CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS 2023
Following the ending of Covid-19 pandemic restrictions a full programme of Christmas and New Year activities return including the New Year Countdown fireworks and pyrotechnic celebrations.
IFC Mall in Central, Christmas Display 2023
WINTERFEST 2023
Hong Kong Tourism Board will present its "WINTERFEST 2023" activities mainly at West Kowloon Cultural District comprising "Christmas Town", running from 24th November to 1st January 2024, featuring a giant Christmas Tree, Santa’s Lodge and other festive displays. On 9,10,16,17,23,24,25 and 26th December there will be a spectacular seasonal harbourfront pyrotechnics display lasting for ten minutes from 8pm on each of those evenings.
New Year's Eve will see NEW YEAR COUNTDOWN celebrations including a 12-minute fireworks and pyrotechnics display "New Year, New Legend" from barges, sixteen pontoons and the rooftops of buildings along a 1.3km stretch of Victoria Harbour from Central to Causeway Bay with musical accompaniment and a Countdown Clock on the facade of Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Prior to the main event at midnight "Shooting Stars" fireworks bursts will take place at 11pm, 11-15pm, 11-30pm and 11-45pm; The main display will feature five scenes on the themes of winter, spring, summer and fall and a finale scene. The fireworks choreography has been designed by Liu Lin, Fireworks Project's Chief and Director of Fireworks Operation of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.
Conceptual image of the "New Year, New Legend" countdown fireworks display. Hong Kong Tourism Board
https://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/what-s-new/events/new-year-countdown.html
The AIA CARNIVAL returns to Central Harbourfront Event Space and runs throughout both the Christmas/New Year and Chinese New Year periods from 21st December until 25th February featuring rides, games, UBS “World Circus”, stage events, musical performances, interactive shows, arts events, food and drink;
The 21st HONG KONG FOOD FESTIVAL takes place from 23rd to 27th December 2023 at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai;
http://food-expo.com.hk/hong-kong-food-festival.html
HONG KONG DISNEYLAND presents "A Disney Christmas” from 17th November until 1st January 2024 including “Christmas Live in Concert”on certain days and for the first time ever at Hong Kong Disneyland a New Year’s Eve Countdown;
https://news.hongkongdisneyland.com/img/upload/hkdl_christmas_release_en_1106.pdf
OCEAN PARK CHRISTMAS SENSATION runs from 9th December to 1st January with Christmas decorations, seasonal musical performances and a special feature celebrating the 80th anniversary of the French tale of “Le Petit Prince”.
https://www.oceanpark.com.hk/en/park-experience/christmas-2023?ref=hp-main
JARDINE’S MIDNIGHT GUN - From the side of Victoria Harbour off Gloucester Road at Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter, near Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, a special “Midnight Gun” ceremonial firing of the Jardine’s Noonday Gun takes place every year during the last minute of New Year’s Eve.
Every day at noon, a 1-shot salvo is fired from Jardine Noonday Gun as a time signal in a tradition that dates back to the early 1830’s during British colonial rule. It is said the gun was fired as a salute whenever the head of Jardine Matheson conglomerate entered or left the nearby building. The gun is still maintained by Jardine’s today;
https://www.gohk.gov.hk/en/spots/spot_detail.php?spot=Jardine+Noonday+Gun
2024 DRAGON AND LION FESTIVAL - Held for the first time in 2011, the festival set the Guinness World Record for the number of participants lion, golden dragon and big-headed Buddha performances for three years from 2011 to 2014 with over 1,100 dancing lions and is now held in conjunction with World Lion and Dragon Day. The festival has been held in several different locations with the 2024 event being held in Tsim Sha Tsui in the surrounds of Hong Kong Cultural Centre and along the Avenue of Stars.
SHOPPING MALLS
Shopping malls operate normal or extended shopping hours throughout the Christmas and New Year period and many feature Christmas displays with some of the most prominent include Landmark Atrium, IFC Mall (photo above) and Harbour City;
Harbour City in Tsim Sha Tsui features a space themed Christmas display
Landmark Atrium in Central 2023 Christmas Display
PUBLIC TRANSPORT;
MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY (MTR)
All MTR lines except the Disneyland Resort Line, Airport Express Line and East
Rail Line between Sheung Shui and Lo Wu / Lok Ma Chau will operate overnight on
Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.
MTR LIGHT RAIL
Light Rail routes 505,507,610,614P,615P,706 and 751 will operate overnight on
Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve
HONG KONG TRAMWAYS
Hong Kong Tramways tram services operating hours will be extended to 1-15am the following day on 24th December and on New Year's Eve will be
extended until 1am the following day.
STAR FERRY
The Star Ferry Central - Tsim Sha Tsui route operating hours will be extended
on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with the last sailing on 24th December at 1am (next day) and on 25th December at midnight.
The Star Ferry Central - Wan Chai route will operate normal hours.
On New Year's Eve Star Ferry will gradually adjust and suspend part of its services from 10.30pm to facilitate the holding of the fireworks display.
OUTLYING ISLANDS FERRIES
On New Year's Eve Sun Ferry, Hong Kong and Kowloon Ferry, Discovery Bay Transportation Services and Park Island Transport will gradually adjust and suspend part of theirservices from 10.30pm to facilitate the holding of the fireworks display.
CENTRAL - MID-LEVELS ESCALATOR AND WALKWAY SYSTEM
The operating hours of the Central - Mid-Levels Escalator and Walkway System on 24th and 25th December will be extended to 1am the following day and on 31st December, New Year's Eve until 3am the following day.
SPECIAL POSTAL ARRANGEMENTS;
25th & 26th DECEMBER 2023
All post offices will be closed on December 25th and 26th except for the
General Post Office at Connaught Place, Central which will open from noon to
5pm and the Airport Post Office which will open from 8am to 5pm. General postal
services will be provided. Details of services available will be advertised at
the respective post offices.
There will be no mail delivery on 25th and 26th December. One mail collection
will be made for the posting boxes of the General Post Office and the Airport
Post Office.
1st JANUARY 2024
All post offices will be closed on 1st January except for the General Post
Office at Connaught Place,
Central, Tsim Sha Tsui Post Office at Middle Road,
Tsuen Wan Post Office, Sha Tin Central Post Office, Tuen Mun Central Post
Office and the Airport Post Office. The General Post Office will open from 9am to 5pm,
Tsim Sha Tsui Post Office, Tsuen Wan Post Office, Sha Tin Central Post Office
and Tuen Mun Central Post Office will open from 9am
to 1pm. Normal
business hours of 8am to 5pm will be
maintained by the Airport Post Office. General postal services will be
provided. Details of services available will be advertised at the respective
post offices.
There will be no mail delivery on 1st January. One mail collection will be made
for the posting boxes of the above six post offices.
PUBLIC LIBRARY OPENING HOURS DURING CHRISTMAS AND THE NEW YEAR PERIOD
Hong Kong Central Library and most public libraries, as well
as all students' study rooms, will close at 5pm
on Christmas Eve (24th December) and New Year's Eve (31st December). Public
libraries at Butterfly Estate, Lek Yuen, Sha Tau Kok, Shek Wai Kok, Tai O, Tin
Shui Wai North, Mui Wo, North Lamma and Peng Chau will
close at 1pm as usual. The South
Lamma Public Library and all mobile libraries will be closed on the two days as
they are normally closed on Sundays.
On Christmas Day (25th December), Boxing Day (26th December) and New Year's Day
(1st January 2024), all Hong
Kong public libraries, mobile libraries and students' study rooms
will be closed.
CROSS-BOUNDARY PASSENGER TRAFFIC ESTIMATES FOR THE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR PERIOD
Hong Kong’s Immigration Department estimates that around
9.03 million passengers (including Hong Kong residents and visitors) will pass
through its sea, land and air control points during the Christmas and New Year
festive periods (from 22nd to 26th
December and 29th December to 1st January 2024). Among them, about 83.5
%, or around 7.54 million passengers, will pass through land boundary control
points. The number of outbound passengers and inbound passengers using land
boundary control points will be relatively higher on Saturday 23rd December and
Tuesday 26th December with around 549,000 passengers and 626,000 passengers
respectively.
It is estimated that passenger traffic at Lo Wu Control Point, Lok Ma Chau Spur
Line Control Point and Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Control Point will be
heavy, with a daily average forecast of about 217,000, 184,000 and 118,000
passengers respectively.
To cope with the anticipated heavy traffic during the festive periods, the ImmD
has minimised leave for frontline officers for flexible deployment and
operation of extra clearance counters and kiosks. Additional security guards
will also be deployed to provide crowd management support. Furthermore, the Immigration
Dept, the Police, Customs and Excise Department and the MTR Corporation Limited
will set up a joint command centre at Lo Wu Control Point to make necessary
arrangements. The Immigration Dept will also establish close communication with
the Mainland frontier inspection authorities. To ensure smooth passenger
traffic flow, passenger conditions will be closely monitored and appropriate
traffic diversion plans will be adopted when necessary.
To avoid congestion and a longer than usual waiting time for immigration
clearance it is advised that all land boundary passengers plan in advance,
avoid making their journeys during busy periods and keep track of radio and TV
broadcasts on traffic conditions at various control points. The expected busy
times at boundary control points are available on the website of the Immigration
Dept at;
https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/index.html
Passengers may also check the estimated waiting times at all land boundary control points at any time or place via the Immigration Mobile App to plan their trips effectively and save time queuing at control points. The Immigration Dept Mobile App can be downloaded free of charge from the Apple App Store (supports iOS version 11.0 or above), Google Play (supports Android version 8.0 or above), Huawei AppGallery (supports Android version 8.0 or above) and the APK file available on the Immigration Dept website. In addition, information on public transport services to and from various control points is available on the Transport Department website;
https://www.td.gov.hk/en/home/index.html
Travellers making journeys to the Mainland are reminded to
carry proof of identity and valid travel documents for crossing the boundary. Hong
Kong residents should also check the validity of their Home Visit
Permits. Non-permanent residents must carry their valid smart identity card as
well as their Document of Identity for Visa Purposes or valid travel document.
Holders of the acknowledgement receipt issued due to reported loss or
replacement of their Hong Kong identity cards, or
children under 11 years old who hold Hong Kong identity
cards, should carry a valid travel document or Re-entry Permit.
About 700 e-Channels have been installed at various control points. Hong
Kong residents enrolled for the Express e-Channel should re-enrol
if they have been issued with a new identity card. Furthermore, the Contactless
e-Channel service is available at all control points now. All eligible Hong
Kong residents, after enrolment, can generate an encrypted QR code
through the Contactless e-Channel mobile application to enter the e-Channel,
and then verify their identity with the facial verification technology for
automated immigration clearance. In addition, all control points have
introduced a self-service departure for visitors to Hong Kong
(Smart Departure) which provides greater travel convenience for visitors. The
service employs facial recognition technology for identity verification, which
allows eligible visitors holding electronic travel documents to perform a
self-service departure clearance through Smart Departure e-Channels without
prior enrolment.
CROWD SAFETY MANAGEMENT AND SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS
FOR PARTS OF HONG KONG ISLAND
AND KOWLOON ON 24th & 25th DECEMBER
Special arrangements will be put in place by the Police in Lan Kwai Fong district of Hong Kong Island and Tsim Sha Tsui district of Kowloon to allow the public to enjoy festive celebrations in safety. For details see;
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202312/20/P2023122000515.htm
SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FOR NEW YEAR'S EVE ON HONG KONG ISLAND AND KOWLOON WEST
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202312/29/P2023122900531.htm
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CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS 2022
Although there has been some easing of Covid-19 pandemic restrictions, owing to social distancing measures Christmas and New Year activities will again not be on the scale of those seen before 2019.
Hong Kong Tourism Board will present its "WinterFest 2022" activities at West Kowloon Cultural District comprising "Christmas Town", running from 25th November to 1st January 2023, featuring a giant Christmas Tree and "Christmas Wonderland" from 23rd to 27th December featuring Christmas-themed lodges with festive themes;
https://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/what-s-new/events/hong-kong-winterfest.html
New Year's Eve will New Year Countdown celebrations with a pyrotechnics display from buildings around Victoria Harbour and Countdown Clock on the facade of Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre;
https://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/what-s-new/events/new-year-countdown.html
SPECIAL PUBLIC TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS - MTR trains (except Airport Express and Disneyland Resort Lines and seven Light Rail routes (505, 507, 610, 614P, 615P, 706, 751 will run overnight on both Christmas Eve (24th December 2022) and New Year’s Eve (31st December 2022).
Island Line, Tsuen Wan Line, Kwun Tong Line and East Rail Line will enhance services starting from 20-00 on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. MTR Bus routes 506, K51 and K54 will extend their service time. All MTR lines (except the Airport Express and Disneyland Resort Line) will also enhance service starting in the afternoon of 22nd December.
For full details see;
https://www.mtr.com.hk/archive/corporate/en/press_release/PR-22-077-E.pdf
PUBLIC LIBRARY OPENING HOURS FOR CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR, see;
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202212/19/P2022121600291.htm
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CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS 2021
In view of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and severe restrictions on travellers being able to enter Hong Kong this page will not be substantially updated for 2021 celebrations. It is hoped "normal service" may be resumed in 2022.
Hong Kong Tourism Board will host "WinterFest" events between 26th November 2021 and 2nd January 2022 including a New Year's Eve Countdown. This will include a Countdown Concert limited to a capacity of 3,000 ticket holders only (entry by ballot) and countdown clock on the giant screen on the façade of M+ Museum but no pyrotechnics. West Kowloon Cultural District will also feature a "Christmas Town". For further details see;
https://www.discoverhongkong.com/uk/what-s-new/events/hong-kong-winterfest.html
CHRISTMAS PERIOD (24TH to 27th DECEMBER 2021) SPECIAL TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT ARRANGEMENTS - Road closures will be implemented from 2pm on 24th December (Christmas Eve) to 5am on 25th December (Christmas Day) in the vicinity of Lan Kwai Fong in Central. MTR services will maintain normal operating hours and no overnight train service will be provided on 24th December. Eight MTR railway lines (other than Disneyland Resort Line and Airport Express) will enhance service frequency in the afternoon. Island Line, Tsuen Wan Line, Kwun Tong Line, East Rail Line (Hung Hom – Sheung Shui) and Tuen Ma Line will enhance services from 25th to 27th December. Some bus and minibus routes will be adjusted, enhanced or extend their operating hours on 24th December. The operating hours of tram services will be extended on 24th December. The operating hours of the Central-Mid-Levels Escalator and Walkway System on 24th and 25th December be extended to 1am of the following day. Members of the public are advised to pay attention to the passenger notices issued by the public transport service operators concerned.
NEW YEAR'S EVE 31st DECEMBER 2021
For special traffic and transport arrangements for the New Year Countdown Concert at the Great Lawn at the Art Park at West Kowloon Cultural District see;
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202112/28/P2021122800310.htm
Special traffic and transport arrangements for New Year's Eve at Lan Kwai Fong, Central and West Kowloon Cultural District;
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202112/30/P2021123000741.htm
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CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS 2020
In view of the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing measures most of the traditional events including the New Year Countdown will not take place and there will be no Statue Square Christmas Tree on display. The MTR will not operate an all-night service on Christmas Eve 24th December and New Year's Eve 31st December 2020.
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CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS 2019
In view of ongoing protests some of the usual seasonal festivities have been cancelled or are tentative,
IN BRIEF;
EVENTS
There will be no New Year Countdown Fireworks Display over Victoria Harbour on 31st December 2019, However, there will be a large LED COUNTDOWN CLOCK on the facade of Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai Pyrotechnics will be displayed at some buildings near the harbour in Wan Chai District (details to be advised)
A special New Year Countdown edition of "A SYMPHONY OF LIGHTS", multimedia light and sound show featuring buildings in the vicinity of Victoria Harbour will take place at midnight on 31st December, lasting about 10 minutes.
An 18-metre tall CHRISTMAS TREE, located in Statue Square North, Central (adjacent to Mandarin Oriental Hotel) will be illuminated from 20th December 2019 until 1st January 2020.
2020 HONG KONG NEW YEAR COUNTDOWN LUCKY DRAW organised by Hong Kong Tourism Board will take place online on 31st December between 6pm and 11-30pm and will offer over 20,000 prizes with a total value of over HKD4 million. For details see the draw website;
https://hknycd.com/en/
The AIA CARNIVAL and GREAT EUROPEAN CIRCUS runs from 12th December 2019 to 20th February 2020 (except 10th January 2020) at Central Harbourfront Event Space;
https://tgec.asia/
The 17th HONG KONG FOOD FESTIVAL takes place from 25th to 29th December 2019 at Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai;
http://food-expo.com.hk/hong-kong-food-festival.html
HONG KONG DISNEYLAND "A Disney Christmas - Treasure your Traditions" runs from 14th November 2019 to 1st January 2020;
https://www.hongkongdisneyland.com/disney-christmas-intl/
OCEAN PARK CHRISTMAS SENSATION 2019 runs from 7th December 2019 to 1st January 2020;
https://www.oceanpark.com.hk/en/park-experience/christmas-sensation-2019
NGONG PING 360 "WE BARE BEARS HOLIDAY HANGOUT" runs from 28th November 2019 to 5th January 2020;
https://www.np360.com.hk/en/events-promotions/events/We-Bare-Bears-Holiday-Hangout
SHOPPING MALLS
Some shopping malls including Harbour City are not featuring Christmas displays this year or are scaling them back. Major shopping malls with substantial displays include Landmark Atrium;
Landmark Atrium in Central features one of the most impressive shopping mall festive displays in 2019
BUILDINGS
Most buildings facing the harbour in Central and Sheung Wan on Hong Kong Island and East Tsim Sha Tsui and Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon which have displayed Christmas and New Year illuminations in previous years are maintaining the tradition as usual in 2019,
HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Christmas displays are featured in Terminal 1 Arrival Hall;
Festive greetings for travellers in the arrival hall of Hong Kong International Airport
PUBLIC TRANSPORT;
MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY (MTR)
All MTR lines except the Disneyland Resort Line, Airport Express Line and East Rail Line between Sheung Shui and Lo Wu / Lok Ma Chau will operate overnight on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.
MTR LIGHT RAIL
Light Rail routes 505,507,610,614P,615P,706 and 751 will operate overnight on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve
HONG KONG TRAMWAYS
Hong Kong Tramways tram services operating hours on New Year's Eve will be extended until 3am the following day.
STAR FERRY
The Star Ferry Central - Tsim Sha Tsui route operating hours will be extended on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day with the last sailing on 24th December at 1am (next day) and on 25th December at midnight.
The Star Ferry Central - Wan Chai route will operate normal hours.
SPECIAL POSTAL ARRANGEMENTS;
25th & 26th DECEMBER 2019
All post offices will be closed on December 25th and 26th except for the General Post Office at Connaught Place, Central which will open from noon to 5pm and the Airport Post Office which will open from 8am to 5pm. General postal services will be provided. Details of services available will be advertised at the respective post offices.
There will be no mail delivery on 25th and 26th December. One mail collection will be made for the posting boxes of the General Post Office and the Airport Post Office.
1st JANUARY 2020
All post offices will be closed on 1st January except for the General Post Office at Connaught Place, Central, Tsim Sha Tsui Post Office at Middle Road, Tsuen Wan Post Office, Sha Tin Central Post Office, Tuen Mun Central Post Office and the Airport Post Office. The General Post Office will open from 9am to 5pm, Tsim Sha Tsui Post Office, Tsuen Wan Post Office, Sha Tin Central Post Office and Tuen Mun Central Post Office will open from 9am to 1pm. Normal business hours of 8am to 5pm will be maintained by the Airport Post Office. General postal services will be provided. Details of services available will be advertised at the respective post offices.
There will be no mail delivery on 1st January. One mail collection will be made for the posting boxes of the above six post offices.
PUBLIC LIBRARY OPENING HOURS DURING CHRISTMAS AND THE NEW YEAR PERIOD
Hong Kong public libraries, including Hong Kong Central Library and the mobile libraries, will be closed at 5pm on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve and will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day (Dec 26th) and New Year's Day.
CROSS-BOUNDARY PASSENGER TRAFFIC ESTIMATES AND ARRANGEMENTS FOR CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR FESTIVE PERIOD
The Immigration Department estimates that around 10.65 million passengers (including Hong Kong residents and visitors) will pass through Hong Kong's sea, land and air control points during the upcoming Christmas and New Year festive periods, from 21st December 2019 to 1st January 2020. Among them, about 75%, or around 8.03 million passengers, will pass through land boundary control points. The number of outbound and inbound passengers using land boundary control points will be relatively higher on 21st December 21 (Saturday) and 26thDecember (Thursday), with around 433,000 and 455,000 passengers respectively.
The Immigration Department estimates that there will be around 2.67 million passengers, with a daily average of about 223,000 passengers travelling via the Lo Wu Control Point during the festive periods. Also, the daily average forecast of the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line and Shenzhen Bay control points will be about 136,000 and 106.000 passengers respectively.
The Immigration Department, the Police, the Customs and Excise Department and the MTR Corporation Limited will set up a joint command centre at the Lo Wu Control Point, whereas operations of the control points and passenger conditions will be closely monitored to ensure a smooth passenger traffic flow. Moreover, the Immigration Department will upload daily passenger statistics for the above festive period to its website;
https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/message_from_us/stat.html
For travellers making journeys to the Mainland, the Immigration Department reminds them to carry their proof of identity and valid travel documents for crossing the boundary. Hong Kong residents should also check the validity of their Home Visit Permits. Non-permanent residents must carry their valid smart identity card as well as their Document of Identity for Visa Purposes or a valid travel document.
Holders of an acknowledgement receipt issued due to a reported loss or replacement of their Hong Kong identity cards, or children under 11 years old who hold Hong Kong identity cards, should carry a valid travel document or Re-entry Permit.
Over 700 e-Channels have been installed at various control points. Eligible Mainland holders of the electronic Exit-entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao (e-EEP) can enrol for the e-Channel service by using their e-EEP and undergoing the enrolment process at a traditional entry counter on their first visit to Hong Kong. Eligible Mainland visitors who have renewed their e-EEP must go through the aforesaid enrolment process again before they can use the e-Channel.
Hong Kong residents who require assistance while travelling outside Hong Kong may call the 24-hour hotline of the Assistance to Hong Kong Residents Unit of the Immigration Department at (852) 1868.
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CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS 2018
HONG KONG PULSE LIGHT FESTIVAL 2018 AND OTHER CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR EVENTS
Hong Kong WinterFest, an annual event organised by Hong Kong Tourism Board, has for 2018 been renamed "Hong Kong Pulse Light Festival" and runs from 29th November 2018 until 1st January 2019, featuring a number of seasonal events during the Christmas and New Year period.
IFC Mall in Central has one of many impressive festive season displays to be found in Hong Kong's major shopping malls and its 2018 offering is "Santa Academy"
THE STATUE SQUARE CHRISTMAS TREE -29th November 2018 to 1st January 2019
A`classic sparkling Christmas tree will be on display at North Statue Square (adjacent to Mandarin Oriental Hotel) in Central from 29th November 2018 until 1st January 2019.
Opening times;
29th November 2018: 7-45pm to 11pm 30th November 2018 to 1st January 2019: 5pm to 11pm
Free admission
Hong Kong Tourism Board's 2018 Statue Square Christmas Tree
THE BANK OF COMMUNICATONS HONG KONG NEW YEAR COUNTDOWN CELEBRATIONS 2019 - 31st December 2019
The main New Year’s countdown event, organised by Hong Kong Tourism Board. From 11pm, on 31st December 2018, at 15-minute intervals, “Shooting Stars”, short bursts of pyrotechnics are launched at 15-minute intervals from the rooftops of participating buildings. As the clock ticks down to midnight the spectacular 10-minute pyromusical show begins, starting on Victoria Harbour, followed by displays launched from the harbour, Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) in Wan Chai, and nearby buildings.
Scene from the 2018 countdown pyrotechnics display
FEATURED BUILDINGS;
Show anchor with giant LED display - Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
Buildings with rooftop pyrotechnic effects ;
CITIC Tower
Harbour Centre
Harcourt House
Revenue Tower
Queensway Government Offices
SHOOTING STARS (from 11:00pm at 15-minute intervals):
"Shooting Stars" will be launched every 15 minutes from 11pm onwards from the rooftops of six participating buildings on Hong Kong Island. The shooting stars represent god wishes for happiness, health, fortune and wealth.
A giant high-definition LED screen on the façade of the HKCEC will display the 2018 numerals and New Year greetings in different languages. There will be an artificial snow effect in the Hong Kong Cultural Centre area. A live broadcast of the countdown show will be shown on the south façade of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Hong Kong Island;
VANTAGE POINTS
Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade and Hong Kong Cultural Centre Open Piazza
Golden Bauhinia Square, Wan Chai
New Central Harbourfront
Central Piers No. 9 and No. 10
Victoria Harbour, aboard one of the New Year countdown cruises organised by the local travel trade (Boats, however, will not be allowed to enter the pyrotechnics launching area during the display. Central Victoria Harbour will be closed to marine traffic from 11pm on 31 December 2018 to about 1am on 1 January 2019. The landing steps at Kowloon Public Pier will be closed from 9:30pm on 31 December 2018 to about 2am on 1 January 2019).
It is expected that the display will be attended by over 300,000 people, with about 230-270,000 watching from the Kowloon side of the harbour and 30,000 from the Hong Kong Island waterfront
Australian performing arts group "Strange Fruit" launched their latest show outside Hong Kong Cultural Centre on 31st December 2017 as part of the New Year 2018 Countdown Celebrations
LIVE BROADCAST
TVB Jade will broadcast the whole event live in Hong Kong. Hong Kong Tourism Board will broadcast the event live via satellite to major media organisations around the world and arrange live broadcasts on social media and video platforms.
SPECIAL TRAFFIC AND CROWD CONTROL MEASURES - Visitors should note that extensive road closures and crowd control measures will be put in place in the Central, Tsim Sha Tsui and Wan Chai districts area from 6pm, 8pm and 9pm onwards. Further details to be advised.
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OCEAN PARK CHRISTMAS SENSATION - 15th December 2018 to 1st January 2019
Christmas Sensation runs from 15th December 2018 to 1st January 2019 and features the Park's first-ever special collaboration with Hong Kong's iconic cartoon character McDull. The two "Made in Hong Kong" brands will present Hong Kong's first McDull music theatre show "McDull - Fishball On The Run" at Applause Pavilion featuring McDull and Mrs Mak.
Waterfront Plaza becomes a festive Christmas village and as night falls, there will be a daily “Light Up the Night” ceremony at the 40-foot tall Christmas tree, which will include a choir performance every night. The Waterfront Plaza will also feature “Santa's Cottage” where families can snap a seasonal photo with Santa Claus.
Opening hours;
15th & 16th December 2018 & 22nd December 2018 to 1st January 2019- 10am to 7pm
17th December 2018 to 21st December 2018 - 10am to 6pm
Normal admission prices apply.
For further information see;
https://www.oceanpark.com.hk/en/park-experience/christmas-sensation-2017
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HONG KONG DISNEYLAND – "A DISNEY CHRISTMAS" - 15th November 2018 until 1st January 2019
Hong Kong Disneyland’s “A Disney Christmas” runs from 15th November 2018 to 1st January 2019. Opening hours areand highlights include “Mickey and Friends Christmastime Ball”, a seasonal musical extravaganza, “A Magical Twilight Snowfall”, “A Holiday Wish-Come-True” Tree Lighting Ceremony”, and “Fantasy Gardens Wintertime Market”.
Normal admission prices apply and opening hours are;
10-30am to 8pm – November15th, 19th to 22nd, 26th to 29th
10am to 8pm – November 16th to 18th, 23rd to 25th, December 3rd to 6th, 10th to 17th and January 1st
10am to 8-30pm – December 8th and 10th to 13th
10am to 9pm – December 1st, 2nd, 7th to 9th and 14th to 30th
For further details see;
https://www.hongkongdisneyland.com/disney-christmas/
HONG KONG PULSE LIGHT FESTIVAL - 29th November 2018 to 24th February 2019
Hong Kong Pulse 3D Light Show was a new event organised by Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) in 2014 which is has been shown four times each evening during three time periods to enhance the festive ambience of three HKTB mega events including Hong Kong WinterFest.
Produced by Spinifex Group, a prestigious Australian overseas production team, the spectacle has in previous years been created by images projected on to the façade of Hong Kong Cultural Centre and Clock Tower and is based on the theme of Hong Kong as a vibrant, cosmopolitan city, and shows how it evolved through the years into the major world city it is today through striking visuals, including uniquely local buildings.
Spinifex Group’s Head of Creative, Richard Lindsay, has over 20 years’ experience in the design industry and has been involved in numerous international creative media shows, including the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics in 2008, in which he collaborated with famed Chinese film director Zhang Yimou; the 2010 Shanghai World Expo; the 2010Vancouver Winter Olympics; and the 2013 edition of the Sydney Opera House light show in “Vivid Sydney”.
This year Victoria Harbour skyline will be even more atmospheric with a special winter edition of A Symphony of Lights multimedia light and sound show and light-art pieces from local and overseas artists. A Symphony of Lights takes place at 8pm every night and last about 10 minutes. There will be pyrotechnic special effects on 29th November and 1st, 8th, 12th, 15th, 22nd and 29th December 2018
The International Light Display features selected light art pieces by artists from Hong Kong and overseas, including Belgium, France, Hungary, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, The Netherlands, Singapore and the USA. Many of the inspiring and fascinating installations are interactive and invite visitors to participate including revealing your inner beauty with “Angels of Freedom” and witnessing the dialogue of “Talking Heads”, to walking through the arches of “Bat and Coin”
"Talking Heads" is one of the light art pieces featuring in the International Art Display
Light Tunnel at the 2018 Hong Kong Pulse Light Festival
Illumination of the light installations is from 7-45pm to 11pm on 29th November and 5pm to 11pm from 30th November 2018 until 24th February 2019.
SNOWY CHRISTMAS AT NGONG PING 360
Visitors will be able to watch snowfall at Ngong Ping Village at certain times daily between 1st December 2018 and 1st January 2019.
A specially decorated cable car installation is being set up at Ngong Ping to enhance the festivity. Snowfall effects will take place at scheduled times in Ngong Ping Village Square and the Bodhi Tree. Each snowfall session will last about 20 minutes on Mondays to Fridays at 11-30, 12-45 and 14-30 and 16-00 and on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays at 11-30, 12-45, 14-30 15-30 and 16-30.
There will also be performances of Christmas carols at Ngong Ping Village with snowflakes and music in the air on specified dates and times (to be advised).
Decorated cable car installation at Ngong Ping Village at the 2018 "Snowy Christmas at Ngong Ping 360"
For further details see;
https://www.np360.com.hk/en/events-promotions/events/Snowy_Christmas_2018
AIA GREAT EUROPEAN CARNIVAL - 14th December 2018 to 17th February 2019 (except 11th January 2019)
The AIA Great European Carnival, which made its debut in Hong Kong in 2015 and again operated in winter 2016 and 2017 returns for the Christmas and Chinese New Year period from 14th December 2018 until 17th February 2019 (except Friday 11th January 2019). The event, which takes place on Central Waterfront Event Space, adjacent to the Hong Kong Observation Wheel, features circus, traditional carnival rides, games, entertainment, attractions and special events.
Admission charge;
Adult HK$130, includes HK$100 E-tokens
Child HK$90, includes HK$70 E-tokens
Entry Only HK$40
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DRAGON AND LION DANCE EXTRAVAGANZA 2019 – parade featuring over 800 dragon and lion characters from 2pm to 4-30pm, on 1st January 2019, starting on Canton Road and passing Hong Kong Cultural Centre and Avenue of Stars, finishing at UC Centenary Garden, East Tsim Sha Tsui;
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SHOPPING MALLS
Major shopping malls all feature attractive Christmas decorations, starting from about mid-November - early December and lasting throughout the Christmas and New Year period. Some of the best include Harbour City and 1881 Heritage at Tsim Sha Tsui, Times Square and Hysan Place in Causeway Bay, IFC Mall in Central, Festival Walk at Kowloon Tong, Elements Mall at ICC (International Commerce Centre) above Kowloon Station in West Kowloon and in the New Territories, Citywalk at Tsuen Wan and New Town Plaza, Sha Tin.
1881 Heritage, Tsim Sha Tsui Christmas Display 2018
Landmark Atrium's spectacular 2018 display includes choreography and synchronised movement
Harbour City, Tsim Sha Tsui 2018 Christmas display
BUILDINGS
Many buildings facing the harbour in Central and Sheung Wan on Hong Kong Island and East Tsim Sha Tsui and Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon are illuminated with Christmas displays.
Illuminated seasonal greetings, seen from the harbourside, displayed on the façade of Hutchison House, Central
Hong Kong's tallest building, International Commerce Centre (ICC), West Kowloon 2018 Christmas Display
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HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Arriving visitors are greeted by a seasonal displays in the arrival hall at the airport
Festive display in the arrival hall of Hong Kong International Airport for Christmas 2018
ICC LIGHT AND MUSIC SHOW
From 21st to 27th December 2016 the ICC Light and Music Show will feature a Christmas light show and on 31st December there will be a special New Year’s countdown animation. Synchronized music is broadcast on the P3 and P4 Terraces of IFC Mall in Central and the music accompanying the show can also be heard by downloading the ICC Light and Music Show smartphone app. The show takes place nightly at 7-45pm and 9pm.
The ICC Light and Music Show premiered on 25th April 2013 and has been recognised with a Guinness World Record certificate for largest light and sound show on a single building. The show combines music and story in light on two façades of International Commerce Centre (ICC) facing the harbour totalling 50,000 square metres. The towering 118-floor ICC, Hong Kong's tallest building at 490-metres, posed a challenge with its height and width in creating and projecting highly-detailed graphics. The show is the brainchild of Hirohito Totsune, renowned Japanese lighting designer with achievements recognized by a leading international lighting design association, including the Tokyo Skytree lighting. For the initial show Hirohuto Totsune and his team created almost a thousand sketches for the animation that filled the ICC façades through a programme controlling each LED at 30 frames per second resulting in a breakthrough in beautifully rendered animation that surpasses traditional lighting design.
For further details see the ICC Light and Music Show website;
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PUBLIC TRANSPORT
MASS TRANSIT RAILWAY (MTR)
All MTR lines except the Disneyland Resort Line, Airport Express Line and East Rail Line between Sheung Shui and Lo Wu / Lok Ma Chau will operate overnight on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.
MTR LIGHT RAIL
Light Rail routes 505,507,610,614P,615P,706 and 751 will operate overnight on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve
HONG KONG TRAMWAYS
Hong Kong Tramways tram services operating hours on New Year's Eve will be extended until 3am the following day.
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SPECIAL TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS AND CROWD SAFETY MANAGEMENT MEASURES
Numerous phased road closures, special traffic arrangements and crowd management measures will be implemented on Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. For full details see;
https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201812/28/P2018122800792.htm
SPECIAL POSTAL ARRANGEMENTS;
25th & 26th DECEMBER 2017
All post offices will be closed on December 25th and 26th except for the General Post Office at Connaught Place, Central which will open from noon to 5pm and the Airport Post Office which will open from 8am to 5pm. General postal services will be provided. Details of services available will be advertised at the respective post offices.
There will be no mail delivery on 25th and 26th December. One mail collection will be made for the posting boxes of the General Post Office and the Airport Post Office.
1st JANUARY 2019
All post offices will be closed on 1st January except for the General Post Office at Connaught Place, Central, Tsim Sha Tsui Post Office at Middle Road, Tsuen Wan Post Office, Sha Tin Central Post Office, Tuen Mun Central Post Office and the Airport Post Office. The General Post Office will open from 9am to 5pm, Tsim Sha Tsui Post Office, Tsuen Wan Post Office, Sha Tin Central Post Office and Tuen Mun Central Post Office will open from 9am to 1pm. Normal business hours of 8am to 5pm will be maintained by the Airport Post Office. General postal services will be provided. Details of services available will be advertised at the respective post offices.
There will be no mail delivery on 1st January. One mail collection will be made for the posting boxes of the above six post offices.
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PUBLIC LIBRARY OPENING HOURS DURING CHRISTMAS AND THE NEW YEAR PERIOD
Hong Kong public libraries, including Hong Kong Central Library and the mobile libraries, will be closed at 5pm on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve and will be closed on Christmas Day, Boxing Day (Dec 26th) and New Year's Day.
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CROSS-BOUNDARY PASSENGER TRAFFIC ESTIMATES AND ARRANGEMENTS FOR CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR FESTIVE PERIOD
The Hong Kong Immigration Department estimates that around 13.49 million passengers (including Hong Kong residents and visitors) will pass through Hong Kong's sea, land and air control points during the Christmas and New Year festive periods (from 21st to 26th December 2018 and 29th December 2018 to 3rd January 2019). Among them, about 77%, or around 10.39 million passengers, will pass through land boundary control points. The number of outbound passengers will be at its highest on 22nd December (Saturday) with over 620,000 passengers departing Hong Kong, while the number of inbound passengers using land boundary control points will reach its peak on 26th December (Wednesday) with around 542,000 passengers arriving in Hong Kong.
Lo Wu will be the busiest control point, and it is estimated that there will be around 3.30 million passengers, with a daily average of about 275,000 passengers, travelling via this control point during the festive period. The passenger traffic at the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line and Shenzhen Bay control points will also be heavy, with daily average forecasts of about 169,000 and 139,000 passengers respectively.
To cope with the anticipated heavy traffic during the festive period, the Immigration Department has redeployed additional staff to reinforce various control points and has minimised leave for front-line officers for flexible deployment and operation of extra clearance counters and kiosks. Additional security guards will also be deployed to provide crowd management support.
Furthermore, the Immigration Department, the Police, the Customs and Excise Department and the MTR Corporation Limited will set up a joint command centre at Lo Wu Control Point to make necessary arrangements. The Immigration Department will also establish close communication with the Mainland frontier inspection authorities. To ensure smooth passenger traffic flow, passenger conditions will be closely monitored and appropriate traffic diversion plans will be adopted when necessary.
To avoid congestion and a longer than usual waiting time for immigration clearance, the Immigration Department advises all land boundary passengers to plan in advance and avoid making their journeys during busy periods, and to keep track of radio and TV broadcasts on traffic conditions at the various control points. The expected busy times at boundary control points are available on the website of the Immigration Department;
https://www.immd.gov.hk/eng/
Furthermore, passengers may also check the estimated waiting times of all land boundary control points at any time or place via the Immigration Mobile Application (ImmD Mobile App). They can then plan their trips effectively and save time queuing up at control points. The ImmD Mobile App can be downloaded free of charge from the Apple App Store (supports iOS version 9.0 or later) and Google Play (supports Android version 5.0 or later). The links for downloading can also be found on the Immigration Department website. In addition, information on public transport services to and from various control points is available on the Transport Department website at;
https://www.td.gov.hk/en/home/index.html
The Immigration Department will upload daily passenger statistics for the above festive period to its website for public reference.
For travellers making journeys to the Mainland, the Immigration Department reminds them to carry their proof of identity and valid travel documents for crossing the boundary. Hong Kong residents should also check the validity of their Home Visit Permits. Non-permanent residents must carry their valid smart identity card as well as their Document of Identity for Visa Purposes or valid travel document.
Holders of the acknowledgement receipt issued due to reported loss or replacement of their Hong Kong identity cards, or children under 11 years old who hold Hong Kong identity cards, should carry a valid travel document or Re-entry Permit.
About 700 e-Channels have been installed at various control points. Hong Kong residents enrolled for the Express e-Channel should re-enrol if they have been issued with a new identity card. Furthermore, re-enrolment is required for enrolled Mainland visitors holding a booklet-type Exit-entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao who have changed their enrolment information, e.g. having renewed their exit endorsement. Eligible Mainland holders of the electronic Exit-entry Permit for Travelling to and from Hong Kong and Macao (e-EEP) can enrol for the e-Channel service by using their e-EEP and undergoing the enrolment process at a traditional entry counter on their first visit to Hong Kong. Eligible Mainland visitors who have renewed their e-EEP have to go through the aforesaid enrolment process again before they can use the e-Channel.
In addition, all control points have introduced self-service departure for visitors to Hong Kong (Smart Departure) which provides greater travel convenience for visitors. The service employs facial recognition technology for identity verification, which allows eligible visitors holding electronic travel documents to perform self-service departure clearance through Smart Departure e-Channels without prior enrolment.