little helpers for the day and decorate a 1-foot-tall artificial Christmas tree for the house. What’s better than bringing home a free tree made with love?

When: Dec. 10-12 (3 PM-9 PM) Dec. 12-25 (12 PM-9 PM)

Where: Christmas with Lumations, Courtyard, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central, Hong Kong

‘Gnomes Orchestra by Amigo & Amigo’ in Lee Gardens

Visit Lee Gardens with family and friends for a shopping journey laced with enticing awards, festive offerings, and gifting inspiration as you wander through the mall to enjoy Christmas carols and decorations. Shopping in Lee Gardens during this seasonal time gives you great rebates and a once-a-year opportunity to enter a lucky draw to receive e-Coupons for shopping rewards up to HK$ 50,000!

For HK$500, you can snap a picture with Santa Claus and get an instant framed picture to keep with you for years. You can also check out the Gnomes Orchestra AR Filter to take a picture with the adorable 3D gnomes whilst gallivanting about or chilling at the mall. Lee Gardens is  presenting a Digital Treasure Hunt with Little Monster e-Lab for you and your family to join in on the Christmas fun.

When: Dec. 2-24 (11 AM-10:30 PM)

Where: Gnomes Orchestra by Amigo & Amigo, G/F, Lee Garden One, 1/F Hysan Place and 1/F Lee Theatre Plaza

‘Festive Stays With the Mandarin Oriental’ in LANDMARK

Enjoy a festive stay with the Landmark Mandarin Oriental as they go the extra mile with LMO Festive Stockings, filled with gingersnap cookies made in collaboration with local charity Cookie Smiles. Eco-social company HK Timberbank will also welcome guests with a sustainable crafted Christmas tree made with typhoon-uprooted trees to take Instagrammable pictures with whilst also setting the tone for the Mandarin Oriental’s year to come.

Aside from a luxurious winter staycation, guests can revel in festive dinners at Amber, headed by chef Richard Ekkebus, and other exciting festive experiences at renowned restaurants such as SOMM, MO BAR, and Please Don’t Tell. Chef Ekkebus has also prepared a delightful showcase of holiday treats available on their online store for a festive spread to enjoy at home.

Check out the neighbouring LANDMARK’s very own festive attractions at Mrs. Claus’s Bakery – including Christmas cookies, Gingy’s Gingerbread House, the Cookie Xmas Tree, a giant Tea Pot trampoline, a Turning Teacup ride, a cookie-made seesaw and more.

When: Dec. 1-31 (Restaurant offerings may vary)

Where: The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong

‘A Disney Christmas’ at Hong Kong Disneyland

With every holiday season, you can bet your stockings that Disneyland will have everything you’d need to make special memories for you and your family. Celebrate Christmas with Mickey and Friends at the Christmastime Ball Show or Santa Goofy’s Magical Snowfall at select times throughout December, or catch the romantic Tree Lighting Ceremony during the evening.

You can also opt for many of their special holiday offers, which include a family Christmas themed staycation, a Starlight Picnic, or the Disney Christmas Dinner and Castle Shows Package, for the right Christmas for you.

When: Dec. 1-31 (Event times have select times)

Where: Hong Kong Disneyland, Lantau Island, Park Promenade, Hong Kong

‘UniChristmas’ at Harbour City

Another stellar shopping destination that knows how to bring the Christmas joy to the front and centre is Harbour City. This year, the Tsim Sha Tsui shopping haven transforms the Ocean Terminal Forecourt into a “Unicorn Merry-Go-Round Paradise.”

Get ready to be greeted by a 10-metre-tall iridescent Christmas tree, 18 merry-go-round unicorns, and more than 40 sparkly Christmas trees in varying sizes. Take festive pictures with your loved ones at the Charity Donation Zone, with proceeds going to the Hong Kong Blood Cancer foundation. Enjoy the UniChristmas Pop-up Store, which features innovative AR compatible postcards, as well as shopping rewards and themed activities throughout the mall.

When: Nov. 17-Jan. 2

Where: Harbour City, Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong

‘Christmas Town’ at West Kowloon

Check out Hong Kong’s very own world-class art and culture hub at the West Kowloon Cultural District and celebrate a festive day out at Christmas Town. Each year, Christmas town features a towering Christmas tree and charming Christmas décor that makes you feel as if you’ve been transported to a snowy village just a sleigh ride’s away from Santa’s workshop.

Drop by at the Christmas inspired lodges, meet with Santa Claus, jam out to music performances, join in on handicraft workshops and charity bazaars.

When: Nov. 25-Jan. 1 (Temporarily suspended on Dec. 6)

Where: Christmas Town, Harbourside Lawn West, West Kowloon Cultural District, Kowloon, Hong Kong