MANILA, Philippines – As the year-end festive season approaches, December in Hong Kong is the perfect cool weather getaway.
The 2015 Hong Kong WinterFest starts today with the magical Sparkling BVLGARI Roman Holiday at Statue Square, set to light up Central with a large, jewel-like Serpenti light-art installation, inspired by the ancient Roman and Greek symbol for wisdom and strength. A collaboration between Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) and BVLGARI, the centerpiece is made up of 50,000 LED lights used to illuminate the serpent’s body. It took six months to build and another two months to install.
Just a five-minute walk from Statue Square is the Observation Wheel, where visitors can take a 15-minute ride on a luxury gondola and enjoy an unobstructed view of the iconic Victoria Harbor and skyscrapers decorated with glittering lights lining both Kowloon and Hong Kong Island.
Catch a Star Ferry ride for excellent views of Victoria Harbor, Victoria Peak and the Hong Kong skyline. At the stroke of 8 p.m., passengers get to witness a middle-of-the-harbor view of the Symphony of Lights show where 44 buildings around the harbor perform a colorful and musically synchronized 13-minute display.
After alighting at Tsim Sha Tsui, families will definitely delight in the enthralling Hong Kong Pulse 3D Light Show at the Open Piazza of the Hong Kong Cultural Center. Get transported behind-the-scenes to Santa’s office where his elf helpers are busy organizing Christmas wishes and letters, all in a bid to spread festive cheer.
This year, Harbour City partners with Hong Kong Disneyland for Disney’s 10th anniversary celebration, transforming the Ocean Terminal Forecourt into a “Happily Ever After” Christmas Avenue, complete with a giant golden starry tree and Frozen window displays.
3D Pulse light show
Next on the holiday itinerary is a five-minute walk to 1881 Heritage, the former headquarters of the Hong Kong Marine Police. Here, the Grand Piazza transforms into a 13-meter high gothic cathedral-like ice palace with a majestic ice skating rink.
Welcome a wonderful year at the highly anticipated New Year Countdown Celebrations on Dec. 31, with the pyromusical show and fireworks at the stroke of midnight.
Vantage points include the waterfront along Tsim Sha Tsui; the Hong Kong Cultural Center Open Piazza and Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade; West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade; New Central Harborfront; the promenade at the Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai and the areas around Central Piers No. 9 and 10.
Visitors who want a complete look at beautifully decked out Hong Kong can hop on either The Big Bus Night Tour or Open-top Bus Starry Night to enjoy the winter-themed citywide decorations and glittering skyscrapers while on the road.
For more information, log on to www.DiscoverHongKong.com/winterfest.