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.
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.
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.
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.
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.