The best things to do in Hong Kong this weekend (Dec 20-22)

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.

Jump into the festive spirit as the 'HSBC Life The Big Bounce World Tour - Hong Kong' rolls into town from December 21, 2024, to January 5, 2025 at the Great Lawn of the West Kowloon Cultural District (WestK) Art Park. The Big Bounce will boast a variety of giant inflatables, including basketball hoops, massive slides, and epic ball pits – all designed to welcome people of all ages. Families can enjoy Junior (aged seven or below) and Bigger Kids' (aged 15 or below) sessions together, while the evenings will turn into a lively 'After Dark Party' for those aged 16 and up.

Tickets for The Big Bounce World Tour - Hong Kong are going from $179 to $199; visit their official website for more info.

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.

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.

Despite being a world-renowned film icon, Hong Kong actor Chow Yun-fat is well-known for being very low-key and down-to-earth in his everyday life. As a lover of photography, he can be found walking around Central during the early morning hours, capturing the city through his camera.

Now, fans can have the chance to see the world through Chow’s lens, as he will be holding an exhibition featuring 30 pieces of photographic work. Sorted into three sections titled ‘Hong’, ‘Kong’, and ‘Morning’, there will be shots of nature and flora, the city streets, and ‘selfies’ – where the actor can be spotted through subtle reflections in the photographs. The highlight of this show is an untitled piece of a gloomy Victoria Harbour during a black rainstorm, foregrounded by pops of colour from ferries.

These photographs will be available in limited-edition prints for sale, all bearing Chow’s autograph – part of the proceeds will then be donated to charitable organisations. Harbour City has also produced a limited number of special print publications for this exhibition, and visitors can collect a free copy after posting about Hong Kong • Morning on social media platforms. 

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 December 23 to January 5, 2025, 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'.

Stanley Plaza's annual Christmas market is a must-visit every holiday season. Welcoming all to the Noir Gold Christmas Soiree on Dec 14 to 15, as well as Dec 21 to 26, this year's market features over 120 stalls spread across the open-air amphitheatre and Murray House. Discover themed delicacies like gold leaf ice cream, handmade egg rolls, and locally brewed craft beer; festive goodies and handcrafts; merch for your furry friends, and more. Don't miss the four-metre-tall Christmas tree to get you into the holiday feels, live performances by Ramon Lo from Midlife, Sing & Shine, as well as a charity sale with all sales proceeds going towards the Little Life Warriors Society.

For an extra special experience, check out the VIP package available on Klook for $380. This package includes exclusive workshops, premiums, free photo prints, and discounts valued at over $800. Participate in fun workshops, such as DIY wooden ornaments and cocktail mixing, to make your holiday even more memorable.

To make your visit hassle-free, Stanley Plaza is offering complimentary shuttle bus services to and from Admiralty (outside Admiralty Centre MTR station exit A) and Oi Tung Shopping Centre in Shau Kei Wan during the event. 

Stanley Christmas Market Shuttle Bus Services:

Admiralty to Stanley Plaza: Every 30 minutes from 12pm to 7pm

Stanley Plaza to Admiralty: Every 30 minutes from 3pm to 10pm

Oi Tung Shopping Centre to Stanley Plaza: Every hour from 12pm to 6pm

Stanley Plaza to Oi Tung Shopping Centre: Every hour from 3pm to 9pm

Ticket distribution starts from 30 minutes before take-off. One ticket per person on a first-come, first-served basis.

With Hong Kong's panda craze going strong, AllRightsReserved – the brains behind the 100% Doraemon & Friends Tour Hong Kong exhibition and the giant Double Ducks – is back with another citywide event: Panda Go! Fest Hk. 

A total of 2,500 panda sculptures will pop up across various locations in Hong Kong for a limited time as a tribute to the global giant panda population, which has now exceeded 2,500. The sculptures will be presented in eight unique designs, plus six special panda characters just for Hong Kong, including Ying Ying, Le Le, Keke, An An, and the adorable twin pandas.

The fun kicks off with a welcoming ceremony at Hong Kong International Airport on December 2. Then, from December 7 to 26, the pandas will make their way to iconic landmarks like Avenue of Stars, Ngong Ping 360, Ocean Park, and Sun Yat-sen Memorial Park, staying at each location for two days.

Keep an eye out for special edition pandas designed by celebrities like Pharrell Williams, Huang Bo, Du Juan, and Kasing Lung, the artist behind the creation of Labubu. Most of these sculptures will be up for online charity auction, with all proceeds going directly to Ocean Park to support panda conservation efforts.

Kicking off on December 7 and running for four consecutive weekends, this year’s China Hong Kong City Car Boot Christmas Market is packed with over 100 booths featuring local artisans, influencers, and car owners selling unique crafts and delicious winter goodies. For the first time, the market is teaming up with the Swedish and Finnish chambers of commerce to sprinkle some Nordic magic into the mix. Soak up the festivities around a stunning six-metre-tall Christmas tree and don't miss your chance to get on Santa's nice list as he makes his way to the market on Dec 14 and 15.

To keep the little ones entertained, kids can dress up as elves and help Santa prepare gifts in the family play zone, while mini concerts and Christmas workshops will be held in the evening for all the enjoy. And if all the Christmas cheering has got you hungry, delight in Nordic cuisine from the likes of Embla and Tryfinnish, or dig into other food and drinks including desserts by Ice and craft beers by Hong Kong Whistle. 

The Car Boot Market will also be the perfect place to catch the Winter Harbourfront Pyrotechnics from Dec 24 to 26, so make space on your calendar to pay a visit!

Returning to the West Kowloon Cultural District from November 22, 2024 to January 1, 2025, Hong Kong WinterFest is by far one of the most popular Christmas events in Hong Kong. Aside from a towering 20-metre-tall Christmas tree adorned with shimmering lights, visitors will also find busy gnomes and nearly 100 gift boxes of all shapes, sizes, and colours across Christmas Town. Take a walk through the festive light tunnel, catch handbell and choir performances, and don't miss surprise appearances by Santa Claus himself. The Christmas tree light projections start at 6pm every day, while the harbourfront pyrotechnic display will take place on three consecutive nights from December 24 to 26.

Find out more about various events and activities, dates, and opening hours at this year's Hong Kong Winterfest in our detailed guide.

This winter, Lee Tung Avenue is embracing the festive season with its 'Dazzling Christmas' celebration. Merrymakers will be immersed in a festive world filled with stunning light installations inspired by Belgian lace, featuring a magnificent 27-metre-long arch and an eight-metre-high Christmas tree. The pedestrian walkway will also be adorned with beautiful decorations, creating a fairytale-like atmosphere that will get you into the Christmas spirit.

Join the fun with interactive workshops, where you can design your own Smurf and collaborate with local artists. Enjoy festive performances, including music from Belgian artists and a magical show. And if it's a white Christmas that you're wishing for, don’t miss the return of the popular snow shows at 7pm, 8pm, and 9pm with over 50 sessions hosted every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, as well as on public holidays and New Year's Eve.

On Christmas Day, meet Sinterklaas and celebrate at a masquerade ball filled with laughter and joy. With charity pop-ups supporting Save the Children Hong Kong and other exciting promotions, Lee Tung Avenue promises a memorable holiday experience for all this year.

This holiday season, hospitality group Singular Concepts has channelled the spirit of the cynical yet hilarious cartoon character, The Grinch, for a Christmas-exclusive cocktail program at its venues. Throughout December, Hongkongers can enjoy a range of exclusive Dr. Seuss-inspired cocktails at Barcode, Tell Camellia, The Daily Tot, Ella, Wav, Barkada, and Yurakucho. What’s more, each time-limited cocktail will come with one of five coveted prizes such as cocktail masterclasses, special tasting menus, or a $1,000 cash voucher! 

To enhance the festive spirit, Singular Concepts also offers a Grinchmas stamp card for $720, which is inclusive of eight Seussian cocktails – each valued at $90 – at the hospitality group’s venues, as well as a special welcome warmer, a customised ornament, and two special surprises. Finally, keep your eyes peeled to spot the Grinch wandering around SoHo throughout December. If you’re lucky enough to catch him out and about, snap a picture and share it on Instagram or Xiaohongshu, and bring it as proof to any of Singular Concept’s venues to receive a treat on the house.

To celebrate the 80th anniversary of Finnish illustrator and writer Tove Jansson creating the adorable Moonmins, art publication Art and Piece has partnered with Hong Kong artist Zu and Pi to bring this special overseas art exhibition to Hong Kong. Featuring original and rare works shipped directly from Finland, this exhibition showcases over 70 cherished works on the famous hippopotamus-like characters.

The first phase of the show, running from now until December 15, shines the spotlight on seven original Moomin illustrations that have been preserved in Jansson’s notebooks in her Helsinki studio. Also worth fawning over are original Moomin plush toys from the 1960s – designed by Atelier Fauni, these are among the first Moomin products released by Finnish department store Stockmann.

The second phase titled ‘Hope in the Darkness’ will run from December 16 to January 5, 2025, and will feature more of the author’s vibrant artwork. There will also be giant interactive installations for visitors to immerse themselves in Moomin Valley, as well as tribute works from various artists across Hong Kong, Macau, and Indonesia.

Make time to check out both phases of the exhibition for different perspectives on the Moomintrolls, and don’t leave without browsing through the exclusive anniversary exhibition merch section, including the world’s first embossed and gold-foil limited-edition Moomin prints.

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.

From now until December 7, early-bird tickets are available at $248, while standard tickets will be available from December 8 onwards at $298. There will be concessions available, as well as discounts when purchasing in bundles of four or six.

Landmark is celebrating the art of gifting this holiday season with 'Wrap It Up! A Christmas Atelier', curated by world-renowned cultural curator Sarah Andelman. From now to January 1, 2025, step into a magical wonderland filled with ribbons and creativity. Explore interactive experiences, including a workshop with the talented duo Ribbonesia, and collect limited-edition items from talented artists like FriendsWithYou and Nina Chanel Abney – all while supporting local charities. Snap unforgettable photos with eye-catching installations and enjoy exclusive holiday shopping rewards – it's a festive adventure that will fill your heart with warmth this Christmas.

Experience the magic of the season at HKJC X Tai Kwun - Simple Gifts of Joy 2024, happening from December 1 to January 1. This festive celebration marks HKJC’s 140th anniversary and embraces the core values of joy, giving, and togetherness right in the heart of Hong Kong. Aside from a shimmering 12-metre Christmas tree, visitors can also get into the festive spirit with The Gift of Music Opening Concert, followed by the whimsical Tai Kwun Circus Plays later in the month. Be sure not to miss seasonal treats, holiday shopping, and exclusive TK Fan offerings that promise unforgettable moments with family and friends.

Japanese pop duo Yoasobi is undoubtedly one of the most exciting music acts that are representative of 2020s J-pop, with high energy electronic mixes, catchy hooks, and extensive storytelling. Ahead of their upcoming December concerts in Hong Kong, Ayase and ikura will be celebrating the fifth anniversary of their band with their first-ever exhibition at Airside.

From December 13 to January 3, 2025, fans can look back on Yoasobi’s musical journey and creative milestones, from making music based on online short stories and debuting with Yoru ni Kakeru, to global success and performing at the world’s major music festivals. Expect to see artifacts such as band posters, show outfits that they’ve performed in before, and other memorabilia – many of which are rarely found in Hong Kong. There will also be gacha machines and an interactive selfie booth, so everyone can definitely take home Yoasobi merch of some kind.

In other news, from December 21 to January 6, 2025, there will be a Yoasobi pop-up store at The Twins in Kai Tak, stocking a range of exclusive concert merch, including t-shirts, hoodies, accessories, tote bags, towels, stickers, and more.

Immerse yourself in the world of Marshville’s Winter at Citygate Outlets this holiday season. From now until Jan 2, 2025, Korean creative label Dinotaeng is making its debut in Hong Kong with seven thematic scenes. From a giant igloo to a four-metre-tall Christmas tree decorated with adorable charms, visitors will get to meet the villagers of Marshville all around Citygate Outlets. Be sure to check out the pop-up store where you can get your hands on the latest Dinotaeng goodies like plushies, totes, stationery, lifestyle products, and more. For Club CG members, there will also be tons of fabulous shopping rewards, along with a chance on a claw machine to win the latest Dinotaeng plush toy – so don't miss out. 

Harbour City goes all out every Christmas, and this year is no different! Here with his first-ever Christmas art project, miniature photographer and mitate artist Tatsuya Tanaka brings The Big Little Christmas large-scale outdoor installation to Harbour City from now to January 1, 2025. Aside from an eight-metre-tall wooden Christmas calendar at the Staircase, the outdoor installation also features a 28-metre-long Santa Claus working desk at the Ocean Terminal Forecourt with five festive miniature sets enlarged on the desk, including the candy cane sleigh, a five-metre-high cabin made with stacked books, and a 10-metre-tall Christmas tree transformed from a Santa Clause hat.

Fans of Tanaka's work should also check out the Countdown to Mini-mas exhibition at Gallery by the Harbour, where 25 new festive miniature artworks made using everyday objects are on display, along with various merch such as postcard sets, tote bags, and blind boxes. All proceeds after cost deduction will be donated to the Hong Kong Blood Cancer Foundation to support blood cancer patients and their families. 

Prepare for a magical Christmas party as D2 Place's rooftop garden transforms into Gum Gum Gummyland – a bubble-filled paradise filled with giant sparkly gummy bears and candy sculptures that light up. Don’t miss the gummy bear-themed selfie booth, as well as a delightful candy bar where you can snag limited-edition gummy bears and other classic sweets. There will also be free DIY gummy bear workshops to make bracelets and necklaces, a ton of Christmas rewards for D2 Place club members, live music, and more to add a touch of sweetness to your holidays.

Put on your Santa hats and head over to Hong Kong Disneyland to celebrate Christmas! For the first time in forever, the World of Frozen will be hosting its first Christmas festivities, with lots of decorations, snow, themed food, carolers, and a surprise or two from everyone’s favourite Frozen characters.

Mickey, Goofy, Winnie the Pooh, Duffy and Friends, and more will be dressed up in special Yuletide costumes, so keep an eye out for photo opportunities. When night falls, gather along Main Street USA to watch the ‘Holiday Wish-Come-True’ tree lighting ceremony accompanied by a drone show, and for three consecutive weekend nights, there will also be the ‘Disney Christmas Live in Concert!’ featuring fan-favourite character cameos and song, Christmas music, the Hong Kong Children’s Choir, and special guests Gin Lee, Morisette, and Janice Yan. Concert tickets range from $299 to $349.

This latest exhibition in the M+ Open Gallery examines the process of making things as a creative expression, and how this has a lasting impact on individuals, communities, and our ecosystems. Drawing from the works of the M+ Collections, visitors are invited into the inspirations and techniques behind the processing of conceptualising, research, design, and fabrication that go into the objects and architecture we see around us. Split into four sections, it covers the broad themes of ceramics with its layered history; innovative uses of materials like neon, resin, and bamboo, including a restored Hong Kong neon sign; how computing, machine learning, and AI have impacted the making process; and the effects of consumerism and mass production on contemporary society. Tickets for ‘Making It Matters’ cost $120, and allow same-day entry to the other paid exhibitions in M+.

The holiday vibes are in full swing, and IFC Mall is ready to spread some Christmas cheer. From now until January 1, 2025, the Oval Atrium has turned into Santa’s Magic Toy Factory. Step into a world where Santa and his elf helpers create gifts for all the good kids. You can join the fun by becoming an elf yourself, diving into interactive experiences across the factory, and even scheduling a meet-up with Santa! With festive performances, charity events, and special shopping rewards, it's the perfect place to make unforgettable holiday memories filled with laughter and joy.

Stranger Things fans, this one’s for you. Local artisan ice cream vendor Teemtonefai has collaborated with the popular Netflix series to recreate the show’s fictional ice cream store, Scoops Ahoy. From now until December 31, head to this special pop-up shop in Hysan Place to delight in time-limited ice cream flavours like mango black pepper sorbet, macaroni and cheese, peanut butter and jelly, and strawberry balsamic – available in cups, waffle cones decorated with sprinkles, or in a banana split topped with whipped cream and Maraschino cherries. Additionally, customers can get their hands on exclusive Teemtonefai and Scoops Ahoy merch like t-shirts, mugs, and more.

This winter, Festival Walk is stepping up its festive game with the beloved Sanrio character Hangyodon. From now to Jan 1, 2025, get ready for a winter fun fest with highlights including a five-metre-tall Hangyodon snow mountain, along with a themed torii, chairlift, and snowman to set the holiday vibe. Don't miss out on the exclusive merch available, including tote bags, T-shirts, and LED glow sticks. And if you're feeling lucky, get yourself one of Hangyodon's plush toy mystery boxes (50 random styles, including a special edition) on a fortune stick drawing basis. Visitors will also be able to enjoy Hangyodon-themed treats at Greyhound Café, while My Festival members can take advantage of various shopping perks. 

Digital art exhibition Arte M Hong Kong arrived on Hong Kong's shores from South Korea in the fall of 2022, bringing a surreal immersive experience through a combination of visual effects, sounds, and even aromas. Sadly, the exhibition has just announced its closure and will be wrapping things up on December 31, 2024, before heading off for a new venture in Shenzhen. When asked about their original plans to set up the Arte Museum at 11 Skies, the organisers replied saying that the project has been put on hold.

To bid farewell to Hongkongers, Arte M is dishing out special closing discounts with ticket prices going for half price (applicable to online purchases only). Regular adult tickets are $64 on weekdays (original price $128) and $74 on weekends and public holidays (original price $148). Discounted tickets for children aged three to 11, students, and seniors aged 65 and above are priced at $49 on weekdays (original price $98) and $54 on weekends and public holidays (original price $108). Admission is free for kids under the age of three.

Both Hongkongers and international travellers making their way through Hong Kong International Airport can now be abruptly transported back in time to a lawless, gritty corner of our city in the 80s. The filmmakers of Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In have collaborated with the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Airport Authority Hong Kong, and other government bureaus to present an immersive exhibition based on the famous movie.

Twilight of the Warriors is a neo-noir martial arts action film that was released in May 2024 and quickly became one of Hong Kong’s highest-grossing domestic films of all time. It was also recently selected to represent Hong Kong cinema at the 2025 Oscars. The movie is set in the dim, dangerous precinct of the old Kowloon Walled City, and this new exhibition has painstakingly recreated sets to give a taste of what life would have been like back then. 

Crowned by a double-storey building façade bearing a Kowloon Walled City neon sign, visitors can find various locations that were featured in the film, such as a bing sutt coffee and tea shop, a barbershop, a traditional mom-and-pop store, and more, all accented with knick-knacks and detailed touches that are evocative of Hong Kong in the 80s. There is even a corner resembling one of Kowloon Walled City’s infamous narrow alleys, complete with rusty shutters and so many wires overhead they barely let through the light.

This exhibition at the airport will run until November 20, and then move to the Airside mall in Kai Tak in December.

This exhibition features more than 40 haute couture pieces from the fashion artist Guo Pei, including Rihanna’s show-stopping yellow gown that she wore to the 2015 Met Gala. It marks the first major exhibition dedicated to this celebrated Chinese couture artist in East Asia. With a practice that has spanned almost four decades, Guo is among China’s first generation of contemporary fashion designers, with work reflecting Asian and global trends over the past century. You’ll often see traditional Chinese embroidery in her pieces, and this exhibition shows works inspired by fantasy dreamscapes, Eastern folklore, architecture, and space-time. The designer herself will hold a talk on September 21, and M+ will also host two screenings of Yellow Is Forbidden, which documents Guo’s journey in a predominantly Western field as she prepares a show for Paris Haute Couture Week.

Sheung Wan-based Italian restaurant Posso is releasing a bottomless pasta menu ($570 per person) that’ll curb your carb cravings. The menu kicks off with appetisers like crispy prawn croquettes with lemon aioli and cayenne pepper, and beef tartare topped with capers and anchovies. Then, diners can enjoy as many portions of Posso’s handmade pasta as they can stomach, with options including roughly sliced maltagliati with fennel sausage and porcini mushrooms and shaved parmigiano; canestrini in bell pepper sauce with ricotta cheese; malfaldine with prawns, red peppers, and garum; as well as the all-time classic spaghetti Bolognese. Finally, the menu concludes with your choice of dessert like Posso’s classic tiramisu or smoked vanilla gelato garnished with a hazelnut crumble and spicy caramel sauce. This bottomless pasta menu will be available for dinner from Mondays to Thursdays, and for lunch on Saturdays. Book your tables by visiting Posso’s website. 

Swing by the Indra and Harry Banga Gallery at City University of Hong Kong for the 'Might and Magnificence: Ceremonial Arms and Armour across Cultures' exhibition, running from now until February 23, 2025. Co-curated by Dr Libby Lai-Pik Chan and Dr Rachel Parikh, this exhibition showcases nearly 200 incredible pieces that reveal the rich cultural stories behind ceremonial arms and armour. Discover how these ceremonial arms reflect cultural and social identities – from markers of status to instruments of worship – through examples of rare items from esteemed private and local public collections, including the renowned Mengdiexuan Collection and the celebrated R&J Collection. The exhibition is free to enter, with on-site registration available at the Tai Chee Avenue entrance of the Lau Ming Wai Academic Building, adjacent to the Amphitheatre on the 2/F.

M+ is hosting the first full-scale retrospective of renowned Chinese-American architect Ieoh Ming Pei from now to June 29. Better known as I. M. Pei, he is the mastermind behind some of the world’s most recognisable modern architecture, including the Louvre Pyramid and Hong Kong’s own Bank of China Tower. Sorted into six themes, the exhibition will consist of over 300 items on display, most of which have never been exhibited before. Several international photographers have also been commissioned to photograph Pei’s buildings, and architectural models of some of his most significant projects have also been made. 

The exhibition will also offer a free public talk featuring Pei’s son, Sandi Li Chung Pei, as well as Pei’s close collaborators Calvin Tsao and Aslıhan Demirtaş – they will discuss the relevance and impact of Pei’s life and work across various cities. Tickets for this special exhibition are priced at $160, with concessions available. Ticket holders can also access all general admission exhibitions at M+ on the same day.

High Street’s infamous haunted house has turned into a colourful art space! Designed by local architect Stanley Siu, the ‘Love in the Light’ Luminart exhibition combines art, architecture, and technology in a stunning shows that takes visitors on a romantic journey through time. Running from now to May 21, 2025, this year-long exhibition sees the arched veranda of  the Sai Ying Pun Community Complex light up in a rainbow of colours every 10 minutes in the evening from 6pm to 10pm.

Despite being nicknamed the ‘High Street Haunted House’ – due to the numerous ghostly sightings and its supposed past as a former execution hall used by the Japanese troops in the war, this unique location has been a popular spot for wedding photoshoots over the years, and its charming design makes the perfect location for the exhibition’s intimate storytelling. Immerse yourself in the historic surroundings and dance between the lights and the shadows, letting the music take you through the tales of love, from the first glance to a promise of forever.

Infuse your Friday nights with soulful house and disco vibes at The Aubrey After Dark at Mandarin Oriental. Starting May 24 from 10pm, the Japanese izakaya The Aubrey transforms into 'The Aubrey After Dark', offering upscale nightlife events with innovative beats inspired by the underground scenes of London, New York, and Paris. 

Partygoers can look forward to live music from diverse international DJs and local talents, covering a variety of music genres, including Amapiano, Afro, and Latin vibes. At the launch, expect a powerhouse lineup featuring New York City DJ Hank Korsan and Hong Kong’s own Gia Fu.

Entry is priced at $150 and includes a welcome drink. Book your slots at this link. 

Wan Chai-based Cantonese restaurant Lang’s Cafe is launching a collaborative menu with the Japanese science fiction television franchise, Ultraman. Dating back to the mid-60s, the franchise is centred around the eponymous superhero alien who protects Earth against daunting kaiju – giant monsters – as well as alien threats. During the collaboration, diners will be able to sink their teeth into a wide variety of dishes and drinks decorated with Ultraman and kaiju. Customers can expect to enjoy creations such as Ultraman truffle prawn dumplings ($52), Alien Baltan fried crab claws ($98), Bemstar fried crispy chicken ($198), as well as Ultraman red bean with ice ($48). 

Finally, Lang’s Cafe and Ultraman’s collaboration also offers a mini-game for diners to enjoy. A total of 78 kaijus will be hidden throughout the restaurant space, and customers will have a chance to win exclusive prizes if they provide photographs as proof. 

The Ultraman collaboration will be available from now until December 31; reservations for the next month will be released on the 15th of each month. Secure your spots for this retro dining collaboration here.