With the Christmas festivities behind us, it’s time to look forward to the start of a brand new year, and Hong Kong offers plenty of options to ring in 2019. From the International Dragon and Lion Dance Festival and Mickey’s Super Celebration to Abba’s musical hit, Mamma Mia!, and the HKTDC Hong Kong Toys and Games Fair, these are the can’t-miss January events heating up the SAR’s calendar next month.

International Dragon and Lion Dance Festival – 1 Jan
It’s impossible to be lonely over New Year in Hong Kong when the streets are bustling with over a 1,000 dragons, lions, lucky fish and smiling Buddhas, all intent on sharing seasonal greetings. Indeed, visitors from across the world descend on the city at this time of the year, sure in the knowledge that there is no locale more auspicious for marking the onset of a new 12-month cycle. And the good news is that you won’t even have to track down the festivities, with this being one celebration that is so utterly ubiquitous it is sure to seek you out wherever you reside.
Locations vary.

HKTDC Hong Kong Toys and Games Fair – 7-10 Jan
If your kids have been left unimpressed by Santa’s 2018 selection, don’t worry – HKTDC Hong Kong Toys and Games Fair, Asia’s premier event for tiny tot diversions – returns to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre early in the New Year. Even those lacking a little’un to entertain could do worse than pop along and peruse the show’s growing selection of ‘kidult’ grown-up(ish) leisure aids.
Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai. HK$100.

Hong Kong 100 Ultra Trail Race – 19 Jan
Once again, keen athletes from across the world are set to converge on Pak Tam Chung in order to participate in one of the toughest trail races of the year. A true test of endurance, this is not for the faint-hearted, with the grueling route taking in some of Hong Kong’s most treacherous territories, as well as its most picturesque beaches and verdant forests.  While most will fall by the wayside, those with true endurance will make it through to the home stretch – a rapid descent from Tai Mo Shan, the SAR’s highest peak, with a warm welcome, foil blankets and state-of-the-art defibrillators awaiting those who stagger across the finish line.
Race start line: Pak Tam Chung, Tsuen Wan. 

Mamma Mia! – 16-27 Jan
Due to unprecedented demand, the international smash-hit Abba tribute musical is extending its stay in Hong Kong. With Lunchbox Theatrical Productions again calling the shots, this hilarious, emotional, uproarious tale of secrets, marriages and misdemeanors never fails to stir entranced audiences into literally singing and dancing in the aisles. With a soundtrack that includes Waterloo, Dancing Queen and the title track, it’s like the ’70s never quite stopped.
Lyric Theatre, Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, 1 Gloucester Rd, Wan Chai. HK$395-995. 

Beare’s Music Festival – 16-24 Jan
Looking to suitably mark the 10th anniversary of the launch of the Beare’s Premiere Music Festival (formerly the Hong Kong International Chamber Music Festival), artistic director Cho Liang-lin is promising a truly epic audio extravaganza. In total, 22 musicians will be performing at five concerts in a number of different venues, including the prestigious Hong Kong City Hall Concert Hall and the JC Cube, part of the newly-opened Tai Kwun Cultural Centre in Central. However you like your classical music, there’s sure to be something to get your toes tapping.
Locations vary. HK$189–980.

Pole Theatre – 20 Jan
Pole dancing has, apparently, come a long way from being solely the refuge of dirty old men and desperate young women. Now celebrated for being both healthy and empowering, it is – so rumour has it – being considered as a future Olympic event. Prior to it being elevated to that exclusive pantheon, however, you can judge its artistic merits for yourself when the Pole Theatre competition shimmies its way into town, offering daringly-flexible dancers of either gender the opportunity to prove that the discipline can be every bit as athletic as it is supposedly erotic.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club Amphitheatre, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Wan Chai. HK$210–490. (Suitable for over-18s only)

Tai Po RFC Mini Festival – 20 Jan
Hong Kong Rugby Union is looking to its legacy, with its many supporters keen to ensure that the city’s love of the sport endures into the next generation and well beyond. With this in mind, a grand tournament for six- to 11-year-old rugby aficionados will kick off on the 20th, with teams of various ages competing against one another to see who will emerge as the stars of tomorrow. As befitting such protégés, all the games will be held in professional stadiums, with top-flight professionals on hand to coach the aspiring sports stars. Why not come along then and see many of the HK Seven headliners of tomorrow, while they are still only knee-high?
King’s Park Sports Ground, Tai Po. 

Disney on Ice presents: Mickey’s Super Celebration – 24-27 Jan
From Minnie Mouse to Moana and Maui, from Fantasia to Frozen, everyone seemingly has a favourite Disney moment. Except, sadly, for Mickey Mouse, Disney’s most iconic ambassador. Join him and his band of chums, however, as he attempts to uncover his own most magical memory from the cartoon kingdom’s rich back story – on ice. With flawless choreography and awe-inspiring musical numbers promised, you’d better get your skates on before the best tickets are all sold out.
Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai. HK$280-880.

Hong Kong Philharmonic x Anthony Lun: The Man Behind the Piano Concert – 25-26 Jan
After a lengthy absence of some 14 years, Anthony Lun, the CASH Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award winner, is reuniting with the Hong Kong Philharmonic in order to deliver a truly mesmerizing take on the best of his back catalogue. For this performance, Lun – a renowned composer, singer and pianist – will be joined by several special guests, including Elisa Chan, Kay Tse and Leung Chiu Fung, who will all lend their vocal talents to peerless renderings of the  songs and tunes that have a special place in the heart of so many.
Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall, Tsim Sha Tsui. HK$280–680.