Cultural Happenings Not To Miss in Hong Kong This December
Barely a blink of an eye and the month of December is already here, bringing its share of cultural events and happenings in Hong Kong.
We have selected eight events that will delight children and adults alike, cinema, theatre and contemporary dance lovers, as well as classical music aficionados, photography and architecture enthusiasts.
SELECTION OF EVENTS
LIFE IS ART – DESIGN IN MOTION
An innovative and inter-discipline collaboration between MOViE MOViE and Hong Kong Design Centre, this film festival celebrates arts and design and serves as one of the highlighted events of BODW City Programme. This annual event celebrates the myriad mediums of the arts through workshops, interviews, film screenings, and multi-cultural events.
Until 17 December – MOViE MOVIE Pacific Place, MOViE MOViE Cityplaza, Broadway Cinematheque, PALACE ifc, PREMIERE ELEMENTS and B+ cinema apm
The carnival transforms Victoria Park with fantastical creatures and creative fun for audiences of all ages: enchanting parade of giant puppets, 18 interactive art stalls, non-stop stage performances by talented youth groups, immersive storytelling, African drum jamming, exhibition of over 6,000 artworks, and meet-and-greet sessions with the giant puppets.
2 & 3 December – Central Lawn, Victoria Park
Simple Gifts of Joy encompasses Christmas carols, circus spectacle, comedy, a parade of giant giraffe puppets, gravity-defying acrobatics and a competitive playoff of edgy circus skills, all within the twinkling glow of Tai Kwun’s towering Christmas tree. Singers and circus performers from Hong Kong are featured alongside international acts such as Gregarious (Switzerland), Giraffes (Spain) and Funny Business (UK).
1 December – 1 January 2024 – Tai Kwun Parade Ground
The concert conducted by Vasily Petrenko features English soprano Elizabeth Watts in her Hong Kong debut. Watts will sing ravishing lieder by Richard Strauss, including such perennial favourites as Morgen! and Cäcilie. Petrenko concludes with Mahler’s sheerly delightful Fourth Symphony.
8 & 9 December – Hong Kong Cultural Centre
First staged in 2007, HerStory is an award-winning original work by internationally renowned Hong Kong choreographer Helen Lai, and the final piece in Lai’s “Women’s Trilogy” series. Drawing on personal and collective memories, it explores women’s role in history and literature through a blend of Chinese and western practices of dance, music and imagery, and presents a powerful depiction of female identity.
15 – 17 December – Freespace, West Kowloon Cultural District
THE IMPOSSIBLE TRIAL – A MUSICAL
After a hugely successful premiere in September 2022, the original Hong Kong production The Impossible Trial – a musical returns for a highly anticipated rerun. Conceived, created and staged by an all-star local team, the riveting tale of redemption blends traditional and contemporary aesthetics.
1 – 17 December – Xiqu Centre
Ei Kaneko, Untitled, 2023
METAMORPHOSIS: JAPAN’S EVOLVING SOCIETY
Nestled in Wong Chuk Hang neighbourhood, the new innovative art space WKM presents for its inaugural exhibition a journey through contemporary Japanese art, featuring an ensemble of twelve contemporary Japanese artists whose works beautifully encapsulate the spirit of adaptation, resilience, and creative expression.
Until 5 January 2024 – WKM Gallery, Wong Chuk Hang
Jardine House
THE STORY OF A 50-YEAR ICON: CIRCLES THROUGH TIME
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of the first skyscraper in Hong Kong, the exhibition allows the public to explore the historical evolution of Jardine House, and learn of the building’s pivotal role in shaping the development of modern Central and its strong influence on the Hong Kong community and architectural landscape.
Until 4 January 2024 – Jardine’s House