GBA Lifestyle News
By Adele Wong | December 16th, 2015

Keep yourself merrily occupied until the end of the year with The Loop’s handy Christmas-to-New-Year’s itinerary. From traditional festive celebrations to hot holiday dining and last-minute travel packages, there’s no lack of things to do and places to go.

What to Do

Go to an outdoor carnival. Thrill rides, food and games galore await at the Central Harbourfront from now ’til February.

The Great European Carnival
The AIA Great European Carnival is spinning up fun until February

Watch The Nutcracker. This annual Christmas production by the HK Ballet never gets old.

The Nutcracker. Photo: HK Ballet
The Nutcracker. Photo: HK Ballet

Go to a countdown party. Ring in the new year Hong Kong-style, at a trendy see-and-be-seen venue with a glass of champagne in hand. Check out our list of 2016 countdown parties to see where the cool kids are going this year.

New Years Countdown Hong Kong 2016. Photo: Hong Kong Tourism Board
Start 2016 off with a BANG! Photo: Hong Kong Tourism Board

Mull over the absurdities of a Hong Kong Christmas. Here’s a list of ridiculous things that will probably happen to you over the holidays. Embrace them. This is what Christmas in Hong Kong is all about.

Understated Christmas decorations at Harbour City. Photo: Skyseeker/Flickr CC
Understated Christmas decorations at Harbour City. Photo: Skyseeker/Flickr CC

What to Eat

Gobble your fair share of turkey and ham. Get right into the holiday spirit with a traditional Christmas lunch and buffet at the beautiful Stables Grill at Hullett House.

Stables Grill
Dig in to a festive spread at Stables Grill

Get warm and fuzzy with some Hong Kong-style winter foods. Warm up with some snake soup, claypot rice and other seasonal treats.

Claypot rice makes the day go right. Photo: faungg / Flickr CC
Claypot rice makes the day go right. Photo: faungg / Flickr CC

What to Buy

Find the perfect gift for your partner. Scratching your head over what to get your other half this holiday? Check out our Holiday Gift Guide Quiz for some instant inspiration.

Photo: William Warby/Flickr CC
Gifts for even the pickiest significant others! Photo: William Warby/Flickr CC

Don’t forget presents for the fam. Got good friends and family you need to impress? Maybe a bottle from Four Fox Saké  will do the trick.

Four Fox Saké
A Four Fox Saké bottle can (almost) fit in a stocking.

Where to Go

Get off the beaten path. Still looking to get out of the city despite our awesome recommendations? Consider these last-minute destinations for a quick — and less crowded — holiday.

Koh Rong, Cambodia Beaches. Photo: Aaron Bradford/Flickr CC
Beach, please. Photo: Aaron Bradford/Flickr CC

Take advantage of super cheap flights. Dying for a sunny holiday? Take advantage of Flight Centre’s last-minute flight deals to give (or get!) the gift of travel.

Flight Centre Maldives
Dive into the holidays with Flight Centre