22 November, 2016
Deck the halls, Santa Claus is coming to town! If you’re staying in Honkers for the holidays and looking for something different to do this year, read on and mix up the usual festivities with these cool Christmas alternatives…
22 November, 2016
Okay girls, we know that junk season has ended, but boats are still available in the cooler months too! Find a juicy turkey and ask everyone to bring their favourite holiday dish. Gather friends for a turkey potluck feast on the water, complete with a Hong Kong backdrop and an ultimate display of lights.
Read more: Sassy’s Junk Trip Guide
For a peaceful getaway head on over to Lantau Island and visit Tian Tan Big Buddha via cable car! Aside from the serene surroundings, once at the top you can also check out Po Lin Monastery.
When you’re finished taking in the view, catch the bus down to Tai-O fishing village for a night spent on stilts. Poke around town sampling yummy seafood from street stalls – I highly recommend the cuttlefish!
Then, why not spend the night at Tai O Heritage Hotel, a non-profit colonial style inn (fun fact: it was built in 1902 under British rule and originally served as a Police station!). And if you’re up for a local culinary experience sign up for one of their daily rice dumpling cooking classes, available to all room guests!
Read more: Tai O Heritage Hotel – a slice of Hong Kong history
Embrace your inner child, pack your bags and head off for an enchanting weekend indulging in Disney’s Christmas magic!
Treat yourself to a night at the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel and partake in the park’s festive celebrations – including the annual Disney Christmas show! On Christmas day book in brunch with your favourites Disney Princesses and the beloved characters themselves. Turn back time and remember how Christmas felt as a kid!
Treat yourself for making it through yet another chaotic year in the 852! Consider packing up and heading for a weekend getaway at a high end hotel (the W Hotel is one of our favorites!) and treat yourself to a luxurious Christmas spa day.
Bliss spa facilities at the W offer an array of relaxing and rejuvenating opportunities; whether you prefer soaking it up and sweating it out in the steam room, deep tissue massages, mani/pedis – or a combination of it all, Bliss has you covered.
You can also snack on cupcakes, cheese and bottles of bubbly offered in different packages throughout the day. Yes, please!
Read more: W Hong Kong – the insider hotel to life in the city
Santa Claus is coming to town! Or is he? Bring your own version of Christmas night to this year’s festivities and consider hosting a mystery dinner party with a twist! Essentially a life-size game of Cluedo, have everyone dress up, follow a script and attend dinner in character!
Whether it be a masquerade ball or a 1920s boardwalk mystery, these dinner parties are loads of fun and give you the opportunity to be someone else for the night. A little friendly competition solving a ‘whodunnit’ never hurt anyone… Plus, a feast is always involved, and hence, lots of booze. I see some Christmas similarities!
Details of how to become a host and instructions for hosting can be found here!
Refresh and recharge in a peaceful night under the stars. Get out of the city and immerse yourself in the outdoors! Think hiking, beach partying and camping – with lots of food and bevvies in tow.
Trek to Sai Kung and over to Ham Tin beach/Tai Long Wan, where you can pitch a tent and crash for an evening or two under the nightsky. Board rentals and camping equipment are available for rent too, so be sure to bring some cash, snacky food and of course lots of drinks (must keep hydrated!). Enjoy epic panoramic views and a night with your toes in the sand!
Read more: Top 5 Hikes in Hong Kong
Live like a local in a home away from home! Take a vacation from your flat and live in someone else’s sweet pad for a few nights in a completely different neighbourhood. Explore every inviting corner that Hong Kong has to offer. Whether you prefer a beach front villa or a stylish flat in the city, the possibilities are endless… we love the look of this house on Cheung Chau with sea views, a swimming pool and peaceful surroundings!
We love any excuse to get dolled up for a glitzy night on the town! Get fancy and head out for a night with cocktails, an impressive meal and some quality entertainment. Grab the girls because the ballet is performing a Christmas favourite, The Nutcracker.
Buy your tickets here!
Whether it be volunteering at your favourite doggy shelter, helping the homeless or organic farming with your favourite non-profit organisation, get out there this Christmas and spread the gift of love! After all, the world is always a better place when there is a firm sense of community. Give back and join HandsOn Hong Kong, a network for volunteers which hosts an array of charitable events throughout the year.
Find details on how you can get involved here!
Savannah is a lifestyle blogger, food fanatic, craft beer devotee and lover of all things travel. Journalism grad born and raised in America, Savannah recently moved to the 852 and looks forward to experiencing all the excitement the city has to offer – eating a little bit of everything along the way!
