The Gen XY Lifestyle
Hong Kong’s Romantic Winter Fantasies
Travel to Hong Kong this year-end and spark some romance at the 2015 Hong Kong WinterFest.
Planning a romantic getaway to end off the year? One destination to consider would be Hong Kong. With the 2015 Hong Kong WinterFest taking place through December, there’s nothing better than a spectacular skyline and a host of winter events to ignite some romance.
Here is a list of events happening during the Hong Kong WinterFest:
Sparkling BVLGARI Roman Holiday
When: 4 Dec 2015 from 8 to 11pm; 5 Dec 2015 to 1 Jan 2016 from 5pm to 11pm; 24 and 31 Dec 2015 from 5pm to 12mn
Venue: Statue Square, Central
Visitors can start off their romantic journey at the “Sparkling BVLGARI Roman Holiday” located at Statue Square. In conjunction with BVLGARI, the Hong Kong Tourism Board will light up the Central with a large, jewellery-inspired “Serpenti” light-art installation. Built with fifty thousand LED lights to emulate embedded precious gems, the resulting effect mirrors that of a scaled serpent’s body.
At a small donation fee, couples can profess their eternal devotion in a wishing card and hang it up on an enchanting Christmas tree, while enjoying a delicious cup of hot chocolate in the cool winter weather. Visitors can also complete their Christmas celebrations with a pack of colourful Confessti, the Italian fine candy. All proceeds will go to Save the Children Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Observation Wheel
When: Mon to Sun and Public Holidays from 10am to 11pm
Just a five-minute walk from Statue Square is the Observation Wheel. Visitors can enjoy a 15-minute ride in a luxury gondola that goes up to a height of 60 metres. Enjoy unobstructed views of the iconic Victoria Harbour, which will be lined with skyscrapers decorated with glittering Christmas lights.
Star Ferry
When: Mon to Sun, and Public Holidays from 6.30am to 11.30pm
Just a stone’s throw away is Hong Kong’s most romantic ride, the Star Ferry where visitors can enjoy the sweeping views of Hong Kong’s unique skyline. Those taking the Star Ferry at night can consider combining it with a middle-of-the-harbour view of the Symphony of Lights show. At the stroke of 8pm, 44 buildings around the harbour will erupt in coloured lights, laser beams and searchlights – performing a unique, synchronised 13-minute display set to music and commentary.
Hong Kong Pulse 3D Light Show
When: 9 to 28 Dec 2015 at 8:20pm; 8:45pm; 9:15pm and 9:45pm nightly (about 8 minutes per session)
Venue: Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui
Next to the Star Ferry Pier in Tsim Sha Tsui is the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, where the Hong Kong Pulse 3D Light Show will take place. The spectacular eight-minute extravaganza comes complete with exciting audiovisual effects for visitors to enjoy a whimsical experience. Visitors can go behind the scenes of Santa’s “back office” and observe his elf helpers assist him in executing the perfect Christmas in Hong Kong.
1881 Heritage
When: 11 Nov 2015 to 3 Jan 2016 from 10am to 10pm
Venue: Tsim Sha Tsui
Just a five-minute walk from the Star Ferry is 1881 Heritage, the former headquarters of the Hong Kong Marine Police. With its Victorian-era architecture combined with contemporary pursuits, the Grand Piazza will transform into a 13-metre-high gothic cathedral-like ice palace this Christmas. Couples can enjoy a romantic experience in this magical wonderland as they glide across the majestic ice-skating rink.
Hong Kong New Year Countdown Celebrations
When: 31 Dec 2015, till midnight
For those travelling to Hong Kong during New Year’s Eve, be sure to join in the countdown celebrations to welcome the New Year. As the city counts down to midnight, heart-pounding pyrotechnics will light up Hong Kong’s skies, exploding into a radiant shower of lights to illuminate the beautiful harbour. Join in the fun and usher in the New Year with all the excitement and romance of a spectacular Hong Kong celebration!
