The Ultimate Guide: Christmas & Holiday Fairs

Believe it or not, that time of year is whipping round again faster than you’d think and it won’t be long before HK is filled with fake snow, tinny Christmas carols and people frantically shopping for last minute presents.

Rather than hitting up some crowded mall in a last-minute blitz for gifts, how about heading to some seasonal fairs to get you in the festive frame of mind and provide more individual present inspiration? As ever, Sassy’s on hand to give you all the details – so you’ll be ho-ho-ho-ing all the way to Christmas Day itself!

Discovery Bay Pre-Christmas Sale
Beat the rush with this early-bird event, selling cute colourful Penny Scallan print accessories and homeware and Stuck On You’s range of personalised items – all at discount prices! Then sneak in a lovely al fresco lunch and beachside stroll afterwards!

Where: Zaks restaurant, D Deck, Discovery Bay
When: 3 November, 8.30am-4.30pm
More info: [email protected]

Collective Trunk Shows
Get set for two exclusive trunk shows featuring HK brands Makaron (colourful and contemporary home linen), Dark Chocolate (chic casual womenswear) and Nest (children’s pyjamas). Children’s clothes brand Zolima will be at the first event only, whilst Sand, who make aspiga sandals, baskets, belts and hats, and La Petite Caravane (more childrenswear) will join in for the second.

Where: The Legend at Jardine’s Lookout, Tower 2, 41/FA, 23 Tai Hang Drive, Jardine’s Look Out; Chung Hom Kok at Marcela’s, HSE U, Casa Del Sol, 33 Ching Sau Lane
When: 3 November, 10am-5pm; 15 November, 10am-4pm

Shanghai Tang Pop-Up Festive Mongolian Village
Shanghai Tang has had to set sail from its old Central location thanks to Abercrombie & Fitch… yet rather than sobbing into their cheongsams, they’re making the most of it with a very special one-off pop-up winter wonderland instead! Several beautiful authentic Mongolia yurts will be setting up shop instead, stuffed with Shanghai Tang’s luxurious Christmas goodies – including their limited-edition Mongolian Collection of festive gifts, plus women’s men’s and children’s clothes, accessories, fragrances, homeware, haute couture and a bespoke tailoring service.

Where: Rooftop, Central Ferry Pier 4
When: 4 November-31 December, 10.30am-8pm
More info: www.shanghaitang.com/news+events

Picnic In The Park
Hong Kong’s largest live music and dance festival boasts over fifty market stalls from local businesses joining in the fun, plus restaurant booths dishing up yummy treats and other refreshments! There’s also a special Kids Zone to keep the little ones amused.

Where: Siena Park, Discovery Bay
When: 5 November from 11am – 9.30pm
More info: www.picnicintheparkhk.com

Cyberport Weekend Market
A fantastic outdoor market with a variety of booths selling crafts, accessories, children’s products and much more. There’s also a children’s painting workshop, an art installation where all visitors decorate giant white pins (it’ll make more sense on the day!) and comfy beanbags for lounging about on the grass and soaking up the last of the winter sun!

Where: The Podium, Cyberport 2, 100 Cyberport Road,
When: 5-6 November, 11am-6pm
More info: www.facebook.com/arcade.cyberport

Re Do: We Do
A fab fair promoting the work of over 70 local artists – expect lots of cool creative one-off pieces, especially jewellery and accessories, with some craft demonstrations too.

Where: Green Terrace, L3 The Peak Galleria, The Peak
When: 6 November, 11am-7pm; 4 December, 10am-6pm
More info: 2467 7002, [email protected]

The Conrad Fair
Three fairs showcasing gifts galore – starting off with The Gift & Lifestyle Fair, followed by two more festive-themed offerings, The Christmas Showcase and The Christmas Gift Festival. You’ll be spoilt for choice!

Where: Conrad Hotel, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty, 2521 3838
When: 7 November, 21 November, 14 December, 10am-8pm

AWA Charity Bazaar
The HK American Women’s Association annual charity fundraiser, where you can shop til you drop, meet local authors, win prizes, enjoy culinary delights and treat yourself to a cuppa, cake and chat over a soothing foot massage… and if you’re laden with too many treasures, there’s even a concierge service to arrange home delivery!

Where: Hong Kong Jockey Club, Happy Valley Racecourse
When: 8 November, 10am-6pm
More info: 2527 2961, [email protected]

We’ll Always Have Paris Pop-Up Shop
Fill your stockings a la française with this super-cute festive fair. Featuring Sassy favourite Flaunt Lingerie, culinary delights and wine pairings from Lestafette, cute French children’s clothes by Little Mercerie, chic leather accessories from Tootie & Carla, fine Italian knitwear by Solo Per Te, custom-made leather gloves by Cabretta Couture and gorgeous tableware by Zest Of Asia.

Where: Burnside Villas, House B8, 9 South Bay Road, Repulse Bay
When: 10 November, 6-9.30pm; 11 November, 9am-2pm

Hong Kong Cricket Club Christmas Fairs
The Hong Kong Cricket Club has two festive fairs – the first is a holiday bazaar that’s certain to tick a few gifts off the shopping list; the second is a Christmas Wine & Food Fair for members and their guests only.

Where: Function Suites, Hong Kong Cricket Club, 137 Wong Nai Chung Gap Road, Causeway Bay
When: 15 November, 10am-8pm; 17 November, 6.30-10pm
How much: Wine & Food Fair $100 for members, $120 for members’ guests, including $100 of coupons for buying wine

ShoppingHongKong Holiday Bazaars
Three fairs featuring an array of fashion, jewellery, art, homeware and other unique gifts; the events at the American Club are open to members and their guests only.

Where: 29-30/F, Azure, Hotel LKF, 33 Wyndham Street, Central; Vista Ballroom, American Club, 28 Tai Tam Road, Tai Tam
When: November 16, 12-6pm; November 15 and December 17, 10am-6pm

Discovery Bay Backyard Holiday Bazaar
This is the largest fair in Handmade Hong Kong’s calendar; with stalls from over 120 vendors selling amazing handmade arts, crafts, clothes, accessories and other locally designed goods, it’s the perfect place to pick up a unique holiday gift!

Where: Discovery Bay Plaza, Discovery Bay
When: 20 November, 10am-5pm
More info: http://www.handmadehongkong.com

Hong Kong Winterfest
Hong Kong Tourist Board’s official event will see a fabulous festive fiesta taking over the entire city! Statue Square in Central will set the scene with a twinkling Tiffany’s decorated Christmas tree, carol-singing and a carousel whilst HK’s first ever outdoor ice-skating rink will appear in East Tsim Sha Tsui so you can glide under the stars and soak up the festive atmosphere. There’ll also be carnivals, sparkling Christmas illuminations, seasonal menus, special offers in shops and restaurants and much much more!

Where: Everywhere!
When: 25 November-1 January
More info: www.discoverhongkong.com/winterfest

Repulse Bay Christmas Fair
A great day out and firm favourite amongst the city’s festive fairs, featuring over 50 stalls selling Christmas decorations, ladies accessories, paintings, handicrafts and other great gift ideas – plus children’s activities, a bouncy play area (alas, only for littlies!) and a live band.

Where: Arcade Area, The Repulse Bay, 109 Repulse Bay Road
When: 27 November, 11am-6pm

JWA Bazaar
The Jewish Women’s Association bazaar will be selling an assortment of branded clothing, bags, accessories, toys, homeware and other Christmas items – with all proceeds going to charity. There’ll also be food, activities and much more fun for all the family; just remember to bring your ID card.

Where: Island School, 20 Borett Road, Mid-Levels
When: 27 November, 10am-5pm
How much: $20 (children are free)
More info: www.jwa.org.hk

Pretty Dangerous Pop-Up Shop
Pretty Dangerous, a purveyor of edgy daring and different jewellery from around the world (much of it, like Daisy Knights and Zelia Horsely Jewellery, new and exclusive to HK,), will be setting up shop for one night only – the perfect chance to pick up some extra-funky prezzies to tick off your shopping list!

Where: Kalamakeup Studio, Room 101, 18-20 Wyndham Street, Central
When: 28 November, 6-8pm
More info: www.facebook.com/PrettyDDangerous

Il Mercatino
The Italian Women’s Association’s annual Christmas fundraiser for The Duchess Of Kent paediatric hospital is split in two halves – Il Mercatino, a holiday bazaar including many products donated by the event’s Italian sponsors, and Le Grazie, a restaurant serving authentic (and no doubt delicious!) Italian dishes prepared by the local Italian community.

Where: Sandy Bay, Pok Fu Lam
When: 3 December, 10am-5pm

Hong Kong Country Club Christmas Fair
Another stalwart of the festive fair season, vendors will be selling jewellery, accessories, clothes, toys, crafts and other Christmas gifts. A jazz band will also be playing throughout the day to keep your festive spirits high!

Where: Hong Kong Country Club, 188 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Deep Water Bay
When: 4 December, 11am-5pm

Hullett House Christmas Market
Hullett House’s historical courtyard and garden will be transformed into a quintessential European Christmas Market, with a mouth-watering array of specially-selected sausages, smoked meats, cheese, teas, gingerbread, Christmas cakes, chocolate, jams, preserves – and even a sneaky tipple of mulled wine and eggnog too! There’ll also be Christmas cards, ornaments, books and other seasonal gifts, with carol-singing and a special appearance from Santa and his reindeers – so there’s absolutely no excuse for not getting into the festive spirit!

Where: Hullett House, 1881 Heritage, No. 2A Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
When: 9-11 December
More info: 3988 0000, www.hulletthouse.com