Winter Wonders Envelop Hong Kong

HONG KONG--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov 8, 2024--

As winter approaches, Hong Kong is set to dazzle visitors with an enchanting lineup of festive celebrations, promising joy for families, couples, and friends alike. From spectacular light displays to immersive experiences, the city transforms into a winter wonderland, inviting global travellers to dive into the vibrant holiday spirit.

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Hong Kong WinterFest : A Seasonal Celebration for All

Kick off your winter adventures at the Hong Kong WinterFest, hosted by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), a mega celebration that captures the essence of Christmas. From 22 November 2024 to 1 January 2025, the West Kowloon Cultural District (WestK) will transform into a vibrant hub of seasonal traditions and festivities for visitors of all ages, centred around a show-stopping Christmas tree and whimsical decorations in the Christmas Town, located at the Harbourside Lawn - West, WestK Art Park. Don’t miss the limited time breathtaking “Winter Harbourfront Pyrotechnics” over Victoria Harbour on select nights, promising an unforgettable spectacle of lights and colours against one of the world’s most iconic skylines.

In celebration of HKTB’s Hong Kong WinterFest, the West Kowloon Cultural District Authority will host WestK Christmas Market from 22 November to 9 December 2024 (Fridays to Sundays), and from 12 to 29 December 2024.

Set against the stunning backdrop of WestK Art Park’s picturesque harbourside and lush lawn, the Christmas Market will showcase a delightful array of international festive culinary treats and a curated selection of Christmas gifts. Visitors will be enchanted by a dazzling display of lights and vibrant live music and performances, creating a joyful atmosphere that spreads Christmas cheer throughout the WestK Art Park.

Theme Parks Light up with Immersive Family-Friendly Experiences

This holiday season, Hong Kong’s major theme parks will welcome families with a range of colourful, immersive festive activations.

Hong Kong Disneyland will brighten your holiday with the magic of “A Disney Christmas” in this season. From 15 November 2024 to 1 January 2025, guests can immerse in a series of holiday traditions and seasonal celebrations with experiences including the first-ever snowy Christmas in the World of Frozen, while the Castle of Magical Dreams will sparkle with song as it hosts “Disney Christmas Live in Concert!”, featuring classic Christmas and Disney songs. Those looking for a bright start to 2025 can join the New Year’s Eve Countdown with Disney friends, while seasonal dining, merchandise and themed accommodation complete an unforgettable family holiday experience.

Ocean Park Hong Kong is bursting with festive cheer following the joyful birth of Hong Kong’s first-ever giant panda twin cubs on 15 August 2024, alongside the arrival of two new giant pandas from Sichuan on 26 September 2024. And this December, families are invited to join the celebrations while exploring a delightful array of panda-themed activities. Visitors can embark on a fascinating journey into the panda world, featuring captivating panda-themed photo spots, stunning lighting displays, and engaging art installations, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

It’s a Date: Romantic Winter Festivities for Couples

For couples seeking a romantic way to embrace winter, the much-loved AIA Carnival returns from 18 December 2024 to 16 February 2025, featuring a thrilling mix of booths, games, and amusement rides perfect for igniting the excitement of the season. Also returning this winter is The Grounds open-air cinema, where from 8 November to 22 December 2024, visitors can cosy up and enjoy a curated selection of films under starlit skies, all while savouring gourmet treats from BaseHall. For those seeking a more intimate experience, why not take a romantic stroll through Hong Kong’s lively streets? Wander hand-in-hand beneath the holiday illuminations in Harbour City and Lee Tung Avenue, adding a magical touch to your winter evenings.

Vibe with Your Tribe with an Outdoor Winter Experience

Gather your friends and elevate your winter vibes at Hypefest Hong Kong 2024, debuting on 9-10 November 2024 at the Central Harbourfront. Presented by Hypebeast, a leading platform for contemporary fashion and culture, bringing Hypefest back to its headquarters in Hong Kong. This two-day festival will showcase star-studded music acts, headlined by South Korean DJ and producer Peggy Gou and French electronic legends JUSTICE, alongside immersive brand pop-ups and a vibrant beats and bites area — the perfect backdrop for unforgettable memories.

Meanwhile, Clockenflap, Hong Kong's biggest international outdoor music and arts festival, returns at Central Harbourfront from 29 November to 1 December 2024. This year's festival features nearly a hundred music and arts performances, showcasing a stellar lineup of international heavyweights like Jack White, Central Cee, Air, St. Vincent and Suede, plus regional superstars like Creepy Nuts, yama, Sakurazaka46 and many more. Showcasing the full, world-class festival experience that fans in the city and around the world have come to know and love, Clockenflap will once again feature a spectacular outdoor environment with multiple stages, immersive arts installations and a mouthwatering array of top-quality F&B outlets. Don't miss out on one of the best music festivals in Asia!

For those seeking an urban adventure, Pokémon GO City Safari is coming to Hong Kong on 7 and 8 December. Over two days, players can explore vibrant city landmarks and hidden gems while catching a variety of Pokémon, including event-exclusive species. The Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza in Tsim Sha Tsui will also feature Pokémon-themed photo spots and souvenir booths that give out Pikachu and Eevee sun visors, making it a perfect outdoor activity for families and friends to enjoy during the cooler months of early December.

Indulge in Christmas Feasts and Seasonal Cocktails

No festive celebration is complete without indulging in seasonal culinary delights. Enjoy the exquisite at “Teas of Hope” Afternoon Tea presented by The Peninsula from 9 November to 13, 27-30 December 2024, featuring a menu by Chef de Cuisine Kay Ng, which includes sweet pastries, finger sandwiches, and the hotel’s renowned raisin scones served with clotted cream and strawberry jam.

But the festive flavours don’t stop there! Hotels such as Regent Hong Kong, Rosewood Hong Kong, and Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, along with numerous restaurants around town, are rolling out their own Christmas offerings to satisfy every palate and budget.

Throughout the city, bars will also be mixing up seasonal cocktails, perfect for a festive night out with friends. Visit The Aubreyin Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong for seasonal cocktails like “Leaving The Port” and “Uno’s Grasshopper,” or explore award-winning spots like Bar Leone and COA for exceptional beverages and vibrant atmospheres.

Travellers looking for a winter escape need look no further than Hong Kong this season, where festive cheer and vibrant celebrations await at every turn. To start planning your unforgettable holiday filled with joy, laughter, and festive spirit, head to https://www.discoverhongkong.com/eng/what-s-new/events/hong-kong-winterfest.html.

Images can be accessed at:https://assetlibrary.hktb.com/assetbank-hktb/action/browseItems?categoryId=1727&categoryTypeId=2&cachedCriteria=1
* Disclaimer: The photos included in this press release are for reference purposes only. Some images were taken at previous events or locations and may not represent the current event or setting.

Savor the magic of Christmas Town and the breathtaking “Winter Harbourfront Pyrotechnics” show in the West Kowloon Cultural District. (Credit: Hong Kong Tourism Board)

Don’t miss the “Winter Harbourfront Pyrotechnics” for a truly sensory feast. (Credit: Hong Kong Tourism Board)

Explore Christmas Town with your loved one this festive season in the West Kowloon Cultural District. (Credit: Hong Kong Tourism Board)

LONDON (AP) —

Britain’s Prince William has described the past year as “brutal” following cancer diagnoses for his wife and father. “Honestly, it’s been dreadful,” he said.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday as he closed out a four-day trip to South Africa, the Prince of Wales described 2024 as being probably “the hardest year in my life.”

He added: “So, trying to get through everything else and keep everything on track has been really difficult.

“But I’m so proud of my wife, I’m proud of my father, for handling the things that they have done. But from a personal family point of view, it’s been, yeah, it’s been brutal.”

King Charles III was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer in February, forcing the monarch to step away from public appearances for two months as he focused on his treatment and recovery. Kate, the princess of Wales, announced her own cancer diagnosis a few weeks later and is slowly returning to public duties after completing a course of chemotherapy.

In a video released in September, Kate described her illness as “incredibly tough for us as a family.” William’s comments in South Africa marked the first time he has discussed his own feelings in detail.

Buckingham Palace announced on Friday that Kate and the king would both take part in the national commemoration of Remembrance Day, in central London, on Sunday to honor those who died during the world wars and all the conflicts that have followed.

Prince William was in South Africa to announce the winners of his annual Earthshot competition, which is designed to inspire entrepreneurs and inventors to come up with new ways to combat climate change and other environmental problems. He also attended a meeting sponsored by his United for Wildlife charity, which brought together representatives of law enforcement agencies, conservation groups and corporations that are working to stop the trade in illegal wildlife products.

The work has provided a welcome distraction in an otherwise difficult year.

“It’s more a case of just crack on and you’ve got to keep going,” William said. “I enjoy my work, and I enjoy pacing myself and keeping sure that I have got time for my family, too.”

Britain's King Charles III meets guests during an International Sustainability reception at Buckingham Palace in London, Wednesday Nov. 6, 2024. (Jordan Pettitt/Pool via AP)

Britain's Prince William, the Prince of Wales, speaks to Co-owner of ABALOBI Serge Raemaeker, who were 2023 Earthshot finalists, at Kalk Bay Harbour, near Cape Town, Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024. (Gianluigi Guercia/Pool Photo via AP)

Britain's Prince William, the Prince of Wales is handed a fish as he speaks to local fisherman, at Kalk Bay Harbour, near Cape Town, Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024. (Gianluigi Guercia/Pool Photo via AP)

Britain's Prince William, the Prince of Wales, arrives on board a National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI) boat to meet 2023 Earthshot finalist ABALOBI, at Kalk Bay Harbour, near Cape Town, Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024. (Gianluigi Guercia/Pool Photo via AP)

Britain's Prince William, the Prince of Wales receives a gift from a local, at Kalk Bay Harbour, near Cape Town, Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024. (Gianluigi Guercia/Pool Photo via AP)