December brings many festive treats, none more so than a ballet performance of The Nutcracker and other great theatrical productions, plus great concerts, film and photo festivals and more besides! 

The Nutcracker

Performances by Hong Kong Ballet are always a delight to behold, and none more so than the Christmas special performance of The Nutcracker. Majestic dancers dressed in eye-catching costumes will take the audience on a journey tinged with a distinctly Hong Kong theme, choreographed by Artistic Director Septime Webre to the backdrop of live music penned by Tchaikovsky. Expect to encounter bauhinias, dim sum, jockeys and so much more on this magical quest within the snowy bamboo forest. There are also talks, workshops and the chance to meet and greet the characters.

When: 13 Dec-15 Dec, 17-22, 24-26 Dec

Where: Cultural Centre Grand Theatre

How much: From $220

For more information: hkballet.com

Business of Design Week

Never failing to attract some of the finest designers and entrepreneurs locally and internationally, BODW has gained a reputation as one of Hong Kong’s pre-eminent mega events. The annual six-day gathering takes the intersection of design, artistry and innovation as its theme, and France as its partner country. Displays, speeches, panel discussions cover five key topics: urban futures, brands and retail resurgence, craftsmanship and material mastery, culture and digital aesthetics, and AI and future tech.

When: 2-7 Dec

Where: Convention and Exhibition Centre

How much: From $680

For more information: bodw.com

Hong Kong Squash Open

Take the opportunity to see some of the world’s best squash players pit their wits and athletic prowess against each other at this platinum event on the Professional Squash Association World Tour. The Hong Kong skyline will add extra sparkle to a sporting display of the highest order when the competition moves to a glass court at Edinburgh Place in Central at the quarter-final stage. Hong Kong’s top male and female players will perform in front of a home crowd. 

When: 2-8 Dec

Where: Hong Kong Squash Centre and Edinburgh Place

How much: From $120

For more information: hksquashopen.com

Redball Hong Kong

Running in conjunction with Business of Design Week is RedBall Hong Kong, a community celebration of what is considered to be the world’s longest-running street artwork. The RedBall Project by American artist Kurt Perschke has been touring the world since 2001, and during this Hong Kong residence it will relocate to various sites around the city, prompting onlookers to view familiar locations from a different perspective.

When: 6-15 Dec

Where: Various locations

How much: Free

For more information: redballproject.com

The Absolute Task

The six-month extravaganza that is Great Music 2024 comes to a sumptuous finale in November, with two recitals by Krystian Zimerman among the concluding highlights. The Pole has performed wih the world’s leading orchestras and is considered to be one of the greatest pianists of his generation. His masterly fingers will perform two slightly different concerts, where he will delight audiences with works by Chopin and Szymanowski.

When: 7-15 Dec

Where: City Hall Theatre

How much: From $200

For more information: hkrep.com

James Blunt in Concert

The hugely successful English singer-songwriter artist finally reaches Hong Kong as part of the Who We Used To Be tour showcasing his latest album. The former British Army officer has developed a legion of devoted followers since the release of his hit song, You’re Beautiful, two decades ago and the subsequent plethora of outstanding musical output covering a variety of genres. Blunt is a winner of numerous prestigious awards.

When: 12 Dec

Where: Hall 10, AsiaWorld-Expo

How much: From $980

For more information: jamesblunt.com

Hong Kong International Photo Festival

Immerse yourself in the visual treat of this amazing feast of photography and its fantastic range of images. This year the festival – first presented in 2010 – features a flagship exhibition under the theme of Mega Family: Imagining Home. Fifteen Hong Kong photographers were commissioned to cast their lens on local culture in all its manifestations linked to home and the family. Visitors are expected to find multiple connections with their own experiences.

When: Until 8 Dec

Where: Arts Centre

How much: Free

For more information: hkipf.org.hk

Hong Kong French Film Festival

Enjoy the cinematic beauty of the French Film Festival as it celebrates its 53rd edition by showing more than 50 films. This magnificent film festival is the oldest in Hong Kong, commencing way back in 1953. This year’s movie crop includes a compelling mix of new releases under the categories of Festival Exclusives and Hong Kong Premieres, Retrospective and On Design.

When: Until 10 Dec

Where: Various prices and venues

How much: Various prices and venues

For more information: hkfrenchfilmfestival.com

Freespace Dance 2024

Billed as an exploration of time and space through dance, this showcase encompasses a range of local and international dance artists who portray their chosen artform both imaginatively and creatively. Some performers – such as the Thai artist Kornkarn Rungsawang – will add a twist to their show via augmented reality. Meanwhile, Austrian choreographer Florentina Holzinger offers a mesmerising exploration of the female body.

When: Until 15 Dec

Where: Freespace, West Kowloon

How much: Various prices

For more information: westk.hk