From the always-fun-filled AIA carnival to spectacular horse racing events for equine enthusiasts and starting your New Year with picturesque firework displays along Victoria Harbour, here are the December events to look forward to in Hong Kong.

DesignInspire
5-7 Dec

The Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) and the Business of Design Week (BODW) are partnering up once more to host a three-day exhibition titled DesignInspire 2019. Aimed at inspiring and fostering creative talents from across the globe, the showcase will spotlight an array of innovative products, projects and interactive installations, all in the hopes of finding the Next Big Thing among today’s up-and-coming designers, brands and creative associations.

Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Dr, Wan Chai.

L’Amour Immortel
6-8 Dec

When Pu Songling (1640-1715), the Qing dynasty writer, penned Strange Stories from a Chinese Studio, he could scarcely have imagined its popularity would endure through the centuries. Yet, that is precisely what has happened, with the Hong Kong Dance Company soon to recreate the magic of one of its 500-odd stories in a dance performance dubbed L’Amour Immortel. Set to be staged for the third time, the evocative tale follows the love story of Nie Xiaoqian, a beautiful ghost, and Ning Caichen, a scholar.

Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui. HK$80-480.

Longines Hong Kong Int’l Races
8 Dec

The city’s equine enthusiasts are in for a treat, as not one, not two, but four world-class horse racing events will be held at the Sha Tin Racecourse over the course of just one day. Enjoy fast-paced action as the world’s leading horses and jockeys descend to vie for victory in the Hong Kong Cup, Hong Kong Mile, Hong Kong Spring and Hong Kong Vase. If the collective winnings of HK$93 million aren’t enough to thrill the viewers, there’s also plenty of off-track entertainment to keep them occupied.

Sha Tin Racecourse, Shatin.

Air Supply Live in Hong Kong 2019
10 Dec

For over three decades now, Brit-Australian pop rock duo Air Supply has enchanted the world with such romantic ballads as Lost in Love, All Out of Love and Every Woman in the World. Now, guitarist / singer-songwriter Graham Russell and lead vocalist Russell Hitchcock are bringing their powerful musical act to KITEC for one night only, as they look to woo the city’s music aficionados with a medley of their greatest hits.

Star Hall, KITEC, 1 Trademart Dr, Kowloon Bay. HK$388-988.

AIA Carnival
12 Dec-16 Feb

Comedic clowns, trapeze acrobatics, death-defying motorbike stunts… The AIA Carnival, formerly known as the AIA Great European Carnival, is set to return to Central Harbourfront, led by the redoubtable Ring Mistress Hayley Gandey. Expect plenty of jaw-dropping acts, colourfully costumed characters and awe-inspiring feats of physical contortion that are all part of life under the big red tent of Gandeys Circus.

Central Harbourfront Event Space, 9 Lung Wo Rd, Central. From HK$200.

The Lion King
18 Dec-5 Jan

The award-winning Broadway play based on Disney’s beloved classic, The Lion King, will be returning to Hong Kong, bringing with it the chance to sing along to such renowned tunes as Circle of Life, Can You Feel the Love Tonight and other musical scores created by Tim Rice and Elton John. This anthropomorphic adaptation is sure to keep your little ones enchanted long after the last note has been played.

AsiaWorld-Expo, Airport Expo Blvd, Chek Lap Kok. HK$399-1,299.

The Nutcracker
19-29 Dec

The Hong Kong Ballet looks all set to thrill the entire family with its latest take on Terence Kohler’s beloved ballet, The Nutcracker. Experience the magical allure of the holiday season in all its glory as you embark on a journey replete with breathtaking choreography, beautiful musical numbers and stunning set pieces, as Clara and Fritz help the eponymous Nutcracker to reunite with his Ballerina love.

Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui. HK$180-1,000.

Hong Kong Food Festival
25-29 Dec

If you’re worried that you won’t be able to fit in enough foodie delights this Christmas, fear not, for the upcoming Hong Kong Food Festival could more than satiate your appetite. Entering its 17th year, the massive five-day food showcase will bring together culinary treats from all over Asia – organised into nine themed zones – in what is sure to be a truly unforgettable feast. Best wear loose trousers for this one.

Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Dr, Wan Chai. HK$10-20. 

New Year’s Countdown and Fireworks
31 Dec

After a long, challenging year, Hong Kong looks set to ring in the new year with a picturesque pyrotechnic firework display along Victoria Harbour. The heart of the proceedings this year will be Wan Chai’s Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, and will feature synchronised LED and laser light displays set to a musical soundtrack. A word of warning though – best head out early to nab the most scenic spots as both sides of the harbour tend to fill up quickly. Locations vary.