Hongkongers are out in droves to experience festive vibes on Christmas Eve, while more than 330,000 residents have left the city for the holidays.
By Wednesday evening, a growing crowd had gathered at the open-air plaza at Harbour City shopping centre in Tsim Sha Tsui to admire special Disney-themed festive installations.
Office worker Cecile Tang, 38, was there with her mother, her husband and their two children. The five viewed the Christmas decorations at Harbour City and took a stroll along the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront before heading home for a family dinner.
Tang said the atmosphere appeared to be less festive this year. “It’s not as lively as before, especially in Kowloon where there seem to be fewer Christmas decorations this year,” she said, adding that many of her friends had left the city for the holidays.
With a budget of HK$1,000 (US$128) to HK$2,000 for celebrations, the family opted for a home-cooked meal.
“It’s more comfortable at home, and restaurants feel a bit overpriced,” Tang said.
