Updated: October 23, 2026
Looking for the best Christmas events in Hong Kong in 2026? From late November through New Year, the city is full of festive things to do with kids. Highlights include Christmas lights along Victoria Harbour, Santa meet-and-greets, holiday markets, Christmas pantomimes, The Nutcracker ballet and seasonal celebrations at Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park. This guide covers the top Christmas activities across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories, with dates, venues and ticket details to help you plan. It has ideas for every age, from toddlers to teens. Popular shows and Santa experiences often sell out, so book early. Still shopping for gifts? See our round-up of Christmas Fairs And Bazaars In Hong Kong.
We will be updating this list regularly! Email [email protected] for anything that we should add in!
Want more fun events for 2026 in Hong Kong:
Unique Klook Events And Christmas Deals To Book For Kids:
What are the best free Christmas events for families in Hong Kong in 2026?
Hong Kong WinterFest’s Christmas Town in Statue Square is free, with a giant tree, lights and market chalets. WestK Christmas Town on the West Kowloon waterfront is also free, with stalls and performances. Many mall installations, including Pacific Place’s storybook scenes, need no tickets. See the full list in the Little Steps Christmas events guide.
Where can I meet Santa with kids in Hong Kong this Christmas?
Santa’s Secret Kingdom at Island Shangri-La runs on selected dates from 28 November to 26 December, with tickets from HK$648 and a private family moment. Pacific Place’s Dreaming of Christmas grotto (13 November 2026 to 3 January 2027) sells out fast and needs member priority. More spots are in the places to meet Santa guide.
When do Hong Kong’s Christmas markets and fairs start?
Most run from mid-November to early January. Confirmed ones include Handmade Hong Kong at Discovery Bay Plaza on 14–15 November, 28–29 November and 12–13 December, and Swire Properties’ White Christmas Street Fair on 3–6 December at Taikoo Place. Prestige Fairs at the Conrad and WestK markets are free to enter. Check the Christmas fairs guide for updates.
Is the Hong Kong Players panto good for young children?
Yes. Pinocchio: The Panto runs 27 November to 6 December 2026 at Shouson Theatre in Wan Chai. It is British-style family panto with songs, slapstick and audience participation, suitable from about age 3. Matinees are easier for toddlers. Tickets are HK$325–450 and on sale now.
How do I book Pacific Place’s Santa’s Grotto before it sells out?
Priority booking goes to higher-tier members first, then Blue members and above at 11am on 11 November. You need at least HK$5,000 eligible spending to upgrade. The free Dreamer’s Workshop and storybook installations open to everyone. Set alarms early, as grotto tickets go in minutes. Details are on the Pacific Place Christmas page.
Set sail on Aqualuna's traditional junk boat for a magical 60-minute Santa Adventure Cruise. Kids visit Santa in his cabin, hunt for candy canes, make crafts, enjoy cookies and hot chocolate, and go home with a present. Cruises leave from Central Pier 9 or Tsim Sha Tsui Pier 1 on selected December dates. It's a unique way to celebrate on the water. Check the website for the latest schedule.
Why Little Steps Loves It?
Aqualuna Santa Adventure Cruise, Central Pier 9 and Tsim Sha Tsui Pier 1, Hong Kong, https://aqualuna.com.hk/ About 60 minutes; prices from around HK$250–350.
The Hong Kong Tourism Board's WinterFest brings Christmas Town back to Statue Square Gardens. Expect a towering Christmas tree, festive decorations, a market and immersive light shows. It usually runs from early November into early January. Entry is free and it's very photogenic, which makes it a classic family stop. Pair it with a stroll along the nearby harbourfront. Find related guide on Little Steps Asia.
Why Little Steps Loves It?
Hong Kong WinterFest Christmas Town, Statue Square Gardens, Central, Hong Kong, https://www.discoverhongkong.com/ Hours vary; usually afternoon to evening.
Hong Kong Ballet's much-loved The Nutcracker returns as A Hong Kong Adventure from 11–27 December 2026 at the Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Follow Clara and the Nutcracker through early 20th-century Hong Kong, with stops at local landmarks and a ride on the Star Ferry. Tchaikovsky's score is played live at most performances and recorded at a few. Suitable for ages 3+, with tickets from HK$180, it's a magical first ballet for young audiences.
Why Little Steps Loves It?
The Nutcracker, Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, https://www.hkballet.com/ Evening and matinee performances; runs about 2 hours 5 minutes.
"A Disney Christmas" returns to Hong Kong Disneyland from 20 November 2026 to 3 January 2027. The whole park is dressed for the season. Highlights include the Holiday Wish-Come-True Tree Lighting Ceremony with snowfall and drones, a new castle stage moment with Mickey and Minnie, and Disney Christmas Live in Concert on select weekends. Over in World of Frozen, you'll find a new winter market and Olaf experiences. A Non-stop 2-Day Fun Ticket offer runs until 31 December, so you have plenty of time to soak up the holiday magic. Find more theme park tips on Little Steps Asia.
Why Little Steps Loves It?
Hong Kong Disneyland, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, https://www.hongkongdisneyland.com/ Park hours vary; seasonal entertainment is included with admission.
Santa's Secret Kingdom returns to Island Shangri-La for its 11th year. The 2026 story is The Enchanted Story Ceremony. It includes hands-on workshops, singing, crafts and a private family moment with Santa himself. It runs on selected dates: 28-29 November and 5-6, 11-13, 18-20 and 23-26 December 2026. Sessions start every hour, with tickets from HK$648. It's a lovely way to make a Christmas memory, and Pacific Place is just a two-minute walk away. Full details are on Little Steps Asia.
Why Little Steps Loves It?
Santa's Secret Kingdom, Island Shangri-La, Supreme Court Road, Admiralty, Hong Kong, https://www.shangri-la.com/hongkong/islandshangrila/ Hourly sessions on selected dates, 9am–12pm and 1.30pm–5.30pm.
Each December, Tai Kwun transforms its Parade Ground with a towering Christmas tree, light shows, circus performances, music, and photo booths. The historic setting adds extra charm for families. It's free to visit and great for photos. HKJC x Tai Kwun - Simple Gifts of Joy 2026 is already listed on Tai Kwun's website, and the full programme usually comes out closer to the season.
Why Little Steps Loves It?
Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, https://www.taikwun.hk/ Light shows in the evening; free daytime access.
WestK Christmas Town transforms the Art Park with the Christmas Forest of illuminated trees, a pet-friendly Christmas Lane market with around 30 stalls, workshops and free performances. Annual pattern is mid-December into early January. Free entry and scenic harbour views make it ideal for families. Pair with nearby M+ or Palace Museum visits.
Why Little Steps Loves It?
WestK Christmas Town, Art Park, West Kowloon Cultural District, Hong Kong, https://www.westk.hk/ Typically 2pm–9/11pm
Oh yes it is! Hong Kong Players, one of the city's oldest theatre companies, has been staging Christmas pantos since 1889, and for 2026 it's taking on Pinocchio. The story comes from Carlo Collodi's classic tale. Two well-meaning fairies try to grant lonely woodworker Geppetto's wish for a family, but their magic goes wrong and brings one of his puppets to life. Can Geppetto learn to be a dad to his new wooden son, or will the temptations of the outside world lure Pinocchio away? Expect lively musical numbers, dames in outrageous costumes, plenty of wordplay and all the shouting back and booing that make British-style panto so much fun. Kids will love the slapstick and joining in, and grown-ups will enjoy the cheeky jokes aimed at them. The cast comes from Hong Kong's own community, making this a warm festive outing for the whole family. Panto tickets tend to go fast, so sign up for the Hong Kong Players newsletter to hear about shows first.
Why Little Steps Loves It?
Hong Kong Players Pinocchio The Panto, Shouson Theatre, Hong Kong Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, https://www.hkplayers.com/whatsplaying/pinocchio-the-panto. Approx. 120 minutes including an interval; tickets HK$325–450.
The popular AIA Carnival returns to the Central Harbourfront Event Space from 22 December 2026 to 21 February 2027 with a new look, new attractions and new experiences. Expect rides, games, interactive installations, street performers, food stalls and festive photo spots against the skyline. It’s a high-energy pick for families who want thrills alongside holiday cheer.
Why Little Steps Loves It?
AIA Carnival, Central Harbourfront Event Space, 9 Lung Wo Road, Central, Hong Kong, https://www.aiacarnival.com/ Daily hours vary; check site for details.
DB Plaza hosts several handmade Christmas markets on weekends in November and December 2026, including 14-15 November, 28-29 November and 12-13 December. Browse crafts from independent local makers among the festive lights, and look out for possible ice skating and visits from Santa. It's a relaxed, community-focused day out for families who live in or visit the area.
Why Little Steps Loves It?
Discovery Bay Christmas Markets, DB Plaza, Discovery Bay, Hong Kong, https://www.handmadehongkong.com/ Selected weekends, 11am–6pm.
Pacific Place and Starstreet Precinct become a living storybook from mid-November 2026 to early January 2027. Highlights include Santa photo opportunities in a rooftop library setting, creative workshops and beautiful decorations. Proceeds often support charity. Free to visit for the atmosphere even if tickets sell out. A polished Admiralty favourite.
Why Little Steps Loves It?
Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, Hong Kong, https://www.pacificplace.com.hk/ Free entry to public areas; Santa bookings required.
Hong Kong’s giant cartoon balloon parade returns on Sunday, 27 December 2026 at Kai Tak Sports Park. After its first outing, the Merry Balloon Parade brings huge helium balloons of popular characters, including returning favourites Cookie Monster and Snoopy, with more to be announced. It’s part of Merry Balloon Hong Kong and pairs perfectly with the final day of Merry Balloon Park’s inflatables and stalls.
Why Little Steps Loves It?
Merry Balloon Parade, Kai Tak Sports Park, Kai Tak, Kowloon, Hong Kong, https://www.merryballoonhk.com/ Sunday 27 December 2026; times TBC.
Merry Balloon Park returns for Christmas 2026, moving to East Village at Kai Tak Sports Park from 18-27 December. Packed with huge inflatables, festive installations and favourite characters (Cookie Monster and Snoopy confirmed, more to come), plus character game booths, snack stalls and pop-up stores. Limited to 10 days—book early. Parade day is the final day, so bounce then watch the balloons.
Why Little Steps Loves It?
Merry Balloon Park, East Village, Kai Tak Sports Park, Kai Tak, Kowloon, Hong Kong, https://www.merryballoonhk.com/ 18-27 December 2026; times TBC.
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