Flip: Chinese Contemporary Book Design
Book lovers will delight in this display of trends in contemporary book design on the mainland, in Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. More than 200 items will be on display. Hong Kong Heritage Museum, Sha Tin. Until February 14 (tel 21808188).
Horses Across Hong Kong
Dozens of colourful, life-sized fibreglass horses will be 'galloping' (put on display) across the city. November 5 to December 31 (website www.
hongkongjockeyclub.com)
Hong Kong WinterFest
A city-wide extravaganza packed with special events, winter sales and festive menus featuring Asian and western cuisine. Highlights include the Christmas Wonderland at Statue Square, where there will be a 33.5-metre Christmas Wishing Tree, and Santa's Town. November 26 to January 2 (website
www.DiscoverHongKong .com).
Visual Dynamic: Hong Kong International Poster Triennial Exhibition
Posters are loved for their strong visual impact. A showcase of more than 400 outstanding international posters. Of special interest will be the way the computer and the internet have revolutionised poster design. Hong Kong Heritage Museum, Sha Tin. November 27 to June, 2005 (tel 21808188).
12th HK International Jewellery Manufacturers Exhibition
Fine jewellery, diamonds, gemstones, pearls, jadeite and jewellery-related products and services on show at the Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai, until Sunday (tel 27663002; website
www.jewelryshows.org).
Omega Hong Kong Open Golf Championship
Last year's winner, Padraig Harrington, is defending his title in the US$700,000 tournament. Hong Kong Golf Club, Fanling. Ends on December 5 (tel 25048659).
Hong Kong Chamber Orchestra
A choral concert featuring Ralph Vaughan Williams' In Windsor Forest, with music from the opera Sir John In Love, and I'm Flying, in an a cappella choral suite by Taiwanese composer Nan Chang Chien. The orchestra will also play Michael Tippett's Fantasia Concertante on a Theme of Corelli for strings. Loke Yew Hall, University of Hong Kong, 7.30pm, today (tel 28597045; website
www.hku.hk/music/concerts).
Musical Vision Party
A joint effort by more than 200 staff and students of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts' schools of dance, drama, film and television, music and technical arts. They all get together to scrutinise the fashion industry and how it reflects Hong Kong values in a story about a money-worshipping society and its search for identify in an east-west cultural mix. Lyric Theatre, HKAPA, 7.30pm, today and tomorrow. Extra matinee 2.30pm, tomorrow (tel 25848514).
Action Asia Challenge
The Action Asia Challenge is the region's largest day adventure race, involving trail running, kayaking, rock-climbing and mountain biking. The endurance, willpower and trust in fellow teammates of the competitors (usually urban corporate professionals) are tested in a series of gruelling challenges. Shek O, December 5 (website
www.DiscoverHongKong.com and
www.actionasia.com).
Women's World Open Squash Tournament
Heart-stopping action on the court as some of the world's top squash players battle it out for prestige and a handsome prize of US$57,500. Hong Kong Cultural Centre, December 7 to 13 (website
www.DiscoverHongKong.com, worldsquashopen.com).
Asia Pacific IT Solutions Expo
The latest IT application, solutions, software tools, systems software and related services for all business sectors. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, December 8-11 (website
www.solutions-expo.com).
The Sleeping Beauty On Ice
A stellar cast of 22 Olympic, World, National and European championship skaters will be glissading their way through a classic fairy tale, featuring the ever-popular music of Tchaikovsky. Lyric Theatre, 7.30pm, December 8 to 12. Extra matinees at 2.30pm on December 11 and 12 (website
www.icaaustralia.com).
The Monteverdi Choir and English Baroque Soloists
The Monteverdi Choir, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, is admired for its vitality and fervour, and its colourful, wide-ranging programmes, while the English Baroque Soloists, formed in 1978, has established itself as one of the great chamber orchestras of the world. Concert Hall, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui, 8pm, December 9 (tel 22687321; website
www.lscd.gov.hk/cp).
The 39th Hong Kong Products Expo
About 650 booths will be showcasing Hong Kong products. There will also be a number of exhibitions and performances (including the Miss Exhibition Pageant and the Hong Kong Top Ten Brand Names Awards). Victoria Park, Causeway Bay, December 11 to January 3 (tel 25428658; website
www.hkpe.com.hk).
Pun Choi Mega Feast
The Hong Kong International Races
The world's top jockeys and horses compete for glory in four International Group One races - Hong Kong Cup, Hong Kong Mile, Hong Kong Vase and Hong Kong Sprint. The Hong Kong Cup is the finale of the 14-leg World Series of Racing Championship 2004. Sha Tin Racecourse, December 12 (website
www.DiscoverHongKong.com and
www.hongkongjockeyclub.com).
Hong Kong Government House Open Day
Nestled in Mid-Levels, Upper Albert Road, is the former official residence of British-appointed Hong Kong governors. The house, built in 1855, was home to 25 governors until the handover in 1997. Today the venue is occupied mostly by visiting foreign dignitaries, and its public spaces are used for concerts and fund-raising events. The gardens, famous for their rhododendrons and azaleas, are opened to the public six times a year. The next open day is on December 12, from 10am to 5pm (tel 2530 2003; website
www.DiscoverHongKong.com).
All Breeds Championship Dog Show
Prize pooches of all shapes, sizes, colours and breeds will strut their stuff at this show organised by the Hong Kong Kennel Club. The pampered beauties will compete for five titles that test their versatility and levels of obedience. If you are a dog enthusiast, how could you miss it? Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, December 12 (tel 25233944; website
www.hkkennelclub.com.hk)
The Nutcracker by the Hong Kong Ballet
The evergreen Christmas classic is back. Everyone knows the tale of Clara and the mysterious Herr Drosselmeyer, who gives her an old-fashioned nutcracker that morphs into a handsome prince who takes her on a magical journey. The Nutcracker is classic Christmas entertainment for the family. Grand Theatre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 7.30pm, December 17 to 19 and 21 to 26. Extra matinees at 2.30pm on Saturdays and Sundays (website
www.hkballet.com).
37th Christmas Wedding Expo
Winter has always been a popular season for tying the knot. Future brides and grooms should check out the wealth of information on offer to help them with the complicated business of planning a wedding - banquet and all. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, December 17 to 19 (tel 25919823; website
www.hka.com.hk).
Asia Games Show
A must for games addicts and aficionados. Whether you are a fan of PS2, X-box, Gamecube or PC games, you will find much to delight you at this showcase of the latest computer games. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, 17 to 19 December (tel 28276211; website
www.asiagameshow.com).
Ocean Park Christmas Sensation
A North Pole village - which is how Ocean Park will look this festive season - is just the place to visit to get into the Christmas spirit. December 18 to January 2 (tel 25220291; website
www.oceanpark.com.hk).
The Eighth Championship Cat Show
Cat lovers and their groomed darlings will be comparing fur at a show open to domestic felines of all breeds. Organised by Hong Kong Cat Lovers' Society. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, December 18 and 19 (website
www.hkcls.com).
Chrysanthemum Show
The chrysanthemums come from all over China, where they have been growing for thousands of years.
More than 200 varieties of chrysanthemum will be on display in about 5,000 exhibits. Other attractions include the Hall of Rocks collection and some extraordinary bonsai tree displays. Yuen Yuen Institute, Lo Wai Road, Tsuen Wan, 9am and 6pm, December 20 to January 4 (tel 24922220; website
www.yuenyuen.org.hk).
'Ng Kwan-lai, a Famous Cantonese Opera Artist' Exhibition
The legendary Ng Kwan-lai, star of Cantonese opera, embarked on her stage career in the 1950s. Last year, she donated more than 3,000 items of opera paraphernalia to the Hong Kong Heritage Museum. It has greatly enriched the museum's Cantonese opera collection. The exhibition includes more than 100 items, including costumes, accessories, opera libretti, publicity material and photographs. The show is an overview of Ng's career and celebrates her distinguished artistic achievements. December 22 to June 20 (website
www.DiscoverHongKong.com).
Second Hong Kong
Mega Showcase
A five-day festival that covers household products, electronics, fashion and accessories, jewellery, food, information technology products and toys. Stage shows, a charity auction, rap sessions and a lucky draw add to the event's carnival-like atmosphere. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, December 23 to 27 (website
www.hka.com.hk).
Wind and Moon
The history of Hong Kong unfolds in a colourful drama that incorporates the local arts of Guangdong. Drama Theatre, Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, 7.30pm, December 23 to 27 (tel 27931123; website
www.springtime.com.hk).
Second Hong Kong Food Festival
The vast cosmopolitan spread of edibles takes in the cuisine and eating customs of various cultures. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, December 23 to 27 (website
www.hka.com.hk).
'Lost in Paradise' - Kelly Chen in concert
Hear the Canto-pop diva sing some of her greatest hits and join her in a New Year's Eve countdown to 2005. Hong Kong Coliseum, December 24 to 27, December 29 to January 1
(tel 23365191).
Hyper (children's musical)
The children will love this anti-pollution fable filled with songs, and their parents should be happy to take them to see it. The main character Hyper gets a glimpse of future environmental devastation caused by arch villains Pollution King, Octopus and his Shardines. Hyper forms an 'Earth Rescue Troop' with his friends, hops into a time machine and zooms from the future back to the present to save the planet. Drama Theatre, HKAPA, 11am, 2.15pm and 4.15pm, December 25 to 27, January 1 and 2 (tel 27931123; website
www.springtime.com.hk).
JVC Hits Award Presentation Ceremony
The glitzy annual event, organised by Metro Broadcast, honours singers, songwriters and lyricists who have poured out their best in song over the past year. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, December 26 (website
www.metroradio.com.hk).
Suz Impression
A musical that looks at love and an inter-racial relationship involving a man and a lady of the night. Drama Theatre, HKAPA, 7.30pm, December 30 and 31, January 1 to 4 (website
www.perrychiu.com).
New Year's Eve Countdown Carnival
A colourful mix of programmes including overseas and local artist groups. Sha Tin Town Hall, 8.30pm, December 31 until 12.30am, January 1 (website
www.lcsd.gov.hk).
Ultimate Song Chart Awards
Presentation Ceremony
A star-studded evening, as they say in showbiz, with a galaxy of Canto-pop celebrities (singers, lyricists and composers) attending a ceremony to recognise their contribution to the music industry over the past year. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, January 1 (website
www.crhk.com.hk and
www.881903.com).
Watsons Water Champions Challenge Tennis Tournament
A clash of the tennis titans, as eight of the world's top men and women players compete in an action-packed three days of tennis. Centre Court, Victoria Park, January 5 to 8 (website
www.DiscoverHong
Hong Kong Toys and Games Fair
More than 1,800 exhibitors from around the world present a dazzling array of the latest toys and gadgets. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, January 11 to 14 (tel 25844333; website
www.tdctrade.com).
Hong Kong International Stationery Fair
See how the universe of stationery has evolved to its current state-of-the-art level of sophistication. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, January 11 to 14 (tel 25844333; website
www.tdctrade.com).
Indoor Trials
Thrill to the spectacle of some of the world's top bike riders working their way through an indoor obstacle course. Venue to be confirmed. January 15 (website
www.DiscoverHongKong.com).
Hong Kong Fashion Week for Fall/Winter
Clothes are on everyone's mind in a season that is focused on looking and feeling extra good. The event, which showcases mass merchandise and high fashion, never fails to trigger a buying frenzy among those who love - and do business in - garments and fashion accessories. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, January 18 to 21 (tel 25844333; website
www.tdctrade.com)
World Boutique, Hong Kong
An international showcase of fashion trends that invites you to promote your products - from the latest brands and designer collections to accessories, home fashion and lifestyle products, as well as small gifts. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, January 18 to 21 (tel 25844333; website
www.worldboutiquehk.com).
Choreographic Workshop
Exposure to new happenings in choreography is essential for the artistic growth of a dance company or an individual dancer. Theatre, Hong Kong City Hall, 7.30pm, January 28 to 30. Extra matinee, 2.30pm on Sunday (website
www.DiscoverHongKong.com and
www.hkballet.com).
Education UK Festival
An opportunity for Hong Kong students to get the latest information on education in Britain at all levels. Representatives from more than 100 British educational institutions will be on hand to discuss courses ranging from undergraduate and postgraduate programmes to MBAs and vocational training. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, January 29 and 30 (tel 29135155; website
www.britishcouncil.org.hk).
