Published on
November 16, 2025
Hong Kong is rolling out the red carpet for the festive season. In 2025 the WinterFest event transforms one of Asia’s busiest city‑centres into a holiday adventure packed with spectacle. It’s not just the decorations—the whole city is designed for immersive celebrations, from massive installations to interactive experiences.
Christmas Town at Statue Square Garden
At the heart of the festival is the giant Christmas Town at Statue Square Garden. A 20‑metre‑tall Christmas tree towers over the plaza, surrounded by 28 smaller trees decorated in gold, red and copper. Giant toy‑themed decorations—airplanes, trains, airships, even puppets delivering presents—add a playful feel. A miniature steam‑train ride chugs every 20 minutes, amid live carols and surprise visits from Santa.
Christmas Market, Lights & Starlight Boulevard
Starting 28 November the city opens a Christmas market, with 12 chalets offering festive food, gifts and workshops through to 4 January. Meanwhile, from the same date eight iconic buildings host an immersive light show every 30 minutes—synced audio‑visual projections that wrap the night in light. On Chater Road the Starlight Boulevard takes shape: over 30 illuminated trees and golden canopies create a glowing walkway through the heart of the city.
Balloon Parks, Parades & Theme‑Park Magic
Festivities spread far beyond the city centre. At West Kowloon Art Park the “Merry Balloon Park” (6 Dec – 4 Jan) opens a giant inflatable playground, a 7‑metre tree and a 40‑metre track for fun and spectacle. On 28 December the “Merry Balloon Parade” sweeps across Victoria Harbour with nearly 20 giant floating balloons of beloved IP characters. At the two major theme parks: one promises an underwater Christmas at the marine park (dolphins, mantas, sharks) and the other marks its 20th anniversary with “World of Frozen” and a drone‑lit tree ceremony.
Shopping, Heritage & Carnival Vibes
Even the city’s cultural and retail districts join the party. At K11 MUSEA and the art mall you’ll find large‑scale outdoor installations and themed pop‑ups—including one tying into Nintendo’s Kirby market. At Tai Kwun heritage site there’s a 12‑metre tree and advent calendar‑style displays under “Simple Gifts of Joy.” Over in Wan Chai the pedestrianised Lee Tung Avenue becomes a Luminous Carnival: LED Ferris wheel, artificial snowfall and nightly light‑and‑music shows turn the street into a festival street fair.
Lighting up the New Year
The finale arrives at midnight on New Year’s Eve. Over Victoria Harbour the city stages a show‑stopper of fireworks and light displays to welcome 2026. It’s the kind of spectacle that makes you realise WinterFest is about more than Christmas—it’s about a full‑blown holiday season of wonder and connection.
Why It Works—And Why It Matters
What makes WinterFest stand out is how it blends tradition, spectacle and modern pop‑culture fun. Families, couples, solo travellers—all have something to experience: the tree and carols appeal to classic holiday sensibilities; the immersive light shows and pop‑up markets appeal to modern social‑media driven travelers; the city‑wide spread means you discover something in unlikely corners. And as Asia’s travel landscape expands, a festival of this scale signals Hong Kong’s ambition to shine as a global holiday destination, not just a transit hub.
Practical Tips for Fellow Travellers
- Timing: Arrive late November or December to catch the full festival span and the New Year celebrations.
- Where to go: Start at Statue Square Garden for the central tree and toy‑theme. Then head out to West Kowloon for the balloon park and to Chater Road for the Starlight Boulevard. Shopping or heritage seekers should stop by K11 MUSEA or Tai Kwun.
- Evenings matter: The immersive lights on buildings begin after dark and happen every 30 minutes, so plan to stay out after sunset.
- Kids & families: Theme‑park options (underwater adventure, drone‑lit tree) and the balloon parade offer fun for children and family groups.
- Capture the moment: The huge decorations, toy‑themes and light canopies all beg for photographs—consider visiting early evening to catch the lights and avoid later crowds.
Final Thoughts
Holiday festivals sometimes feel like re‑runs of the same ideas. This time, Hong Kong WinterFest feels like a fresh, bold reinvention of what a city can do at Christmas and New Year. It’s immersive, playful, visually resplendent—and it invites you to engage rather than just observe. If you’re seeking a holiday experience in Asia that combines tradition, modern spectacle and genuine fun, this one deserves a spot on your travel calendar.
