Hong Kong Players is taking over the Shouson Theatre in Wan Chai to bring Jack and the Beanstalk to life, marking its 60th anniversary of annual pantos! This version of the beloved fairy tale features his one true love, Jill, as they embark on an adventure up the bean stalk. To commemorate the season of giving and the poor state Jack was in before he was given magic beans, Hong Kong Players have partnered with Feeding Hong Kong for this event and a collection point will be set up to receive non-perishable food to redistribute to those in need.

December 3-12, Shouson Theatre, Hong Kong Arts Centre, HK$295 to HK$395

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The Magic Toy Shop

Join the magic as HKAPA’s Hong Kong Jockey Club Amphitheatre is transformed into a magical toy shop. The SAR Philharmonic Orchestra will perform its popular Classics for Kids Christmas Concert, spreading holiday cheer to children and families through music. Christmas is the season for giving and audiences will be pleased to know that ticket proceeds will go towards supporting music scholarships.

December 5, 12 Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts HK$280 to HK$480

The Nutcracker

A trip to see The Nutcracker is as much a Hong Kong Christmas tradition as the lighting of the tree at Rockefeller Center in New York. The HK Ballet will mount a run of shows from December 11 to 26, with the classic score ably dealt with by our home-grown Hong Kong Sinfonietta, under the baton of conductors Yip Wing-sie and Vivian Ip. Meanwhile the production features costumes and sets designed by Gabriela Tylesova. Tchaikovsky’s timeless piece is synonymous with the Yuletide season and this is a must see on everyone’s calendar.

December 11-26, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, HK$180 to HK$1,000

Christmas Fantasia

Veteran Hong Kong conductor Apollo Wong leads the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, the Hong Kong Philharmonic Chorus and The Hong Kong Children’s Choir in a charming programme of traditional and popular music to create a Christmas Fantasia. The seasonal programme will include music by Tchaikovsky, timeless classics from Handel’s Messiah, the film score from My Neighbour Totoro and popular festive songs from across the globe.

December 23-24, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, HK$220 to HK$480

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A Viennese New Year

Welcome the New Year with performances by the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra of Viennese waltzes and sparkling polkas, thumping marches and heartfelt love songs. Taking inspiration from around the world, the programme touts Spanish passion, French elegance, British pageantry and, of course, a great selection of Hong Kong favourites too. The orchestra will be led by principal guest conductor Yu Long and features soloists including Yuki Ip and Samantha Chong, guitarist Xuefei Yang and Yiwen Lu on the erhu.

December 30, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, HK$220 to HK$480