There’s nothing more symbolic of Christmas than a verdant Christmas tree strung with glittering lights, polished baubles and tinsel (for some). But the limitations of our own homes mean that we must sacrifice our deepest desires for maximum Yuletide extravagance for the sake of practicality. After all, we do live in one of the world’s most densely packed vertical cities. So while our Christmas trees make do for those wholesome family gatherings, let’s turn to the city’s most exuberant festive displays for more holiday cheer. 

Christmas Grand Central at Pacific Place

If your favourite holiday movie is The Polar Express, then Pacific Place is where you need to be this holiday season. Christmas Grand Central, a European-inspired train station, is at the heart of the mall’s Christmas celebration, bringing joy, charm and magic to every visitor. The train station is manned by whimsical characters like Carlos the Capybara, Pascal and Pedro the Red Pandas and Farmer Remi the Rabbit. Other Christmas displays like the Wonderbox merchandise shop and Park court Concourse are dotted throughout the mall to fill the air with good tidings. Hop on board, because Christmas is just around the corner.

88 Queensway, Admiralty

Noëlia at LANDMARK: Joy Begins With Giving

Stuck in Hong Kong this Christmas? No need to fret, because Landmark has brought the holiday cheer all the way back from Europe! This year, Landmark has transformed its atrium with its largest festive installation to date: Noëlia, a fictional French chateau-inspired winter village. Of course, there will be the festive Christmas trees and glistening lights, but the most exciting element is Lake Lumière, a vast interactive wishing lake. Legend says it’ll make any wish come true, so better come whisper your wishes for next year if you want them to come true. The display also features the Starlit Slide, a delight for the young and young at heart, as well as the Festive Photo Studio by Don’t Lxxk Up for a cute addition for the photo wall on your fridge.

G/F, LANDMARK ATRIUM, 15 Queen’s Road Central

Chanel at The Peninsula Hong Kong

This year marks the fifth time the hotel has partnered with Chanel for its Christmas decorations, and The Peninsula Hong Kong is one of only five locations worldwide to debut this new design. The hotel’s facade is illuminated with an array of celestial ornaments and iconic House motifs like planets, stars and interlocking CC logos in vibrant playful colours. Gazing up at The Peninsula is like gazing into shimmering, starlit galaxies.

Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui

Threads of Love, Sundae Kids at Harbour City

This Christmas, Harbour City is helping us find our inner child again. The mall is collaborating with the globally beloved Sundae Kids, an illustration duo from Thailand who specialise in four-to-six- panel comics for children. Their iconic characters will leap out of the pages and join in the celebrations at various Christmas installations, like the “This is for You” pink gift house and the four-metre “Cloud-Kissed” Christmas tree. Don’t forget to stop by the “Threads of Love” pop-up store and the “Post Your Heart” mailbox activity where you can spread the holiday spirit with handwritten notes.

Atrium II & Corridor, G/F, Gateway Arcade, Harbour City, Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui

Cj Hendry x Phillips Christmas Tree at Upper House

Every year, Upper House works with an artist to create a unique Christmas tree to raise funds for charity. This year, they’ve invited Cj Hendry, known for her hyperrealistic drawings and immersive installations, to design their Christmas decorations. Hendry is incorporating her first-ever collectable toy series, juju, into a festive pop-up at the Tea Room boasting treats like a matcha palmiers and canelés, as well as an adorable fluffy Christmas tree made out of 200 exclusive green juju plushies. You can “adopt” one for $688; it arrives in a numbered and signed  wooden collector’s box, with all proceeds going to Mother’s Choice. It’s the season for giving, after all.

Upper House, 88 Queensway, Admiralty