Catharina Cheung

From must-try restaurants to top-notch bars, Hong Kong’s food and drink scene has plenty to offer. Not to toot our own horns, but we spent all of this year searching high and low to uncover the absolute best dishes in the city, and we reckon you’ll love them just as much as we did. So, without further ado, here are some of the best dishes we’ve tried this year.

The end of a year is always a pretty weird time for everyone. You have the people who are looking forward to the year ahead and busy manifesting their dream lives, the people who spend that ambiguous week between Christmas and New Year’s Eve in a haze of nights out, the people who still feel like the 2000s was like, 10 years ago, and the people who are already compiling their to-do list for 2025. Everyone should have something scheduled for New Year’s Eve, but if drunkenly stumbling around the bar districts or getting roped into rowdy house parties isn’t your ideal way to start the new year, then here are some alternative ways to end 2024 with a bang. RECOMMENDED: Looking for more off-the-beaten path experiences? Check out some of Hong Kong’s secret islands, or add these unexpected activities to your Hong Kong bucket list.  

Festive decorations, sharp-smelling coniferous trees, turkey with all the trimmings, Christmas carols, cheesy movies… Christmas is undoubtedly one of the best times of the year, but celebrating it can feel similar year after year without much variation. This year, why not add a fresh twist to your year-end celebrations by heading up to sky100, on the 100th floor of the tallest building in Hong Kong? The indoor observation deck has prepared plenty of holiday entertainment, from dazzling Christmas decorations and live K-pop performances to robot tours and culinary delights. Read on to see what to expect at sky100’s ‘Sky-High Christmas Party in HK Style’ from December 16 to January 5, 2025.

Christmas is almost here and whether you’re more in the mood for taking in the festive lights and displays around town or indulging in hearty Christmas feasts, we can probably all agree that boozy festive drinks are a definite staple during this time of year. After all, the entire week of Christmas is for feeling cosy, full, and tipsy. Bars and restaurants around the city have made sure there’s enough Christmas tipples to get you into the new year. Whether or not you’ll get there in one piece is another matter, but read on to start imbibing! RECOMMENDED: Check out our list of festive workshops for something to make with your hands this Christmas season!

The pandemic years have made us all suffer in one way or another, but there are undoubtedly some who are facing more challenges than others. Christmas is right around the corner and while for many of us it is the most magical time of the year, for others the cold months are tough to get through for lack of basic resources. If you’d like to do your part and help out – whether it’s investing some time to care for a lonely elderly person or serving up a hot meal for the hungry – here are a few ways you can show Hongkongers in need that love and the Lion Rock spirit is still alive and well in our society.  RECOMMENDED: If you haven’t bought a Christmas tree yet, look through our list to see what’s still available – thank us later.

Home Alone, Love Actually, A Christmas Carol, The Holiday, Elf… we could go on and on about everyone’s beloved Christmas movies. But let’s face it, your festive watch list is the same every year, isn’t it? No judgement, same here! But instead of sticking on Die Hard or the first Harry Potter yet again, it’s time to shake things up a little with festive films that are a little closer to home. Here are some Asian movies set during Christmas that will ramp up the holiday mood and leave you feeling warm and fuzzy. RECOMMENDED: Don’t feel like sitting around watching movies? Sign up for some Christmas workshops, or stick these Cantonese Christmas tunes onto your karaoke playlist!

Some say the best part about Christmas is the exchanging of gifts, but there’s something traumatising about having to force a ‘thank you’ through your fake smile after unwrapping a rather disappointing present – it’s even worse when you see someone have that same reaction to a gift from you. To help you steer clear from those situations, here are a few crappy presents that you definitely should not put under any one’s Christmas tree.RECOMMENDED:  🍽️ Where to have Christmas lunch and dinner 🎶 Cantonese Christmas songs to get you in a festive mood 🎄 Best places to buy Christmas decorations  

Christmas is fast approaching and we’re checking off the calendar to Christmas day. Aside from checking out Christmas markets and displays, why not book yourself into some Christmas workshops and come out with some lovingly handmade gifts? Bond with friends and family and learn how to make unique gifts from the festive creative workshops available this season.  RECOMMENDED: Need help with Christmas decorations? Check out the best places to buy your Christmas tree in Hong Kong to help you get started!  

There’s nothing that makes the holiday season quite like some festive tunes, but let’s be honest, hearing the same five Christmas songs playing throughout the city can get grating eventually. If you’re truly sick of being told who George Michael gave his heart to last year, or simply can’t bear to hear another minute of how much Mariah Carey wants you for Christmas, then it’s about time to put these Cantonese Christmas songs on full blast. Happy Holidays! RECOMMENDED: If you haven’t yet, check out where to buy Christmas hampers in Hong Kong, or make plans to visit the best Christmas markets in town.

There’s officially less than a month to go until Christmas! We all love the best time of the year, but it can be difficult to get the best of festive vibes, indulgent food, beautiful decorations, and more in one place in Hong Kong. Thankfully, Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong has enough on its social calendar to make it a one-stop destination for all things Christmas in town. Read on to find out what’s in store at the five-star hotel over Yuletide.

For a city whose modern history began only a little over 150 years ago, Hong Kong is home to an abundance of beautiful architecture. There are plenty of old buildings and structures that have stood the test of time, but not all of it has survived our city’s pell-mell race to modernity. From Victorian private members’ clubs to Hong Kong’s old international airport, here’s a look at some of the marvellous structures we’ve lost along the way.  RECOMMENDED: Luckily, Hong Kong still has plenty of old buildings and structures that have stood the test of time. Explore some of the city’s oldest surviving buildings and structures. 

With the weather properly cooling down, it’s starting to feel more like Christmas by the day! One of our favourite parts of the holiday season is seeing homes and spaces festooned in Yuletide decorations, and there’s nothing more beautiful than a fully decked-out Christmas tree. Real trees tend to sell out fast, but if you like having the fresh smell of pine and fir in your home, then we definitely have options for you. No matter how big, affordable, or durable you need your tree to be, read on to find the best places to get Christmas trees. RECOMMENDED: Ready to do get deep into the Christmas mood? Here’s where to get Christmas decorations, and the best Christmas buffets and brunches 

NCT Wish, the sixth and final sub-unit of the Korean boy band NCT, will be taking their ‘Log in’ Asia tour to Hong Kong and Macau next year. The tour itself began in November with the band touring various cities in Japan, but 2025 will see them performing in other Asian cities including Singapore, Taipei, Jakarta, and Bangkok. After playing two nights in Macau on April 5 and 6, NCT Wish will be coming to Hong Kong on May 3. They will be taking the stage in Hall 10 of the AsiaWorld-Expo, but ticket prices, VIP perks, and other details have yet to be announced, so stay tuned for when we find out.

Update, December 18: 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. October 8: 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 c

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.

As this year’s series finale to the Chinese Performing Arts Hong Kong Season, the China National Traditional Orchestra (CNTO) will be putting on a grand performance on Christmas and Boxing Day. ‘Shí'èr Lǜ’, or the ‘Twelve Pitches’, is thought to be the very first written record of musical pitches, capturing human emotions disappearing at the moment of its expression. Huáng Zhōng and Dà Lǚ are part of the ‘Twelve Pitches’, and are said to be representative of Chinese national music. The CNTO, together with the Lirenxing and Qingshandu Chamber Music Groups, will perform the ‘Shí'èr Lǜ’ through solos, ensemble, duet, concerto, and vocals. This is a great way to get acquainted with traditional Chinese music and instruments. The event’s highlight piece, The Ode concerto, will feature the Jia Hu bone flute, Bianzhong bells, Bianqing stone chimes, and other ancient instruments in harmony. The staging is also designed to be dramatic and carries historical Chinese elements.  Ticket prices range from $180 to $680.

A vintage train journey to winter wonderland has taken over Café Claudel this Christmas! Visit this Parisian-style cafe in Tai Kwun on December 13 and 14 to find La Mer’s Wonder Express Café pop-up with plenty of exclusive offerings from the luxury skincare brand. Register at the Enchanted Express Ticket Booth to check out their Christmas tree artfully made from a stack of vintage luggage and gift boxes, and let the cute La Mer Attendee guide you to craft your choice of three festive postcard designs to spread your season’s greetings. Of course, since this pop-up event is by La Mer, there will also be La Mer experts giving skin consultations and skincare tips on keeping you glowing throughout the party season. Complete the experiences here to redeem a mystery gift – see if you’re lucky enough to score the La Mer products in the mix. Customers who make La Mer will also be invited to an exclusive workshop to make vibrant ink baubles as unique tree ornaments, as well as be treated to festive cookies shaped like the La Mer Attendee. Afterwards, grab a seat at Café Claudel to wind down with their festive La Mer menu, featuring a delightful selection of plates such as lobster roll and truffle croque monsieur.  Register your interest in La Mer’s Wonder Express Café here.

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. 

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.

Contemporary art centre Para Site is hosting a group exhibition inspired loosely by Wong Kar-wai’s 1997 film Happy Together, examining duality and the split between opposing pairs. The film’s protagonists try to repair their relationship by moving to Buenos Aires – the opposite side of the world and presented as the very antithesis of Hong Kong.  Over 20 artists from Hong Kong, neighbouring countries, and Latin America have gathered with works that allude to Hong Kong’s clichéd descriptor as being ‘between east and west’ or ‘between tradition and modernity’. Between these two contrasting corners of the world, encounters both real and imagined are examined with a wide range of artistic practices. This exhibition turns the spotlight on historical, social, and cultural connections between the Greater China area and the rest of the world – as well as how things might come together to form the queer happy-togetherness that Ho Po-wing and Lau Yiu-fai aim for in the film.

Korean artist Gyuhan Lee is having his first solo exhibition in Hong Kong, in a showcase of his work that features packaging from various iconic brands. Using easily accessible materials like McDonald's paper bags, Lee creates furniture, furnishings, and other structural designs – by giving a new utilitarian function to waste packaging, he calls out the excessive consumerist behaviours in modern society. Lee weaves the upcycled fibre of familiar logos and colours with traditional Korean handmade Hanji paper, carefully stretching thin layers over frames or welding cardboard materials onto plywood, and arranging brand symbols into structural patterns. Aside from the notable McDonald’s lamps, visitors can also see his new series that incorporates Hermès blotting paper, inspired by the Hermès building in Ginza and its windows.

See unique interpretations of the world through the lens of 30 Hong Kong photographers at this exhibition. Each artist will showcase one representative work and one lesser-known piece, so the show’s curation can highlight different creative styles and the changes through generations of photography work.  Look out for some of the pieces we find particularly striking: a dramatic setup on the Great Wall of China with a shot from a Hong Kong tram that evokes contentment by Leong Ka Tai; monochromatic mood shots by Robert Ng; detail-focused works by Ric Tse; almost dizzying wide shots of the city by Peter Yung; and blurry snaps by Lily Leung that belong in a fever dream or an artsy Tumblr blog. Aside from the photo exhibition, this event will also include a series of five talks with the photographers and a curatorial chat, to better understand the world envisioned by the creators and provide a deeper look into the art of image printing. Visitors can walk in for the curator’s chat but will need to register for the other talks.

Anthropological store Pulima will collaborate with the mysterious Juen Juen Gung exhibition space to present a series on prehistoric art. Step into this cave hidden inside an industrial building to find stone carvings, primitive sculptures, rock paintings, and more stemming from creativity in its earliest form. This series involves workshops, seminars, movie screenings, and sound healing sessions, all themed around how human creativity has grown along with consciousness. Though primitive in their simplicity, these works actually show a deeper understanding of astronomy, geography, engineering, and spirituality among our ancestors than we might assume. We’re particularly looking forward to the seminar on megalithic wonders around the world such as Stonehenge, the Moai statues of Easter Island, and the Göbekli Tepe in Türkiye, why they were constructed in their respective locations, and the mysteries within these structures that transcend time and space. There will also be a workshop on the ancient stone carvings found around Hong Kong, and several screenings of Ethno, a movie about the allegory of caves, what they symbolise, and the art found within them. Pulima will also be hosting a pop-up store at the cave exhibition, showcasing hidden treasures from around the world that visitors will be inspired to take home once they experience the programmes. Apart from the store, all events require prior registration and an entrance fee ranging between $180 to $600.

Standard Chartered’s youth-centered outdoor arts festival returns this year themed after Jules Verne’s classic adventure tale Around the World in Eighty Days. Over the weekend of November 30, Phileas Fogg, Passepartout, and other characters from the novel will transform Causeway Bay into an artsy adventure destination. Apart from creative arts booths, non-stop live performances with over 70 groups, African drum workshops, live storytelling, and the display of over 1,000 pieces of artwork, the two-day festival will also feature a fantastical puppet parade. On December 1, 10 four-metre puppets and hundreds of young people will set off from Victoria Park, making their way along Great George Street and past Sogo, before looping back to East Point Road. Look out for the giant Phileas Fogg puppet created by local artist Jimmy Hsieh – it’s been interestingly done in a steampunk style featuring cogs and clocks on its suit.

Bhutan Airlines has announced the launch of direct flights between Hong Kong and Paro, the valley town with Bhutan’s only international airport, starting from January 27, 2025. Before this flight route, travellers could not fly directly from Hong Kong to Bhutan, and would have to layover in either Singapore, Kathmandu, Bangkok, or India. There will be 16 fixed-departure flights annually between Paro and Hong Kong, timed to align with peak travel seasons. According to Bhutan’s newspaper Kuensel, tickets prices will be approximately $7,404 for economy class and $9,586 for business class. This direct route means travel time to Paro can be cut down from eight to nine hours to a three- to four-hour flight. Paro International Airport is serviced by Bhutan Airlines and Drukair, but the latter does not offer routes to Hong Kong yet. Bhutan has long been seen as a unique travel destination, with its beautiful scenery, ancient places of worship, and a pervading sense of spirituality, in a corner of the world that often still feels untouched by urban modernity. Hong Kong travellers can soon visit this exclusive and mystical country with much more convenience. Recommended reading: The MTR will run overnight on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve Hong Kong bus fares will increase in the new year Japan’s TruffleBakery just opened its first overseas store in Hong Kong Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news and updates on what

The MTR railway corporation has announced that trains will run overnight on December 24 and 31 to make travel easier for Hongkongers joining festive celebrations. Approximately 2,200 additional train trips will be added to the schedule on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve this year. Eight of the MTR’s major lines will increase their train frequency from 3pm onwards on December 24 and 31, with overnight services provided. Apart from these overnight arrangements, train services will also be gradually enhanced from Friday, December 27, to January 1, 2025. The exceptions to these increased services are the Airport Express, the Disneyland Resort Line, and the railway section between Sheung Shui, Lo Wu, and Lok Ma Chau on the East Rail Line, which will be operating on normal hours. The Hong Kong government has already submitted requests to the mainland authorities regarding the extension of service hours at the Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau border checkpoints on New Year’s Eve. There’s a possibility that Lo Wu will operate until 2am, but confirmation details have yet to be announced. Recommended reading: Hong Kong bus fares will increase in the new year Japan’s TruffleBakery just opened its first overseas store in Hong Kong Ride-hailing platform Tada beta launches in Hong Kong Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news and updates on what's going on in the city.

The Hong Kong government has approved fare increases from three franchised bus operators on Tuesday, December 17. Starting January 5, 2025, bus fares on Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB) routes will be allowed to rise by 4.3 percent, Citybus by 7.5 percent, and New Lantao Bus by 6.5 percent.  As Hong Kong’s public transport is fairly affordable in the first place, these price hikes should not affect the average commuter too deeply. According to government calculations, 90 percent of passengers are expected to pay no more than an extra $1 per bus trip. Transport commissioner Angela Lee said the government aims to soften the impact of this price hike on daily commuters by keeping the increases lower on regular commuting routes while applying prices on the higher end of the scale on routes mainly used by tourists on holidays and leisure outings. These fare increases are lower than what the three bus companies have initially asked for. Citybus applied for a 9.5 percent increase, KMB wanted a 6.5 percent increase, and New Lantao Bus submitted for a 6.5 percent increase. All operators cited rising salary expenditures and volatile fuel costs as the reasons for the consumer price increase.  According to Citybus, this is the fourth time in 15 years that a fare adjustment application has been approved, and KMB said it would do its best to give out fare discounts, including interchange discounts between different bus routes. Recommended reading: The new Kai Tak Mall opens its doors to the public

In a time when consumers are getting annoyed at the cost of calling Uber rides and Hong Kong’s taxis have increased their rates, a new ride-hailing platform is jumping into the fray. Tada, a service headquartered in Singapore, is a zero-commission ride platform that will be beta launching in Hong Kong from today, December 12, 2024. With a focus on fair prices and quality service, Tada operates on a business model that allows drivers to keep more of their earnings, which translates into better prices for consumers as well as higher job satisfaction and service for drivers. This beta launch is Tada’s first step in a broader expansion across Hong Kong, but for now, their services will only be available in key areas including Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the airport. To celebrate their new launch in the territories, Tada is offering Hong Kong users a range of introductory offers. Riders who download the Tada app can enjoy up to $240 in discounts, 12 percent off their first five rides and a $58 discount on two trips to and from Hong Kong airport – these will be valid until the end of January 2025. In addition, Mox credit card holders can also unlock up to $140 in rewards through the Mission Program on the Tada app – these will be valid until the end of March 2025. Recommended reading: Screen legend Chow Yun-fat is hosting an exhibition of his own photography Early-bird tickets and lineup for Creamfields Hong Kong 2025 have been announced Prince Edward-based cha chaan teng Hung W

Creamfields, the world’s leading dance music festival series from the UK, is coming back to Hong Kong in March next year. Mark your calendars for another weekend of live DJ sets and raving at the Central Harbourfront space on March 8 and 9, 2025. Over the weekend, Creamfields released their much-awaited lineup and announced sale dates for early-bird tickets. Revellers can look forward to music acts like multi-platinum, Grammy-winning artist Zedd, members of Swedish House Mafia Axwell and Sebastian Ingrosso, the mysterious golden-masked Claptone, live instrumentalist Timmy Trumpet, dance-electro producer R3hab, West Coast duo Armnhmr, and many more.  Early-bird tickets will be on sale from 5pm on December 9, at $1,188 for a one-day pass to $1,488 for both days. Thereafter, advance tickets will be available for $1,388 and $1,788. Prices for general admission have yet to be announced, but we wouldn’t wait that long! View this post on Instagram A post shared by creamfieldshk (@creamfieldshk) Recommended reading: Hongkongers can now rent Korean hanbok to wear around town Kehlani will perform in Hong Kong for the first time on their world tour The RedBall project officially kicks off in Hong Kong Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news and updates on what's going on in the city.

If you’ve ever visited Seoul, you’ve probably already gone through renting the traditional Korean dress of hanbok and entering the Gyeongbokgung Palace for free. The experience of being dressed up, getting your hair done, and wandering through the palace grounds feeling like you’re in a K-drama is an unmissable one. Now you can bring this main character energy to Hong Kong with the brand-new hanbok rental experience at the Korean Cultural Center (KCC) Hong Kong. Photograph: Courtesy Korean Cultural Center Hong Kong Every Friday and Saturday, the KCC in Hong Kong will offer a diverse range of hanbok styles for both adults and children, so the whole family can wander the streets of Central and Sheung Wan in traditional Korean attire. Similar to how it’s done in South Korea, there will be plenty of accessories to choose from, changing rooms and lockers to store your belongings so you don’t have to worry about walking around with belongings that don’t match the vibe, as well as staff on hand to assist in putting on the jeogori, chima, and baji properly. Photograph: Courtesy Korean Cultural Center Hong Kong What makes things even better is that this hanbok experience will be free for the first two weeks of December. All that’s needed is a deposit, and participants can wear beautiful hanbok sets around town for two hours, in either morning or afternoon sessions. Each participant will also receive a complimentary voucher to use the Snapio photo booth in the KCC, so you can come

Update, October 26: Streaming service Max has released their prices ahead of their launch in Hong Kong. The standard subscription for Max will cost $78 per month, and allows streaming on two devices on full HD, while the ultimate subscription tier costs $98 per month, with simultaneous streaming on four devices on 4K UHD and Dolby Atmos (as supported by viewers’ devices). There are also yearly packages which works out at a 17 percent discount compared to monthly subscriptions, at $780 per year for standard and $980 for ultimate. A brand-new streaming service Max will soon launch in Hong Kong, as well as simultaneously in Singapore, Taiwan, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines. Expect to enjoy blockbuster movies, fan-favourite series, iconic films over the years, real-life content, and family-friendly picks from November 19 onwards. Photograph: Courtesy Max Since Max is part of Warner Bros. Discovery – which owns brands like HBO, Cartoon Network, the DC universe, and Food Network – subscribers will get to watch movies and series like The White Lotus, the new seasons of House of the Dragon, Game of Thrones, Succession, the upcoming Harry Potter series and its full movie collection, Friends, Sex and the City, Adventure Time, and much more. If you’re an existing subscriber of HBO Go, your membership will be converted automatically to Max on November 19. Watch this space for more updates as we get them. Recommended reading: Everything you need to know from Chief Ex

The pair of giant pandas gifted to Hong Kong by the central government have been living quietly in Ocean Park out of the public eye since late September, but their official debut to the city has finally been confirmed. The public will be able to visit the two new bears from December 8 at the Hong Kong Jockey Club Sichuan Treasures enclosure, with no reservations required. Hong Kong residents were encouraged to take part in a contest to name these giant pandas in October, and the winning entries for the new names will be announced a day before the panda enclosure reopens. According to the secretary for culture, sports, and tourism Kevin Yeung, the naming competition received over 22,000 submissions, including suggestions for keeping the bears’ current names An An and Ke Ke. As for our twin panda cubs who recently celebrated their 100-day anniversary, they are currently still in confinement with their mother Ying Ying, and are expected to be ready for public viewing in the first quarter of 2025. Recommended reading: A large-scale arts festival will take over Causeway Bay this weekend 2,500 panda sculptures will be popping up around Hong Kong this December Jellycat Hong Kong pop-up opens at Lane Crawford Follow us on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and Threads, or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news and updates on what's going on in the city.

After adding Hong Kong to their Music Of The Spheres world tour in September, British alt-rock band Coldplay’s concerts have proven so popular in our city that they’ve just announced the addition of one more night here! This marks the band’s first time back in Hong Kong since their Viva La Vida tour in 2009, so everyone’s understandably excited about seeing these British rockers perform live. Here’s everything we know about the Coldplay concert so far. When and where is Coldplay’s Hong Kong concert? Hong Kong fans will be gathering to see this legendary band at the main stadium of the brand-new Kai Tak Sports Park on April 8, 9, 11, and 12, 2025. So far in their world tour, Coldplay has brought on a supporting act as a mystery guest at every city, but Hong Kong’s has yet to be confirmed. Can I still buy tickets for Coldplay’s Hong Kong concert? To no one’s surprise, the original three dates for the Hong Kong leg of the concert have long since been sold out. But due to overwhelming demand, the band has decided to add one more night on April 8, and tickets for this additional show will drop on December 6. If you didn’t manage to get tickets the first time round, this will be your last chance! How much are tickets to Coldplay’s Music Of The Spheres concert in Hong Kong? Tickets to see Coldplay can be purchased for as low as $399, which is a win for many who were worrying about being priced out of seeing a band this famous. According to the organisers, the price tiers will range

Update, November 27: Due to overwhelming demand for Coldplay’s long-awaited concert in Hong Kong, the band has decided to add one more date in our city! Catch the British five-piece alt-rock act at the Kai Tak Stadium on April 8, 2025. Tickets for this additional concert date will go on sale on December 6, so if you didn’t manage to get yourself into the existing three shows, then this will be your last chance. Since kicking off in March 2022 over two and half years ago, this Music Of The Spheres world tour has already sold over 10 million tickets across North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, and has been touted as the most highly attended tour by a music group of all time. Coldplay’s new album ‘Moon Music’ dropped recently on October 4, so concert-goers can expect a mix of brand-new tracks such as We Pray and feelslikeimfallinginlove along with classic bangers like Fix You, Yellow, The Scientist, Viva La Vida, and many more. Hong Kong fans can enjoy this legendary band at our brand-new Kai Tak Stadium on April 9, 11, and 12, as well as their additional date of April 8, 2025. At every city, Coldplay brings on a supporting act as a mystery guest and Hong Kong’s has yet to be announced. Considering their previous collaborations with BTS on My Universe and The Astronaut, it’s almost certain that their Seoul guests will be at least a couple of members of the South Korean super group, but we have our fingers crossed that Coldplay will bring Jin ont

The countdown to Christmas is officially on, and we couldn’t be more excited! This year, Pacific Place and Starstreet Precinct are transforming into ChristmasVille, a whimsy wonderland where adorable furry monsters will come to life to spread holiday cheer. From November 15 to January 2, prepare for a heartwarming season filled with festive joy, larger-than-life decorations, and plenty of exclusive shopping deals!   Photograph: Courtesy Pacific Place Woollywood: Meet The Grand Weaver Your adventure begins in Woollywood, where you’ll encounter The Grand Weaver. This gentle giant is busy crafting handmade gifts and knitting a gigantic stocking just in time for winter. As you explore this area, you’ll be mesmerised by the Fuzz Ball, a colourful field overflowing with soft, cuddly fur balls. Keep your eyes open for shy critters and a secret door that will lead you to a cast of friendly monsters! As you wander through, don’t forget to visit the Knitty Nook, where baby monsters are hard at work preparing for the Christmas festivities. Photograph: Courtesy Pacific Place Sugarplum Mill: Discover Sprinkle Next, head to the Sugarplum Mill, home to the cheerful character Sprinkle. This delightful monster embodies the sweetness of the season, and in her realm, you can press a mystery button on the honey jar for a fun surprise! Photograph: Courtesy Pacific Place Fir Cavern: Encounter Woody and Princess Pine Continuing your journey, you will find yourself in the enchanting Fir Cavern

Update on November 13: The Hong Kong Observatory announced on November 13 at 8.15pm that the Gale or Storm Signal, No. 8 will be issued from 11.10pm and will remain in force at least until 10am the next day (November 14). -- The Standby Signal No. 1 has been in force for Tropical Storm Toraji since late Monday night, November 11, and the cyclone is now expected to bring worse weather conditions to the region. As of 10am this morning, this storm is about 300 kilometres southeast of Hong Kong. According to the HKO, Toraji has adopted a more northerly track so its outer rain bands are affecting the Guangdong coast. Local winds will strengthen over the course of today, especially offshore and on high ground, where they might occasionally reach gales. The HKO will therefore issue the Strong Wind Signal No. 3 at 2.40pm today, November 13. Toraji will reach within approximately 200 kilometres to the south of Hong Kong on the morning of Thursday, November 14 – the observatory will further assess whether to issue higher tropical cyclone warning signals depending on its intensity, gale winds, and changes in local wind conditions. Even before these more severe signals are in place, the Hong Kong public are urged to stay away from the shoreline, moor low-power vessels, and ensure that outdoors structures, furniture, and facilities are properly secured. Keep an eye on the Tropical Cyclone Toraji on the HKO website. Recommended reading: Hongkongers are now supposed to stand on both sides