What’s On HKG: Clockenflap December 2023 and More! Nov. 27 – Dec. 3, 2023

Ahh, another week 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 right now—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 week ahead. 

1. Clockenflap December 2023 at Central Harbourfont Space

Get ready for Clockenflap's thrilling second edition this year! The city can look forward to performances by US hip-hop legends De La Soul, British singer-songwriter Tom Grennan, Thai alt-rock band Tilly Birds, South Korean DJ 250 from NewJeans, Australian artist Tones and I, New Zealand's The Beths, and South Korea's Idiotape. Headliners include lo-fi icon Joji, British rockers Pulp, and Japanese sensation Yaosobi, promising a diverse musical experience.

Clockenflap isn't just about international acts; it also celebrates Hong Kong's vibrant music scene with local talents like the all-girl band Whizz and singer-songwriter mansonvibes. The festival transforms the Central Harbourfront into a dynamic outdoor environment, offering multiple stages, an array of food and beverage options, and a mix of music and arts from both Hong Kong and beyond. For the full low-down, check out our Clockenflap 2023 guide by clicking here.

2. The Chocolate Atelier at LANDMARK in Central

Conspiracy's Chocolate Atelier Concept is introducing an enchanting world of chocolate, designed with interactive stations for unique chocolate-making and tasting adventures. The Atelier is open to all, with kid-friendly afternoon sessions, and evenings transitioning to grownup activities, pairing chocolate with fine wines and teas.

All guests can enjoy crafting chocolate truffles, savouring tasting flights, or exploring artful pairings. The experience includes free-flow non-alcoholic cacao beverages, chocolate nibbles, a-la-carte cacao cocktails, and a hot chocolate bar with abundant toppings. For adults, there's a selection of sustainably crafted alcoholic beverages like natural wines, sake, and craft beer, all complemented by chocolate of course. Additionally, Catchic, Centricity’s restaurant offers hot savoury food. Completing the experience, experts and sommeliers lead hands-on workshops like chocolate truffle rolling, chocolate bar making, and cacao cocktail crafting. Check out more details on the event below!

3. Business of Design Week (BODW) 2023 at Freespace in West Kowloon

Organized by the Hong Kong Design Centre (HKDC) Business of Design Week (BODW) stands as Asia's premier annual design event. It brings together leading design masters, brand leaders, and entrepreneurs from around the globe to engage in conversations about the value of design and innovation, inspiring international audiences, and unveiling new business potentials.

This year, BODW embraces the theme "Game Changers," spotlighting those who envision a sustainable future. These game changers are recognized for setting lofty goals and driving forward innovations that contribute to the creation of sustainable businesses and communities, thereby making a positive impact globally. The event features an international conference that aims to connect policymakers, business executives, and creative leaders in intriguing and productive discourse.

4. Disney Christmas Live in Concert at Hong Kong Disneyland

Celebrate the holiday season at the most magical place in town! “A Disney Christmas” features the “Disney Christmas Live in Concert” at the iconic Castle of Magical Dreams on Dec. 2, 3, 9, and 10. Enjoy captivating performances of beloved Christmas and Disney songs by renowned artists like Jason Chan and Phil Lam, performing alongside a hundred choir members from The Hong Kong Children's Choir, adding to the festive spirit.

The concert also tells a heartwarming family story, enhancing the magical experience. Special appearances by cherished Disney characters, including Mirabel from “Encanto” as well as Anna and Elsa from “Frozen” in their seasonal outfits, are set to delight fans. Moreover, the new World of Frozen, opening on Nov. 20, invites guests to explore its enchanting wintry realm, just in time for the changing of seasons. Booking for the concert is open until Dec. 10. Guests must purchase tickets in advance and have a valid park reservation.

5. Standard Chartered Arts in the Park at Victoria Park in Causeway Bay

Continuing its over 20-year legacy as Hong Kong’s iconic outdoor youth arts event, Standard Chartered’s Arts in the Park event returns this year to transform Victoria into a world of fantastical creatures, vibrant performances, and a blend of classic and contemporary music.

The free-to-enter carnival’s highlights include a parade of giant puppets, interactive art stalls, non-stop performances by 70 talented youth groups, engaging storytelling sessions, African drum jamming, and an exhibition of over 6,000 artworks. Visitors can also enjoy meet-and-greet sessions with the giant puppets. Stay tuned for the carnival's crowning event, the Grand Finale Parade on Sunday at 2:30 PM. The parade, featuring 10 four-meter-tall puppets and 400 young performers weaving through George Street and past Sogo, returning via East Point Road.

6. Mr Doodle in Space at Pearl Lam Galleries in Central

Pearl Lam Galleries proudly presents "Mr Doodle in Space," a solo exhibition showcasing the unique talent of British artist Mr Doodle. This engaging exhibition is a visual delight for art enthusiasts of all ages, inviting visitors to join Mr & Mrs Doodle on an imaginative journey through the cosmos. The narrative of the exhibition revolves around a captivating question: "Will Mr & Mrs Doodle successfully navigate their way back to DoodleLand, evading the nefarious schemes of Dr. Scribble, Mr Doodle's evil twin?"

Sam Cox, the artist behind Mr Doodle, is renowned for his 'Obsessive Compulsive Doodling' style. His art is characterized by intricate, playful designs that transform everything from small sketchbooks to expansive installations. With a global following, his work is celebrated for its creativity and whimsy.

7. Christmas Sharelebration! Pop-up Market in Central

While Christmas festivities call for joy and merrymaking, the spirit of giving is an element that remains an important part of the season. Bringing together over 20 local social enterprises, this Christmas market promises to be a socially conscious event, promoting ethical consumption and driving community. While fairgoers can purchase items ranging from Hong Kong-style baked goods created by the elderly to fragrant handmade incense, the market isn’t just all about shopping. Every purchase supports these social enterprises in their mission to create employment and training opportunities for disadvantaged groups, promote social and cultural inclusion, and advocate for fair trade.

The market is set to transform Three Garden Road into a carnival complete with interactive workshops and performances. Highlights include the Great Eagle Music Children Ensemble of the Music Children Foundation performing Christmas carols at the Christmas Lighting Ceremony, followed by entertainment like magic shows and storytelling. Everyone can also roll up their sleeves and get involved in some book crossing, balloon twisting, and Christmas card-making as well.

8. FASHION ASIA HONG KONG 2023: Fashion Challenges Forum at Grand Hyatt Hong Kong in Wan Chai

Organized by Fashion Asia Hong Kong, the 2023 Fashion Challenges Forum is an essential industry platform for sparking meaningful discussions, fostering inspiration, and examining the pressing issues currently confronting fashion. With increasing business pressures, evolving consumer behaviours, rapid trend cycles, and the push for digitalization, the fashion scene is in a constant state of flux.

This forum serves as a vital meeting ground for industry leaders, designers, entrepreneurs, and others, providing a space for the global fashion community to share insights, experiences, and develop innovative and practical strategies for businesses and brands. The list of speakers features prominent names in Fashion such as Phillip Lim of 3.1 Phillip Lim, FARFETCH APAC Vice President Alexis Bonhomme, influencers Ashley Lin and Ayla Sham, alongside many other illustrious individuals.

9. Porkcentric's Mont D'or Cheese Party

While the warm winter has some of us conjuring up fantasies of heading to the Alps for fondue, cheese lovers in Hong Kong can still enjoy a dish of cheesy goodness with a special evening celebrating the season. Porkcentric introduces a Mont D'or cheese extravaganza, spotlighting the Oven-Baked Vacherin Cheese. A seasonal specialty available only a few months each year, this treat is crafted from the milk of cows from the Jura mountains, serving as a symbol of French tradition and excellence.

Accompany your cheese experience with a variety of gourmet sides, including premium cold cuts, fondant Charlotte potatoes, olive tapenade, and freshly baked French sourdough. This decadent sharing menu is available for HK$388 per person, plus a 10% service charge. Additionally, there is also the option for an added 2 hours of free-flow house drinks at just HK$198 per person.

10. Spanish Chamber of Commerce Grand Gala Dinner 2023 in Wan Chai

The Spanish Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong is set to host its Annual Gala Dinner 2023, promising an evening filled with celebration, connections, and sharing the vibrant essence of Spanish culture. Held at the Renaissance Hong Kong Harbour View Hotel in Wan Chai, a venue with fantastic panoramas of Hong Kong’s waterside gem, the gala offers guests the chance to indulge in a meticulously curated 4-course menu showcasing the authentic flavours of Spain, accompanied by a selection of exquisite Spanish wines and cava.

In addition to the culinary delights, attendees will have the opportunity to win some enticing prizes in a lucky draw, with the grand prize being a roundtrip business class ticket from Hong Kong to Madrid, provided by Cathay Pacific Airlines. This event is not just a gala dinner; it's a platform for professionals, entrepreneurs, and business leaders from the Spanish and Hong Kong business communities to connect and foster valuable relationships.