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 Big Bounce

Billed as the world’s largest bounce house, this feast of inflatable entertainment represents a not-to-be-missed opportunity for all the family to get together and have unbridled fun. Have a go on bouncy castles of all shapes and sizes, and an assortment of fantastic and slightly surreal inflatables specifically designed for all age groups. For the over 16s who are young at heart, there’s an after-dark party where you can bounce to the cool sounds of live DJs. Featuring unique custom-made giant inflatables, basketball hoops and massive ball pits, this bounce party will create memories to last a lifetime.

When: Until 5 Jan

Where: Great Lawn, West Kowloon Art Park

How much: From $179

For more information: thebigbounceasia.com

HKZMB Half Marathon

Runners from around the world will converge on the city once again for a unique sporting contest, a half marathon spanning the Hong Kong section of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge. Held for the first time in 2023, this 21-kilometre World Athletics Gold Label Road Race will attract 8,000 participants in various age-range categories, from juniors over 16 to those aged 70 or above. The views along this stretch of the 55km bridge will be breathtaking.

When: 5 Jan

Where: Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge Hong Kong Link Road, Lantau Island

How much: From $550 (local runners)

For more information: hzmb-halfmarathon.com

Cigarettes After Sex

The popular indie group lands in Hong Kong for a concert to promote their new album X’s, which was launched in the middle of last year. Such was the demand from the city’s music lovers to see the talented trio from Texas perform that the local promoter, Clockenflap Presents, extended the seating capacity at the venue. Cigarettes After Sex has gained a reputation for its dream-like musical style, romantic lyrics and the androgenous quality of founder Greg Gonzalez’s vocals. 

When: 9 Jan

Where: Hall 5, AsiaWorld-Expo, Chek Lap Kok

How much: From $590

For more information: clockenflap.kktix.cc

Inclusive Tea House

Immerse yourself in traditional Chinese culture for the afternoon as the Tea House Rising Stars Troupe presents a special inclusive performance of their delightful xiqu recital, with tea and dim sum served in the midst of the show. Before the Cantonese opera begins, a ‘Touch Tour’ will enable audience members to caress the colourful costumes and musical instruments used by the cast.

When: 10-11 Jan

Where: Tea House Theatre, Xiqu Centre, West Kowloon

How much: Free (prior booking required)

For more information: westk.hk

The Top Restaurant

Following its award-winning Hong Kong Repertory Theatre run in 2022, this epic tale of ups and downs and business squabbles in a renowned Beijing duck restaurant returns for another spicy dramatic feast. Penned by He Jiping and first performed in the Chinese capital in 1988, The Top Restaurant has wowed live audiences in Europe and the US as well as Asia, and its TV adaptation has captivated millions and created fandom. 

When: 18-26 Jan

Where: Hong Kong Cultural Centre Grand Theatre, Tsim Sha Tsui

How much: From $200

For more information: hkrep.com

Night Parade

Soak up the carnival atmosphere on the first day of the Lunar New Year, as a seemingly never-ending line of amazing floats and swaying dancers winds its way through the thronging streets of Tsim Sha Tsui. This joyous carnival parade is one of Hong Kong’s star attractions during the holiday, always creating a party atmosphere among onlookers bedazzled by the colourful spectacle put on by an eclectic mix of multicultural performers.

When: 29 Jan

Where: Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon

How much: Free

For more information: discoverhongkong.com 

Chinese New Year Raceday

Enjoy the thrills and spills of the Sha Tin Races on the third day of the Chinese New Year, and why not see if your luck is in and place a bet on the beautiful beast of your choice? As one of the most important days in the race calendar, the event is guaranteed to raise the spirits, and it would mark an auspicious start to the Year of the Snake for money winners! Keeping the mood on an intoxicating high will be musical performances, lion dances and festive flowers.

When: 31 Jan

Where: Sha Tin Racecourse, Sha Tin, New Territories

How much: Entrance fee

For more information: hkjc.com

Hong Kong Tennis Open

Take the chance to admire the deft racquet skills and athletic prowess of some of the top players in elite men’s tennis at this tournament sponsored by Bank of China. The competitive action is sure to be of the highest order, with last year’s winner Andrey Rublev scheduled to defend his hard-fought title. Seven days of competitive action at the ATP 250 event will feature many top-ranked stars.

When: Until 5 Jan

Where: Victoria Park Tennis Centre, Causeway Bay

How much: From $270

For more information: hkmenstennisopen.com

Sai Kung Hoi Arts Festival

Catch the final events of this two-month-long festival showcasing local culture, arts, cuisine and ecology in Sai Kung town, High Island, Sharp Island, Kau Sai Chau and Yim Tin Tsai. Why not savour the islands craft non-alcoholic cocktail workshop? This two-hour immersive experience is designed to promote a healthy lifestyle, creating drinks that chime with the flavours of Sai Kung Hoi.

When: Until 12 Jan

Where: Various venues

How much: Various prices

For more information: skhartsfestival.hk