As Christmas approaches, a season of universal celebration, parents are undoubtedly devising various activities to share this festive period with their children. To ensure a holiday that is both enjoyable and educational, EdCity specially recommends the following splendid Christmas activities across Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, allowing families to savour quality time together on both sides of Victoria Harbour.
First Stop: Marvel at Spectacular Circus Performances Amidst Historic Sites
Parents and children can depart from Central Station, taking the Mid-Levels Escalator to reach the journey's first destination – Tai Kwun.
Crossing the pedestrian footbridge and ascending the staircase leads to Tai Kwun @ Adobe.
Tai Kwun is a declared monument in Hong Kong, steeped in historical significance. The Central Police Station Compound dates back to the mid-19th century, formerly comprising the Central Police Station, Central Magistracy, and Victoria Prison – all declared monuments. Following the completion of its revitalisation, the complex adopted the operational name ‘Tai Kwun’ and began phased public access from 2018. Numerous historical artefacts remain preserved within Tai Kwun, offering children an opportunity to learn about Hong Kong's past. While preserving the original structures, two contemporary buildings – the JC Contemporary and the JC Cube – have been newly constructed within Tai Kwun to promote contemporary art, providing the public with a platform for leisure, entertainment, and artistic exchange. Additionally, Tai Kwun offers free guided tours, ideal for families to explore the historical significance of the site and gain insights into the creative concepts behind the artworks.
Concurrently, Tai Kwun transforms into a festive wonderland for Christmas. Parents can take commemorative photographs with their children before the 12-metre-tall Christmas tree at Parade Ground, while the square hosts a Christmas Playground featuring various recreational facilities for children to unwind and enjoy themselves.
Furthermore, the Parade Ground regularly hosts the experimental contemporary circus spectacles, featuring a variety of family-friendly performances from around the world, including comedy acts and circus performances. Parents can check the Tai Kwun website for performance schedules and enjoy these wonderful and entertaining shows with their children.
Parade Square within Tai Kwun by Wpcpey
Second Stop: Cultural Leisure “Photo Spot” Tour
After visiting Tai Kwun on Hong Kong Island, parents and children can return to the Central Star Ferry Pier. Boarding the Star Ferry, they can admire the stunning Victoria Harbour views while heading to our next destination: the West Kowloon Cultural District.
Parents and children can transfer at Tsim Sha Tsui to the 77M minibus or 296D bus for direct access to West Kowloon Cultural District.
Situated by the waterfront, West Kowloon Cultural District is a leisure hub blending culture, arts and entertainment. Visitors can explore museums to learn about Chinese history, culture and art, or enjoy tranquil family moments in its outdoor recreational spaces.
West Kowloon Cultural District by Noshoelaces 99
Hong Kong Palace Museum
Hong Kong Palace Museum by LN9267
The Hong Kong Palace Museum showcases an extensive collection of artefacts embodying traditional Chinese culture, many of which are on loan from museums across Chinese mainland's provinces and municipalities. Beyond its permanent exhibitions, the museum recently collaborated with the Sanxingdui Museum in Guanghan, Sichuan, and the Chengdu Jinsha Site Museum to present the special exhibition ‘Gazing at Sanxingdui: New Archaeological Discoveries in Sichuan’. This display features numerous relics unearthed at the Sanxingdui site, offering visitors a glimpse into the treasures of ancient Chinese civilisation. Parents and children alike can experience an educational journey through ancient Chinese history.
Sanxingdui artefacts @Adobe
M+
M+ is a museum of visual culture, showcasing modern and contemporary visual art, architecture, design, and multimedia works. Beyond viewing art exhibitions, M+ offers various activities for parents and children to participate in together, such as the ‘Family Drop-in: Imagination Playground’. Participants can use large components of different shapes to unleash their imagination and design fun and playful amusement facilities. Through collaborative family efforts, children are encouraged to unleash their creativity. Parents seeking activity schedules may consult the M+ website.
Additionally, M+ hosts ‘Bubble Play’ sessions on two Sundays each month. Participants can conduct dazzling bubble experiments using diverse bubble-blowing tools, enabling children to learn material properties while playing. Parents may explore further family activity details via the M+ website: click here.
Hong Kong WinterFest
After enriching their artistic and cultural appreciation through visits to two splendid museums, parents and children need only head towards the waterfront to encounter a colossal Christmas tree. The venue also features distinctive festive illuminations, allowing families to immerse themselves in the warm holiday atmosphere and exchange seasonal greetings.
As night falls, visitors can admire the splendid Christmas illuminations along both shores of Victoria Harbour at the West Kowloon Cultural District, bringing the day's journey to a perfect close.
Victoria Harbour Night View @Adobe
EdCity wishes everyone a Merry Christmas and hopes all may enjoy a wonderful festive season with their families.