As the holiday season rapidly approaches, Hong Kong embraces the festive spirit, with a vibrant array of Christmas markets and pop-ups offering everything from gourmet treats to artisanal gifts and family entertainment. These curated events, spanning luxury hotel lobbies to community school playgrounds, provide residents and visitors diverse opportunities to shop, socialize, and soak in the seasonal atmosphere throughout November and December. Whether seeking thoughtful, handcrafted presents or planning a memorable day out with the family, these markets are essential stops on the holiday calendar.
Culinary Delights at the Island Shangri-La
A hallmark of sophisticated seasonal shopping, the Island Shangri-La’s Christmas Market transforms the hotel lobby in Admiralty into an impressive showcase of festive craftsmanship running from November 18 to December 26. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., the market specializes in elevated gastronomy and limited-edition confectionery.
Highlights include Chef Julien’s acclaimed bakery counter, famous for its heritage Christmas pudding, beautifully crafted Stollen, and a distinctive Mandarin Earl Grey Yule Log modeled after a Shangri-La train. Shoppers can find unique gifts such as hand-molded chocolates—ranging from miniature Santas to intricate ornament piñatas—and customizable gingerbread creations, perfect for thoughtful indulgence or stocking fillers.
Community Celebrations and Family Fun
Several community-focused events invite families to celebrate the holidays while supporting local schools and charities. These gatherings often emphasize a relaxed atmosphere, children’s activities, and fundraising efforts.
ICHK Kindergarten and Primary’s Magical Winter Wonderland, held on November 21 from 4:30 p.m. in Tai Po, welcomes the entire community for an after-school festive event. The program promises a family-friendly vibe featuring gift stalls, hands-on workshops like terrarium making, and a bouncy castle. Families are encouraged to pack a picnic blanket for an outdoor movie screening, while the popular Santa’s Christmas Grotto offers memorable meet-and-greets.
The beloved City Kids Christmas Fair is scheduled for November 22, running from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at its historic Mid-Levels location. Admission is free, and the fair operates as a vital annual fundraiser for the non-profit school. Activities for children include a bouncy castle, craft stations, and face painting. Parents can browse a charming market featuring popular local vendors like The Blomstre and House of Fine Wines, complemented by a Feather & Bone barbecue and a parent-run bake sale.
Further up the hill, the Highgate House School Christmas Fair returns on November 29 at The Peak, offering seasonal crafts, puppet shows, and outdoor play in the school’s 3,000-square-foot garden. Activities include ceramic painting and festive breadmaking, with proceeds dedicated to school renovations.
Seaside Shopping and Curated Collections
For those seeking a relaxed weekend escape and unique artisan goods, two distinct market types offer varied experiences.
The DB Christmas Market at DB Plaza in Discovery Bay returns with breezy waterside editions on November 23 and December 14, operating from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. A favorite on the festive calendar, this setting provides a mix of stalls from independent makers, offering everything from artisan crafts to seasonal treats, making it ideal for relaxed, family-friendly Christmas shopping.
For high-end, centralized shopping, Prestige Fairs remains a staple. This long-standing event transforms the Grand Ballroom at Conrad Hong Kong into a vibrant marketplace showcasing over 150 independent brands, artisans, and gourmet producers. Two weekday editions are scheduled for December 1 and 11 (times to be confirmed), offering a convenient, curated environment to find thoughtful lifestyle products and seasonal gifts under one roof, with free entry.
These well-attended Hong Kong markets underscore the city’s thriving community spirit and provide invaluable support to local businesses and educational institutions, ensuring the holidays start with cheer and commerce. Visitors are encouraged to check event social media pages for the latest updates on times and vendor details.