HONG KONG'S "WINTERFEST" APPROACHES AND THAT MEANS MAGIC IN THE REGION
Winter is on its way, and that means the Hong Kong Tourism Board's (HKTB) seasonal celebration Hong Kong WinterFest will soon be launched. For this renowned event Hong Kong will be transformed into a winter wonderland with a carnival atmosphere. There will be sparkling festive lights and decorations galore, but that's not all. The region will also be alive with a wide array of special events designed to delight visitors and locals alike.
Thousands of multi-coloured lights will adorn skyscrapers on both sides of Victoria Harbour and be reflected in the shimmering bay. Streets and malls will sparkle with themed decorations. Shoppers will marvel at the wide choice of gifts on offer and, when the busy day is done, chefs will be busy creating fabulous menus for their great dining promotions.
From 30 November to 1 January, the Avenue of Stars Wishing Trail will distribute wishing cards for those who would like to hang seasonal messages and good wishes for loved ones. Times Square will be transformed into a Christmas Wonderland with a kaleidoscope of lights and glittering crystal balls and a range of entertainment items – games, music and movies – for all to enjoy.
One of the season's highlights will be the New Year Countdown in Victoria Harbour, when A Symphony of Lights will illuminate more than 40 buildings on both sides of the bay and a spectacular rooftop display of fireworks will be set off, all of which can be enjoyed from land, from the Shining Star Ferry or on a Harbour Cruise.
And that's not all! Disneyland will be offering A Magical Christmas, when everyone's Disney friends will be dressed in their Christmas finery and new surprises will light up the park.
Nothing celebrates winter better than an ice show and one is on Hong Kong's agenda this winter (from 27 November to 9 December). It's the magical Swan Lake on Ice, a scintillating show featuring some of the world's top skaters performing to Tchaikovsky's glorious music, a wonderful treat for the whole family.
The 42nd Hong Kong Brands and Products Expo (8 December – 1 January) is also sure to fascinate many, especially as this year's theme is to be "organic living" with the event showcasing a whole new array of healthy products in addition to the usual vast selection of local, quality-brand products. These categories will include food and beverages, ginseng, beauty and heath care products, books and publications and much more.
Racing fans are also in for a treat on 9 December, the date of the Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Races 2007, when huge crowds will gather at the Sha Tin racecourse to see top-class jockeys and their horses compete in this exciting event – recognized as the ‘Turf World Championships – and, of course, to try their luck choosing the winners. The meeting will comprise four events over different distances as well as a variety of other popular events to add to the world-class entertainment of Hong Kong's annual festival of racing.
Clowns have a universal appeal and Slava's Snowshow (11 – 30 December) is sure to steal some hearts! Part commedia dell'arte, part theatrical expressionism and part rollicking mime, Snowshow is the comic creation of Slava Polunin, the man who is often called the greatest clown in the world. "His genius," according to one reviewer, "lies in the balance he strikes between spectacular theatrical effects and the tiniest nuances of facial expressions." It is sure to be a unique and "not to be missed" show.
Then comes that fabulous Christmas ballet favourite The Nutcracker (14 – 26 December) that is loved the world over. This extravagant version from the Hong Kong Ballet Company, to be presented in the Grand Theatre of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, will delight the whole family with magical surprises, parties and puppets, Little Clara and the Sugar Plum Fairy and the growing Christmas tree that always makes the audience gasp. And when it's over, it's not really over, because many other activities will be staged for children to enjoy: photo opportunities with the dancers, a performance workshop, a role-playing competition and even a make-up session.
There will be plenty of Christmas spirit at Ocean Park too, when Ocean Park Christmas Sensation is launched in December with fun and entertainment for the whole family. "Prepare to be snowbound and spellbound" the organizers say, as they plan their all-new Christmas attractions featuring real snow, a majestic Christmas tree, an Arctic village, Santa's House and performances by different community choral groups and a local band. Also for visitors' enjoyment and wonderment will be Spellbound on Ice, a spectacular ice-skating revue direct from Las Vegas that features world-class skaters (including Canadian-born Brianne Delcourt), magical illusions and amazing acrobatic displays. These ice wizards will amaze, but will never reveal their magical secrets.
Even digital-game lovers are not forgotten during this festive season. Many young and young-at-heart people, as well as business developers, will be heading to Asia Game Show 2007 – an HD Entertainment Extravaganza designed as a meeting place for avid gamers and those who want to discover the latest in digital entertainment. And from this year onwards, the show will also be designed to appeal to trade visitors and those with a professional interest in digital games.
Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without lots of music and on 22 and 24 December the angelic voices of the Hong Kong Children's Choir will join the stirring sounds of the Hong Kong Philharmonic in their celebration of festive music entitled Christmas with the Philharmonic.
For more information, please contact the Hong Kong Tourism Board at 9 Temperance Street, Ground Floor, Toronto, Ontario M5H 1Y6. Tel: (416) 366-2389 or 1-800-563-4582, Fax: (416) 366-1098, E-mail: yyzwwo@hktb.com, Web site: www.DiscoverHongKong.com/canada
October 31, 2007
Posted in: Hong Kong