From dramatic operas to mustic festivals featuring world-famous DJs, and of course, the annual Great European Carnival, these are the events worth marking in your diary for December:

1. Kissin Plays Liszt

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of EMI

When: December 5

Where: Hong Kong Cultural Centre

What: The Grammy-winning former child prodigy Evgeny Kissin plays Liszt’s first piano concerto with the Hong Kong Philharmonic. 

Purchase tickets at urbtix.hk

2. A Tale of Two Anniversaries–Music of Leonard Bernstein, Giochino Rossini and Ip Kimho

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of The Hong Kong Bach Choir

When: December 6

Where: Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall

What: To commemorate the 100th anniversary of Bernstein’s birth, The Hong Kong Bach Choir presents one of his most beloved works: Chichester Psalms. They will also mark the 150th anniversary of Rossini’s death with a performance of his final masterpiece, the Petite Messe solennelle.

Purchase tickets at urbtix.hk

See also: Hong Kong Philharmonic’s Jaap van Zweden Takes New York

3. Madama Butterfly

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Dan Rest

When: December 7-9

Where: Hong Kong City Hall

What: This epic production involves over 150 professional artists, singers, musicians and theatre practitioners to present Italian composer Giacomo Puccini's stunning yet tragic three-part opera. 

Purchase tickets at urbtix.hk

4. Longines Hong Kong International Races 

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Above Photo: sportsbet365.com

When: December 9 

Where: Sha Tin Racecourse 

What: One of the most prominent events in the horse racing world, the Longines Hong Kong International Races returns this year to Sha Tin Raceourse, where the world's top racehorses and jockeys will compete for a cool HK$84.5 million purse. 

5. The Professionals

Tatler Asia

When: December 10

Where: Grappa's Cellar

What: The British punk rock band formed in 1979 by Sex Pistols bandmates Steve Jones and Paul Cook makes its Hong Kong debut. 

Purchase tickets at Ticketflap

6. The AIA Great European Carnival 

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Above Photo: woawstore.com

When: December 14, 2018-February 17, 2019

Where: Central Harbourfront 

What: The annual carnival brings a cosy festive vibe to the harbourfront, with plenty of rides and games to enjoy set against a stunning backdrop of Central's iconic skyscrapers. 

Find out more at tgec.asia

See also: The World's Best Christmas Markets According To Travel Experts

7. Shangela is Shook

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Above Photo: Courtesy of Shangela

When: December 15

Where: KITEC

What: Get your belly laugh on with Shangela, the Texas-born drag queen who competed three seasons of the reality show RuPaul’s Drag Race.

Purchase tickets at Ticketflap

8. Creamfields

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Above Photo: tappit.com

When: December 15-16

Where: AsiaWorld-Expo

What: Following its successful Hong Kong debut last year, UK music festival Creamfields returns with a star-studded lineup that includes world-famous DJs like Alesso, Armin van Buuren, Diplo and many more. 

Purchase tickets at universe.com

See also: Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Skip Wonderfruit This Year

9. Tago: Korean Drum

Tatler Asia
Above Photo: Courtesy of Tago: Korean Drum

When: December 28-29

Where: Tsuen Wan Town Hall and Tuen Mun Town Hall

What: Exhilarating drumming meets martial arts in this high-energy showcase, which has toured everywhere from the Edinburgh Fringe to this year’s PyeongChang Winter Olympics. 

Purchase tickets at urbtix.hk

10. A Viennese New Year

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Above Photo: Courtesy of Tine Thing Helseth

When: December 30-31

Where: Hong Kong Cultural Centre

What: Join the Hong Kong Philharmonic  Orchestra for an evening of elegant Viennese waltzes, polkas and great fun. Norwegian trumpet soloist Tine Thing Helseth (pictured) will also perform several pieces. The concert will close with classics from Johann Strauss to see out the old year and herald the new.

Purchase tickets at urbtix.hk

See also: 5 Asian Galleries To Visit At Art Basel Miami Beach

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