HO HO HO-TELS Soak up some festive cheer at one of Hong Kong’s hotels

Soak up some festive cheer at one of Hong Kong’s hotels this December. From staycations, to daycations, from afternoon teas, to carol singing— there’s plenty to lift your spirits. Check out our favourite options

THE LANGHAM HONG KONG

Offering timeless European elegance in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui, The Langham always does Christmas well. Kicking off with the tree lighting ceremony on 1st December, there are live carols, a ballet performance, plus that all important visit from Santa.

Young ballerinas will perform an excerpt from The Nutcracker Ballet at 3:15pm on 12 and 19 December. Between 18 – 26 December, traditional carols and Christmas songs will be performed at 6pm, followed by a glass of mulled wine. Keep a look out for Santa who will be on site at noon and in the evenings.

Enjoy a Festive Afternoon Tea featuring a whimsical array of eyecatching and exquisite bites. Upgrade to sparkling tea or champagne, for a quintessentially festive experience.

So good that you don’t want to go home? Stay the night. Packages start at $1,388 for a one night stay in a superior room, inclusive of breakfast for two, set lunch for two in Palm Court. Package runs 1 Dec – 2 Jan.

ISLAND SHANGRI-LA

Wander through Europeaninspired market stalls and immerse yourself in the scent of roast chestnuts and sounds of seasonal jingles at the Island Shangri-La. The Christmas Market (and Christmas tree) will be in place from 19 November until 26th December. Visit Santa’s Sweet Shop, where Santa will host meet and greets, listen to live music at the Christmas Theatre set up in the hotel lobby and enjoy a ballet performance of The Enchanted Garden. On Christmas Eve and Christmas Day there will also be carol performances.

Looking for some adventure this holiday season? Try the Christmas Kids’ Camp staycation package, which combines a two-night stay at Island Shangri-La with a nature-focused outdoor adventure programme for children aged 5 to 12 years. Children will be entertained as they merrily explore Hong Kong’s natural wonders and see their home city from a whole new perspective. Parents will have the opportunity to bond with their little ones during family-friendly activities, whilst also having time for their own rest and relaxation.

Among the culinary offerings is The Nutcracker-themed Festive Afternoon Tea available at The Lobby Lounge ($718 for two persons) which brings the best of Christmas flavours together, from miniature lobster buns and Foie gras tarts, to nutty and chocolatey sweet desserts.

HYATT CENTRIC

Experience Christmas in ‘Centric’ style while taking in the glittering views of the Hong Kong skyline. The Farmhouse restaurant has been re-imagined as Santa’s home away from home and will provides a relaxing ambience, perfect for a family Christmas – and yes, there will be a visit form the man himself, as well as Christmas carols from local buskers. Cruise Restaurant & Bar is offering an Asian twist to Christmas dining.

MANDARIN ORIENTAL

There’s nothing like the smell of roasted chestnuts to make it feel like Christmas, so pay a visit to The Mandarin Oriental where freshly roasted chestnuts, mulled wine and moreish mince pies are a long-standing tradition.

Eat, drink and be merry with a range of festive dining options across the hotel’s nine restaurants and bars. Delight in the festive roast at Michelinstarred Mandarin Grill + Bar, indulge in

the finest Cantonese cuisine at Man Wah or experience a brilliantly creative dinner tasting menu paired with Krug Champagne at the only Krug Room in the world.

Firm family favourites over the festive period are the lavish international buffets available in the Connaught Room and Clipper Lounge. Or try the set menu (boasting festive delicacies) at Café Causette. Throughout the holiday season, Clipper Lounge and Café Causette will also serve the hotel’s famed afternoon tea that is guaranteed to spread yuletide cheer.

Looking for an extra special staycation? The Festive Wonder Staycation at M.O. is available until 31 December 2021 for stays on 24, 25 and 31 December 2021, room rates start from $8,000 per night including a curated tasting dinner menu for two at Man Wah on the day of arrival and a sumptuous brunch at The Aubrey for two on the day of departure.

ROSEWOOD

Escape, renew, rejoice and give back at Rosewood this Christmas. From yuletide feasting, to holiday-themed stays, to a very merry Christmas Kids Camp, plus inspired gifting for both nearest and dearest and those less fortunate, Rosewood’s Holiday Edit offers a multitude of moments to set Christmas imaginations alight.

There are four exclusive staycation packages on offer: Festive Staycation (1 to 30 December, excluding 24 and 25 December), Rosewood Celebrations – Christmas Edition (24 to 26 December), New Year’s Eve at Rosewood (31 December) and Holiday Retreat (1 December 2021 to 31 January 2022). Further details are available online.

The Rosewood Explorers Club children’s playroom is offering exciting sessions and workshops from 18 to 31 December. Designed for children aged five to 12, the camp’s Christmas-themed classes range from Christmas Cake Pop Making and Holiday Art Jamming to a Paper Snow Globe Workshop.