Out on the town: festive fun in Hong Kong
Splash out
A cracker of a staycation
Island Shangri-la has to be one of the most festive places around this Christmas. Indulge the whole family in true holiday glamour with a stay at the Island Shangri-La Nutcracker Suite. The suite will be decked-out with Nutcracker-themed decorations, an awe-inspiring Christmas tree, personalised stockings for children, and guests will even receive a visit from Santa Claus himself! Throughout December, one-night stay in this suite starts at $48,000 for two adults and two children.
This deal includes a Christmas-themed family in-suite dinner, a festive hamper, breakfast at cafe TOO, and round-trip Rolls-Royce transfers. For those looking for adventure, The Christmas Kids’ Camp Staycation starts at $5,600 for two adults and one child. The deal includes a two-night luxurious stay with a nature-focused outdoor adventure programme for children aged five to 12 years. Children will be entertained as they merrily explore Hong Kong’s natural wonders and see their home city from a whole new perspective.
Read more: An exclusive look at Stanley’s Wild West Christmas Market
Back to nature
RUN for refugees
Learn about refugees living in Hong Kong as you and your team complete a hike in nature as part of The Great Refugee Challenge: Holiday Edition. Hosted by Hong Kong-based charity RUN, participants will embark on a short hike in Tai Tam. They will be hiking while answering questions about refugees along the way. The challenge runs from 11 December to 8 January. It is ideal for families or groups of friends looking for a fun and educational activity to complete together. Registration fees for the event are “give as you can” with money raised going towards RUN’s Pathways Programme which prepares vulnerable refugees for a new life of safety and dignity beyond Hong Kong.
Read more: Hong Kong Living’s ultimate Christmas Gift Guide 2021
Festively sweet
Decorate a gingerbread man
Get creative with candy this festive season at a number of workshops for adults and kids. Until the end of December, playful baking studio Harry’s Kitchen is getting into the festive spirit with confectionary classes especially for Christmas at K11 MUSEA. Children over three and the ‘young at heart’ are invited to make their own yuletide cupcakes. They also have the option of making cookies and even enchanting Santa Claus villages of gingerbread and Belgium chocolate. For information on dates and prices visit harryskitchenhk.com. Meanwhile, on December 20, social enterprise Cookie Smiles will host a series of gingerbread decorating workshops at BETWEEN Tai Kwun. Sessions will take place on December 20 at 11am and 5pm with all ingredients and tools provided.
Win a golden ticket
Island Shangri-La Christmas Market
From now until December 26, celebrate the festive season at the Island Shangri-La Christmas Market. Shop for gifts at the European-inspired market stalls, sip on hot chocolate or mulled wine and enjoy festive delights such as Christmas pudding, mince pies, and toffee apples. Set in the lobby around the grand Christmas Tree, the Christmas market will feature limited-edition items including a beautiful Nutcracker snow globe ($388, with proceeds going to charity), gingerbread of the Hong Kong skyline ($798), Shangri-La Christmas crackers ($300) and four beautifully packaged chocolate bars ($148 each), some of which will be hiding a ‘golden ticket’ – those lucky enough to find a ticket will win an afternoon tea for two or delectable cakes from Island Shangri-La.
