It's the season to indulge, and we have the ultimate winter weekend guide for the most joyous day of the year
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Many people escape Hong Kong over the Christmas period to visit loved ones abroad or to seek the sun in warmer climates - but the city can be a magical place to spend the holiday season, with plenty of luxurious indulgences in food and drink, pampering and culture to splurge on. From Christmas concerts to festive feasts, there won't be a moment to spare. If you're lucky enough to be spending Christmas in the city, check out our guide to the ultimate winter weekend, from Christmas eve through to Boxing Day.
Treat Yourself: Festive Experience at the Mandarin Oriental Spa
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Give your hands a break from all that Christmas shopping at the Mandarin Oriental Spa, famed for its facilities where tranquillity and holistic rejuvenation come together in one luxurious space. The new festive Salt of the Earth Experience promises a natural, soothing treatment using a customised mix of mineral products originating from the Great Salt Lake in Utah, U.S., based on your preference. From a mineral salt soak to a custom-scented exfoliation to thermally activated hydrating treatment, your hands will be well-tended before the final touch of OPI nail colour.
Available until December 31 at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. More information here.
Christmas Pamper at The Peninsula
Photo courtesy of The Peninsula
Decorating the house, cooking a turkey, seeing long-lost family and stopping the dog from rummaging the gifts under the tree — Christmas can be a stress at the best of times. So make time for yourself and indulge in a relaxing festive pamper package at The Peninsula. Taking you to a world of Christmas calm, the two-hour treatment includes a back massage, custom anti-aging Margy collagen facial, and scalp massage to help clear your mind and focus your positive energy for the big day.
Available until December 31 at The Peninsula Hong Kong. More information here.
Christmas Spa Special at MiraSpa
Photo courtesy of MiraSpa
With 2016 drawing to a close, MiraSpa’s Age Repair Facial is the solution to all of our end-of-year blues with its rejuvenating treatment. Stop the clock before you welcome in 2017 with a host of natural ingredients like natural oils of inca inchi to stimulate collagen formation, rosehip seed oil for its anti-inflammatory properties to slow ageing and apple seed extract for cell renewal effects, to name a few. Give the term “fresh-faced” a whole new meaning this holiday season with MiraSpa.
Available until December 31 at the Mira Hong Kong. More information here.
Eat, Drink and Be Merry: Foxglove Christmas Lunch and Party
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Exclusive hidden bar and restaurant Foxglove presents a classic Christmas, in the luxurious setting of their old-world umbrella store on Duddell Street. Serving up a three-course Christmas dinner, Foxglove also offers an extended Christmas experience with carol singing, portrait drawings and festive film favourites Home Alone and Love Actually. This all-encompassing Christmas extravaganza isn't to be missed, whether you're celebrating with friends or your nearest and dearest.
December 24-25, 18 Ice House Street/6 Duddell Street, Central. Tickets and more information available here.
The Langham's Nutcracker Afternoon Tea
Photo courtesy of The Langham
The Nutcracker, ever the Christmas classic, reveals itself in afternoon tea form. Indulge and eat your way through the holiday tale at The Langham’s Palm Court. Served along with an array of other sweets and savouries on “Langham Rose” Wedgwood tea ware, the Nutcracker himself makes an appearance as a mille-feuille with raspberry mousse, while Clara becomes a praline cream choux pastry. Opt for something in their tea selection or raise a toast to the holidays with a glass of Perrier-Jouët champagne. For extra Christmas cheer, Santa Claus and a host of Christmas carollers will be making appearances throughout December 24-26.
Available until January 1 2017 at the Langham Hong Kong. More information here.
"It's Christmas, I am Famous!" Party at Ozone
Photo courtesy of Ozone Ritz-Carlton
Take Christmas to new heights with a celebrity bash at the Ozone Bar. Enjoy a glass of Veuve Clicquot on arrival, and party to DJ dance tunes from 10pm until late in the world's highest bar. Costumes are highly recommended, and ladies should note that it's free entry for those who really make an effort: so channel your inner old-school Hollywood diva for a night with the stars. It's up to you whether you're naughty or nice, but you probably won't be home before Santa comes.
December 24, Ozone at Ritz-Carlton, ICC, Kowloon. More information here.
Zouk Countdown at Sea
Photo courtesy of Dream Cruises
Countdown to Christmas onboard Asian luxury cruise line Dream Cruises' inaugural ship, the Genting Dream. The first Zouk club to be introduced at sea will have renowned DJ Lincey spinning tunes and beats until well after the clock strikes twelve. It might be the night before Christmas but Santa will have been and gone before you even know it.
December 24, 23:00, Zouk Club on Genting Dream. More information and bookings here.
Festive Fun: The Philarmonica
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Equal parts music and magic show, the Hong Kong Philharmonic provides entertainment for the whole family. Hong Kong's own Vivian Ip conducts the Orchestra in bringing you “A Magical Christmas”, while resident magician Harry Wong completes the performance with moments of illusion and delight. Hint: it might just be a white Christmas after all.
Hong Kong Cultural Centre - Concert Hall, December 24. Tickets and more information here.
The Snowman and the Bear
Photo courtesy of Raymond Briggs
For some festive Christmas eve entertainment, it's hard to go past this classic Christmas tale. Follow the story of a young boy and his Christmas adventure in The Snowman, and the unlikely friendship between a girl and a polar bear in The Bear. With a live accompaniment from Hong Kong City Chamber Orchestra, Raymond Briggs' two famous tales are brought to life in this gorgeous animated film.
City Hall Concert Hall, December 23-24, Tickets and more information here.
'Mei Li's Dream' by Anhui Acrobatic Troupe of China
Photo courtesy of the Anhui Acrobatic Troupe
The Anhui Acrobatic Troupe recounts the mystical journey of Mei Li through a series of visually stunning acrobatic acts. Over the course of the story, Mei Li and her friends demonstrate the importance of perseverance throughout her pursuit of a happy ending. Elaborate and poetic, this show will have you gasping for breath in wonder. Running until December 26, it's the perfect post-Christmas treat to look forward to.
Tuen Mun Town Hall, December 24; Yuen Long Theatre, December 25-26. Tickets and more information here.