Festive season action

Pop-up SOIREES, DJ-driven parties and glitzy balls - there's no shortage of opportunities for festive frolicking in the build-up to Christmas. Just make sure you don't burn out too early as you'll want to save some energy for the monster party night of the month: New Year's Eve.

It may be the season to eat, drink and be very merry, but before getting too carried away with all the partying, we recommend a dose of the warm fuzzy feeling that goes with Christmas at the Hong Kong WinterFest. This annual holiday bonanza organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board kicks off on December 5. Get down to Statue Square to see the classic Christmas tree with all the trimmings and a great spot to view the Christmas lights. There are also special activities being planned at Disneyland, Ocean Park and Madame Tussauds.

For indie music fans there's a massive treat in store on December 11. One of the world's biggest indie bands, The Drums (see page 32), will appear at Kitec in Kowloon Bay with an explosive live show. When the American rockers first played Hong Kong in 2011 as part of their first world tour, they had one album under their belt. Their music has evolved and their third album Encyclopedia, released in September, is 1980s electronica meets indie pop.

For all the luvvies out there, the Fringe Club is hosting two Christmas theatre events. Christmas Without Magic - Magic Theatre (December 11 to 13; HK$200), promises non-stop drama with plenty of magic. In the city of Lord Alex, magic is forbidden and it's up to Harry and his 12 apprentices to free the lost art. If this sounds a little J.K. Rowling, it's not. The show is deemed unsuitable for children; it has plenty of blood and guts. And for something more traditional, Charles Dickens (December 1 to 13; HK$130) will delve into the life and times of the famous playwright. He'll share the stage with some of his best-known characters - Pip, Miss Havisham and the notorious Ebenezer Scrooge.