There are a variety of promotions on offer from June to August, but 1 July specifically has dozens of discounts available, so instead of spending the Monday at home, venture out and try something new – at almost no cost! With that being said, be aware, the queues and crowds are likely to be wild!

Free tickets and discounts on transport

The perfect time to finally hop over to the other side of the island with the family and explore new neighbourhoods!

• Free tram rides
• Free rides for children between the ages of 3 to 11 on most MTR lines
• Free service on MTR Light Rail and Bus services in the Northwestern New Territories
• Free rides on the Star Ferry ‘Tsim Sha Tsui – Wan Chai’ route
• Hundreds of ferry ride vouchers will be distributed
• Over 70% off on Ngong Ping 360 for children and senior citizens

Read More: Island Hopping In Hong Kong

Free access and discounts for museums, exhibitions and amusement parks

Whether your kids are creative or sporty, budding historians or born swimmers, there’ll be something to keep them entertained…

• Up to 30% off on Ocean Park tickets from Saturday, 29 June to Monday 1, July
• Free access to numerous museums including the Hong Kong Space Museum, Science Museum and the Museum of Art
• Free access to General Admission exhibitions at M+ and all thematic exhibitions at the Hong Kong Palace Museum
• Multiple free guided tours, such as at the Green Hub, Hong Kong News Expo, HKFYG (plus free art booth games) and Tai Hang Fire Dragon Heritage Centre among others
• Free admission to the Hong Kong Wetland Park as well as most of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department’s indoor and outdoor facilities (set the little ones loose at the plethora of courts available to them, including but not limited to badminton, basketball, squash, table tennis and golf)

Read More: The Best Museums In Hong Kong To Visit With Kids

Discounts on dining and shopping

• Over a thousand restaurants are expected to offer discounts on Hong Kong SAR Establishment Day – several will offer 29% discounts, the remaining 71% is a reference to the date (7/1 = July 1)
• Malls and markets will offer special promotions and vouchers. Participating malls and markets include Cyberport, the Fish Marketing Organisation, Vegetable Marketing Organisation, Aberdeen Market and even the Hong Kong International Airport

Read More: The Best Brunch Spots In Hong Kong For Families

For a full list of free tickets and discounts (not all of which have been announced yet), check the government website.

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The Hong Kong Christmas decorations certainly bring some magic to the season! Get ready for giant Christmas trees and pictures with Santa under the twinkling Christmas lights. We’re all too excited to see the city pull out all of the stops when it comes to Christmas lights and Christmas decorations in Hong Kong. And of course, if you want to deck out your own home you’ll need to know where to buy Christmas decorations. With all the Christmas lights and festive displays around the city, it is definitely a fun, though (slightly) hefty task, to pick which one to go to; but don’t worry – we’ve done the hard work for you so you don’t have to.

We’ll be updating this selection as Santa’s helpers tell us more, so be sure to keep checking back. In the meantime, check out all the new Hong Kong Christmas decorations to get into the Christmas spirit!

Read More: Where To Buy Christmas Decorations In Hong Kong

ELEMENTS – Merry Dreamscape Christmas display

ELEMENTS has turned magical for Christmas with their Fantastical Box of Magic! Pose with the huge 8-metre tree then step into a wonderland of giant baubles, light and colour, and get to meet Santa too!

ELEMENTS, 1/F, Metal Zone, 1 Austin Road West, West Kowloon, Kowloon, Hong Kong, www.elementshk.com

LANDMARK – “Mount Santa Paws” Polar Bear Mountain

LANDMARK Atrium is magically festive with Mount Santa Paws – a huge polar bear mountain covered in snow with cute critters! Snap gorgeous winter wonderland pics amid the ski scenery and grab tickets for their VR skiing and stage show fun. Your little elves are sure to love exploring this fairytale Christmas landscape.

LANDMARK, Landmark Atrium, G/F, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong, www.landmark.hk

Citywalk Christmas Village – A 12-metre outdoor Christmas tree, a 5-metre holiday wooden house and more!

A total of six attractions await at Citywalk! For starters, there’s a 12-metre outdoor Christmas tree and fairy-tale light corridor with a falling snow effect. And then, a small European village with a holiday wooden house and model train exhibition. Plus, there will be a Christmas market all throughout December at the Citywalk Open Piazza and the Atrium of Citywalk 2.

Citywalk, 1 Yeung Uk Road, Tsuen Wan, New Territories, Hong Kong, 3926 5700, www.citywalk.com.hk

Christmas Decorations At 1881 Heritage – Grand Botanical garden in the Grand Piazza

1881 Heritage never fails to impress us with its Christmas displays and this year is no less! Walk into a beautiful botanical garden with ornate Victorian glasshouses. With the festive music playing in the background, the festive season is in full swing!

1881 Heritage, 2A Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 2926 8000, www.1881heritage.com

MOSTown’s ‘The MOST Wintry Wonderland’ – Moomintroll festive display at Ma On Shan

Be some of the first to see the world’s first 3.5-metre-tall furry inflatable Moomintroll and the cute little Hattifatteners jumping for joy at the sight of visitors! Completing the festive decoration is a bed for 200 upcycled plastic roses, and two different game zones and not to mention. plenty of photo-ops!

MOSTown, 18 On Luk Street, Ma On Shan, New Territories, Hong Kong, 2643 9110, www.mostown.com.hk

“SnowPark” At ifc Mall – European ski resort and a massive Christmas tree

From now until the end of the year, the Oval Atrium at ifc mall becomes a picture-perfect holiday destination inspired by a quintessential European ski resort. We’re eyeing the glass igloo for the photo-ops with the kids!

ifc mall, 8 Finance Street, Central, Hong Kong, 2295 3308, www.ifc.com.hk

Discovery Bay – Artificial snow, light projections and plenty of beautiful displays!

Discovery Bay’s DB North Clock Tower has been transformed into a magnificent 13-metre replica of Milan Cathedral just in time for Christmas! Surrounded by pillars and glowing stained glass windows, it takes centrestage along with a 6-metre giant tree featuring a gondola-shaped base. But the real show-stopper is the four sets of 3-metre high illuminating angels adding artistry and glamour.

DB Plaza, DB North Plaza & D’Deck, Discovery Bay, Lantau, Hong Kong, www.visitdiscoverybay.com

Cityplaza x Disney – Grow with Love Christmas Planting Garden

celebrate the season as the mall’s second-floor Atrium and Centre Bridge transform into a captivating green Christmas garden. Visit the interactive areas to join beloved Disney characters and show love by collecting all four planting elements to help a plant grow from scratch. One of the event’s highlights is the impressive 9.5-meter-high Mickey’s Garden Cottage. Even Groot will be there!

Cityplaza, 18 Tai Koo Shing Road, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong, 2568 8665, www.cityplaza.com

Harbour City – Spacemas Christmas display by the Victoria Harbour

Definitely an alternate Christmas display (from an alternate universe perhaps!) compared to the rest of the Hong Kong’s festive dazzle! Harbour City has transformed into every kids’ space dreams! The kids can let loose, quite literally at the zero gravity cabin an take plenty of photos at the rainbow corridor, with cosmic planets and lots more.

Harbour City, 3-27 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, www.harbourcity.com.hk

2023 Hong Kong Disneyland Christmas Decorations – A magical, musical Christmas

Already a kids’ favourite all year round, Hong Kong Disneyland gets even more magical during the festive season! Little ones will adore listening to music performances featuring classic Disney songs and Christmas carols and watching as their favourite Disney characters (Mickey Mouse, Moana, Princess Jasmine and more!) dance along.

Disneyland Hong Kong, Sunny Bay, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, www.hongkongdisneyland.com

Editor’s Note: “2023 Hong Kong Christmas Decorations, Christmas Lights And Festive Displays” was most recently updated in November 2023 by Fashila Kanakka. 

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The mama life can be tough, which is why it’s important to have a little fun with the little ones, even when you’re in the midst of helping the kids with schoolwork and switching out winter clothes from the closet.  If you’re still looking for fun activities to fill your April calendar, we got a few free events for you and the kids this month. Whether you’re looking to get moving with the kids at the Urban Retreat Green Sports Day, or try on some hands-on science tricks at Croucher Science Week, rest assured you’ll be spending a fruitful month with the kids.

Editor’s Note: The situation in Hong Kong regarding closures and restrictions on opening hours due to the coronavirus is constantly evolving. Many businesses are taking extra precautions, but please make sure you follow the latest government advice and stay home if you have recently travelled overseas, have interacted with anyone who has been away, or display any symptoms.

Read more: 5 Places We’re Taking The Kids In Hong Kong This April

Free Events And Activities For Families In Hong Kong In April

Urban Retreat Green Sports Day

Taking in a breath of fresh air has been proven to be increasingly difficult since the start of the pandemic, which is why Lok Fu Place is here to offer a spacious outdoor space for you and the little ones to sweat it out this month. The event space is divided into three zones (a turf zone, a ball game zone and a playing field). You and the kids can try out different sports that are currently trending in different parts of the world – we’re talking mölkky, pickleball, ring tennis and floor curling. No idea what those sports are? This is the perfect opportunity to find out! Strategic rather than physical, these team games are ideal for an outing with friends and family. Click here to learn more!

When: Until Sunday, 25 April 2021, 12pm to 6pm
Where: Zone B, Lok Fu Place, 198 Junction Road, Wang Tau Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong
How much: Free entry
Contact: Learn more, 2122 9000, www.linkhk.com

PLAY LIVES Exhibition

While we mamas are probably no stranger to the idea of playtime, we very rarely are the ones enjoying it. With artworks, free Playshops and guided tours, the PLAY LIVES exhibition is here to take us and the kids on a playful journey, and remind us of the importance of adding some spark to our daily lives through occasional playtime. With more than 90 play and design projects from all over the world, you and the kids will get to visit different rooms that explore playtime through the lens of various cultures. While you’re browsing the artworks, you might also want to sign the kids up for the interactive activities, such as the Toymaking Playshop and Shadow Art Playshop! Click here to register.

When: Until, Friday, 30 April 2021, 10am to 7pm (click here for more details on individual workshops)
Where: 3/F, 7 Mallory Street, Wan Chai, Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong
How much: Free to join
Contact: Register here, info@designspectrum.hk, www.designspectrum.hk

HomeSquare Outdoor Weekend Market

The Outdoor Weekend Market is back and your furry friends are also invited! This time, HomeSquare is hosting a weekend market featuring 20 booths and plenty of exclusive deals for you, the kids and your fur baby. Apart from foods and accessories for your pet, you’ll also find adorable handicraft by independent designers from around the city, making this weekend market a great way to support local businesses. After your mini retail therapy, don’t forget to join the Little Fluffy Photo Rewards event to snap a pic with your pooch (and win exciting gifts)! Click here to learn more.

When: Every weekend until Sunday, 11 April 2021, 11am to 6pm
Where: HomeSquare, 138 Sha Tin Rural Committee Road, Sha Tin, New Territories, Hong Kong
How much: Free to join
Contact: Learn more, homesquare@shkp.com, www.homesquare.com.hk

Read more: Easter Dining: Festive Brunches, Hampers And Desserts

Free Virtual Events And Activities For Families This April

Croucher Science Week

Got a mini scientist at home? In order to raise science literacy within our community and connect young scientists to the right learning resources, the Croucher Foundation is joining hands with The Education Bureau and the Hong Kong Science Museum for a series of live shows, hands-on workshops and outdoor tours! From moving pictures through static electricity to experiencing a day in the life of a biologist, kids will be able to learn from award-winning STEM tutors and enjoy exciting experiments. Suitable for kids aged 4 years or above. Click here to learn more.

When: Until, Sunday, 11 April 2021, various times – view the full schedule here
Where: Virtual
How much: Free to join
Contact: Register now, education@croucher.org.hk, www.croucherscienceweek.hk

Affordable Art Fair

Calling all art-loving mamas (and mini artists)! This year, the Affordable Art Fair is back with wonderful artworks from 50 hand-picked galleries. With fresh artworks at every price point, this art fair is the place to shop for stunning (and wallet-friendly) artworks. Whether you’re looking to support some up-and-coming artists, or simply looking to add a dash of creativity to the living room, rest assured there’s something for every mood, every occasion, and every mama. Besides, this is a great event for introducing the little ones to the world of modern art! Click here to join.

When: Friday, 9 April to Monday, 3 May 2021
Where: Virtual
How much: Free entry, artworks priced from £50 to £6,000
Contact: Join now, help@affordableartfair.com, www.affordableartfair.com

Easter Holiday Club: The Sounds of Spring

Why do birds sing, and why do they build nests? If these are some questions your little ones are curious about, the Easter Holiday Club might just be the event for them. In this hour-long workshop, children 7 years and up will develop a deeper understanding of the lives of our feathered friends, by finding out why they sing and what are some common bird calls. At the end of the workshop, the little ones will also make their very own nest so as to better understand the mechanics behind nest-building. Before the workshop, be sure to prepare some pen and paper, as well as some materials for building the nest (such as twigs, glue and leaves). Click here to sign up.

When: Monday, 12 April 2021, 8pm to 9pm
Where: Virtual
How much: Free to join
Contact: Sign up, information@tcv.org.uk, www.tcv.org.uk

Read more: Easter Camps And Classes For Kids In Hong Kong

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You’re doing well in these tough times, Mama, and don’t worry, we’ve got your back! We’re constantly on the lookout for new and exciting experiences that you can do with the kids from the comfort of your own home. Now that the Easter holiday is here, you can take a break from those rigorous home-schooling schedules and plan some fun virtual field trips.

You’ve probably heard that museums near and far have made collections available online. The Hong Kong Museum of Art (HKMoA) has undergone a full revamp and while currently closed to the public, the multimedia collections are available for public access through virtually@HKMoA. There’s never been a better time to diversify your children’s interests and introduce a different aspect of Hong Kong and Chinese culture through creative expression. Take your kids on a virtual journey through HKMoA and experience its artistic attractions for yourself.

Your budding artists, in particular, will love the animation and picture book “A Day Out At HKMoA” by young illustrator Joanne Liu. The story shows a day out at the museum through the eyes of a little girl. Join her on her day out as she arrives at the museum, learns to appreciate all kinds of different artworks, takes selfies at the harbourfront and explores the surrounding area. Maybe you could get your kids to create their own picture book of their perfect day out?

Parents will be equally entertained with free access to the HKMoA’s four core collections. Delve into the Chinese Antiquities, Chinese Painting And Calligraphy, China Trade Art and Modern And Hong Kong Art collections and enjoy at your own pace. All are available through the HKMoA Collection Databank.

Create a connection to the curated world as you explore the range of exhibition pamphlets, audio guides, documentaries and animations. It’s a fresh experience and you’ll enjoy a whole new understanding of art in Hong Kong. It’s time to schedule your next artistic family day in with virtually@HKMoA.

Hong Kong Museum of Art, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong,  www.hk.art.museum

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It certainly is a magical time of year. The weather has (noticeably!) cooled and it really is beginning to feel a lot like Christmas! There’s no better way to get into the festive spirit than with a family outing to look at the decorations around town. Hong Kongers go all out for the holidays so you can be assured of some wonderful sights!

This year, LANDMARK is celebrating by bringing you Santa Paws Village (until Wednesday, 1 January). It might not snow in Hong Kong, but a white Christmas has come to Reindeer Mountain, with a dusting of snow over the heart of the village. Spot the village Toy Shop, the Santa Paws carol singers and walk through the village train station as you explore the full display.

Come together with the family at this exciting time of year and take photos by the giant Santa Paws inside the village train or with the huge reindeer. Make sure you take the time to really look around. There are over 90 hand-crafted village characters who call the village home. The attention to detail is fantastic and every time you visit you’ll be sure to spot a new surprise! Take the surprises one step further when you download LANDMARK HONGKONG app and experience augmented reality billboards and animations bursting through the screen of your device.

Be sure to stop by the Wishing Machine and experience the power of hope. Along with making your own wish, this year, LANDMARK has teamed up with Make-a-Wish Hong Kong to grant the wishes of children with terminal illnesses. Every little donation makes a difference.

What is Christmas without a little giving? Make time to visit the Santa Paws Store for a curated selection of gifts for the whole family. Pick yourself up a cup of warming hot cocoa from Robo Cocoa and experience the wonder and joy of the holiday season. You can even take Santa Paws home — there’s an auction on the LANDMARK HK app running until 22 December allowing you to bid on your favourite, limited-edition Santa Paws character. All proceeds from the auction and Santa Paws Store help raise money for Make-a-Wish Hong Kong.

It’s time to embrace the spirit of Christmas, immerse yourself in festive traditions and rediscover the joy and excitement of the holiday celebrations.

LANDMARK, 15 Queen’s Road, Central, Hong Kong, 2500 0555, www.landmark.hk

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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

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