Christmas Splendor in Hong Kong

There are plenty of things to do in Hong Kong, But it's true when people say, "You have not celebrated Christmas if you have not celebrated it in Hong Kong". Christmas time in Hong Kong has an extra special vibe. From glamorous decoration and dazzling festive lights to amazing shopping bargains and unique entertainment, one can be consumed by the spectacular ambience. Christmas traditions in Hong Kong are also unique and add to the overall experience of the place.

Hong Kong is possibly one of the few Asian countries that celebrate Christmas with so much pomp and show. It's the holiday season and every nook and corner of this fascinating place wears a festive look. It is rightly said to have one of the world's most festive Christmases. There are major events that are hosted across Hong Kong but the main islands are Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. These are the epicenters of celebrations as well as visitors during this season.

Gorgeous Christmas decor and lighting at one of the many shopping malls in Hong Kong Island

A glimpse of Christmas in Hong Kong

Among all the events happening across Hong Kong, the Winterfest is a world famous event that was started in 2000. It is a combined event hosted across the city rather than a single place that includes a plethora of stunning displays, fun activities and unique experiences. The spectacular sights and sounds have us enthralled year after year! It has put Hong Kong at the top in every traveler's wanderlust list.

Spectacular lighting in Christmas themes seen on massive buildings everywhere in Hong Kong creating an ambience of festivities

In Hong Kong Island, while most of the city is aglow with festive lights and laser imagery, Victoria Harbor hogs the limelight. We headed there and witnessed one of the most dazzling visuals that left us spellbound. The numerous buildings along the harbor had Christmas lights choreographed into a light show called the Symphony of Lights. It is a free holiday light show that happens every night in December.

The dazzling Hong Kong Island Skyline with a million lights is a sight to behold

The Hong Kong 3D Pulse light show

Along the Victoria Harbor is the Hong Kong Cultural Center where the Hong Kong Pulse 3D light show is held during the WinterFest. The vibrant audiovisual show with spectacular lighting effects, 3D projection mapping, pulsating music and sound effects is out of this world. Visitors and Hongkongers are enthralled by these magical displays that add a unique dimension to the festivities.

The Hong Kong Pulse 3D Light Show features some of the most stunning laser shows around the Christmas theme that leaves onlookers amazed

The Hong Kong 3D Pulse Show is something that we look forward to every year. The magnitude of the displays and the ambience created is truly spectacular. We always make it a point to visit the show and are consistently mesmerized by the fantastic display and eye-catching installations.

Here I am at my favorite show, the Hong Kong 3D Pulse Show during Christmas season

Enjoying Christmas lights in Hong Kong

Hong Kong Observation Wheel, the Hong Kong version of the "London Eye" is another huge attraction during Christmas. The wheel is illuminated with dazzling Christmas lights and other unique installations around. The park has exquisite pop-up Christmas markets, games zones and interactive backdrops for some fun photography. It is the perfect spot for a fun evening during the holiday season.

The beautifully lit Hong Kong Observation wheel offers the most stunning view of festive Hong Kong

Food is a part of Christmas in Hong Kong and so are the sweet treats. We are spoilt for choice. The malls have tempting displays of local sweet delicacies as well as Christmas goodies galore. A visit to GODIVA Chocolatier is a must during this season. A Belgian chocolate maker founded in 1926 in Brussels, they have a presence across the world. The store in Hong Kong has gourmet chocolates as well as customized sweets and desserts around the themes of Christmas. We indulged in the most divine desserts and of course my son ensured we had a bag of goodies to take home.

The Christmas sweet treats at GODIVA Chocolatier is attractive and equally delicious

The tallest Christmas Tree in West Kowloon

There are major displays in important city squares. Every mall in Hong Kong dons Christmas decorations which are intricate, dazzling and elaborate. The dizzying array of festive displays leave onlookers spellbound. The live performances and other entertainment create a truly festive ambience. We usually visit several malls to witness numerous mammoth Christmas Trees decked with the most spectacular decorations. The creativity and skill is incredible and makes for awesome backdrops for photo ops. Each tree is unique with its own theme and style making it a fascinating experience. The highlight though is the magnanimous Christmas Tree that is spotted in West Kowloon. Being the cultural district of Hong Kong, it rightly sports the largest Christmas Tree in Hong Kong that is as tall as a 6-storied building and is a breathtaking sight.

The tallest Christmas Tree in Hong Kong at West Kowloon stands at a staggering height of over 20 meters

Christmas displays in Tsim Sha Tsui

A visit to Kowloon is definitely warranted during the Christmas holidays in Hong Kong. A ferry ride across the sea that separates Hong Kong Island and Kowloon is an enjoyable one. The view of Hong Kong Island and the sight of the spectacular skyscrapers is astounding. Laser lights are beamed from Kowloon onto the Hong Kong Island skyline creating one of the most dazzling views. Christmas in Kowloon is altogether a different extravaganza.

This incredible view from Kowloon of laser beams lighting up Hong Kong Island's skyscrapers mind blowing

Christmas lights in Kowloon are a riot of colors with every nook and corner beautifully decorated and draped in cascades of lights. The streets are a pleasure to walk through and there are plenty of activities and entertainment offered which both locals and visitors absolutely enjoy. Christmas displays in Tsim Sha Tsui are one of the best in Hong Kong. A visit to The Peninsula Hong Kong is a MUST when in Kowloon. This colonial-style luxury hotel goes all out with its classic yet extravagant lighting display. The exterior of the building is adorned with lights designed in the theme of Christmas. Santa on a sleigh, reindeer, snowman and snowflakes were some images that my son excitedly pointed towards!

The Christmas themed lighting at The Peninsula Hong Kong is part of the "Tsim Sha Tsui lights" extravaganza

One of my favorite places in Kowloon is the 1881 Heritage. Found in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, this 130-year-old historical monument once served as The Marine Police Headquarters. This Victorian-style masterpiece has been revitalized into a cultural and shopping landmark that houses a heritage hotel as well. Its architectural gems have been preserved and this adds to the charm of the place. Christmas decorations in Tsim Sha Tsui create an exceptional ambience.

The 1881 Heritage is beautifully decked up for Christmas

Festive grandeur of Hong Kong

While I have shared some of the famous attractions in Hong Kong during the Christmas season, there is so much more to experience in this small but progressive land. With technology ruling everything in this extravagant city, the festivities are not left behind. Spectacular laser shows, expensive displays, larger-than-life Christmas Trees and best-in-the-world fireworks is how Hong Kong celebrates Christmas. You really have to see it to believe it and trust me it is definitely worth every penny!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is Christmas big in Hong Kong?

Hong Kong is one of the best destinations in South East Asia for Christmas celebrations. Winterfest in Hong Kong is an experience not to be missed as it gets better each year.

Where is the big Christmas Tree in Hong Kong?

The West Kowloon Christmas Tree is one of the biggest ones in Hong Kong. It is also the cultural capital of Hong Kong. The 20-meter tall giant Christmas Tree with glittering Christmas lights of Kowloon overlooks the night view of the famous Victoria Harbor.

Where should I go for Christmas in Hong Kong?

Christmas in Hong Kong is celebrated in a big way. The best things to do in Hong Kong during Christmas is to visit Victoria Harbor, Tsim Sha Tsui and the West Kowloon district.