Winter Wonderland in Hong Kong for the holidays

Those looking for a cool weather getaway to enjoy the holiday season would find Hong Kong perfect, with temperatures reaching below 15°C. An array of entertaining activities guaranteed to create an enjoyable and memorable holiday await families with the 2015 Hong  Kong WinterFest that kicks off this December 4.

Magic will be in the air with the Sparkling BVLGARI Roman Holiday at Statue Square that will light up Central with a large, jewel-like Serpenti light-art installation, inspired by the ancient Roman and Greek symbol for wisdom and strength. A special collaboration between the Hong Kong Tourism Board and Bvlgari, the centerpiece is made up of 50,000 LED lights that illuminate the serpent’s body – which took six months to build and another two months to install. 

Five minutes away from Statue Square is the Observation Wheel, where visitors can take a 15-minute ride on a luxury gondola and enjoy an unobstructed view of the iconic Victoria Harbour and skyscrapers decorated with glittering lights lining both Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. 

Families will also enjoy a Star Ferry ride, rated as one of Tripadvisor’s “Top 10 Must-See Destinations in Hong Kong,” for excellent views of Victoria Harbour, Victoria Peak and the Hong Kong skyline. And when the clock strikes eight, passengers will get to witness a middle-of-the-harbor view of the Symphony of Lights show where 44 buildings around the harbor perform a colorful and musically synchronized 13-minute display.

After alighting at Tsim Sha Tsui, visitors will get an enthralling treat with the Hong Kong Pulse 3D Light Show at the Open Piazza of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Get transported behind-the-scenes to Santa’s office where his elf helpers are busy organizing Christmas wishes and letters to spread that perfect festive cheer. 

Harbour City has also partnered with Hong Kong Disneyland for Disney’s 10th anniversary celebration, transforming the Ocean Terminal Forecourt into a “Happily Ever After” Christmas Avenue, complete with a giant golden starry tree and Frozen window displays. Kids will enjoy celebrating the festive occasion with Disney characters like Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Queen Elsa, Buzz Lightyear and more. 

Next on the list is a five-minute walk to 1881 Heritage, the former headquarters of the Hong Kong Marine Police, and where the Grand Piazza transforms into a 13-meter high gothic cathedral-like ice palace with a majestic ice-skating rink where kids and adults alike can spin to their hearts’ delight. 

Usher in a wonderful year at the highly anticipated New Year Countdown Celebrations on December 31, and join locals and visitors as they gather to watch the pyro-musical show and fireworks right at the stroke of midnight. Vantage points include the waterfront along Tsim Sha Tsui; the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Open Piazza and Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade; West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade; New Central Harbourfront; the promenade at the Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai and the areas around Central Piers No. 9 and 10.

Visitors who want a complete look at beautifully decked out Hong Kong can hop on either The Big Bus Night Tour or Open-top Bus Starry Night to enjoy the winter-themed citywide decorations and glittering skyscrapers while on the road. For more information on the 2015 Hong Kong WinterFest, log on to www.DiscoverHongKong.com/winterfest.