What’s on? Things to do this December in Hong Kong

December brings many festive treats, none more so than a ballet performance of The Nutcracker and other great theatrical productions, plus great concerts, film and photo festivals and more besides!

The Nutcracker

Performances by Hong Kong Ballet are always a delight to behold, and none more so than the Christmas special performance of The Nutcracker. Majestic dancers dressed in eye-catching costumes will take the audience on a journey tinged with a distinctly Hong Kong theme, choreographed by Artistic Director Septime Webre to the backdrop of live music penned by Tchaikovsky. Expect to encounter bauhinias, dim sum, jockeys and so much more on this magical quest within the snowy bamboo forest. There are also talks, workshops and the chance to meet and greet the characters.

When: 13 Dec-15 Dec, 17-22, 24-26 Dec

Where: Cultural Centre Grand Theatre

How much: From $220

For more information: hkballet.com

Business of Design Week

Never failing to attract some of the finest designers and entrepreneurs locally and internationally, BODW has gained a reputation as one of Hong Kong’s pre-eminent mega events. The annual six-day gathering takes the intersection of design, artistry and innovation as its theme, and France as its partner country. Displays, speeches, panel discussions cover five key topics: urban futures, brands and retail resurgence, craftsmanship and material mastery, culture and digital aesthetics, and AI and future tech.

When: 2-7 Dec

Where: Convention and Exhibition Centre

How much: From $680

For more information: bodw.com

Hong Kong Squash Open

Take the opportunity to see some of the world’s best squash players pit their wits and athletic prowess against each other at this platinum event on the Professional Squash Association World Tour. The Hong Kong skyline will add extra sparkle to a sporting display of the highest order when the competition moves to a glass court at Edinburgh Place in Central at the quarter-final stage. Hong Kong’s top male and female players will perform in front of a home crowd.

When: 2-8 Dec

Where: Hong Kong Squash Centre and Edinburgh Place

How much: From $120

For more information: hksquashopen.com

Redball Hong Kong

Running in conjunction with Business of Design Week is RedBall Hong Kong, a community celebration of what is considered to be the world’s longest-running street artwork. The RedBall Project by American artist Kurt Perschke has been touring the world since 2001, and during this Hong Kong residence it will relocate to various sites around the city, prompting onlookers to view familiar locations from a different perspective.

When: 6-15 Dec

Where: Various locations

How much: Free

For more information: redballproject.com

The Absolute Task

The six-month extravaganza that is Great Music 2024 comes to a sumptuous finale in November, with two recitals by Krystian Zimerman among the concluding highlights. The Pole has performed wih the world’s leading orchestras and is considered to be one of the greatest pianists of his generation. His masterly fingers will perform two slightly different concerts, where he will delight audiences with works by Chopin and Szymanowski.

When: 7-15 Dec

Where: City Hall Theatre

How much: From $200

For more information: hkrep.com

James Blunt in Concert

The hugely successful English singer-songwriter artist finally reaches Hong Kong as part of the Who We Used To Be tour showcasing his latest album. The former British Army officer has developed a legion of devoted followers since the release of his hit song, You’re Beautiful, two decades ago and the subsequent plethora of outstanding musical output covering a variety of genres. Blunt is a winner of numerous prestigious awards.

When: 12 Dec

Where: Hall 10, AsiaWorld-Expo

How much: From $980

For more information: jamesblunt.com

Hong Kong International Photo Festival

Immerse yourself in the visual treat of this amazing feast of photography and its fantastic range of images. This year the festival – first presented in 2010 – features a flagship exhibition under the theme of Mega Family: Imagining Home. Fifteen Hong Kong photographers were commissioned to cast their lens on local culture in all its manifestations linked to home and the family. Visitors are expected to find multiple connections with their own experiences.

When: Until 8 Dec

Where: Arts Centre

How much: Free

For more information: hkipf.org.hk

Hong Kong French Film Festival

Enjoy the cinematic beauty of the French Film Festival as it celebrates its 53rd edition by showing more than 50 films. This magnificent film festival is the oldest in Hong Kong, commencing way back in 1953. This year’s movie crop includes a compelling mix of new releases under the categories of Festival Exclusives and Hong Kong Premieres, Retrospective and On Design.

When: Until 10 Dec

Where: Various prices and venues

How much: Various prices and venues

For more information: hkfrenchfilmfestival.com

Freespace Dance 2024

Billed as an exploration of time and space through dance, this showcase encompasses a range of local and international dance artists who portray their chosen artform both imaginatively and creatively. Some performers – such as the Thai artist Kornkarn Rungsawang – will add a twist to their show via augmented reality. Meanwhile, Austrian choreographer Florentina Holzinger offers a mesmerising exploration of the female body.

When: Until 15 Dec

Where: Freespace, West Kowloon

How much: Various prices

For more information: westk.hk

What’s on? Things to do this December in Hong Kong

A December to remember! Make it merry and bright this month with Hong Kong’s month-long of events and festivities. A Tale of Three Cities, Convergence, Heritage Roving Exhibition, Hong Kong International Darts Festival, Clockenflap and many more.

Clockenflap

The 13th edition of the Clockenflap Music and Arts Festival brings a slew of top-ranking performers to the Central Harbourfront for three days. Headlining on the Saturday is an iconic group from the Brit-pop era of the ’90s, namely Jarvis Cocker and his Pulp bandmates. Other notable performers include Australian-Japanese singer-songwriter Joji, who is the star attraction on the following day during the last leg of his world tour, plus Japanese chart-toppers Yoasobi. The festival continues its ongoing commitment to promoting leading lights from Asia, like pop sensation Wednesday Campanella, and indie-pop duo Running Youth.

When: 1-3 Dec

Where: Central Harbourfront

How much: From HK$1,280

For more information: clockenflap.com

HK International Darts

Top local darts players and their overseas counterparts flex their wrist muscles over four days in this fifth edition of the international tournament. With the Parent-Child Sports Carnival held alongside the main competition, the large-scale event on the site of the old airport has many strands to attract sporting and non-sporting folk alike. A darts charity marathon and more than 300 booths will keep everyone entertained.

When: Until 3 Dec
Where: Kai Tak Cruise Terminal
How much: Free

For more information: hkidf.com.hk

Convergence

Action and arts fans will rejoice at the spectacle brought to the stage in this magnificent performance by Hong Kong Dance Company which gets to the heart of what Chinese martial arts and dance are all about. By exploring the synergy between both forms of expression, Convergence is able to deliver new interpretations as dancers wow the audience through their athletic prowess and sinuous movement. This is the live premiere of an award-winning production conceived and choreographed by the company’s Artistic Director, Yang Yuntao.

When: 8-10 Dec
Where: The Box, Freespace, West Kowloon Cultural District
How much: From HK$350

For more information: hkdance.com

Streetathon

This year sees the return of the much-praised Hong Kong Streetathon, an event that helped kick-start the local running culture. Through the organiser, RunOurCity, it is also committed to working with other charity foundations and NGOs to foster sustainable development. For the first time, a full marathon will wind its way through the city centre and round the harbour, and runners will power through 10km of the Tseung Kwan O-Lam Tin Tunnel. Other highlights: a cross-harbour half- marathon, Runners Expo and the Youth race.

When: 9-17 Dec
Where: Various venues
How much: Free viewing

For more information: streetathon.com

Herstory

Hong Kong Dance Company presents a performance that embodies the words and imagination of women. First produced in 2008, when it won two Hong Kong Dance Awards, HerStory is inspired by the 400-year-old language developed by women in China known as Nushu and brings to life the writings of two Hong Kong female authors, evoking memories through dance, music and imagery.

When: 15-17 Dec
Where: The Box, Freespace, West Kowloon Cultural District
How much: From HK$380

For more information: hkdance.com

Breaking For Gold

Dance enthusiasts are in for a treat with the Breaking for Gold World Series reaching its finale (on 15-16 December). About 200 of the best breakers from around the globe will seek to impress the judges and earn vital qualification points for the Olympic Games in Paris, while local participants will hope to draw inspiration from a supportive home crowd. Standard and Latin dancers will also compete in various championships as part of the Hong Kong Open.

When: 15-29 Dec
Where: Queen Elizabeth Stadium, Wan Chai
How much: Various prices

For more information: dancesport.org.hk

A Tale of Three Cities

Three museums unite for a showcase of silk, revealing how the precious commodity was exported from China to the world in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Trade paintings, fine silks, clothing, home fabrics and accessories feature among more than 100 sets of artefacts on view from the collections of the Guangdong Museum, the Hong Kong Museum of Art and the Macao Museum as part of the third Guangdong-Hong Kong- Macao Greater Bay Area Culture and Arts Festival.

When: Until 17 Dec
Where: Hong Kong Museum of Art
How much: Free

For more information: hk.art.museum

The Impossible Trial

Returning with the original star- studded cast, this superb musical touches on powerful human themes that kept packed audiences enthralled during previous performances. Greed, pride, loss of wealth and the journey travelled to gain personal redemption are all explored in Hong Kong Repertory Theatre’s magnificent production.

When: Until 17 Dec
Where: Grand Theatre, Xiqu Centre, West Kowloon Cultural District
How much: HK$360, $520, $680

For more information: hkrep.com

Heritage Roving Exhibition

The landscaping and greening attributes of 10 declared monuments and historic buildings dotted around the territory are highlighted at an exhibition touring public libraries this month. Organised to complement the Heritage Fiesta held this autumn, which had offered free guided tours of fabulous sites like Flagstaff House, the roving displays pinpoint the work and success of various initiatives to preserve these iconic buildings and thus Hong Kong’s past.

When: Until 29 Dec
Where: Various public libraries
How much: Free

For more information: heritage.gov.hk

‘Tis the Season: The top December events to check out in Hong Kong

Kick off the festive season with these can't-miss December events in Hong Kong — *Kick off the festive season with these can’t-miss December events in Hong Kong*

Although Christmas festivities are drawing ever-nearer, there are more goings-on in Hong Kong than just Saint Nick’s celebrations. From theatrical performances like The Nutcracker and Madame Butterfly to a mega pinot party at Central Harbourfront, here are some can’t-miss December events you should pencil into your calendar.

1 December: Pinot Palooza

Start the festive season as you mean to go on at the world’s largest wine party. Pinot Palooza are bringing some of the finest pinot noirs from Australia, New Zealand, France, Italy, North and South America right to the heart of Hong Kong. With Pinot Palooza clearly not a fan of faffing about with tokens, the ticket price includes a free, exclusive wine glass which is yours to take home and keep, plus as many sips and samples as you like. Red is the colour of Christmas after all. And white.

Hong Kong Observation Wheel, Central. HK$350.

6-8 December: Designinspire

The only Hong Kong expo dedicated to providing a global platform for innovative design opens its doors once again. From ecologically-sustainable lifestyle products to clean and convenient urban planning, this is where the future is taking shape. This year, exhibitors will be using interactive installations, 3D models and, for the first time ever, virtual reality headsets to bring their cutting-edge contemporary ideas into truly collaborative arena. If you’re wondering if there really is an alternative to plastic or just how to cool down the city in the summer, this is where you’ll find the answer. Probably.

Hong Kong Convention Centre, Wan Chai. Free admission.

7-9 December: Madame Butterfly

Puccini’s classic tragedy in three acts comes to Hong Kong on a mission to stun audiences with its emotional tale of unrequited love in a production that is equally haunting and impressive. It’s not only a delight for the ears, but also for the eyes, largely on account of its painstakingly-researched costumes and beautifully-rendered scenery. While its elegant colonial-era Japanese aesthetics give an aura of antiquity, this heart-wrenching tale of East meets West is truly transcendentally timeless.

Hong Kong City Hall Concert Hall, Edinburgh Place, Central. HK$180 – 680.

9 December: Longines Hong Kong International Races

While all true equestrian enthusiasts will have had this date in their calendar for several months now, it may have eluded those only moderately horsey, but that’s no reason to miss out. It would, after all, be somewhat remiss overlook 7,200 metres of races, jockeys from more than 60 countries, plus 18 home-grown competitors and a grand total of HK$93 million available in prize money. This is, indeed, top-quality, high-stakes racing at its best. After all, few events can boast such an impressive pedigree as this true highlight of Hong Kong’s horse racing season.

Sha Tin Racecourse, Sha Tin. HK$10.

14-26 December: The Nutcracker

With the Hong Kong Ballet’s newly-reinvigorated take on “the greatest music ever made for dance”, courtesy of the inimitable Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Christmas really is coming early this year. Watch in delight as toys, candies, flora, fauna and, of course, the eponymous nutcracker all come to life and set about thwarting the plans of the engagingly evil Rat King in this quintessential festive fare. Come along and discover just why The Nutcracker is such a perennial Christmas treat.

Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui. HK$220 – 1,000.

22-24 December: Afternoon tea at The Peninsula

Christmas is a time for charity and indulgence and no one knows that better than The Peninsula, a truly iconic HK institution. This year, its luxurious lobby features festive afternoon “teas of hope”, complete with carols performed by many of the city’s leading choirs, all in aid of the Shanghai K Charitable Foundation and Make-A-Wish Hong Kong. If that’s still not enough to get you into the festive spirit then come down to their European-themed Christmas market on the 24th for carols, mulled wine and a few last-minute Christmas gifts.

The Peninsula Hotel, Tsim Sha Tsui. HK$508. Bookings must be made in advance.

22-25 December: Hong Kong Mega Showcase

We all have that one person in our lives who seems impossible to shop for when it comes to Christmas. This year, though, worry not as the Hong Kong Mega Showcase brings you the greatest and most diverse shopping experience you could ever wish for. Within its bounds, you will find themed food and wine zones, as well as dedicated spaces for fashion, beauty, home wares, electrical goods and even designer automotives. A true Christmas miracle for all last-minute shoppers.

Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai. HK$20.

30-31 December: A Viennese New Year

If you’re looking for a refined way to wave farewell to 2018 then look no further than award-winning Norwegian trumpet soloist Tine Thing Helseth, who is once again returning to the Hong Kong City Hall Concert Hall, where she previously performed with both the Hong Kong Philharmonic and the Hong Kong Sinfonietta Orchestra. This year’s Austria-inspired solo show features her unique take on Hummel’s Trumpet Concerto, considered by many as the veritable holy grail of classical trumpeting. An event not be missed by those who want to see out the year in style.

Hong Kong City Hall Concert Hall, Edinburgh Place, Central. HK$220 – 480.

30-31 December: Kowloon Old Boys’ Choir 10th Anniversary Concert

Since forming back in 2008, this talented group of Wah Yan College alumni has lost none of the love of music that characterised their early years, with their talent and dedication having transformed them from enthusiastic amateurs to award-winning semi-professionals. This will be their first large-scale public performance and a mammoth step forward in their mission to spread awareness of the importance of music education. Proceeds from the event went to the school where their own Euterpean adventure began.

The Jockey Club Auditorium, HK Polytechnic University, Jordan. HK$120 – 250.