We’re about halfway through December, which means Christmas is — actually, really, literally — around the corner. If you’re still feeling a little Grinch-like, dive head-first into our list of ways to get into the Christmas spirit in Hong Kong. Before you know it, you’ll be ready for the holidays!
See all the festive displays around town
Get thee to the mall and indulge in all the extravagant (and yes, sometimes tacky) festive decor that decks Hong Kong’s mall halls this season. Pacific Place, IFC, Elements and Harbour City all have some pretty flashy – if sometimes slightly tacky – displays, and they’re all but guaranteed to put a smile on your face. For a taste of global Christmas displays, head to Wan Chai’s Lee Tung Avenue where the lit angels of London’s Regent Street are making a display.
Grab a Christmas drink
Any way you want it, that’s the way you need it — and that’s the way you’ll get it when it comes to Christmas drinks in Hong Kong. Slip into one of the city’s many bars for a Christmas-themed cocktails, check out seasonal beers by local breweries, and if you’re lucky, you’ll stumble across a pop-up stall dishing up mulled wine, eggnog and hot chocolate. Is there anything better than a spice-filled drink to get in the Christmas spirit?
Eat a festive meal
In December, throw a stone and you’ll hit a restaurant with an exclusive Christmas or New Year’s menu. There’ll be at least three courses, you’ll probably find turkey or roast beef on the menu, and there’ll probably even be a few freebies thrown in (hello, free glass of bubbles!). Book a table, get to eating, and suddenly, you’re in the Christmas spirit.
Go ice-skating
Okay, so we don’t have lakes that freeze over in sub-zero temperatures. So no, we won’t be having any idyllic outdoor skating parties surrounded by forests of pine trees and interrupted by snowball fights. But for the next best thing, don a coat, lace up some skates, and take to the ice at one of the skating rings around Hong Kong. Try Festival Walk, CityPlaza, or Elements.
Read a book/watch a movie
If ever there was a movie or book guaranteed to hit you right in the feels, it would definitely be one with a Christmas theme. Luckily, we’ve done all the legwork and found you the best Christmas movies to watch on Netflix and the most compelling Christmas books to read. Now get to watching (or reading) and get in the Christmas spirit.
Go shopping for Christmas decor for your home
There’s nothing like decorating to get into the Christmas spirit, so head out and grab some festive decor to deck your house out with. Grab a real tree (there are shops on Wellington Street and Sham Shui Po) or fine a reusable artificial version at Ikea or Japanese Home Centre, grab some decorative baubles from Pottinger Street or great, and suddenly, you’ll be all about Christmas.
Wear holiday gear
If you’re really struggling to get into the Christmas spirit, you might want to don some terribly tack but on-so-funny holiday gear. Antler headbands, ugly Christmas jumpers, oversized elf costumes…whatever float your boat. Put it on, look in the mirror, and you’ll quickly be laughing through the silly season.
See the world’s favorite Christmas ballet
The Nutcracker is a Christmas classic for good reason. A tale of love paired with Tchaikovsky’s incredible musical score? That definitely spells Christmas! And luckily for you, the Hong Kong Ballet is putting on some performances. Get tickets, watch the show, and enjoy the rest of the holidays.
Get some Christmassy scents
They say scents evoke memories and can change your mood. So put that to the test by surrounding yourself with some festive scents. Whether it’s the smell of gingerbread cookies in the oven, pine candles scenting your home, or a whiff of mixed spices in a mulled wine, you can’t help but feel the warm fuzzies once you catch that smell!
Check out a carnival
Europe’s kind of cornered the market (sic) on Christmas markets. And while Hong Kong’s attempts at Christmas markets pale in comparison, the AIA Carnival is a good substitute. Eat, drink, and chase thrills and spills through February.
