Weekender Guide HK: Best Things to See, Do, Eat, Drink on Dec. 16-18, 2022

Ahh, another weekend is upon us and you’re looking for cool things to get up to in the 852! We’ve saved you the hassle with The Beat Hong Kong’s rundown of the best places to hit up and things to do this weekend—from blink-and-you'll-miss-it pop-up sights and new restaurant openings, to the hottest activities that you shouldn’t miss.

To keep your finger on the pulse of the city, follow The Beat Hong Kong to see what’s best in store for the weekend. 

1. Paddington Bear at The Langham

Famously beloved for being adorable, his kind-heartedness, and penchant for marmalade sandwiches, British icon Paddington Bear is doing the rounds around The Langham Hotel locations across the globe for the first time. Decked in his customary duffel coat, now in the hotel’s signature shade of pink instead of his usual blue, the little brown bear is making a festive appearance at the Hong Kong Langham as part of a photo backdrop in the lobby, and in a bespoke Instagram filter.

What’s more, to get into the gifting spirit, guests will also be receiving Paddington-themed amenities sets in their rooms, featuring a Paddington cookie, Paddington stickers, as well as Peggy Fortnum-esque postcards that showcase his festive adventures. Book your stay now by clicking here.

When: Now until Jan. 2

Where: The Langham, 8 Peking Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong

How much: Starting from HK$750 (per night)

2. Rockin’ A-Grounds the Christmas Tree

After a buzzing run over the summer, outdoor cinema The Grounds is marching ahead into the festive season with a treasure trove of Christmas- and holiday-themed movies on their line-up. From classics like “Die Hard,” and “The Polar Express,” to rousing musicals like “The Greatest Showman” or “La La Land,” wrap up and sink into a plush sofa at one of their wonderful pods.

Adding a blitz of extra cheer that is guaranteed to put a smile on anyone’s face, the space also offers complimentary mulled wine and mince pies for all visitors, courtesy of chefs Cary Docherty and Paolo de Venuto of Salisterra at The Upper House. Click here to browse through the full range of films, and to purchase your tickets.

When: Now until Dec. 1

Where: Hong Kong Observation Wheel and AIA Vitality Park, 33 Man Kwong Street, Central, Hong Kong

How much: Starting from HK$800 (admits four persons)

3. All Isatisse Wants for Christmas

In part therapeutic, in part a way to hone your hand-eye coordination, and all parts fun, needle felting is an unsung craft that gifts you with a fluffy creation with a unique texture. Add a touch of DIY to your Christmas tree this year and follow the needle strokes of artist Isatisse to put together your very own series of felt decorations inspired by her signature cheeky abstract style. These will also make wonderful stocking stuffers that are sure to brighten up any recipient’s face! Book your session by clicking here, with a special duo concession for a parent and a child at HK$600.

When: Now until Dec. 31

Where: Isatisse Studio, H405, Block Hollywood, 4/F, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central, Hong Kong

How much: Starting from HK$400

4. A Christmas Candle

Warming you up from inside out, an artisanal aromatherapy candle burns brightly to bring you a vibey ambiance while wafting luxuriating warmth from its blend of oils. Presented jointly by sustainable local home and lifestyle brand Bamboa and aromatherapy line enid.scents, this customisable aroma therapy massage candle-making workshop inspires you to unlock the power of essential oils in revamping your atmosphere.

Fill your space with fragrances of winter pine or orange pomander, bringing in the winter wilderness to your home. Each Bamboa candle is 170g and has an estimated burning period of 55 to 60 hours. Reserve your spot by purchasing your ticket here.

When: 12 PM-2 PM, Dec. 17

Where: Bamboa, S304, Block Staunton, 4/F, PMQ, 35 Aberdeen Street, Central, Hong Kong

How much: HK$530

5. A Very African Christmas

Packing in a full day of festive fun, Africa Centre is hosting a Christmas market with delightfully themed pop-ups of all sorts. Do some gift-shopping at their apparel and accessories section or take a bite out of some yummy snacks with origins from African countries, before swinging by the crafting and game booths for some family-friendly activities to busy your hands. Plus, there will be special community performances in the evening to really get the party going.

Admission is free, but if you would like to fill your bellies with some African-style Christmas delights, click here to grab a reservation for the African Christmas Set Lunch (HK$120) or save room to go all out on the African Christmas Dinner Buffet (HK$200)! Load up your plate with Nigerian Jollof Rice, southern American Soul Fried Chicken, South African Chakalaka and Koeksister dough twists, Ethiopian Gomen Wat (collard greens), and slurp on some hearty Tanzanian Pumpkin Soup.

When: 12 PM-9 PM, Dec. 18

Where: Africa Center Hong Kong, 12/F, 21 Hillwood Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon

How much: Free (Starting from HK$120 for meal)

6. Do They See It’s Christmas?

Whilst Hong Kong is a city without snow, the weather has clearly taken a nosedive and granted us with the chills we have been yearning for all summer and balmy autumn for. While it isn’t clear how long this window of opportunity for wintertime activities and F/W23 stylings will last for, we think it’s best to make the most out of the wet and cold right now with the simple yet satisfying sensation of cuddling up to watch a movie while the wet and cold skies sulk on.

Best enjoyed with the whole family and a hot cocoa tableside, we have rounded up our favourite Christmas-themed movies for you to burn through over the less-than-sunny weekend that’s upcoming. From the animated paragon of “Klaus,” to the kooky “Nightmare Before Christmas,” click here and see our full list of festive film recommendations to keep everyone (both kids and adults) entertained for all the Christmas holidays.

7. Raise a Tuscany Toast

While some are huddling for warmth with their firm grasp wrapped around a festive tipple, Taste Vino are calling out to old-school wine enthusiasts who prefer a glass of the good stuff without all the bells and whistles. Transforming Italian restaurant Acquasala into a “speakeasy style” wine tavern, hosts Andrea Grippi and Jenemy Ma will introduce eight selected bottles of Tuscan varieties that are ripe for sampling.

As one of the most well-known wine regions of Europe, Sangiovese-based dry wines are perhaps the most remarkable output of Tuscany. Familiarise yourself with the gorgeous labels of the region, all whilst enjoying the laidback aperitivo ambiance and delicious charcuterie nibbles. Get your tickets now by clicking here.

When: 6 PM-9 PM, Dec. 17

Where: Acquasala, 13 Elgin Street, SoHo, Hong Kong

How much: HK$500

8. Sip and Whiff

The city is ripe with spices in the air. Stirring in cinnamon, cloves, and citrus notes, mulled wines are a seasonal treasure that we all look forward to savouring. Following on with another vino experience that prizes authentic palates, Inter Cultural Education is presenting a mulled wine tasting and sharing session that unveils the history and fascinating fun facts behind this deliciously sweet beverage. Taste-testers will also get to walk away with a bag of mulled wine spices of their own to brew at home, and can opt to join in to make a custom potpurri bag. Click here to grab your tickets to this themed tasting.

When: 3 PM-5 PM, Dec. 17

Where: 99COMMONS, 99 Pui To Road, Tuen Mun, New Territories

How much: HK$280

9. Bake the Halls

For the ultimate holiday treat, this sumptuous pairing between The Upper House’s Salisterra and local bakery Baking Maniac transforms classic Christmas goodies into a delectable spread of pickings to be enjoyed with a stunning enveloping view of Hong Kong’s cityscape. The set features savouries like finger sandwiches lined with Turkey, stuffing, cranberry, and sweetcorn, a Sausage Roll reminiscent of winter food markets where steam roll off pop-up eateries, the essential Raisin Scone served with Cornish clotted cream and strawberry jam, and more.

The main attraction, of course, are the desserts designed to fit the season. Highlights are the cheery Candy cane cake pop studded with shards of green-white-red, a Vanilla cream and red fruit Christmas tree that’s begging to be bitten into, Chestnut Mont Blanc, and even S’mores! Cutting through to melt the freeze in the air, sip on some piping hot Cinnamon and Vanilla eggnog or Mulled wine for the most decadent finish. Book your seating now by clicking here.

When: Now until Dec. 31

Where: Salisterra, 49/F, The Upper House Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong

How much: HK$650 for two (HK$688 Fridays to Sundays, Public Holidays)

10. Seasons GRAIN-tings

Nothing spells Christmas is in the air like a great plate of roast. Refreshing the usual fare with a fresh twist that makes for some sharp dishes out of wholesome ingredients, the spread includes some unconventional Christmas delights like Hamachi Ceviche, house made Hummus, fresh-baked Truffled Mushroom Pinsa Pizza, Roast Beet Salad, to name a few.

Still, the star centrepiece of a good ‘ole roast shines through, with the scrumptious options of Brined and Herb Smoked Roast Turkey with plum and cranberry sauce and saged apple sourdough stuffing or Smoked and Clove Glazed Japanese Sagabuta Pork Collar with charred cauliflower pine nut butter and crispy bacon on offer. Round it all off with Lemon and Pistachio Meringue Tart and an adorable arrangement of Bite Size Pecan Pies. Book your spots for your laidback lunch by clicking here.

When: 12 PM onwards, Dec. 18, 25-26

Where: Grain, Shop 1, New Fortune House, 3-5 New Praya, Kennedy Town, Hong Kong

How much: HK$390 (HK$190 child)