Christmas festivities for a truly merry holiday

The festive Christmas season is fast approaching, but with travel restrictions still in place, many are scrambling to make early bookings at the finest restaurants and gearing up for Christmas shopping sprees. Here are top things to do to either get ahead of the crowd or avoid the rush on Christmas week.

christmas list activities to do gafencu magazine the peninsula — image from the Peninsula

Book a festive staycation package now

Though still two months away, booking a room for a Christmas staycation now will save you the stress of when December rolls in. Hotels, like The Peninsula and Four Seasons are already sending out early invitations to early-birds to reserve a spot for a range of festive menus and celebratory cocktails on offer.

christmas list activities to do gafencu magazine W hotel Kitchen christmas feast — image from W Hotel

Dine-out on Christmas

Dining hot spots like Kitchen at W Hotel, the Murray and The Butterfly Room at Rosewood will surely be hard to book the closer it gets to Christmas. To get ahead of the crowd and enjoy a festive spread at these high-end dining spaces, make a reservation ahead of time to get the best seat in the house.

Splurge on premium Christmas shopping

Relish in a luxurious shopping spree at one or all of the many remarkable malls that showcase the city’s best Christmas displays every year, such as Landmark, Pacific Place, Harbour City and IFC malls. A break from the extensive shopping spree can also be enjoyed at their many dining options that are sure to spread a sumptuous X’Mas-themed meal.

christmas list activities to do gafencu magazine the nutcracker — image from Hong Kong Cultural Centre

Watch the Nutcracker

Watching the Nutcracker is an annual Christmas tradition, especially for lovers of ballet. From December 18 to 20 at Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, the beloved story and outstanding performance of the Nutcracker returns to the city for the family to enjoy. VIP tickets are available for purchase at HK$1,000 and will give guests access to dining privileges at several restaurants at Rosewood Hotel.

christmas list activities to do gafencu magazine island shangri-la hong kong christmas feast catering — image from Island Shangri-la

Enjoy a fine-dining Christmas at home

Alternative to eating out, hosting a private dinner can shield you from the cold and crowd. Premium menus from Mandarin Oriental and Island Shangri-la serve an authentic Christmas feast that customers can order from to take away.

Decorate your own tree

For a more traditional and intimate celebration with loved ones, enliven the Christmas spirit at home with a personal tree for friends and family to share a fun experience decorating with glamourous ornaments. Real full-sized trees are available for purchase at Anglo Chinese Florist Ltd, Sophie’s Christmas Trees and Gift Flowers HK.

Recycling services at christmastree.hk can also be hired for after the season has passed, in contrast to synthetic trees that are often tossed after the season’s passed.

Give back and Donate

Count your blessings and share the joy of the Christmas spirit by donating toys to a children’s hospital, like Maggie’s Cancer Caring Centre or write a cheque for a charity of your choice.

October Events: Highlights for Hong Kong’s up coming months

Hong Kong remains adamant to push forward with delivering the entertainment and social value that makes this city relevant, despite social distancing regulations that have led some noteworthy events like Cockenflap and Art Basel Hong Kong to either reschedule or cancel. Still, there are several events that will continue to enliven the city with entertainment, art, culture and education this month. From virtual art and dining exhibitions to sustainability conferences, here are the highlights of upcoming weeks in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Wine and Dine Festival

Oct 25 – 28

Despite its cancellation last year, the annual Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival returns digitally at the end of the month, instead of its usual spot at the Central Harbourfront Event Space. In view of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the organisers have decided to turn the popular interactive festival into a virtual market place. In spite of the change, the festival will be bringing all of its usual highlights including workshops and talks by food critics, chefs and sommeliers. discoverhongkong.com

Online Event. www.discoverhongkong.com

Wei Ligang Showcases Chinese Ink and Acrylic

Oct 3 – Jan 2

Internationally renowned Chinese calligrapher, Wei Ligang showcases Silent Mountains, Meandering River in his third solo exhibition at Alisan Fine Arts. The event presents 14 of his latest Chinese ink and acrylic on paper works, created specially for this exhibition. The theme of the exhibition is a symbolism of the “circuitous and gentle thoughts of Chinese people.” Wei is best known for his abstract paintings that combine traditional and modern calligraphy. This will mark Wei’s third solo exhibition at the gallery.

21/F, 1 Lyndhurst Tower, 1 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central.

Jewellery & Gem Digital World

Oct 27 – 29

Informa Markets Jewellery launches its first ever bespoke digital event – the Jewellery & Gem Digital World. The virtual exhibition features cutting edge Atelier technology that enables guests to explore and personalise their virtual visit and participate in video meetings and webinars. The digital event will run live for 24 hours during the two-day virtual exhibition, offering sellers the flexibility to serve buyers at any time. The platform is in English, with a Chinese-language interface.

Online Event. www.exhibitions.jewellerynet.com

Art Basel’s OVR:20c

Oct 28-31

Due to the cancellation of its original gallery exhibition at Basel, Art Basel opens its online viewing room for the third time this year in the form of OVR:20C, following last month’s OVR:2020. Art connoisseurs would be keen to find works of art created throughout the 20th century, between 1900 and 1999 in another tightly focused thematic virtual showcase. The digital art exhibition is the internationally reputed organisation’s bid to bring together its global network of collectors and exhibitors.

Online Event. www.artbasel.com/ovr

RETHINK 2020: Enterprise Forum For Future Sustainability

Oct 29

As consumer interests increasingly lean towards living more sustainable lifestyles and using more eco-friendly products, ReThink has organized a two-day programme that features industry experts, businesses and professionals on the environmental impacts of labour practices and how businesses can excel towards a more sustainable future. The event is comprised of 28 conference sessions, 15 expert panels, 8 workshops and 4 keynote speakers.

Tickets are priced at HK $575 (Day 1) and HK $455 (Day 2). K11 Atelier King’s Road, No. 728, King’s Road, Quarry Bay

February Events: Highlights for Hong Kong’s upcoming month

With health and safety being the top priority in Hong Kong right now, many events have been either cancelled or postponed events. If, however, you are willing to brave a little uncertainty, the city still has an array of – surely welcome – diversions on offer.

Comic World Hong Kong

2 Feb

If you are a fan of the comics or simply in the mood to explore the genre, the biannual Comic World Hong Kong is one event you should certainly add to your calendar. From creating the best character to how to draft a truly-gripping one-page strip, the event is the perfect introduction to this irresistibly modish medium.

Kowloon Bay International Trade & Exhibition Centre – Hall 2 & 3.

Disney on Ice – Live Your Dreams

19-23 Feb

In the unlikely event your dreams largely revolve around talking mice, petulant ducks and lions lip-synching to Elton John then the wonderful world of Disney is definitely for you. If you like all of the above, plus winter sports, then boy – or girl – are you in for a treat. As you might expect, Let It Go will be belted out at least once and we’d put money on a snowboarding Baloo or two delivering the Bear Necessities before the night is out. While legend has it that Uncle Walt had his head cryogenically frozen in the hope of one day being resurrected that is not a regular part of the show. Shame that.

Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Werq The World

21-22 Feb

Speaking of sass and style, the stars of top-rated reality show RuPaul’s Drag Race – a series that has notched up 10 Emmy wins out of a total of 30 nominations – are returning to Hong Kong as part of the Werq The World global tour. Taking all things intergalactic theme as the suitably out-of-this-world theme, the cast includes some of the show’s most notorious former contestants, including Yvie Oddly, Kim Chi, Monet X Exchange and Aquaria. This titanic team-up, of course, is on a mission to save the galaxy, so expect laughs by the light year and truly cosmic costumed capers.

AC Hall.

Kidsfest! 2020

15 Jan-23 Feb

While billing itself as “World Class Theatre for Young People” may not make itself sound the coolest of happenings – here’s a hint organisers: only maiden aunts and superannuated politicos ever use the term “young people” unironically, Kidsfest! is actually a blast. With nearly a month’s worth of on-stage shenanigans to be had, the standouts here are likely to be pretty much anything Gruffalo-related. Also, worth a peek are the worryingly gender-specific Mr Men and Little Misses and couple of favourites – notably Stick Man and The Snail and the Whale.

Drama Theatre, The Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts.

Translantau 2020

28 Feb-1 March

If you didn’t give yourself a coronary or irretrievably twist something vital at the beginning of last month in the Ultra-Trail, the ever considerate organisers of the Tranlantau 103km I cant-believe-that’s-anybody’s-idea-of Fun Run are giving you a second chance to commit jogacide.. Now in its ninth edition – and with no sign of a published casualties list – it may actually be safer than it sounds. So, should you take part? Well, let’s put it this way, no-one not enjoying an exclusive Make-A-Wish early preview has ever died during a Star Wars movie. And that’s coming up next.

Happy Chinese New Year greetings from the Gafencu Team

January Events: Highlights for Hong Kong’s upcoming month

From a long marathon that will give your 2020 an active start to shows like Kidsfest! that will entertain children – not to forget the Star Wars Return of the Jedi in Concert that will be loved among the Star Wars fans – here are the January events to look forward to in Hong Kong.

Ultra-Trail Tai Mo Shan

4-6 Jan

Billing yourself as the “toughest event to challenge the human spirit” is, frankly, no way to ensure mass-market support. As the event in question, however, requires participants to negotiate their way around a 100 miles of Hong Kong shrubland – albeit with lovely views out across the Tai Mo Shan reservoir – this is clearly not a diversion for anyone less than 100% committed. While there are almost certainly worse ways to spend the first weekend of the New Year, none immediately spring to mind.

Star Wars Return of the Jedi in Concert

4-5 Jan

There’s a degree of misrepresentation going on here. This is not a musical take on the third slice of the original Star Wars trilogy. There’s no Darth Vader and a bunch of stormtroopers rocking it with “Sithadeedooa Sithadeehey, come and join the dark side, it’s really okay…” There is, however, a live performance on of the original movie score by the Hong Kong Philharmonic, a big screen showing the film and, most importantly, no vertical surfaces you’ll be expected to shin up before you’re allowed to go home. Sounds like a win-win to us…

Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall

Hong Kong Toys and Games Fair

6-9 Jan

While many of us may well be toyed-out after the Christmas season, with the sight of one more replica light sabre likely to bring on palpitations and the sound of Buzz Lightyear endlessly outlining his pan-galactic aspirations set to put you in a fugue state, for some hardy souls it’s already time to find out what’s likely to be under the 2020 yuletide tree. If you want a sneak peak, the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre is the place to be over the four days it hosts Asia’s biggest toys and games expo. Play nicely.

Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai, Hong Kong (Harbour Road Entrance).

Hong Kong Open (Golf Tournament)

9-12 Jan

Considered as a must-attend event for all the golf aficionados, the Hong Kong Open (Golf Tournament) Is one of the city’s most popular sporting events. The event holds a history of nearly six decades and boasts a line of prominent winners over the past years. This year, in addition to the competition, there will also be complimentary golf lessons. Moreover, the organisers are putting up activities like face painting and magic shows to entertain children thus allowing the adults to enjoy the game to the fullest.

The Hong Kong Golf Club, Fanling

Company Wayne McGregor – Autobiography

10-12 Jan

Join award-winning British choreographer Wayne McGregor and his company, Company Wayne McGregor, in an odyssey through the life story of the renowned dance arranger and his chums, all told through the medium of chromosome imagery and “a genre-defying soundscape.” According to the promotional bumf: “Each performance unfolds uniquely, with the arrangement of the 23 self-contained choreographic chapters assembled randomly according to a computer-generated algorithm”. Look, I’m going to be honest with you here – there’s probably still time to book in for the 100-mile hike featured above and the New Star Wars (see below) is certain to be still showing somewhere…

The Box, Freespace.

January events — Photo Credits © Richard Davies

December Events: Highlights for Hong Kong’s upcoming month

From the always-fun-filled AIA carnival to spectacular horse racing events for equine enthusiasts and starting your New Year with picturesque firework displays along Victoria Harbour, here are the December events to look forward to in Hong Kong.

DesignInspire
5-7 Dec

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and the Business of Design Week (BODW) are partnering up once more to host a three-day exhibition titled DesignInspire 2019. Aimed at inspiring and fostering creative talents from across the globe, the showcase will spotlight an array of innovative products, projects and interactive installations, all in the hopes of finding the Next Big Thing among today’s up-and-coming designers, brands and creative associations.

Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Dr, Wan Chai.

L’Amour Immortel
6-8 Dec

When Pu Songling (1640-1715), the Qing dynasty writer, penned Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio, he could scarcely have imagined its popularity would endure through the centuries. Yet, that is precisely what has happened, with the Hong Kong Dance Company soon to recreate the magic of one of its 500-odd stories in a dance performance dubbed L’Amour Immortel. Set to be staged for the third time, the evocative tale follows the love story of Nie Xiaoqian, a beautiful ghost, and Ning Caichen, a scholar.

Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui. HK$80-480.

Longines Hong Kong Int’l Races
8 Dec

The city’s equine enthusiasts are in for a treat, as not one, not two, but four world-class horse racing events will be held at the Sha Tin Racecourse over the course of just one day. Enjoy fast-paced action as the world’s leading horses and jockeys descend to vie for victory in the Hong Kong Cup, Hong Kong Mile, Hong Kong Spring and Hong Kong Vase. If the collective winnings of HK$93 million aren’t enough to thrill the viewers, there’s also plenty of off-track entertainment to keep them occupied.

Sha Tin Racecourse, Shatin.

Air Supply Live in Hong Kong 2019
10 Dec

For over three decades now, Brit-Australian pop rock duo Air Supply has enchanted the world with such romantic ballads as Lost in Love, All Out of Love and Every Woman in the World. Now, guitarist / singer-songwriter Graham Russell and lead vocalist Russell Hitchcock are bringing their powerful musical act to KITEC for one night only, as they look to woo the city’s music aficionados with a medley of their greatest hits.

Star Hall, KITEC, 1 Trademart Dr, Kowloon Bay. HK$388-988.

AIA Carnival
12 Dec-16 Feb

Comedic clowns, trapeze acrobatics, death-defying motorbike stunts… The AIA Carnival, formerly known as the AIA Great European Carnival, is set to return to Central Harbourfront, led by the redoubtable Ring Mistress Hayley Gandey. Expect plenty of jaw-dropping acts, colourfully costumed characters and awe-inspiring feats of physical contortion that are all part of life under the big red tent of Gandeys Circus.

Central Harbourfront Event Space, 9 Lung Wo Rd, Central. From HK$200.

The Lion King
18 Dec-5 Jan

The award-winning Broadway play based on Disney’s beloved classic, The Lion King, will be returning to Hong Kong, bringing with it the chance to sing along to such renowned tunes as Circle of Life, Can You Feel the Love Tonight and other musical scores created by Tim Rice and Elton John. This anthropomorphic adaptation is sure to keep your little ones enchanted long after the last note has been played.

AsiaWorld-Expo, Airport Expo Blvd, Chek Lap Kok. HK$399-1,299.

The Nutcracker
19-29 Dec

The Hong Kong Ballet looks all set to thrill the entire family with its latest take on Terence Kohler’s beloved ballet, The Nutcracker. Experience the magical allure of the holiday season in all its glory as you embark on a journey replete with breathtaking choreography, beautiful musical numbers and stunning set pieces, as Clara and Fritz help the eponymous Nutcracker to reunite with his Ballerina love.

Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui. HK$180-1,000.

Hong Kong Food Festival
25-29 Dec

If you’re worried that you won’t be able to fit in enough foodie delights this Christmas, fear not, for the upcoming Hong Kong Food Festival could more than satiate your appetite. Entering its 17th year, the massive five-day food showcase will bring together culinary treats from all over Asia – organised into nine themed zones – in what is sure to be a truly unforgettable feast. Best wear loose trousers for this one.

Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Dr, Wan Chai. HK$10-20.

New Year’s Countdown and Fireworks
31 Dec

After a long, challenging year, Hong Kong looks set to ring in the new year with a picturesque pyrotechnic firework display along Victoria Harbour. The heart of the proceedings this year will be Wan Chai’s Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, and will feature synchronised LED and laser light displays set to a musical soundtrack. A word of warning though – best head out early to nab the most scenic spots as both sides of the harbour tend to fill up quickly. Locations vary.

Entertainment Calendar: What to do and see in October

Asia Contemporary Art Show, Backstreet Boys, Women of Wine festival… there are a lot of stuff that are still scheduled to take place in and around HK this month. Check ’em out.

1 Oct

National Day Holiday

While October’s National Day celebrations may not be kicking off in its traditional firework-punctuated style this year, the People’s Republic of China’s 70th birthday still affords the perfect opportunity to take a little break from everyday life. Aside from providing an interlude from office, it’s a chance to grab your loved ones and explore those hitherto-unvisited corners of Hong Kong. Explore the wonders of the Tai Po Marshes, treat your kiddies to a Disneyland adventure, or simply gather your loved ones for a sumptuous meal at home. Locations vary.

5 Oct

Jazz on the Beach 2019

After last year’s successful debut, Jazz on the Beach is all set to return to the 852 to ensure no foot is left untapped and no hip is left unswayed. With this year’s theme being “Love Wins. Love Always Wins.”, the nine-hour event aims to spread a positive message through the healing power of music and to keep guests entertained with activities such as yoga, art jamming and recycling workshop for kids. Treasure Island Beach Club, Pui O Beach, Lantau Island.HK$180. www.eventbrite.com

5–7 Oct

Asia Contemporary Art Show

Returning for its 15th-edition, the Asia Contemporary Art Show, is once again hoping to attract the culture vultures of the city with over 1,500 pieces of contemporary art. Art aficionados can spend the day browsing original paintings, limited edition artworks, sculptures and photographs from some of the world’s most promising and already acclaimed artists. With a complimentary cocktail in hand, inspiration might also strike buyers and art-lovers alike. Conrad Hong Kong, 88 Queensway, Admiralty.HK$270. www.asiacontemporaryart.com

11 Oct

The Women of Wine Festival

In its second year now, The Women of Wine Festival is bringing together Hong Kong’s female wine lovers, top businesswomen and key opinion leaders for wine pairings and much more. Promised to be bigger, livelier and more diverse than ever before, this year’s programme includes wine masterclasses, lifestyle workshops, networking sessions and panel discussions on women empowerment and sustainable lifestyles among female corporates. Tesla Motors Hong Kong’s country director Isabel Fan and LUSH Asia’s director and general manager Annabelle Baker will be among the speakers, ensuring that your wine company is indeed fine company. HKEX Connect Hall, Exchange Square, Central. HK$450–700. www.ticketflap.com

16 Oct

Pink Season 2019 – Wine Pairing Dinner

While LGBT+ group Pink Alliance officially kicked off their Pink Season festival late last month, that doesn’t mean the fun is over just yet. Those looking to support diverse communities while indulging in an evening of delectable gourmandry could do far worse than attend the Wine Pairing Dinner at Sai Ying Pun’s intimate eatery Brut!. Get ready to be spoilt by a selection of five natural wines, as well as a fabulous five-course meal – all tapas-styled plates made from only the freshest ingredients. Lest you feel too guilty about indulging, remind yourself that all proceeds will go towards the fundraising event for the organisation’s marriage equality campaign. Say ‘yes’ to a good cause… Brut!, 1 Second St, Sai Ying Pun. HK$1,288. www.eventbrite.hk

18–19 Oct

Soul of Shaolin

Fans of both kung fu and the theatre are in for a visual treat, as the martial arts production Soul of Shaolin hits the stage this month. Performed by Shaolinkung fu monks, the show has been receiving critical acclaim for over a decade, since it was nominated at the 63rd Tony Awards for the Best Special Theatrical Event. Shaolin follows the tragic tale of a mother and son who are separated by a civil war and are finally reunited after a series of trials and tribulations. Star Hall, KITEC, 1 Trademart Drive, Kowloon Bay. HK$180–480. www.premier.hkticketing.com

19 Oct

Backstreet Boys DNA World Tour in Macau

Backstreet’s back alright… Indeed, the much-beloved American ’90s boy band Backstreet Boys are headed to Macau this month as part of their DNA World Tour. With over 23 years of smash hits such as, I Want it That Way and Don’t Go Breaking My Heart sure to be on the playlist for the night, expect millennials to make a beeline towards Macau, in a bid to relive their teenage years just for an evening. The quintet are also bringing new material from their 10th studio-album DNA, their first number-one album in over 19 years. The Cotai Arena, The Venetian Macau.HK$688–2,488. www.cotaiticketing.com

25 Oct

Carly Rae Jepsen

Finally following through with her promise to call us, maybe – Canadian pop-star Carly Rae Jepsen is bringing her lovesick synth-pop tunes to Hong Kong as part of the world tour for her fourth album, Dedication. Rising to fame after coming in third place in the reality TV competition Canadian Idol,and touring with fellow Canadian darling Justin Bieber, Jepsen has been unstoppable on the international charts with such hits as Good Time and I Really Like You. Her Hong Kong return is sure to be a draw teenagers and pop music lovers alike. KITEC, 1 Trademart Drive, Kowloon Bay. HK$850. www.livenation.hk

26 Oct

Rottenhead Music &Craft Beer Fest

Marketed as the most exciting thing to happen to Lantau Island since the Mongol invasion of 1276, Rottenhead Music & Craft Beer Fest is the newest in a series of craft beer festivals that have been taking Hong Kong by a storm these days. While the festival may be host to more than 10 local craft breweries, it is also a family affair with music acts, a baby disco and a dedicated kids area. Grab a reusable cup – as the fun is promised to be eco-friendly – and enjoy the biggest party Lantau has ever seen. Tat Tung Road Park, Tat Tung Rd, Lantau Island. From $80. www.rottenheadfest.com

Art abound at Jockey Club New Arts Power 2019

The third edition of Jockey Club New Arts Power (JCNAP 2019) is back in town till January 2020, featuring seven performing arts programmes, two visual arts programmes, and over 150 community and educational events. Hosted by Hong Kong Arts Development Council and The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, the marathon event this year explores the theme of “Arts Around Us” – a theme that allows local artists to push beyond the boundaries of traditional art spaces and reach even closer to the community through their art.

Notable among this year’s participating artists are choreographer and dancer Lai Tak Wai and Daniel Yeung, curators André Chan and Jing Chin yin Chong, the creative trio called Thunderstorm, local saxophone ensemble La Sax and physical drama group Théâtre de la Feuille.

Speaking to the media at the opening ceremony, HKADC’s Chairman Dr Wilfred Wong said: “Following successful first and second editions, JCNAP is now well established as a major home-grown arts festival. It provides Hong Kong artists a much-needed platform for creativity and an opportunity to connect with the community, schools and the general public.”

Here is a sneak peek of our exclusive video coverage of the opening ceremony: