The Songs and Lights of Christmas are Simply Classic
Doses of warmth and joy fill our hearts
When we were young, my cousin used to hum Christmas songs all year. I asked him why. His answer was: they are my favourites.
Two things always warm my heart around Christmas time — the songs and lights. Cities are showered with lights, cakes, bling-bling decorations, Christmas songs, church bells, and people returning home from afar.
This year, I am spending Christmas with my parents in Hong Kong. The last time was 10 years ago. This is the best time to visit Hong Kong — the best lighting, the best food, and the best spirit.
And if you stay a little longer till January, you will be able to enjoy both the Christmas and the Lunar New Year lighting in one trip!
The City of Lights
Hong Kong is truly the city of lights.
Let’s explore some of the best lighting around Hong Kong that one should not miss when visiting.
I invite you to use this as your walking tour itinerary when you visit Hong Kong.
(1) The Christmas Decorations at The Landmark, Central
If I have to pick the best Christmas decor in Hong Kong around Christmas, this one will be it! One can combine luxury shopping, elegant dining, window-glancing, and people-watching in one trip — all accessible by the subway, which is located below The Landmark.
This year’s theme: Mrs Claus and Gingerbread House!
For easy transportation up the hill of Hong Kong, take the escalator.
(2) The Central-Mid-Levels Escalator, Central to Mid-Levels
Hong Kong boasts the longest outdoor elevator in the world, connecting the Central District (business) with the residences in the Mid-Level. This system is built along the steep hills and consists of 16 reversible escalators and 3 travelators, all covered.
Now, the escalator has been transformed into a Christmas wonderland, and people cannot help but snap photos of these Christmas lights.
In the middle section of the escalator, you will reach Tai Kwun, one of the best tourist attractions in Hong Kong.
(3) The 12-Metre Tall Christmas Tree at Tai Kwun, Central
This place used to be the Central Police Station and Prison; now it has been renovated as a heritage reuse project and is free for visitors to watch plays and exhibitions, browse the historical site, eat, and drink.
If you want a detour, get off the escalator near Pottinger Street, and you will see this unique street.
(4) Christmas shopping along Stone Slab Street (Pottinger Street), Central
Are we in a fairyland or is Toy Story coming true?
Here, the street is transformed into dazzling Christmas toys and decorations — one will feel the joy of Christmas just by walking by and looking.
Maybe we can call it a day.
Good morning, let’s cross the harbour via the subway to the Kowloon side and explore the new art and cultural hub of Hong Kong. First, if you come from Hong Kong Island, you will land at the IFC Mall, where you can take the subway from the Central to the Kowloon Station.
(5) The International Finance Centre (IFC) Mall, Central
By now, you must know that Hong Kong is a shopping haven. Hawker stores, cafes, restaurants, and giant malls all provide feasts to your eyes and occasional (serious) damage to your pocket!
The 800,000 sq IFC Mall connects to two giant office towers and the Four Seasons Hotel.
This year’s theme is Santa Claus Village. Children are eagerly awaiting their private times with Santa!
(6) The WinterFest in West Kowloon Cultural District, Kowloon
The Hong Kong government prioritized building an art and cultural hub since the early 2000s. Now the 40 hectares contain the Art Park, the M+ Museum, Hong Kong Palace Museum, Xiqu Centre (Chinese opera), Freespace (theatre), etc. Eventually, there will be 17 venues with lots of free space and a beautiful promenade for families to hang out.
After half a day at the West Kowloon Cultural District, perhaps you want to relax indoors to enjoy shopping and afternoon tea or dinner. Let’s head to the Elements Mall which connects to West Kowloon.
(7) The Elements Mall, Kowloon
This mall is a giant shopping and eating ground covering over 1 million square feet and is connected to hotels and the grade-A office space called the ICC Tower. It is so spacious that you can spend a day there!
Bonus Track
If you have time, on a good day, please spend some time at Hong Kong Park, formally a garrison called the Victoria Barracks. It consists of beautiful plants, a man-made lake, cafes, a Teaware Museum, the Olympic Square (auditorium), and the Visual Arts Centre.
This post is invited by Globetrotters’ December monthly prompt: Christmas and other celebrations around the world.
Hong Kong used to be a tourist spot for travellers around the world — at its peak, there were 65 million visitors in 2018. This year for the first 9 months, the city received a mere 250,000 tourists due to various COVID restrictions.
Now that the foreigner visitor restrictions are pretty much scrapped, do come and visit, and I know you will not be disappointed.
Thank you for reading!
May the holiday season fill your heart with peace and joy!
