Free December events alert! They’re suitable for kids of all ages, plus parents too…
Christmas might be the most wonderful time of year, but that’s no guarantee that the holiday traditions will keep kids occupied all month long. Luckily for us, there are some fantastic free December events taking place across the city. From art and crafts to music and magic, there really is something for everyone. Keep reading for more!
Read more: The Best Family-Friendly Christmas Events In Hong Kong
Finnish Christmas Market
Markets are a holiday season must, and the outdoor Finnish Christmas Market might well be the most festive of the bunch. Bringing the spirit of Christmas to Hong Kong’s Central, there’s plenty to see and do, including market stalls (featuring traditional Nordic dishware, handmade crafts and more), foodie bites (potato casserole, smoked salmon and oven-baked Christmas ham with a glass of warm Glögi anyone?), and traditional Finnish games. Highlights for the kids include a VR tour of Finland’s best natural wonders, as well as the Finnish throwing game of Mölkky. Plus, for a small fee, you can introduce the little ones to the big man himself, Santa!
When: Friday, 6 December, 3pm to 7pm; Saturday, 7 December and Sunday, 8 December, 11am to 7pm
Where: Hong Kong Observation Wheel and AIA Vitality Park, 33 Man Kwong Street, Central, Hong Kong
How much: Entry to the market area is free – there is a small fee for Santa’s Office and the Letter to Santa workshop!
DC Family Fun Day
For a fun-filled day out suitable for the whole family, head over to Discovery Bay for Discovery College’s annual “Fun Day”. Expect a range of international foods, speciality drinks, games, charity stalls and much more. While you’re there, don’t forget to check out Discovery Bay’s Christmas Lighting Tunnel at the waterfront promenade, as well as the Christmas tree decorations in Discovery Bay North!
When: Saturday, 7 December, 12pm to 5pm
Where: ESF Discovery College, 38 Siena Avenue, Discovery Bay, Hong Kong
How much: Free entry
Lamma Fun Day
Make the most of the glorious December weather with a day trip to Tai Wan To Beach for this year’s Lamma Fun Day. Older teens (and adults!) will love the eclectic range of musical acts on offer, including indie-pop outfit Esimorp, DJ Star and homegrown favourite Pink Phloyd, to name but a few. For the younger ones, be prepared for art activities, face painting, a magic show, races and games from 2pm onwards. And if that wasn’t enough, the fun will also include market stalls, food, yoga, art workshops, an eco-art exhibition, book signings by local authors and a live charity auction. Phew!
When: Saturday, 7 December, 11am to 11pm
Where: Tai Wan To Beach, Lamma Island, Hong Kong
How much: Free to join (except for Beach Volleyball and the Lamma8 Charity Run)
Mount Kelly EYFS Christmas Fair
Perfect for families with younger kids aged between six months and six years, Mount Kelly Preschool’s Christmas Fair is a great opportunity to learn more about the EYFS curriculum. In addition to an exclusive look inside the newly-opened International Nursery School, the school is putting on a number of Christmas crafts, music activities, festive games, ball pit play and a toy library workshop for the kids to get involved with. Entrance is free for all, but don’t forget to register!
When: Saturday, 7 December, 9:30am to 12pm
Where: Mount Kelly International Preschool, 38 Kwun Chung Street, Jordan, Kowloon, Hong Kong
How much: Free entry
Freespace Fest
Editor’s Note: This event has been postponed. New date TBC.
In celebration of the opening of its Freespace and Art Park, the West Kowloon Cultural District presents Freespace Fest – a weekend of indoor and outdoor multi-genre, boundary-pushing events and activities. Visitors can look forward to a line up of local and international artists specialising in everything from music to dance and theatre. There’ll also be installations, community activities, guided tours, camping and more. For younger kids, look out for appearances from the likes of Little Bean Theatre and ohmykids.
When: Friday, 13 December, 4:30pm to 10pm; Saturday, 14 December, 2pm to 11pm; Sunday, 15 December, 2pm to 10pm
Where: Freespace and Art Park, West Kowloon Cultural District, West Kowloon, Hong Kong
How much: Free entry (registration and deposits required for selected workshops)
Christmas Eve Carols Service At Lifehouse
There’s nothing like belting out classic carols to get you in the festive mood. While most carol services in Hong Kong will cost you, Lifehouse International Church is inviting guests far and wide to join its Christmas Eve Carols Service – and no, you don’t have to be a Christian to attend. Oh, and if your kids need extra incentive to sing loudly, there’ll also be a free desserts bar. Merry Christmas indeed!
When: Tuesday, 24 December, 6pm to 8pm
Where: Lifehouse International Church Hong Kong, 11/F, Win Century Center, 2a Mong Kok Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong
How much: Free to join