Hong Kong’s shopping malls get imaginative for Christmas

How many interpretations of Christmas can one city have? Answer: As many as there are shopping malls.

One of the busiest shopping seasons is upon us and the city’s biggest and most luxurious commercial centres are prepping their garlands.

More than just beautifying their interiors, the creative minds at each location have come up with novel ideas to bring merriment to adults and children alike.

Emphasising family enjoyment, Tai Koo Shing’s City Plaza features a five-metre long and two-metre wide slide for parents to take a spin with their little ones. If that is not enough, the “Delightful Christmas Wonderland”-themed mall has a variety of Buzz wire games that cater to all ages in the presence of a 14-metre tall, bright LED-lit Christmas tree and Santa Claus in his sleigh for that perfect selfie.

Pacific Place has a “Christmas Spectacular” with performances from renowned local companies such as the Hong Kong Ballet and the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, that are expected to delight shoppers with live shows until January 1 at the shopping centre’s Garden Court, which has been transformed into a “fairy-lit Christmas Theatre” accompanied by a curated selection of seasonal pop-ups and an assortment of Christmas workshops. Sweet tooths will be delighted by the Theatre’s Candy Bar which is one floor up from the stage area. Here they sell artisan popcorn from New York in all kinds of signature flavours, such as Toasted Coconut, New York Christmas and Tropical Mango to the Classic Caramel, Chocolate Drizzle and Rocky Road bestsellers.

Talking about “nibbles”, snack-named comic book figure Peanut and his friends are making Times Square their home this winter. The Snoopy-themed décor is a great hit with fans of all ages, and celebrations will continue until Boxing Day. Also from December 4 to 29, the Snoopy Photo Booth allows you to capture a moment with your favourite cartoon friends. It’s a great opportunity to snap that Christmas family picture.

Nearby, Lee Gardens has set up its own charity-infused theme to celebrate the holidays. Launching 800 limited-edition sets of Christmas Baubles that can offer customised messages and designs on a dedicated website, the occasion is said to be Hong Kong’s first custom charity Christmas bauble event as part of their “All is Joyful, All is Bright” theme. Each set contains two baubles 15 and 40cm in diameter, with the larger personalised one being hung at the Lee Gardens area as part of its Christmas decorations and the smaller bauble to be taken home. Proceeds will go to Helping Hand, a charity dedicated to serving Hong Kong’s needy elderly; a great way to capture the holiday spirit.