The best things to do in Hong Kong in January

The popular Twilight of the Warriors exhibition is wrapping up its first phase at Hong Kong International Airport and has now relocated to Kowloon City, the very neighbourhood in which the hit film is set. Until April 13, visit Airside in Kai Tak to see an expanded exhibition with all-new set-ups and photo spots that were not available at the airport pop-up.

Apart from the existing barbershop, tea stall, and other locations from the movie, five new sets have been added, including a comic stall, tailor shop, a tit da bone-setting clinic, a shoemaker’s shop, and a dental clinic. All the designs and props, down to the price tags on items, were modelled on historical pieces from Hong Kong in the 80s to fully immerse visitors in the bygone era of the Kowloon Walled City. The dim alleys and indoor locations have been integrated with sound effects and actors’ dialogues, so if you enjoyed Twilight of the Warriors, then this exhibition will be a real treat.

Spot Easter eggs hidden throughout the exhibition such as miniature models of the movie characters, and don’t miss the dining and retail stalls, where you can buy iconic dishes from Hong Kong food stalls served in nostalgic takeaway containers.

Japan's adorable Osamu Goods has teamed up with local toy platform KKPlus to create a pop-up store inspired by Hong Kong's vibrant nightscape. Founded in 1976 by illustrator Osamu Harada, Osamu Goods is a beloved name in Japan, known for its simple lines and vibrant colours. The brand features 12 characters based on Mother Goose nursery rhymes, including the iconic Jack and Jill and Humpty Dumpty. 

From tote bags and keychains to stationery, mugs, and other home essentials, the pop-up offers a range of products from Japan and Taiwan, as well as Hong Kong-exclusive items. It's a rare opportunity for fans to get their hands on these items as Osamu Goods products are not widely available in Hong Kong. 

In addition to shopping, guests can explore a mini exhibition showcasing Harada's artworks, create their own postcards, and snap photos by a giant LED installation with Jack and Jill. Local café stain+ has also set up a cosy corner in the store, offering delicious hand-brewed coffee. On selected days, customers who spend $500 or more will receive a free cup of coffee with flavours like Tipsy Grape and Bailey Caramel. Plus, with a spending of $200 or more, shoppers can get a limited-edition Osamu Goods shopping bag for just $1.

The pop-up runs from December 21, 2024, to February 10, 2025, at 1881 Heritage in Tsim Sha Tsui, so pencil in a date for the diary!

The AIA Carnival is back again and we couldn’t be more excited! This year, the annual fun fest will be celebrating its 10th birthday – which means new rides, games, toys, more food options, a ton of photo ops, and plenty of surprises in store!

From December 18, 2024, to February 16, 2025, the spectacular event is set to bring a lineup of 28 classic and new rides, some of which have never been seen in the city before; more than 30 games with adorable, custom-made toys from huge blockbusters and anime favourites up for grabs; a multinational selection of bites featuring an even bigger selection of options for all tastes and age groups. The renowned Gandeys Circus will also return with six brand-new acts and a star-studded lineup of talents from 12 different countries. Early-bird tickets are now on sale with special discounts on regular ticket prices. Click here for more details about this year’s event.

Running from December 12, 2024, to February 14, 2025, this year’s #ddHK is a vibrant celebration of creativity, showcasing seven must-see installations that breathe life into the neighbourhoods of Tsuen Wan and Sha Tau Kok. Each installation offers a unique artistic expression that intertwines with local culture and history.

Pay a visit to Tsuen Wan’s Sai Lau Kok Garden, where Coolman Coffeedan’s Coolman x Tsuen Wan takes visitors on a journey through the stories of the area. Another highlight is ENESS’s Cupid’s Koi Garden, an interactive fountain that delights passersby with playful jets of water. Kiki Ji’s Flowing Natural beautifully merges traditional bamboo artistry with nature in Shing Mun Country Park, while Zoe Siu’s Woven Dreams reinterprets Hakka culture with intricate weaving techniques at the historic Sam Tung Uk Museum.

Over in Sha Tau Kok, En Iwamura’s Interwoven Horizon floats gracefully in the sea, connecting art and nature, while Louis To Wun’s The Auspicious Dance transforms Sha Tau Kok Square into a dynamic stage for dancing fish. Finally, Vivian Ho’s Stories on Wheels captures the narratives of community life through vibrant illustrations.

In addition to these installations, visitors can join themed tours, workshops, markets, and more to complete their experience, making #ddHK a journey of discovery, exploration, and inspiration. Don’t miss out on this creative adventure!

This Chinese New Year, Sky100’s beloved mascot MoMo has flown all the way from Japan to Hong Kong’s tallest building to bring blessings to the city. From now until February 15, the MoMo Shrine, inspired by traditional Japanese torii gates, has been set up at the Sky100 observation deck to welcome all travellers. Visitors can enjoy blessings and rituals by writing their New Year wishes onto heart-shaped tags to hang onto the wishing pillar, as well as have the chance to meet the cute owl mascot MoMo in person. This unique blend of cultural traditions makes for an auspicious start to the Lunar New Year celebrations.

This winter, the Blue Girl Dai Pai Dong is premiering for the first time at AIA Carnival. Inspired by our city’s beloved old-school dining venues, this bustling pop-up is decked out in neon light and retro signs, with a bar that offers Blue Girl beer and crafted cocktails. While general entertainment is open to all AIA Carnival guests, the Blue Girl Dai Pai Dong also holds exclusive ticketed events like themed DJ nights, stand-up comedy, and clothes swaps that are not to be missed. 

Be sure to secure tickets for the Nodes Rec. Takeover on January 11, which promises a night full of house and techno tunes from one of Hong Kong’s hottest music collectives. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for the Schmoney Moves party on January 28 either, where you can catch local DJs as they spin hip-hop and pop anthems that’ll have you tearing up the dancefloor all night long.

To attend these ticketed events at Blue Girl Dai Pai Dong, simply purchase separate tickets on Eventbrite, which will also grant free access to the AIA Carnival.

Get ready for an unforgettable experience as world-class illusion artist Franz Harary brings his groundbreaking illusion show to Hong Kong for the first time. From now to February 4, at the Wan Chai Harbourfront Event Space, Franz Harary will dazzle audiences with his mind-blowing illusions and grand spectacles. Joining Harary is an incredible lineup of award-winning magicians, including Danny Cole and Rocco Silano, as they take you into a dreamlike world of wonder and awe. With 33 performances, expect mind-bending tricks and stunning visuals that redefine the art of magic. Harary believes magic is a form of high art, and this show promises to be a thrilling blend of creativity and skill. Ticket prices range from $188 to $1,088 but they're going fast! So grab yours now and prepare to be amazed by the extraordinary as you step into the realm of 'Imagine Nation'. Find out more here.

Start your Year of the Dragon at a roaring street party as the annual Chinese New Year Night Parade returns! Taking on the theme of 'World Party Great Celebration', the parade will feature dazzling floats and energetic performers from Hong Kong and around the world.

When is the Chinese New Year Night Parade?

A street performance party will get the crowd in the festive mood starting 6pm on February 10, before the parade begins at 8pm to make its way through the main streets of Tsim Sha Tsui from the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza to the Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel and Towers.

Where to watch the Chinese New Year Night Parade?

Those who want to catch the exciting spectacle can watch for free along Canton, Haiphong, and Nathan Road – just make sure you get there early to nab a decent spot!

What can I see at the Chinese New Year Night Parade?

This year's parade will feature nine float, along with 13 local and 16 international performance groups, including Japanese all-female pop dance group Avantgardey, famously known for their appearance on Yaosobi's Idol music video.

Other performers include the Light Dancers from Spain, the Universe of Lights from Germany, the Guangxi Arts Troupe and the Tibet Chamdo Troupe with cultural performances, professional cheerleaders from the US, and the Bacolod City MassKara Festival from the Philippines. 

And don't worry if you have to sit this one out, as the floats will be on display at The Urban Council Centenary Garden in Tsim Sha Tsui from February 11 to 25 for visitors to get a closer look at the impressive structures. International teams will also perform there
on February 11 and 12.

Overindulged during the holidays and want to give your liver a break for Dry January? French Riviera-inspired dining venue LPM Restaurant & Bar has partnered with Australian beverage company Lyre’s to present a non-alcoholic cocktail menu from January 4 to 31, which showcases LPM classics and new creations. Sip on refreshing tipples ($98 each) like the Nogroni Sbagliato made with Lyre’s Aperitif Rosso and Italian spritz; the London Mule with flavours of kaffir lime, ginger, and oat; or the Rosé Champagne Colada which uses zero-proof rosé wine. For those who want something unique, try options like L’Orgeat, which pairs Lyre’s amaretti with almond milk and lemon; or opt for the Mid Roast Fizz with coffee and citrus. Finally, no meal at LPM would be complete without savouring the restaurant’s classic Tomatini, so this limited-edition cocktail menu also offers a Tomati-no made with Campari tomatoes, tomato juice, and white balsamic vinegar.

The Peak Tramways Company, Limited and The Peak Tower Limited have joined forces to launch the 'It's Different Up here' campaign, offering a rich experience of Hong Kong's culture and cuisine for both local and overseas travellers. From now until February 28, 2025, make your way to 101 Peak Street to catch exciting performances, take snaps at various photo spots, taste authentic Hong Kong delicacies, and get your hands on well-designed gifts.

A highlight not to be missed has got to be the special hawker carts, include a Taxi Float by local craft cider brand Neon Cider, a Sugar Cane King Cart offering special edition bottled milk teas (available while stocks last), a Siu Mei Car with Hong Kong specialty products, the Mochi Cart and its Hong Kong-style gift boxes stuffed with local treats, and Chung's Tea House's Dim Sum Cart offering various Cantonese dim sum and special pistachio cream cones. As you explore 101 Peak Street, be sure to keep an eye out for the Dim Sum Squad – a crew led by Hai Gow, Siu Mai and Char Siu Bao – who will be making surprise appearances and bringing smiles to faces with lively dances.

The Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM) is currently holding a joint exhibition with the Palace of Versailles with approximately 150 magnificent pieces to peruse. This is the first time that treasures from the Forbidden City and the Palace of Versailles – both World Heritage Sites – will be featured in one exhibition in Hong Kong.

With themes spanning culture, arts, science, technology, and beyond in the royal courts of France and China, visitors can expect to admire portraits, porcelain pieces, glassware, enamelware, textiles, books, scientific instruments, and more. Look out for first-grade national treasures from the Palace Museum in Beijing, such as a chrysanthemum teapot gifted to the Qianlong Emperor that was recently discovered to be made in France, and a quiver and bow case with French-made brocade. Highlights flown over from the Palace of Versailles include a perfume fountain – the only Chinese porcelain piece that Louis XV was known to have owned – and a portrait plaque of Qianlong that Louis XVI had displayed in his study.

Tickets for this special exhibition are priced at $150, with concessions available. Holders of HKPM’s Full Access Ticket can also access The Origins of Chinese Civilisation exhibition at a combined price of $180.

Executive chef Richard Ekkebus of The Landmark Mandarin Oriental's Amber, has opened his pastry venture, LMO Freshly Baked by Richard Ekkebus, inside of Central’s dynamic dining hall, BaseHall 01. This time, the pop-up presents an array of savoury items, such as Thai chicken green curry pie ($60), pork char-siu and shiitake pie ($68), and grain fed O’Connor beef bourguignon pie ($78). For lighter options, diners can dig into options like crunchy vegetable salad with roasted pumpkin seed dressing ($88), spicy tomato and compressed watermelon salad ($88). Alternatively, guests can purchase combo sets (from $80 and up) to choose their preferred pie or salad and pair it with a drink of choice. 

As for desserts, Chef Ekkebus has teamed up with The Landmark Mandarin Oriental’s executive pastry chef Carles Codina, to create irresistible baked goods like chocolate brookie ($30), vanilla and sea salt financier ($30), pistachio cookie ($40), and a silky smooth Basque cheesecake ($68 for small, $200 for medium, $480 for large).

French cultural and educational organisation Visionairs is presenting its debut exhibition ‘Notre-Dame de Paris, The Augmented Exhibition’ at the West Kowloon Cultural District. Using both artefacts and immersive augmented reality (AR), this research-based project tells the story of the cathedral’s 850-year history and brings this French landmark to life for audiences.

Set to launch at the same time as the official reopening of Notre-Dame to the public in Paris, this exhibition transports visitors into a historically accurate recreation of the cathedral, spanning from its origins in the 12th century to the devastation of the 2019 fire and its subsequent restoration. Portable touch-screen tablets in 13 languages guide history lovers through 20 time portals to various grand events in time, such as King Henry VI’s wedding and the coronation of Napoleon.

Apart from a full-sized replica of one of Notre-Dame’s chimera statues and a sculpture of one of its rose windows which survived the fire, there will also be more virtual delights such as visitors being superimposed as the cathedral’s animal statues, as well as collecting stained glass shards in a digital treasure hunt.