If you’re wondering what to do in Hong Kong at the moment, here’s our guide to what’s on in Hong Kong Island this weekend and the coming month, plus events in Kowloon and beyond. You’ll find fun activities for the kids and family, cool things to do in HK at night – plus online Hong Kong events you can enjoy at home. We’ve kept everybody in mind, so you should find something to keep you occupied among our list of top things to do in Hong Kong.
Upcoming Events in December
The Art of Araki Exhibition
This free exhibition unveils Araki’s raw, emotive Polaroid photography and debuts his handcrafted wood furniture, with a live rope bondage performance.
When: Until 21 December
Where: New Art Est-Ouest Auctions
Stanley Plaza Christmas Market 2024
This year’s market dazzles with a black-and-gold theme, featuring over 120 artisanal stalls, the debut of Deigreen ice cream, and a spectacular 4-meter Twinkling Christmas Tree. Discover unique gifts, festive snacks, and more at the scenic waterfront!
When: Until 26 December
Where: Stanley Plaza
Santa’s Magic Toy Factory at ifc mall
Step into the festive season at ifc mall’s Oval Atrium, transformed into Santa’s Magic Toy Factory. Dig into interactive zones, meet Santa himself, and enjoy seasonal performances, shopping perks, and charity initiatives.
When: Until 1 January, 2025
Where: ifc mall
Wrap It Up! A Christmas Atelier at Landmark curated by Sarah Andelman
Experience the magic of Christmas at Landmark with Sarah Andelman’s ribbon-inspired wonderland, featuring immersive gift-wrapping, ribbon-themed games, and workshops by Japanese artist-duo Ribbonesia. Discover exclusive collectibles from renowned artists supporting local charities, photo-ready installations, festive rewards, and toy donation drives.
When: Until 1 January, 2025
Where: Landmark Atrium
Simple Gifts of Joy 2024
Discover a 12-metre Christmas tree, circus performances, and seasonal lights, along with festive treats and unique shopping.
When: Until 1 January, 2025
Where: Parade Ground, Tai Kwun
Hong Kong WinterFest
Stroll through Christmas Town’s enchanting decorations, enjoy fireworks over Victoria Harbour, and welcome the New Year with a breathtaking countdown.
When: Until 1 January, 2025
Where: Multiple locations
Citygate x DINOTAENG: 7 Blind Box Looks for Marshville’s Winter
Celebrate Christmas in Marshville, Citygate Outlets’ whimsical winter village, now open until 2 January 2025. From sledding adventures to snowman-building contests, it’s packed with photo opportunities and fun for all ages.
When: Until 2 January, 2025
Where: Citygate Outlets
Sai Kung Hoi Arts Festival 2024
Art and heritage come alive on islands like Yim Tin Tsai and Sharp Island. Discover stunning installations and free programmes that explore the theme “Joy Again, Gather.”
When: Until 12 January, 2025
Where: Multiple Locations
The Best of WestK
Get into the world of the WestK 2024-2025 season, featuring over 600 performances across music, dance, theatre, and more, highlighted by the exhilarating Black Box Chinese Opera and Freespace Jazz Fest.
When: Until June 2025
Where: Multiple locations
Events in January and Beyond
Dance Drama Li Bai
Step into the dreamlike journey of Li Bai. This exquisite production by the China National Opera and Dance Drama Theater captures the essence of the Tang dynasty and explores the profound themes of patriotism and nature through traditional dance and poetry.
When: 3 to 5 January 2025
Where: Grand Theatre of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre
Chinese New Year 2025
Chinese New Year brings the city alive with red lanterns, lion dances, festive markets, and auspicious foods.
When: 1 February to 31 March 2025
Where: Multiple Locations
Vegetarian Food Asia 2025
This Hong Kong’s premier exhibition for vegetarian and green lifestyles has become a must-visit destination, showcasing an array of products and services. Join in celebrating the 11th anniversary and discover what’s new in the vegetarian and eco-friendly scene.
When: 21 February to 23 February 2025
Where: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
HK Arts Festival
Mark your calendar for February and March 2025 as the Hong Kong Arts Festival unfolds with over 125 performances and 300 outreach events. The lineup is packed with surprises, from Bizet’s Carmen to VR interactive theatre and musical mashups of Beethoven with science fiction.
When: 1 February to 31 March 2025
Where: Multiple locations
Hong Kong Rugby Sevens
The countdown is already on for the next Rugby Sevens in Hong Kong, with China Rugby announcing that the 2025 Cathay/HSBC Hong Kong Sevens will take place from 28 to 30 March 2025. Additionally, World Rugby has confirmed that a direct Rugby World Cup qualification spot will be awarded to the winner of the 2025 Asia Rugby Championship.
When: 28 to 30 March 2025
Where: TBA
Coldplay’s Music Of The Spheres World Tour
Coldplay returns to Hong Kong for the first time since 2009, and Klook is your gateway to the Music Of The Spheres tour! Secure exclusive ticket and hotel packages for an unforgettable experience.
When: 9 to 12 April
Where: Kai Tai Sports Park
School Events and Open Days
YCIS Open Day
Learn Yew Chung International School of Hong Kong (YCIS Hong Kong), the city’s first homegrown international school. Explore its multicultural environment, bilingual learning programs, and innovative educational initiatives during its upcoming Open Days.
When: 14 December
Where: Yew Chung International School of Hong Kong
Parent Workshops
Shrewsbury International School is hosting a series of online chats with parents centering around the identification of five key ideas or tips under a common theme. Aptly named “Five ways to…”, the 45-minute sessions are hosted at 5pm on Wednesdays periodically throughout the academic year, covering topics such as inspiring children to write, effectively managing challenging behaviour, and supporting Chinese learning as a non-native speaker. The school says the talks will draw far more broadly upon the expertise of the academic team than ever before. To register, visit hjuglcnu.paperform.co.
Fun Activities for Kids & Family
Cup Noodles Museum
The famous Cup Noodles Museum by Japanese Ramen brand Nissan has landed in Hong Kong! Spanning nearly 10,000 sq. ft. the museum features interactive workshops, exhibitions, photo opps and a shop offering exclusive merchandise. Highlights include the Noodle Wall showing different flavours and packaging from around the world and the 3-metre Noodles Cup.
When: Now!
Where: China Hong Kong City, TST
More: cupnoodles-museum.com.hk
Ocean Park’s Water World
The much-anticipated theme park Water World has opened at Ocean Park. With five different zones to explore, there’s plenty to be excited about!
When: Now!
Where: Ocean Park, Aberdeen
More: waterworld.oceanpark.com.hk/en
Cool Things to Do in Hong Kong at Night
BaseHall Dining Events Programme
Basehall, the multi-concept food hall in Jardine House, hosts a programme of entertainment throughout the year – including DJ nights, drag events, music nights, Friday happy hour and more. Check out the website for this month’s entertainment line-up.
When: Ongoing
Where: BaseHall HK, Central
More: basehall.hk
The Wine Bar by Crushed at Detour
Looking for something fun to do on Thursday evenings? Crushed Wines and neighbouring café Detour have teamed up to bring “The Wine Bar” to Sai Ying Pun. Taste the wines at Crushed from 7pm to 10pm, select your favourite, then head next door to Detour to enjoy with your favourite sandwich by Fat Chad’s.
When: Every Thursday
Where: Crushed and Detour, Sai Ying Pun
More: crushedwines.com
The MET HD Live 2022/23 Season
After a turbulent few years, The Metropolitan Opera of New York (The Met) reopened for the 2022/23 season on 27 September with the Met premiere of Cherubini’s Medea featuring Sondra Radvanovsky in the title role. The 2022/23 season lineup will include Met premieres of contemporary operas and new productions of classic works including Kevin Puts’s The Hours, Terence Blanchard’s first opera Champion, Giordano’s Fedora, Mozart’s Don Giovanni and acclaimed English Director Simon McBurney’s Die Zauberflöte featuring projections and acrobatics.
When: Ongoing
Where: Online
More: themetinhongkong.info
More great events in Hong Kong
New Nature Park – Long Valley Nature Park
The Long Valley Nature Park is a mosaic of wet and dry farmland, marshes, water ponds and water channels. Through habitat management and eco-friendly farming practice, Long Valley, which opened in November 2024, provides a home for diverse wildlife.
When: Everyday
Where: Long Valley Nature Centre
More: lvnp.gov.hk/en/current_event
Superbrunch at The Sixteenth
Pirata Group has introduced a new five-hour “Superbrunch” at four of its venues at The Sixteenth in Quarry Bay. Enjoy two hours of free-flow food and champers, followed by a three-hour outdoor party with live music. There’ll also be prizes for the best dressed “Superbruncher” in the event theme; head along for some Sunday afternoon fun.
When: Every Sunday
Where: The Sixteenth, Quarry Bay
More: thesixteenth.hk/superbrunch
Ladies Night Out at ICHU
Every Wednesday at ICHU, ladies can enjoy a range of cocktails and wines at reduced prices plus live DJ sets.
When: Every Wednesday
Where: ICHU, Central
More: ichu.com.hk
Things to do in Hong Kong Island and Kowloon
Explore the Avenue of Stars
The Avenue of Stars reopened last year after a three-year construction hiatus. Now it’s back, bigger and better than ever and it’s one of our favourite things to do with visitors! Head over to TST to meander along the foreshore and learn about some of Hong Kong’s home-grown stars, including the beloved, Bruce Lee.
When: Now!
Where: TST; to get there, walk from the Star Ferry or from MTR East Tsim Sha Tsui Station Exit P1; use the staircase or the escalator adjacent to Tsim Sha Tsui East (Mody Road) Bus Terminus
More: avenueofstars.com.hk
American Women’s Association Coffee Morning
The American Women’s Association of Hong Kong holds a weekly coffee morning every Thursday; CHAT – Come Have A Talk. The informal gathering is for member, newcomers and non-members and provides a friendly atmosphere to have a coffee or tea and some “grown-up” time away from the little ones. It’s a drop-in activity so people are welcome to join anytime between 10.30am and noon. The group often stays for lunch.
When: Every Thursday (except public holidays)
Where: Cafe 8, Roof Level, Hong Kong Maritime Museum, Central Ferry Pier No.8, Central
More: awa.org.hk
Cooee Coffee – Australian Association of Hong Kong
The Australian Association of Hong Kong holds a weekly coffee morning, Cooee Coffee, every Friday, which acts as a casual get-together for both newcomers to Hong Kong, as well as a chance to catch up with old friends. In addition to meeting new people, it’s also a chance to get some advice and tips on living in Hong Kong.
When: Every Friday (except public holidays), 10am to 12pm
Where: Oolaa Petite Shop 2 Tower 2 Starcrest, 9 Star Street, Wan Chai
More: ozhongkong.com
Be a tourist in your own city
There’s never been a better time to explore Hong Kong. Many of the city’s iconic tourist attractions have minimal crowds and incredible deals right now. If you’re looking for things to do, the Hong Kong Tourism Board has created a special website hkison.com, which houses all the great deals around town. Check it out and see if there’s a deal that works for you or your guests. You’ll find deals on theme parks, restaurants and staycations. The tourism board have let us know that the site is updated regularly, so keep checking back for the latest.
Happy Wednesday at Happy Valley Races
Wednesday night at the Happy Valley Races is a favoured Hong Kong pastime. It costs just HK$10 to get in and see the spectacle of race fans watching world-class horse racing against a backdrop of skyscrapers. During this time of social distancing, the races may be off, but you can stay up to date with the racing world by tuning into the Happy Wednesdays YouTube channel.
When: Every Wednesday all year round (gates open at 5.15pm, first race 7.15pm)
Where: Happy Valley Race Course, Wong Nai Chung Road, Happy Valley
More: hkjc.com| Open Space YouTube Channel
More Must-Do’s in Hong Kong
Explore a park
Take an escalator from Pacific Place mall up to an unexpected oasis. Hong Kong Park contains fountains, an aviary and a children’s playground. Or escape Causeway Bay’s crowds at Victoria Park, where going early will get you a glimpse of local Tai Chi groups. Playground spaces and a rock park keep kids entertained. Meanwhile, Hong Kong Zoological & Botanical Garden offers the chance to watch monkeys up close for free.
More: Parks, playgrounds and outdoor centres for the kids
Hang out at the beach!
Hong Kong has too many beaches to count, but all provide just what you need for an enjoyable day out without burning through the cash. Repulse Bay is a must-visit for its accessible and expansive arc of sand. Big Wave Bay is another popular one, attracting surfers to its decent break. And camping bays at Pui O allows you to wake to the sound of rolling waves.
More: Top Hong Kong beaches
See the light show
The city’s iconic skyline takes on a new glow as buildings each side of the harbour beam lights across the water. The Symphony of Lights spectacle takes place every night at 8pm. Head down to the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront for the best view and marvel at Hong Kong Island’s skyline at night.
Take in a temple
For a free thing to do that’s instantly transporting, nothing beats a visit to a temple; and Hong Kong has plenty! We’ve already mentioned Wong Tai Sin, but another great temple to see is Man Mo on Hollywood Road. This atmospheric building is one of Hong Kong’s oldest temples, and is dedicated to the god of literature.
More: Must-see temples and places of worship in Hong Kong
Roam a rooftop
IFC Mall’s landscaped rooftop provides one of the city’s few free public seating spots, making it perfect if you bring a coffee and book or plan a city picnic with the kids. The sight of ferries chugging across the harbour never gets old.
Eye some artworks
Galleries along Hollywood Road are an ideal first stop for browsing artworks, but you can also head to the JCCAC artist colony in Shek Kip Mei, where about 140 artists have studios. It’s open from 10am to 10pm daily and is perfect for those who are looking for a Hong Kong attraction that is free and has a cultural flavour.
More: Your guide to Hong Kong’s cultural institutions
Mosey around a market
The vibrant street markets have a lively, bustling energy and provide great people watching, as customers haggle with stallholders. Of course, the cost of this outing will rise if you start buying things! There are also speciality markets such as the fish, bird and flower markets.
Hike in nature
About three quarters of Hong Kong’s land space is Country Park, so getting into green space is surprisingly easy. Central’s Morning Trail is a great first introduction. The paved stroll takes you up to The Galleria at the top of the Peak, with gorgeous city views to boot.
More: Family-friendly hikes in Hong Kong
Chase a waterfall
Why not tie your hike in with a visit to a waterfall? Hong Kong has its fair share, including the famous Bride’s Pool in Plover Cove Country Park, which has a fascinating backstory (follow the link below to discover it!). Some waterfalls here are easily accessible; others require a decent trek to get to. If it’s warm enough, there are some superb swimming opportunities to.
More: 5 of our favourite Hong Kong waterfalls
Hop on a Tram
Jump aboard at Western Market and view the city with new eyes as the tram trundles through Wan Chai and Causeway Bay. It’s just HK$2.30 to experience this piece of iconic local culture.
Online Things to Do
Enjoy a (free) performance
- Savour the world of art at home with virtually@HKMoA, Hong Kong Art Museum’s online portal which gives the public access to art through a variety of multimedia resources. Browse the website for audio guides, pamphlets, exhibition multi-media programmes and images from the featured collections.
- Stream comedies, cabarets, concerts, art exhibitions and more thanks to the The Social Distancing Festival.
- Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s YouTube channel, The Shows Must Go On!, includes streams of his musicals for free, or you can sing along with Broadway stars performing from their homes as part of Broadway World’s Living Room Concerts.
- Watch Live At-Home concerts on the Billboard Facebook page.
- Shakespeare’s Globe is offering free streams of plays including A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Romeo and Juliet. Tune in via its YouTube channel.
- Turn your living room into a Disneyland Park, complete with Disney’s iconic parade. Watch the Disney Parks YouTube channel and virtually visit the happiest place on earth.
- Hours and hours of house music was streamed from March through to May 2020 as part of the Defected Virtual Festival and is still available on the Defected Records YouTube channel.
Tour a museum (or a famous landmark!)
- Google Arts and Culture is packed full of interesting content. You’ll be able to view digital exhibitions and go on virtual tours at renowned museums and galleries across the world, from the Louvre in Paris to New York’s Guggenheim. There are also virtual tours of famous landmarks, from street views of the Sydney Opera House to the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt.
Go to the zoo (via a virtual tour)
- San Diego Zoo and Melbourne Zoo are among many that are bringing the wild and wacky to us. Watch pandas play and lions laze from the 24/7 live feeds in the animal enclosures.
- If seaside scenes are more your vibe, aquariums like the Vancouver Aquarium and Monterey Bay Aquarium have jellyfish, otter and penguin cams.
Travel from home
- Tick off your bucket list with Google Earth or Google Street View, a virtual tour of interactive panoramas from positions along many streets in the world.
- Keen for the outdoors? Explore.org has up to 100 livestream webcams set up in national parks and wildlife sanctuaries around the world that you can view at any given moment – including the spellbinding Northern Lights!
- Ushuaïa Ibiza has launched #StayAtHomeSessions on Facebook – a re-stream of some of 2019’s best DJ sets from Ibiza, to bring the party atmosphere into your homes!
- Travel to Western Europe with Visit Monaco’s virtual tours. Enjoy 360-degree views of its streets and landmarks, including Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo.
- Travel company andBeyond has a live streaming service where viewers can enjoy wildlife sightings on Instagram Live and interactive three-hour safaris twice a day on YouTube and Facebook.
Got an event to add? Contact us at editor@expatliving.hk!
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