And in Hong Kong it would be tempting to point to Chung Yeung, the traditional time to pay respects to one's ancestors. But it seems that the real festival of the season, as in the US, is the much more entertaining Halloween.

'Halloween in Hong Kong just keeps getting busier and busier,' says Coco Pop, Hong Kong's drag queen extraordinaire who'll be performing at the Dada Lounge's big Halloween event on Saturday night and hosting a drag competition at Propaganda club in Central on Sunday night. 'It's more of a week-long celebration now. I'd even say more people come together this week than they do to celebrate Christmas.'

When planning a night out in costume, the obvious destination in recent years has been Lan Kwai Fong. But with the drinking and dining district now temporarily resembling a construction site, it may be a good time to seek out some alternative venues where you can frighten or be frightened.

Local artist Web portal Alive Not Dead is hosting its third annual 'Dead Not Alive' Halloween bash at one of Central's newest clubs on Saturday and, if last year's sell-out crowds are anything to go by, the evening promises to be one of the hottest in Hong Kong.

Tickets to the event at Hyde (2/F-3/F, Lyndhurst Tower, 1 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central) are being sold only in advance and proper costumes are mandatory, so don't rock up in a simple pair of red devil horns.

Another event where costumes are essential is the 'Anything But Clothes' bash at The Place (255 Queens Road Central, Sheung Wan). Normal items of clothing are banned, and in previous years revellers have worn everything from oversized takeaway boxes and police tape to pillowcases and Lady Gaga-style bubble outfits. Dress to impress.

The other big bash in Central that night will be at Zuma in the Landmark, where up to 1,500 costume-clad party-goers will be entertained by some of Hong Kong's best DJs and some visiting performers from New York. There'll also be prizes for best costumes in various categories, plus lucky draws. All of the biggest events may be being held on Hong Kong Island, but that doesn't mean that Kowloon is being left out of the party altogether.

Dada Lounge (2/F, 39 Kimberly Road, Tsim Sha Tsui), in the boutique Luxe Manor hotel, will host three nights of events starting tomorrow, including the Saturday night event featuring Coco Pop.

Executive chef Bonelli Gianluigi (previously of the Fat Duck in London) will serve up a special dinner to guests who book Dada Lounge's private dining room, themed 'Hell'. The dining room can accommodate six to 10 guests, offering all the fun of Halloween with none of the unruly crowds.

When it comes to finding a costume, Central's Pottinger Street and Wan Chai's street markets are well-known for their fancy dress gear, but for more original ideas thrift stores could be the way forward.

Both Temple Street and Ladies Market are flanked by second-hand stores packed to the rafters with retro and often simply awful clothes at a fraction of the price of fancy dress.

'Costumes are what makes Halloween. No other festival in Hong Kong lets people dress as a either a monster or their favourite movie star,' says Coco. 'But that's also why people should be more creative ... and make the most of it.'