Your guide to Christmas carols and shows in Hong Kong 2023
From panto fun to glitzy shows and ballet performances, we’ve got your Christmas theatre plans covered. Gemma Shaw rounds up the best festive shows this season.All Aboard The Peninsula Express
The Peninsula Hong Kong takes inspiration from the golden age of rail travel this season, transforming its elegant lobby into the magnificent, vintage-style Grand Salisbury Station.
For one enchanting evening only, guests can enjoy a spectacular performance of classical festive tunes and a lively rendition of this year’s story, “An Enchanting Journey Continues – Aboard The Peninsula Express“.
The festivities culminate with the hotel’s iconic Tree Lighting Ceremony in the exquisitely decorated lobby. Guests are then invited to feast on festive delights from Alpine Swiss chalet restaurant Chesa, The Verandah, Michelin-starred Spring Moon Cantonese restaurant, and Japanese restaurant Imasa.
Tickets are first-come, first-served, priced at $4,880 per person with a proportion of proceeds going to Make-A-Wish Hong Kong.
When: November 23, from 6 pm
Where: The Peninsula Lobby, The Peninsula Hong Kong, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Festive Movies at The Grounds
Fancy watching a festive movie curled up under the stars? The Grounds, Hong Kong’s immersive outdoor cinema experience, has released its Christmas movie line-up featuring classics such as Elf, Home Alone and The Polar Express. The Christmas season kicks off on November 27, with the line-up currently announced up until December 10.
For added comfort, award-winning sleep brand Emma has created fourteen’ Emma Prime Pods’ where visitors can rest upon a selection of Emma’s German-engineered products in prime viewing spots.
When: From November 27
Where: The Grounds at AIA Vitality Park
Hong Kong Players Present: Dick Whittington, THE PANTO
Join Dick Whittington and his cool cat, Tom, as they seek their fortune in London with a bit of help (or hindrance) from Dick’s Aunt Fanny! Dick soon discovers London’s streets aren’t paved with gold but overrun with rodents in this popular pantomime by Hong Kong Players.
Expect a spectacular festive show packed with sparkling songs from a live band, dynamic dances, glittering costumes and larger-than-life characters, with lots of audience participation. It’s a show to entertain adults and kids alike, suitable for ages three and upwards.
Hong Kong Player’s pantos have become a festive tradition, and their 62nd consecutive lively show promises to be the best yet. Tickets are available via POPTICKET priced at $295.
When: December 1-3 and December 7-10. Evening and Matinee performances.
Where: The Shouson Theatre, Hong Kong Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Road, Wan Chai
Disney Christmas Live in Concert
Guests at Disneyland Hong Kong are treated to a heart-warming Christmas celebration with Disney Christmas Live in Concert! This musical Christmas journey on select days in December features classic merry tunes, Disney songs, and guest performances from local singers Jason Chan on December 2 and 3 and Phil Lam on December 9 and 10. Over a hundred choir members from The Hong Kong Children’s Choir will also perform and invite everyone to sing along.
When: December 2-3 & 9-10
Where: Castle of Magical Dreams, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort
The Colours Of Christmas
The HKSAR Philharmonic presents The Colour Of Christmas, featuring renditions of Christmas classics, perfect for the whole family. Tickets are priced from $250 and available at HKTICKETING.
When: December 2-3
Where: Hong Kong Jockey Club APA Amphitheater, The Hong Kong Academy For Performing Arts, Wan Chai
The Cecilian Singers Christmas Concert
Having celebrated 60 years earlier this year, The Cecilian Singers return with their 2023 Christmas concert, Holly Jolly Christmas!, a choral celebration of festive music, conducted by Andrew Leung. Tickets cost $250 for adults and $100 for concessions.
When: December 8, 7.30pm (St Stephen’s Chapel); December 11, 7.30pm (St John’s Cathedral)
Where: St Stephen’s Chapel, 22 Tung Tau Wan Road, Stanley; St John’s Cathedral, Garden Road, Central
Madagascar – The Musical
After a four-year wait, it’s finally time for a rumble in the jungle! DreamWorks’ animated series, Madagascar – The Musical, returns this December. Join everyone’s favourite crack-a-lackin” animal friends on an unexpected journey to the madcap world of King Julien’s Madagascar. Tickets are priced from $395.
When: December 14-24
Where: Lyric Theatre, Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Gloucester Road, Wan Chai
The Nutcracker
Hong Kong Ballet brings festive cheer with a wondrous celebration of early 20th-century history in Septime Webre’s The Nutcracker. The performance is set to be full of magic with lots of local cultural elements, including a bun tower climbing competition, lion dances and blossoming bauhinias. Tickets are priced from $220 and are available at URBTIX.
When: December 15-17, 19-21, 23-26, 28-31
Where: Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre
