We don’t where the time has gone but we’re rapidly moving into the last month of the year, so it’s time to get planning. With Christmas just around the corner, this line up of events will get even the Grinch’s out there feeling festive – with everything from pantomimes, Christmas cinema and shopping, to carols, ballet and more. ‘Tis the season after all!
The largest touring Pinot Noir festival on the planet is heading to Hong Kong for the first time! The inaugural Pinot Palooza Hong Kong will feature 40 of the hottest wineries from Australia, New Zealand, the USA and beyond, all showcasing their best pinot noirs. Festival-goers can soak up the music, indulge in perfect pinot-pairing food by local eateries, and taste a range of different pinot styles from across the world. Ticket price includes unlimited wine tastings and a take-home crystal wine glass, perfectly designed for pinot noir. Beer and food can also be bought on site.
When: Saturday, 1 December, 11am to 6pm
Where: Hong Kong Observation Wheel, 33 Man Kwong Street, Central
How much: $350 (includes unlimited wine tastings and a crystal wine glass) – buy your tickets here
Join like-minded ladies at the Female Entrepreneurs Worldwide Conscious Living Marketplace this month. It offers women-run eco-conscious businesses the chance to promote their products and services, at the same time as meeting potential business partners. Exchange ideas, share passions and join in some of the fun activities on offer throughout the day, with the likes of yoga classes, barre boot camps and an #AskHerAnything session with nutrition and health experts.
When: Saturday, 1 December, 10am to 7pm
Where: The Hive Sheung Wan, 33-35 Hillier Street, Sheung Wan
How much: Free entry! $100 for Yoga class with the Vibe Tribe or BarreAmped Boot camp with Barre 2 Barre. RSVP here
There’s nothing quite like getting into the Christmas spirit with a good old pantomime, so don’t miss Hong Kong Players’ performance of Snow White this month. Taking place at the Hong Kong Arts Centre, this rendition of this classic fairy-tale comes complete with a dance-crazy prince, a magical mirror, a resourceful woodsman and, of course, the evil queen (boo, hiss!).
When: Saturday, 1 and Sunday, 2 December, 2:30pm and 7:30pm; Thursday, 6 and Friday, 7 December, 7:30pm; Saturday, 8 December, 2:30pm and 7:30pm; and Sunday, 9 December, 2:30pm
Where: Hong Kong Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Road, Wan Chai
How much: Ticket prices range between $220 and $380 – get yours here
If panto doesn’t whet your appetite, maybe Christmas movies do? With a line up of much-loved classics, from Home Alone to Elf and Miracle on 34th Street, book in now for a very festive night at Foxglove. Entry to the Winter Cinema event is free, but make sure to complete your experience with a tipple or two from the expertly crafted menu, or go all out with a three-course dinner.
When: Monday, 3, 10 and 17 December, 8:30pm; and Tuesday, 25 December, 6:30pm and 9pm
Where: Foxglove, 2nd Floor Printing House, 6 Duddell Street/18 Ice House Street, Central
How much: Free entry! With a la carte food and drinks items available at regular prices. Call 2116 8949 or email [email protected] to RSVP
Mulled wine, mince pies and plenty of carols – if you’re a lover of all things festive, then this is the event for you this month. Head down to St. John’s Cathedral for a very merry evening, all in support of local charity, ImpactHK.
When: Wednesday, 5 December, 7:30pm to 10pm
Where: St. John’s Cathedral, 4-8 Garden Road, Central
How much: $200 (with proceeds going towards ImpactHK) – get your tickets here
Join BiteUnite in Wan Chai for its Christmas Street Party, which promises a night of festive cheer, including plenty of food, drinks, live music and art. As their last street party of the year, it’s not to be missed.
When: Saturday, 8 December, 4pm to 10pm
Where: BiteUnite, G/F, 15 Lung On Street, Wan Chai
How much: Free entry! RSVP here
Lacking some inspo when it comes to Christmas presents? Pop over to The Flying Winemaker in Central and stock up on some last-minute gifts. Take your pick from international wines, sherries, whiskies, gin, vodka, vermouth, and even olive oil. Entry is free, and guests can expect some great discounts on top tipples.
When: Friday, 14 December, 12pm to 8pm; Saturday, 15 December, 3pm to 8pm; Monday, 17 December, 12pm to 8pm; Tuesday, 18 December, 12pm to 8pm; Wednesday, 19 December, 12pm to 8pm; Thursday, 20 December, 12pm to 8pm; Friday, 21 December, 12pm to 8pm
Where: The Flying Winemaker, 604-605, Yu Yuet Lai Building, 43-55 Wyndham Street, Central
How much: Free entry
Back for another festive season, the Hong Kong Ballet will be taking to the stage of the Grand Theatre for a magical performance of The Nutcracker. Perfect for the whole family, audiences of all ages will be thrilled by this classic Christmas story which sees the Sugar Plum Fairy, Mouse King and Nutcracker Prince come to life.
When: Friday, 14 to Sunday, 16; Wednesday, 19 to Sunday, 23; Tuesday, 25 and Wednesday, 26 December, 7:30pm; Saturday, 15 and Sunday, 16; Saturday, 22 and Sunday, 23; Tuesday, 25 and Wednesday, 26 December, 2:30pm
Where: Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
How much: Ticket prices range between $180 and $680 – get yours here
As one of the world’s biggest dance music festivals, Creamfields Hong Kong is where you’ll find top DJ’s and live musicians from around the world. This is its second year in Hong Kong, with a line up that includes acts such as Diplo and Martin Garrix.
When: Saturday, 15 and Sunday, 16 December, 4pm
Where: Asia World Expo, Chek Lap Kok
How much: Ticket prices range between $917 and $3,029 – get yours here
The biggest night of the year is approaching and, as ever, Hong Kong won’t disappoint when it comes to the huge number of parties and events happening around the city. Stay tuned for our roundup of the best celebrations here, and make sure to book your tickets fast!
When: Monday, 31 December
Where: Events happening all over the city
How much: Prices vary
Read more: Top Spots to View Fireworks in Hong Kong