https://www.scmp.com/rss/514277/feed Your festive season unwrapped with SCMP's annual guide to making the most of the holiday season in Hong Kong en https://assets.i-scmp.com/static/img/icons/scmp-meta-1200x630.png https://www.scmp.com Randal Purcell and John Creighton arrived at the door of their first-class couchette on the Shanghai Express at the same time. They would have to share the cramped accommodation, tickets being at a premium on the last Express of the year out of Peking and arriving in time for Christmas Day. Despite living in the same city, the two Englishmen had never met, and moved in very different circles. They would just have to make the best of it. The first-class carriages were the last four, the furthest... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/long-reads/article/3203572/christmas-fiction-murder-shanghai-express-original-whodunit?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/post-magazine/long-reads/article/3203572/christmas-fiction-murder-shanghai-express-original-whodunit?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 24 Dec 2022 23:45:13 +0000 Hongkongers heading out to celebrate Christmas should plan their journeys carefully as parts of the city will be closed to traffic this weekend, and police have urged residents to keep their masks on as bigger crowds are expected downtown following the latest easing of Covid-19 pandemic restrictions. Officers on Friday announced road closures in Central, Tsim Sha Tsui and at the West Kowloon Cultural District would take effect from Saturday afternoon until Christmas Day morning. Police said they... https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3204402/which-roads-will-close-over-christmas-hong-kong-gears-partygoers-police-urge-caution-amid-rising?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/transport/article/3204402/which-roads-will-close-over-christmas-hong-kong-gears-partygoers-police-urge-caution-amid-rising?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 23 Dec 2022 09:12:21 +0000 Whether you love it or loathe it, Christmas music is a genre that you simply cannot avoid. As soon as November’s up, the classics come flooding in on every speaker, radio station, supermarket, shop, family household – rolling in on the first day of December in their gorging, shameless glory. Call it a guilty pleasure if you will. Even the scrooges can’t resist. It’s a known fact that Christmas music is one of the biggest money makers and some of the best hits can generate royalty income to last... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3203984/which-christmas-song-makes-most-money-annual-earnings-ranked-mariah-careys-all-i-want-christmas-you?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/celebrity/article/3203984/which-christmas-song-makes-most-money-annual-earnings-ranked-mariah-careys-all-i-want-christmas-you?utm_source=rss_feed Tue, 20 Dec 2022 16:05:08 +0000 Christmas, a time of giving, gathering and joy, right? Not, sadly, for everyone – a recent YouGov survey found that 26 per cent of those polled said Christmas made their mental health worse. So at a time when the masses are eating, drinking and merrymaking, what’s causing concern for so many? “We are expected to be excited about Christmas, socialise more and have family dinners – and the complicated mission of getting the right gifts. It’s not surprising that Christmas can be a time of dread for... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/article/3203565/how-manage-stress-and-your-mental-health-christmas-cooking-festive-dinner-shopping-gifts-and-going?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/article/3203565/how-manage-stress-and-your-mental-health-christmas-cooking-festive-dinner-shopping-gifts-and-going?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 18 Dec 2022 00:00:15 +0000 The holiday season is fast approaching and with thoughts turning to what to get that special someone in your life, we decided to help out those of you who need to find a gift for outdoor adventurers and extreme sport nuts. So, here are seven great ideas to suit every budget for what to get the athletes in your life. Or, you could just treat yourself. Bridgedale Train RUN T2 Lightweight Merino Sport socks What’s Christmas without a pair of socks? But these are no run-of-the-mill cotton socks for... https://www.scmp.com/sport/outdoor/extreme-sports/article/3203678/8-best-christmas-2022-gift-ideas-outdoor-adventurers-and-extreme-sport-nuts?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/sport/outdoor/extreme-sports/article/3203678/8-best-christmas-2022-gift-ideas-outdoor-adventurers-and-extreme-sport-nuts?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 17 Dec 2022 06:22:51 +0000 Life in Hong Kong can be hectic at the best of times, with most of us running a mile a minute without time for pause. But as the year draws to a close and offers moments for reflection, it can be a good opportunity to set some time aside to give back to those in need. There are always those less fortunate than ourselves, and the city is home to a host of charities in need of volunteers. So whether you’re looking to get your hands dirty, get out and active or even to learn a new skill, there’s a... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3202678/5-hong-kong-charities-still-need-volunteers-christmas-teaching-domestic-workers-and-collecting-food?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3202678/5-hong-kong-charities-still-need-volunteers-christmas-teaching-domestic-workers-and-collecting-food?utm_source=rss_feed Mon, 12 Dec 2022 01:00:12 +0000 All we want for Christmas is booze as bars and restaurants are finally back in full swing for this holiday season. Whether you’re looking to partake in festive tipples at some of Hong Kong’s world-class watering holes, or looking to stay in but still enjoy top-shelf mixology to go, we’ve got you covered as bartenders mix up seasonal specials and put personal twists on time-honoured classics. 1. The Daily Tot The Daily Tot is reprising past favourites and debuting new merry tipples. This year’s... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3202659/7-best-bars-and-caterers-christmas-cocktails-hong-kong-rosewoods-darksides-mulled-wine-remy-martin?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3202659/7-best-bars-and-caterers-christmas-cocktails-hong-kong-rosewoods-darksides-mulled-wine-remy-martin?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 11 Dec 2022 05:00:13 +0000 ‘Tis the season to eat, drink and be merry! To take the stress out of holiday entertaining, whether it’s for a party in the lead-up to Christmas or a full spread on the big day, we’ve put together a list of festive catering options in Hong Kong so you can kick back and enjoy your time with family and friends worry-free. 1. Gingers Dazzle your guests by having Gingers cater a drinks party, buffet or sit-down dinner, with or without a chef. For a drinks party accompanied by a chef, you can choose... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3202661/where-order-christmas-catering-hong-kong-7-festive-feasts-ritz-carltons-turkey-and-four-seasons?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3202661/where-order-christmas-catering-hong-kong-7-festive-feasts-ritz-carltons-turkey-and-four-seasons?utm_source=rss_feed Sat, 10 Dec 2022 02:00:18 +0000 It has been a veritable roller coaster, with peaks and troughs for us all, but whether you’re looking to celebrate a year well spent or setting your sights on a better one ahead, one thing is for sure: everyone is ready for a party. And while we’re ready to party hard, these Hong Kong wine and dine institutions are on hand to give 2022 a send-off to remember. 1. Aqua With its sights firmly fixed on a brighter year ahead, Aqua’s Welcome to the Future New Year’s Eve party begins with a... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3202660/sip-sip-hooray-where-celebrate-new-year-hong-kong-6-best-places-book-rosewoods-michelin-starred?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3202660/sip-sip-hooray-where-celebrate-new-year-hong-kong-6-best-places-book-rosewoods-michelin-starred?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 09 Dec 2022 06:00:09 +0000 Amanda Sheppard Amanda Sheppard With the nights getting longer, the temperature dropping, and red and green adornments found around seemingly every corner, it can only mean one thing – Christmas is roaring to life in Hong Kong … and invading our public spaces. The lights, tinsel and festive garb are in full swing across the city’s shopping malls. Here’s our pick of glittering installations to check out – all currently on display and in place throughout the entire month of December. 1. Mrs Claus Bakery at Landmark Santa isn’t... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3202559/where-see-christmas-decorations-hong-kong-8-best-festive-mall-displays-cantopop-star-serrinis-times?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3202559/where-see-christmas-decorations-hong-kong-8-best-festive-mall-displays-cantopop-star-serrinis-times?utm_source=rss_feed Fri, 09 Dec 2022 04:00:11 +0000 With Christmas just around the corner, it’s high time to get your shopping list in order, and get ready to spread some joy to all the loved ones in your world. Get ahead of the crowd and make it an enjoyable one for you and your family by visiting these festive markets that are cropping up across Hong Kong. 1. Christmas Gift and Lifestyle Fair Hong Kong 2022 by Prestige Fairs When and where: Conrad Hotel, December 5 Prestige Fairs has been hosting this event for over 20 years and it is the... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3202495/5-best-christmas-markets-visit-hong-kong-discovery-bays-handicrafts-and-conrad-hong-kong-murray-and?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3202495/5-best-christmas-markets-visit-hong-kong-discovery-bays-handicrafts-and-conrad-hong-kong-murray-and?utm_source=rss_feed Thu, 08 Dec 2022 04:30:23 +0000 It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas – or it might if the temperature decides to drop another 10 degrees – and after the year we’ve had, we owe it to ourselves to thoroughly enjoy the festive season. If you’ve been put in charge of booking the Christmas meal for your friends, family or colleagues, here are the best blowout menus in town. 1. The Bayside The Bayside is offering two festive Mediterranean menus – a seven-course Christmas Deluxe Dinner Menu (HK$458) and an eight-course... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3202261/15-best-christmas-dinner-menus-hong-kong-2022-classic-turkey-rosewood-or-beef-wellington-jw-marriott?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/news-trends/article/3202261/15-best-christmas-dinner-menus-hong-kong-2022-classic-turkey-rosewood-or-beef-wellington-jw-marriott?utm_source=rss_feed Wed, 07 Dec 2022 06:00:11 +0000 This year’s winter events leave culture vultures spoiled for choice – from Disneyland to immersive productions and an outdoor cinema, here’s where to go and get in the joyous spirit. 1. The Nutcracker When: December 16-31 Where: Hong Kong Cultural Centre How much: HK$180 to HK$1,200 A stalwart of festive performances in Hong Kong (and everywhere else) The Nutcracker returns this year with quintessential nods to its host city – think waltzing Bauhinia flowers, a bamboo forest and the like. This... https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3201855/11-festive-hong-kong-events-christmas-2022-hong-kong-disneylands-greatest-show-and-longines-hong?utm_source=rss_feed https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/leisure/article/3201855/11-festive-hong-kong-events-christmas-2022-hong-kong-disneylands-greatest-show-and-longines-hong?utm_source=rss_feed Sun, 04 Dec 2022 00:00:24 +0000