The yuletide season brings with it a slew of festive celebrations and seasonal offerings this December. From a Hong Kong-inspired ballet performance of The Nutcracker, the latest installment of the most iconic couture creations from a collaboration between Adrian Cheng and Carine Roitfeld, the Hong Kong Philharmonics’ Christmas Fantasia to a delicious 6-course sensorial dining experience at Madame Fù and the annual Swire Properties’ White Christmas Street Fair, here are the top things to see and do in this festive season…

White Christmas Street Fair 2021
2-5 Dec

Swire Properties sets the scene for the festive season once again, with Tong Chong Street transformed into ‘Santa’s Whimsical Factory’ during the annual White Christmas Street Fair. Here, you’ll find a treasure trove of toys and treats, with a chance to tailor-make your own gifts with the assistance of Santa’s little helpers. In the spirit of Christmas and giving back, proceeds from the fair will go to Operation Santa Claus, an annual campaign to boost the coffers of various local charities and regional non-profit organisations.

How much: Free entry
Where: Taikoo Place, Quarry Bay
For more info: swireproperties.com

Oriental Watch Company X Madame Fù Presents: Take Your Time – Savour the Moment
Until 10 Dec

Hong Kong’s very own home-grown watch retailer, Oriental Watch Company, celebrates its 60th anniversary with a delicious collaboration with chic contemporary Cantonese dining space Madame Fù and award-winning local artist Sim Chan, serving up a multi-sensorial dining experience right in the heart of the heritage complex of Tai Kwun, Central. Presenting a 6-course menu, meticulously designed by Head Chef Kit Liao, diners will be treated to a multi-sensory gourmet experience that combines a delectable feast with an artistic installation, The Discovery of Time ~ 1961, within the opulent dining space of Madame Fù.

Reserve a table at Madame Fù, 3rd Floor,Tai Kwun, No. 10 Hollywood Road, Central; (852) 2114 2118 / reservations@madamefu.com.hk

Rare Classics: Shanxi Opera Excerpts
10-11 Dec

A series of xiqu heritage performances at West Kowloon’s traditional Chinese musical theatre venue opens with bangzi, or clapper opera, beloved for its lively singing and rhythmic wooden clappers. Four Shanxi troupes present excerpts from works in their distinctive regional styles– Pu Opera, Jin Opera, Beilu Bangzi and Shangdang Bangzi – which rarely reach our shores, while a narrator is on hand to provide illuminating insights into the traditional skills and gestures.

How much: From HK$270
Where: Tea House Theatre, Xiqu Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui
For more info: westkowloon.hk

The Nutcracker: A Hong Kong Adventure
11-26 Dec

An annual festive feature that delights both young and old, The Nutcracker appears with a local twist to its magical tale this year. Hong Kong Ballet’s artistic director Septime Webre sets the faithful Christmas ballet in early 20th-century Hong Kong, charmingly fusing local historical characters, wildlife and traditions– imagine dancing dim sum clowns and bauhinia flowers – with Tchaikovsky’s iconic score. Presented by China Everbright Ltd, it is a glorious feast for the eyes and ears. This year, Fortnum & Mason’s 181, the iconic purveyor of fine foods in Hong Kong has partnered with Hong Kong Ballet’s production of the Nutcracker! to celebrate the iconic retailer’s longstanding support of the arts, particularly during a time where the sector has suffered. On 4^th December between 3-4pm, guests will have the opportunity to meet dancers from the ballet in full costume, and take photos with them.

How much: From HK$180
Where: Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui
For more info: hkballet.com

Kintsugi Ceramic Restoration Workshop
12 & 19 Dec

Kintsugi (golden joinery) is a traditional craft in which lacquer dusted or mixed with powdered gold, silver or platinum is used to repair broken pottery. Master Wang Sen guides enthusiasts through a three-hour introduction to the ancient Japanese art and philosophy of porcelain restoration at Tai Kwun-based Touch Ceramics. The workshop not only gives participants a souvenir to take home, but also perhaps a new outlook on life.

How much: HK$1,980
Where: Shop 203, Barrack Block, Tai Kwun, Central
For more info: touchceramics.com

Savoir-Faire: The Mastery of Craft in Fashion
13 Dec – Feb 2022

Artisanship and culture from the East and West come together in a partnership between Adrian Cheng, founder of K11, and French fashion icon Carine Roitfeld. Haute couture and avant-garde pieces from the likes of Balenciaga, Chanel, Givenchy, Richard Quinn and Tom Van der Borght stand alongside both rare and modern artefacts from the archives of the K11 Craft & Guild Foundation. Designed to be both visually and physically immersive, the exhibition underlines Cheng’s ongoing mission to conserve and preserve Chinese traditional craftsmanship, will take audience on a visual journey into the fantastical pages of Roitfeld’s iconic fashion editorials. Book now to immerse in the storied crafts of haute couture and traditional Chinese craftsmanship in Savoir-Faire: The Mastery of Craft in Fashion.

How much: Free entry
Where: 6/F, K11 Art & Cultural Centre, K11 Musea, Tsim Sha Tsui
For more info: k11musea.com

Christmas Fantasia
23-24 Dec

The melodic ambiance of the Christmas holiday is traditionally upbeat with joyful choirs and audience cheers. This will certainly resonate as the Hong Kong Philharmonic welcomes two wonderful choirs, the HK Phil Chorus and The Hong Kong Children’s Choir, to perform timeless melodies from Tchaikovsky, Handel’s Messiah, and a musical visit from Our Neighbour Totoro, among other tuneful treats. Christmas Fantasia, a delightful concert for the whole family, is in the able hands of conductor Apollo Wong.

How much: From HK$220
Where: Concert Hall, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui.
For more info: hkphil.org

Splendour of China
Until 15 Jan 2022

Sun Museum, a local private, non-profit museum, pays tribute to the formative figures of the People’s Republic of China through an exhibition of Chinese artworks and letters from the 20th century. Calligraphy, ink painting, news clippings and woodblock prints are among the diverse artefacts that share stories, narratives and perspectives of those who played a role in the country’s transformation. Discover the individuals and groups that contributed to the rise of modern Chinese society.

How much: Free entry
Where: 4/F, SML Tower, 165 Hoi Bun Road, Kwun Tong
For more info: en.sunmuseum.org.hk

Immersive Whisky Tasting Bothy
From now until Jan 15 2022

Dram fans make way for an immersive journey at Glenlivet’s whisky tasting bothy pop-up. ‘An experience beyond time’, the instagrammable journey takes you into the brand’s rich heritage and whisky making concepts from 1824 to modern-day Glenlivet… The immersive experience harks back into the 19th century with an exciting journey of what makes the inimitable single malt “the real stuff”. A tasting of their limited edition 12-Year-Old Licensed Dram, in a limited run of 300 bottles, as well as its limited edition of The Glenlivet 14-Year-Old Sherry Cask selection is available. Additionally, the exciting The Glenlivet Cocktail Capsules are also featured at the pop-up.

How much: Free entry
Where: Ground floor, K 11 Art Mall
For more info: https://live.eventtia.com/en/theglenlivetbothy

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December Highlights: Top things to see and do this month