Hong Kong Christmas Activities – Christmas Kaleidoscope at Harbour City
Christmas might not be a traditional holiday for most of China, but Hong Kong knows how to decorate during the Festive Season. The former British colony is actually one of my favourite cities during Christmas – despite the warm climate and the lack of snow. It is a lot of fun to explore the decorations and activities all over Hong Kong. This year, I discovered the Christmas village at Harbour City in Tsim Sha Tsui. I am a big fan of Christmas and when I read about the walk-in Christmas kaleidoscope I immediately hopped onto the ferry and headed over to the mainland.
“Christmas Treasures at Harbour City” is hard to miss. You will spot the Christmas trees in front of the mall right when you approach the building. (Just follow the crowds 😉 )
The Christmas Kaleidoscope is behind the Christmas trees. Take the escalators up into the mall to the third floor. On the right side after you leave the escalators, there is a small booth selling the tickets. It works on a donation basis: for HKD 50, you can enter the Kaleidoscope.
The show is about ten minutes. I happened to be lucky (I went right after its opening in mid-November) and was on my own. Depending on how busy it is, you may have to share the experience with other Christmas fans.
The Christmas Kaleidscope is open from noon until 9 pm. Even though you might want to arrive after sunset to enjoy the Christmas lights outside, I recommend to go there right after it opens. You will be more likely to enjoy the show on your own.
As a biiiig Christmas fan, I had a blast. The video installations are so beautiful and they are paired with Christmas music. Usually, I am not really in Christmas mood in mid-November but after I left the Kaleidoscope I was in full-on Christmas mode.
I think it is also a great activity with children. After the Kaleidoscope, you can head outside and print your own Christmas cards and, of course, there is a meet and greet with Santa and a marching band.
How to get there:
I recommend taking the ferry from Central to Tsim Sha Tsui. From the ferry terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui, it is only a five-minute walk to the Christmas village. The ferry is not only cheap but you can enjoy the beautiful view of the Christmas skyline. Alternatively, you can also take the MTR there. However, you will have to walk for about 15 minutes. I do not recommend going by car as the area can be quite crowded.
Definitely didn’t expect to see any Christmas lights in Hong Kong! I thought the entire country as well as China is pretty plain during the holidays. You proved me wrong!
Even though most of the Asian countries don’t celebrate Christmas, the decoration is really lovely. It helps if you’re not at home during Christmas time to get the Christmas groove on. 🙂
I’m a huge fan of Hong Kong so definitely need to visit Hong Kong one day during this time of the year. Those decorations look incredible.
Yay, another Hong Kong lover! You definitely should, it is really lovely and the weather is perfect too – low humidity and nice temperatures.