Experience the Most Vibrant Christmas Ever in Hong Kong
By Juliet Law: Â As 2009 starts to wind down, people are planning where to go and what to do during the most festive time of the year. For those seeking adventure, fun, entertainment, shopping and unsurpassed wining and dining, all set in a comfortable climate, there is only one place to go head for truly memorable and unique Christmas celebrations – Hong Kong!
So, here we are in Hong Kong, gazing across magnificent Victoria Harbour and about to embark on our journey of discovery. Hong Kong, at this time of the year, magically transforms into a riot of colour, celebrations and festive fun. The city has long been famous for its thematic Christmas lighting, with very detailed and colourful lighting displays covering entire buildings, conveying the spirit of the season that permeates every corner of this architectural wonderland.
Wanting to get the best views possible of the city’s Christmas lighting extravaganza, we jumped on board one of the city’s wonderful old “double-decker” trams and headed for a seat upstairs. Not only do Hong Kong’s trams provide the best and cheapest tour of Hong Kong Island from one end to the other, they also, provide an up-close view of all the decorations and lighting displays as they travel through each district – perfect for photographers like us wishing to document this annual festive display.
The next day, we headed across the harbour to Tsim Sha Tsui to explore its maze of streets and sample another side of this dynamic city. Heading to some of the big shopping malls decked out in their festive finery, we enjoyed the live Christmas-themed performances and gigantic decorations that had attracted many children who were squealing with delight and laughter, while their parents took time to relax and plan the next stage of their annual shopping extravaganza. We then took a leisurely apr̬s-dinner stroll along the waterside promenade to the Avenue of Stars, stopping occasionally to take another panoramic photo of the blaze of colourful lights we were viewing Рtruly a breathtaking sight!
Exploring Hong Kong can certainly build up an appetite too, but with the myriad restaurants featuring cuisines from the four corners of the world, the hardest decision is what to eat and where. Many restaurants across the city currently feature Christmas menus and festive season signature dishes, along with their long-time favourites, so this is also the ideal time of year to be in Hong Kong and savour the delectable dishes that have made this city a food destination in its own right.
We’re so excited about being in Hong Kong over the holidays that we’ve already started our own countdown to New Year’s Eve, when we will be at ifc for the countdown celebrations, enjoying the stunning pyrotechnic displays over Hong Kong’s dazzling Victoria Harbour before heading off to sample some of the city’s renowned nightlife with friends. It’s sure to be our most memorable New Year’s Eve ever.
So what are you waiting for? Hong Kong is here, happening and waiting to welcome you with all there is to see and do in this festive season.
Rickshaw Sightseeing Bus – Where tradition and modernity meet
The classic Chinese “rickshaw” was formerly a major means of transport around Hong Kong. Now, you can explore Hong Kong in an air-conditioned double-decker “Rickshaw” Sightseeing Bus and view many of the city’s hotspots, in Wanchai, Causeway Bay and Central. Commence your own festive celebrations and get into the true spirit of the season whilst viewing the Christmas lights and decorations all over town, and stop to shop at your convenience. Journey time – approx. 50 minutes
Service Hours: Daily 10:00-18:00 (Heritage tour) / 10:15-21:45 (Metropolis tour)
www.rickshawbus.com
Star Ferry cruise – Immerse yourself in Hong Kong’s festive atmosphere
Iconic, economical and enjoyable, a cruise on the Star Ferry will reveal Hong Kong is all its Christmas lighting finery. Enjoy the wind in your hair as you view the lights from both the Kowloon and Island sides of spectacular Victoria Harbour, before venturing to the city’s big shopping malls to enjoy the giant decorations, shopping and dining.
www.starferry.com.hk
Wooloomooloo – Enjoy views that will take your breath away!
Located on the 31st floor rooftop of The Hennessy, in Wanchai, the Wooloomooloo Steakhouse offers a 270-degree panoramic view of the harbour, Happy Valley racecourse and Hong Kong’s magical Christmas lights. Treat yourself to a sumptuous festive meal at Christmas or on New Year’s Eve and take home memories that will last a lifetime!
Address: 31/F The Hennessy, 256 Hennessy Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 2893 6960
www.wooloo-mooloo.com
Watermark – Hong Kong’s premier waterfront dining location
Located at Central’s Star Ferry Pier and providing a 270-degree view of Hong Kong’s leading attraction, Victoria Harbour, the Watermark offers an international menu, including dry-aged beef and seafood selections, set amidst an elegant indoor setting comprised of teak, marble and glass, plus a spacious outdoor deck, for your dining and viewing pleasure.
Address: Central Pier 7, Top Level, Star Ferry, Hong Kong
Tel: (852) 2167 7251
www.igors.com
Special spa treatment and helicopter package – Pamper yourself this festive season
Pamper yourself this festive season and revitalise your body, mind and spirit with a luxurious facial or body treatment at The Peninsula Spa by ESPA before climbing aboard The Peninsula helicopter and soaring above the city to get a bird’s eye view of Hong Kong dressed in all its magnificent Christmas lighting finery.
Address: The Peninsula Hong Kong, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Tel: (852) 2366 4251
www.peninsula.com
Note: See Bea Broda’s video about Culinary Hong Kong on the main page of this website!
December 3, 2009
Posted in: Hong Kong