Christmas in Hong Kong does not necessarily mean family gatherings, but it certainly stands for fun. This year's Christmas will be especially busy. All kinds of festive events promise to make it a season of cheer. But which ones are the best? Here is SYP's ultimate guide to Christmas fun.
A few minutes walk along the waterfront you will reach the Tamar Site in Admiralty, where the popular annual World Carnival is being held this year. The site is filled with all sorts of exciting rides, games and food stalls. Entry is free, with food, rides and games priced separately.
While you are busy with the delicious food and games at the World Carnival, make sure you look up at the sky between 8pm and 8.18pm. Every night at this time there will be alaser show. Beams of light and images are projected on buildings along the waterfront, creating a colourful scene that lights up Hong Kong.
For something more traditional, why not give the ballet a go? Hong Kong Ballet presents The Nutcracker at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre (telephone 2734 9009 or 2105 9724). Tickets cost from $80 to $320 and are available from all Urbtix outlets.
For a zen Christmas, the 2003 Chrysanthemum Show at Yuen Yuen Institute makes an alternative outing. The Yuen Yuen Institute in Tsuen Wan (telephone 2414 5510) was founded in 1950 for the worship of Confucianism, Buddhism and Taoism. It is full of distinctive traditional Chinese architecture. At the flower show you will not only see a wide variety of chrysanthemums but get to sample Chinese vegetarian cuisine - and admission is free.