A Hong Kong Christmas

          Every year at Christmas time it’s usually the same old song and dance.  Shopping, Christmas Tree, Christmas lights, presents and broke!  And what did you end up with… an ugly Christmas sweater or a Christmas tie!  Wouldn’t it be better to take that money, skip the presents and instead gift yourself and family a trip and experience of a lifetime!  How does Christmas in Hong Kong sound!
          Many may not realize that Hong Kong takes Christmas to a different level!  There are beautiful Christmas displays all over the city.  People dress up in their Santa suits and hats, people are singing Christmas carols outside, spreading joy and laughter throughout the city.  There are so many things to do there on Christmas Day.  They have an outdoor concert, and a firework display on December 31st to bring in the New Year!  So far, either the IFC Towers or the Hong Kong Convention Center have been the center of the show. It tends to change from year to year, but you can expect the display to be spectacular and accompanied by music and there is also a laser light show lighting up the atmosphere as well.
       The biggest events going on at the time would be the Nutcracker ballet which runs from December 16 – 25, (2.30pm and 7.30pm) at the Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui.  The cost ranges anywhere from $180 – $1,000. 
          If you’re looking for adventure you can sign your family up for the Tolo Harbour King of Fast Course and Mini Marathon for Families.  You can take your pick of the 6.2mile King of Fast course, or make it a family affair and sign up for the 2.6 Mile Mini Marathon for Families.  Don’t forget to throw on a Santa hat or even wear a Santa suit after all it will be Christmas.  The date of this race is December 25, (8.30am) at Pak Shek Kok Promenade and costs $100 – $150.
          If the prices in Hong Kong become too much to bear, you can always stay in Shenzhen and take a train to and from Hong Kong.  And unlike Christmas sales in the US, prices tend to increase during that time, so don’t expect many sales.  The weather that time of year begins to turn to winter in mid-December, with dry and clear weather. Average low and high temperatures are 16 °C (61 °F) and 20 °C (68 °F) which is not bad.  So, this Christmas instead of the norm…why not make it a Hong Kong Christmas!

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          The biggest events going on at the time would be the Nutcracker ballet which runs from December 16 – 25, (2.30pm and 7.30pm) at the Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui.  The cost ranges anywhere from $180 – $1,000. 
          If you’re looking for adventure you can sign your family up for the Tolo Harbour King of Fast Course and Mini Marathon for Families.  You can take your pick of the 6.2mile King of Fast course, or make it a family affair and sign up for the 2.6 Mile Mini Marathon for Families.  Don’t forget to throw on a Santa hat or even wear a Santa suit after all it will be Christmas.  The date of this race is December 25, (8.30am) at Pak Shek Kok Promenade and costs $100 – $150.
          If the prices in Hong Kong become too much to bear, you can always stay in Shenzhen and take a train to and from Hong Kong.  And unlike Christmas sales in the US, prices tend to increase during that time, so don’t expect many sales.  The weather that time of year begins to turn to winter in mid-December, with dry and clear weather. Average low and high temperatures are 16 °C (61 °F) and 20 °C (68 °F) which is not bad.  So, this Christmas instead of the norm…why not make it a Hong Kong Christmas!

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Author

~Christina de'Neil