The secret is out! More and more families from Thailand have discovered the Hong Kong WinterFest – the ideal holiday destination that is just three short hours away, but a million miles from the daily grind. During the entire festive season, Hong Kong transforms itself into a scintillating wonderland of lighting and decorations, creating images that families keep among their most treasured memories. During the month of December, all Hong Kong visitors can have a go at discovering new places and take advantage of the shopping, dining and free festivities the city has to offer.
Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has ensured that throughout this winter season, each one can experience the unique Christmas and New Year ambience that reigns in this city and share their best moments with family and friends.
Starry Christmas at Harbour City
If you're with kids, begin your stay with a Starry Christmas. The Ocean Terminal Forecourt will transform into a Christmas train station with red, white and gold as the main colours. A 30-meter long "Starry Christmas Train" with a giant steam locomotive funnel releasing countless Christmas stars will stop at the station. There will also be special lighting effects at night to create a romantic ambience.
The kids will love the display featuring a Snowman, Teddy Bear, and Christmas ball, all standing at 3 meters tall. "Shaun the Sheep" is the theme for different Christmas scenes at Gateway Arcade and Kids Zone at Ocean Terminal.
Times Square's Lilliputian Christmas
This year, a stroll through Times Square will bring your dreams to life, and let you become a Lilliputian. Take a ride on a Christmas ornament to travel through a mountain of Christmas gift boxes, and try an adventure inside the Christmas crystal balls. What a great new experience to find yourself being part of the magnificent Christmas décor and illuminated with many joys and colors!
Take a stroll amidst the forest of 28 natural grown Christmas trees to smell the fragrant pinewood scent and see the 10,000 gold ornaments and toys swinging on the branches. There will be so many amazing spots to take your selfies from!
Sky-high Sweet Christmas Delights
Located in Hong Kong's tallest building, sky100, the only indoor observation deck in town is the best place to enjoy the holiday lights. Gaze at the amazing 360-degree views that enable visitors to see the twinkling on both sides of the Victoria Harbour and discover their super special offers, in collaboration with GODIVA, one of the world's finest chocolatiers.
Hong Kong Disneyland
What trip would be complete without a visit at Hong Kong Disneyland? There's always something new to look forward to – Disney Sparkling Christmas and the Disney Paint the Night Parade with incredible floats and a dazzling mix of scenic and lighting designs using LED, are among the most astonishing experiences. And of course, the climax of the evening for kids of all ages is the "Disney in the Stars" Fireworks Spectacular!
Hong Kong Pulse 3D Light Show
Truly magical moments brought to you by the HKTB! A world-class creative team projects a spectacular light and music show on the facade of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre and the Clock Tower at Tsim Sha Tsui. It will be the superb showcase the unique glamour and vibe of the city, through a radiant show using the latest in new-media technology.
Hong Kong Observation Wheel
A true must do! Get a breathtaking aerial view of the city, its skyscrapers and most famous landmarks all decked out for Christmas. Located next to Central Waterfront, you can get unobstructed sights of the Central Harbour in this serenely-moving wheel that will make your trip memorable, whether you choose a daytime or night time ride. This 60-meter wonder is slated to become the next icon for Hong Kong. Here's a tip: the Wheel is equipped with super-fast free Wi-fi, so get your smart phone ready to share your pleasure on this awesome ride with your friends back home.
Festive activities in every corner
And last but not the least, experience the countdown to 2015 with cheerful crowds of revelers at one of the most technologically-advanced cities in the world. Here are HKTB's tips for the best vantage points - the area along the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront between the Avenue of Stars and Hong Kong Cultural Centre; along the New Central Harbourfront; the area around Central Piers No. 9 and 10; the area in Golden Bauhina Square in Wan Chai and the harbor cruises which will be right under the action. Make sure to claim a spot early! A visit to www.DiscoverHongKong.com will make planning your countdown activities and choosing your strategic viewpoints much easier.
The Christmas spirit is now in full gear sweeping across Hong Kong all day and all night. The amazement never stops - the Hong Kong WinterFest is known to turn this vibrant city into a wonderland where excitement, happiness and celebration never seem to cease.
HONG KONG HOLIDAY CHECKLIST
• Hong Kong Disneyland
www.hongkongdisneyland.com
• Hong Kong Observation Wheel
www.hkow.hk
• Times Square
www.discoverhongkong.com
• Harbour City
www.harbourcity.com.hk
• Hong Kong Pulse 3D Light Show
www.discoverhongkong.com/hkpulse
• sky100
www.hongkongdisneyland.com
• New Year Countdown
