It’s no secret that we love Hong Kong. From its glitzy skyscrapers to exciting attractions, affordable shopping and yummy halal local food, Hong Kong has Muslim travellers coming back for more. Hong Kong is great any time of the year, including winter! Not only does the cooler weather make it a pleasant experience, but there are many festive activities lined up for you too. Although the sun sets earlier, the fun doesn’t have to stop!☺️
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So, if you’ve never thought of visiting in Hong Kong in winter, we’ve rounded up 5 awesome reasons why you should!
1. Participate in HK’s biggest open-air light festival
Who says winter has to be dark and gloomy? With Hong Kong’s first ever Pulse Light Festival, your winter nights in Hong Kong will be illuminated by a visual spectacle along the Victoria Harbour. Did you know that this is also the city’s biggest open-air light festival?
Credit: @discoverhongkong on Instagram
Check out the International Light Art Display which features 14 amazing artworks from all around the world, including local artists. The most striking one is “Talking Heads” by Hungarian artist, Victor Vicsek; the artwork comes to life with animated facial expressions that change colours at night. Not only will you get to interact with the artworks, but you’ll also be able to snap some Insta-worthy photos!?
Credit: Hong Kong Tourism Board
Don’t miss out on this unique structure beside the Hong Kong Observation Wheel too! Bet you didn’t know that this is actually an artistic reinterpretation of a traditional Christmas tree. Called “XTree”, the light decorations on the metal scaffoldings actually dance to a matching soundtrack! Pretty cool, right?
Credit: Hong Kong Tourism Board
Of course, how can we talk about light displays in Hong Kong without including the iconic Symphony of Lights show? This festive season, brace yourselves for an enhanced version of the light display (even more dazzling during Christmas and New Year!) You can expect more skyscrapers taking part in the show plus an unforgettable firework display, making your holiday atmosphere more festive ?
Hong Kong Pulse Light Festival
International Light Art Display
Date: 29 Nov 2018 – 28 Feb 2019
Time: Lights on at 5:00pm – 11:00pm daily (except on 29 Nov 2018, 7:45pm – 11:00pm)
Location: Central and Western District Promenade (Central Section)
A Symphony of Lights
Date: Enhanced version from 29 Nov 2018 onwards
Time: 8:00pm – 8:10pm daily
*Pyrotechnic display on 29 Nov, 1, 8, 12, 15, 22, 29 Dec 2018
Location: Victoria Harbour
XTree
Date: 29 Nov 2018 – 1 Jan 2019
Time: Lights on at 5:00pm – 11:00pm daily (except on 29 Nov 2018, 7:45pm – 11:00pm)
Location: Central and Western District Promenade (Central Section), near HK Observation Wheel
P.S. Find out more about the festival in this video!
2. Soak in holiday festivities and family-friendly activities
Christmas Wonderland at Disneyland
Your winter holiday won’t be complete without visiting The Happiest Place On Earth. Yes, we’re talking about Hong Kong Disneyland! Witness this amazing theme park decked out in dazzling lights and beautiful holiday decorations.
Credit: @ace.of_heart on Instagram
But the best part has to be the Christmas Ball hosted by Mickey and Friends! Here’s your chance to get moving and revel in the festive atmosphere with the singers, dancers and energetic performances – definitely an experience you won’t want to miss ?
P.S. Feeling hungry? There are plenty of yummy and halal food options around the theme park.
Address: Lantau Island, Hong Kong
Christmas Wonderland Dates: 15 Nov 2018 – 1 Jan 2019
Opening hours: 10am – 8pm (opening hours extended to 9pm from 14-30 Dec 2018)
Admission Fee: from HKD619
Celebrations at Ngong Ping
Who says you can’t see snow in Hong Kong during winter? Now, you can experience it at the Ngong Ping Snow Village which turns into a sea of white this season. Not only will you be able to play with fluffy white snow, but you’ll also be able to enjoy other snow activities like creating snow angels and even ice-skating at the outdoor rink!
Credit: Hong Kong Tourism Board
And the fun doesn’t have to stop there. While you’re at Ngong Ping, this is the perfect chance to try out their latest attraction, the VR360. Step into a virtual world and immerse yourself in an interactive experience. There are a few scenarios but be sure to try out “High Altitude Ropeway Walk” where you’d act as cable car engineers on a rescue mission and you’d have to walk on a ropeway to remove obstacles. With the breathtaking scenery of Lantau Island as the setting for the game, it’ll feel so real that you’d even forget you’re in a VR world!
#HHWT Tip: Visiting Ngong Ping? We have just the guide you need for insider tips to this attraction (including halal food!).
Credit: Hong Kong Tourism Board
Address: Lantau Island, Hong Kong
Date: 1 Dec 2018 – 1 Jan 2019
Opening hours: Mon – Fri, 10am – 6pm, Sat-Sun/PH, 9am – 6.30pm
During Christmas and NY:
24 Dec: 9.30pm – 6pm
25 & 26 Dec: 9am – 6.30pm
27 & 28 Dec: 9.30am – 6pm
29 & 30 Dec: 9am - 6.30pm
31 Dec: 9.30am – 6pm
1 Jan 2019: 9am - 6.30pm
Admission Fee: Check out the rates here.
P.S. Looking for more activities to do with the whole family? Check out our 4D3N family-friendly Hong Kong itinerary!
3. Admire Hong Kong’s stunning skyline
Hong Kong’s skyline has always been ranked as one of the most spectacular in the world and the best place to admire it is from the sky100 Observation Deck, the city’s highest indoor observation deck! Be it day or night, the view of Hong Kong from the 100th floor (that’s 393 metres by the way!) is bound to take your breath away ?
Credit: Hong Kong Tourism Board
This winter, you can expect an even more magnificent display with the “Light Up the Sky” experience. Watch as the colourful Christmas lights take over the 360-degree panoramic view of the skyline and Victoria Harbour. But that’s not all! The sky100 has just launched a new night show where you’ll get to see special lighting and visual effects at play. So, be prepared to be dazzled!
Note: The show will be available daily from 6.30pm until closing time, beginning 12 December 2018.
Address: 100/F, International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Date: 12 Dec 18 – 1 Jan 19
Opening hours: Check out the festive hours here.
Admission Fee: From HKD159
4. Shop till you drop!
You can’t say you’ve been to Hong Kong without engaging in the city’s favourite pastime – shopping! This winter, you can combine your shopping spree with exciting Christmas-themed attractions. When you mention shopping, one of the places that comes to mind is definitely Harbour City, Hong Kong’s biggest shopping mall with over 700 stores. During this season, not only will you get to enjoy retail therapy, but you can also step into the world’s largest video kaleidoscope at Harbour City. If you need to take a break from all that shopping, you know where to go!
Credit: Hong Kong Tourism Board
Another shopping mall that’s welcoming the festive cheer is Sino Mall, which is lit with Christmas lights designed by Australian artist Drew Straker. Don’t forget to look out for his signature graffiti art which looks exactly like neon lights! If you’re a fan of Asian comics and anime, make sure you put this in your list. You’ll be amazed by its collection of figurines, video games and vintage timepieces ?
Credit: Hong Kong Tourism Board
Besides the festive decorations at shopping malls, there will also be many street markets to look forward to this season. Some of the more notable ones are the White Christmas Street Fair at Taikoo Place, Stanley Plaza Finnish Christmas Wonders and the Discovery Bay Christmas Market. The best part is, you can find all sorts of interesting items at these markets like handmade arts and crafts and unique trinkets that you can bring home as souvenirs. This is a breath of fresh air from the usual magnets and keychains!
Credit: @whitexmasstreetfair on Instagram
Shopping in Hong Kong in winter is great too as it’s usually the sale period (Dec – Feb). Be sure to look out for the best bargains before and during Christmas and the weeks before Chinese New Year. Plus, you can look forward to an array of spring and summer fashion collections during this period too!
P.S. Looking for the best shopping spots in Hong Kong? We’ve rounded up a list of these top 15 shopping spots in the city!
5. Enjoy yummy local Halal food
With so many activities around Hong Kong in winter, you’d definitely be spending all your energy to make the best of your time. But if you need to refuel, we know just the treats that will keep you warm (and fill your tummy too!)
Islam Food
Satisfy your appetite for halal authentic Chinese food at Islam Food. With 2 outlets in Kowloon, you can conveniently pop by for a hearty meal. One dish that you’d definitely enjoy in winter is their Veal Goulash. It’s served steaming hot and the stew in the patty immediately oozes out once you cut into it ?
Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, you can feel the tender meat melting in your mouth as you bite into it. We’re pretty sure one piece won’t be enough to satisfy your cravings! Try Islam Food’s other specialties too like their Beef Dumpling Soup, Mutton Curry and Scallion Pancake.
Halal status: Only Halal-certified ingredients and meat used
Opening Hours (Main branch): 11.00am to 11.00pm
Address: G/F, No. 1 Lung Kong Rd, Kowloon City, Kowloon – Next to Chow Sang Sang Securities
Opening Hours (New Outlet): 11:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m
Address: G/F, No. 33-35 Tak Ku Ling Rd, Kowloon City, Kowloon
Directions: Lok Fu MTR Station – Exit B. 17 min walk to Islam Food.
A1 Tofu Company
After you’re done filling your tummy with all that good food, it’s time for dessert, and A1 Tofu Company’s got you covered! Try some warm silky smooth beancurd to comfort you on those winter nights ?
There’s a wide variety of flavours to choose from but we recommend the black sesame, Horlicks or almond paste. Having been opened for more than 50 years, you know the stall has a good reputation!
Address: 118 Pei Ho Street, Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong
Opening Hours: Daily, 7:00am – 9:00pm
Directions: A1 Tofu Company is located right outside Sham Shui Po MTR Station (Exit C2).
Must-eat: Islamic Centre Canteen
If there’s one thing you can always make room for in Hong Kong, it’s authentic halal dim sum! And where better to savour this than at the Islamic Centre Canteen? Whether you’re craving for steamed or fried dim sum, the eatery has dishes that’ll suit every palate. We recommend getting the Steamed Siu Mai with Chicken and Crispy Deep Fried Shrimp Wanton.
Whether it’s spring, summer or winter, you can never have enough of dim sum! If you’re heading here, make sure to arrive before 3pm as they only serve dim sum till then. It might also be sold out earlier in the day depending on the crowd!
#HHWT Tip: Looking for more halal food in Hong Kong? Check out our list of the top 10 halal eateries you need to try near major attractions!
Opening Hours: 10am to 3pm (dim sum), 6pm to 9pm (only Cantonese dishes)
Address: 5th floor, Osman Ramju Sadick Islamic Centre, 40 Oi Kwan Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
Directions: MTR Causeway Bay – Exit A. A 10 min walk to Islamic Centre Canteen
BONUS: Perfect weather
The best part about winter in Hong Kong is the perfect weather! You don’t have to worry about dressing up in a thick fur coat or down jacket as the temperature is only around 10-20 degrees except for some days or nights when the temperature goes below 10 degrees. The mild but cooling weather means that you’d only need a jacket or hoodie to keep you warm and that makes sightseeing and travelling around really pleasant. Plus, rainfall in winter is pretty scarce too so humidity levels are low!
With these 5 awesome reasons, you’re now all set to visit Hong Kong in winter! With festive events and activities to get you in the mood, there’s no doubt that winter is one of the best times to visit Hong Kong. So, if you haven’t booked your plane ticket to this amazing city, time to rally your family or friends and start planning an awesome trip to Hong Kong!
This article is brought to you by Hong Kong Tourism Board.