What's on: Things to do in Hong Kong this December

With pedestrians layering up, gingerbread houses stocked on shelves, and sounds of sleigh bells around street corners, it could only mean one thing—Christmas is almost here! If you’re a lover of festivities like us, here are things to do to cross out dates on your advent calendar this year

A White Christmas at Disney

When: Now till January 2

Where: Hong Kong Disneyland

Remember the 4D short movie you grew up watching at Hong Kong Disneyland, that time Donald Duck attempted to take over Mickey Mouse’s symphony orchestra? Well, this December 3 and 4, the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra is bringing you the first-ever live orchestra performance, “A Magical Nighttime Symphony”, to Disneyland! Joining HK Phil on stage in front of the Castle of Magical Dreams are Mickey Mouse and his friends, including the clumsy yet beloved troublemaker Donald Duck.

From Now till January 2, Hong Kong Disneyland will also be filled with dazzling lights and snow. If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, be sure to reserve your visit here. Plus, what more could one ask for when there’s going to be live renditions of the Disney classics “A Whole New World”, “Frozen Heart”, and festive songs like “Joy to the World” and “Jingle Bells”.

A Murray Christmas

When: December 1-30

Where: The Murray, Hong Kong, a Niccolo Hotel

Murray Christmas! (See what we did there?) From December 1, The Murray is offering a series of Christmas-themed staycation packages. An all-inclusive jolly retreat, the offerings include daily breakfast for two, a festive afternoon tea or dinner, a Christmas Morning Stocking, a photo session with Santa, the list goes on!

Did we mention there’s going to be mulled wine? Well, there is, and they’re served at Cotton Tree Terrace between 12 and 6 pm per stay! A Christmas getaway for two couldn’t sound any more perfect. Book yourself a stay here to get into the holiday spirit.

Also see: 7 festive menus to savour in Hong Kong this holiday season

Christmas at BaseHall

When: December 11

Where: Basehall, 1 Connaught Place, Hong Kong

Always one to get in on the joy of festivities, Basehall is partnering with the retail platform The Good Sons to host “The Basehall Christmas Market By The Good Sons” to support cool local brands. Jam-packed with festive workshops, the Christmas market features hands-on activities from Christmas wreath-making by The Grey-Green to gingerbread decorating with Nest Bakery.

At night, the Christmas market will transform into a Christmas Party. Kickstarting the party will be The Carpio Brothers Sextet with DJ Miles Slater playing sets throughout the evening, decking Basehall with Christmas classics including songs by Michael Bublé and Mariah Carey. Other than dancing and singing, there will be food—lots of festive food for sharing accompanied by a whole lot of crackers and games ranging from Jenga, Uno to a life-sized Connect Four, and the highlight that is the Ugly Christmas Sweater Competition.

Reserve your tickets to the Christmas party here; entry to the Christmas Market is free!

The Nutcracker

When: December 11-26

Where: Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre

A signature mascot of Christmas, the nutcrackers are everywhere, from the actual doll figures to films about the toy soldiers. Artistic Director of Hong Kong Ballet Septime Webre hops on the festive wave and brings his choreography of The Nutcracker to the Grand Theatre. The story follows young Clara (played by Yang Ruiqi), who receives a living Nutcracker (played by Shen Jie) for Christmas.

Book your tickets here if you’re a lover of Tchaikovsky and his iconic score of The Nutcracker Suite.

The Wild West Adventure Christmas Market at Stanley Plaza

When: December 11-12, 18-19, 24-27

Where: Stanley Plaza (Open-air amphitheatre and public space), Stanley, Hong Kong

Over three consecutive weekends this December, the annual Christmas Market at Stanley Plaza returns with a “Wild West” twist. The Christmas market will feature over 60 stalls with handcrafted goods and festive delicacies, as well as a playground for kids, games to get you into the holiday spirit, and a Santa meet-and-greet!

Admission is free and Stanley Plaza offers free shuttles service.

Also see: #legendeats: Intimate dining experiences for the holidays