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.
24 Days of Christmas with Retykle
In the spirit of Christmas, Retykle will be offering daily discounts, promotions, as well as giveaways on their Instagram page from 1 to 24 December. Visit instagram.com/retykle every day at 8am to check out the daily surprise.
When: 1 to 24 December
Where: Online
More: instagram.com/retykle
Jack and the Beanstalk, The Panto
The Hong Kong Players return to the Shouson Theatre for their 60th annual panto, Jack and the Beanstalk. While COVID has knocked us all for a loop, Jack reminds us of the power in friendship and teaches us new ways of climbing onwards and upwards in the face of adversity, all the while singing and dancing of course!
When: 3 to 12 December
Where: Shouson Theatre
More: hkplayers.com/jack-and-the-beanstalk
Sister Act: The Musical
Join the Hong Kong Singers for a night of fun, laughter, disco and supporting community theatre. Tickets are selling fast so grab yours now!
When: 8 to 10 December
Where: Hong Kong City Hall, Central
More: ticket.urbtix.hk
Prestige Christmas Fair at the Conrad Hotel
The popular Christmas Fair at the Conrad Hotel returns this year with more of Hong Kong’s finest creative offerings. Head along for some fab fashion finds, children’s toys, home accessories, gifts and more!
When: 9 December
Where: Conrad Hotel
More: prestigefairs.hk
Christmas with TBC
Shout out suggestions and watch as the performers transform your ideas into characters and wild tales in a Christmas with TBC Improv HK.
When: 10 December
Where: Art Town, Sheung Wan
More: facebook.com
Storyteller
Presenting at Soluna Fine Art until 11 December, Storyteller is a dual exhibition by New York-based Hong Kong artist Bing Lee and London-based South Korean artist Kim Ha-Young. The artists’ works explore contemporary culture and social concerns through witty and iconographic visuals.
When: Until 11 December
Where: Soluna Fine Art, Sheung Wan
More: solunafineart.com
Humbug. The Holiday Villain Show
Join the Rooftop Improv team for an evening of laughs, songs and mischief as they take your suggestions and come up with some outrageous scenes custom-made for the audience.
When: 15 December
Where: Lambda Lounge Sheung Wan
More: facebook.com/rooftopimprov
Earth to Earth Home Composting Workshop Series
Rooftop Republic is running a series of home composting workshops to promote greater awareness of the benefits and impact of composting. Find out what we can do as individuals to reduce food waste in Hong Kong.
When: Until 18 December
Where: Various locations
More: rooftoprepublic.com
Shrewsbury Hong Kong Open House
Shrewsbury International School invites prospective families to find out more about learning opportunities at the school, explore the campus and meet the leadership and admissions teams. Register for the Open House here.
When: 18 December, 11am and 12pm
Where: Shrewsbury International School Hong Kong, Tseung Kwan O
More: shrewsbury.edu.hk
Eco-tour and farm Visit to Lai Chi Wo village
Join Slow Food Hong Kong in a rare opportunity for a day trip with a scenic boat tour to see a once abandoned 400-year-old Hakka Village.
When: 19 December
Where: Lai Chi Wo village
More: slowfood.com.hk
2021 German Christmas Market
Asia Society Hong Kong brings a touch of German festivities to Hong Kong this holiday season. The 2021 German Christmas Market features a range of craft vendors, creative family workshops, live performances, arts and crafts and tasty treats as well as special appearances from Santa himself throughout the weekend.
When: 21 December
Where: Asia Society Hong Kong Center
More: asiasociety.org/hong-kong/events/2021-german-christmas-market
HKA Personalised Tour/ Virtual Consultation
Hong Kong Academy invites prospective families to book a personalised tour or virtual consultation to find out more about the school’s educational programmes. Click here to sign up.
When: Until 31 December
Where: Hong Kong Academy, Sai Kung/ Online
More: bit.ly/3AkEDj1
Vegetarian Food Asia 2022
Hong Kong’s largest exhibition of vegetarian products and services from around the world, returns to the HKCEC on an even bigger scale. Apart from showcasing 4,000 vegetarian, natural, organic, and green living products, the expo will also feature exciting events including cooking demonstrations.
When: 18 to 20 February, 2022
Where: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
More: vegfoodasia.com
Recovery, Resilience Resurgence
Presenting at Asia Society Hong from 14 December until 6 March, this photo exhibition features 80 photos from three photographers, Hedda Morrison, Lee Fook Chee, and Brian Brake. The photos aim to showcase Hong Kong in three different periods: from the postwar recovery in 1946 – 1947, through the resilience of the 1950s, to the resurgence of the 1960s – 1970s.
When: Until 6 March
Where: Asia Society Hong Kong
More: asiasociety.org
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 2021/22 Season
After a turbulent last year, The Metropolitan Opera of New York (The Met) will be reopening on September 27, 2021 with the Met premiere of Terence Blanchard’s Fire Shut Up in My Bones. The 2021/22 season line up will include Met premieres of three contemporary operas, six brand new productions including new works and all-time classics and a holiday presentation of Cinderella.
When: Ongoing
Where: Online
More: themetinhongkong.info
More great events in Hong Kong
The Hong Kong Smart Design Awards 2021 Winners Announced
View the winning designs in the Hong Kong Smart Design Awards 2021 organised by The Hong Kong Exporters’ Association. From over 400 entries, 64 winners were chosen, with some designs welcoming in the future of smart living and others helping us to better transition into the new post-pandemic era.
When: Until 31 December
Where: Hong Kong Exporters’ Association (online)
More: sdawards.org.hk
St Peters Lutheran College Brisbane – Virtual Tour
For a great insight into the campus of St Peters Lutheran College, a co-educational day and boarding school in Brisbane, Queensland, visit the school website for a virtual tour.
When: Until 31 December
Where: Online
More: stpeters.youtour.com.au
Vegetarian Food Asia 2022
Hong Kong’s largest exhibition of vegetarian products and services from around the world, returns to the HKCEC on an even bigger scale. Apart from showcasing 4,000 vegetarian, natural, organic, and green living products from around the world, the expo will also feature exciting events including cooking demonstrations.
When: 18 to 20 February 2022
Where: Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai
More: vegfoodasia.com
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-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.
Wycombe Abbey School Tour
Wycombe Abbey School Hong Kong offer daily tours of their Tin Wan Campus during term time, providing prospective parents and students with the opportunity to experience the school in operation. Register for a tour to find out more about the school, tour the facilities and meet the staff.
When: Daily during term time
Where: Tin Wan Campus, 17 Tin Wan Street
More: wycombeabbey.openapply.com/openday
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.
- Since mid-March last year, Billboard has been hosting Live At-Home concerts with the likes of Hunter Hayes, Josh Groban and JoJo. Watch them 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.
- Missing your regular club night? Hours and hours of house music was streamed from March through to May 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!
- For those who miss a good night out, 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.
What’s On in Hong Kong: Best of 2021 Events, Rescheduled
Due to the current coronavirus measures in Hong Kong, the following events have been rescheduled, with new dates as below. Please check individual event websites for the latest information.
Clockenflap: 2022 – date to be advised
Hong Kong Sevens: April 2022
Got an event to add? Contact us at editor@expatliving.hk!
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