A Hong Kong Christmas

As befits the city's cultural and societal heritage, Yuletide occupies a place in Hong Kong that is somewhere between its totally commercial nature in most of East Asia and the more traditional notions associated with the season in the West.

Sure, one might argue Xmas has been entirely overwhelmed by mercantile sentiments all over the planet, but still, go up Beijing-way and you'll realize it's more or less of the same value as Halloween is in the US. In other words, just a merry excuse to get hammered and party like it was never 1999. At least most Westerners know why Christmas is celebrated in the first place.

The Hong Kong version of Christmas benefits from a much more open-minded cultural setting and a long history of ties to the West. This has resulted in a larger population adhering to Christian faiths, and naturally church-going is quite commonplace.

Do not get this writer wrong: precisely as anywhere else these days, in HK, too does the holiday equate with rampant shopping bonanzas, and really who's to say that's a bad thing. It helps the economy and makes people feel good, and for that maybe we should count our blessings.

There are nonetheless several places to go in Hong Kong for that non-denominational Xmas vibe, as the city takes on a decidedly festive mood with lots of decorations, caroling, music playing and credit card swiping as needed.

Top Spots

Statue Square

Probably the most obvious choice for Christmas delights in HK would be Statue Square, between the Legislative Council and Prince's Building. Slap bang in the middle of Central and easily accessible from the Central MTR station, Statue Square hosts the annual Santa's Town (apparently upgraded from village). Beautifully set-up and done, the area sparkles at night with lovable characters and the official Hong Kong Christmas tree, albeit this last one no longer has a traditional star on top: it's now a strangely oversized heart.

Perfect for families and kids, this attraction also boasts nightly caroling and a wishing corner for placing your own new year's hopes.

Times Square

Nothing spells shopping in HK like the large Times Square shopping mall in Causeway Bay. Again, easy to get to by taxi or MTR, the place teems with zealous shoppers, particularly on weekends. Prices are reasonably average to exclusive, but for the holidays there are tons of pretty lights strung up and adorable children's choirs singing along to seasonal tunes. Outside the main entrance to the mall is where everyone lines up for photo opps if that's your cup of pudding, but beware the touristy lure of tack.

Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade

At the southern tip of famous Nathan Road and alongside Victoria Harbor is the most noted place for observing HK's striking skyline at night. For the season, special lighting schemes have been assembled on several key towers across the water on the island, and from the promenade is where you're best situated to see them, barring the usual crowds. Tip: head northeast along the water to Hung Hom for a slightly more distant view that's still gorgeous at night, yet with less people around.

Avoid

Stay away from bar district Lan Kwai Fong anywhere between the evening of the 24th and the morning of the 26th unless you're especially partial to crowds and lining up to get into a street. Yes, that's right, there's a line just to enter a street, and for good reason, because this time of year in Lan Kwai Fong put the need for crowd control in a whole new persepective.

At any rate, I'll post more as the holiday nears depending on reaction to this piece.

Meanwhile, enjoy some of the images i took.