The ultimate guide to ringing in the New Year in Hong Kong

There are a lot of pivotal dates in history that forever changed the world and 2020 is undoubtedly one of these years. We're pretty confident that we're not alone when we say we're glad the year is almost over. In just a few days, 2020 will start being history, but before we bid adieu to this unforgettable year, we'd like to salute and celebrate those small moments of hope and the best of humanity that despite all the challenges of the year, gave us all reasons to be cheerful, stay inspired, and keep on going.  Pink dolphins return to Hong Kong thanks to travel restrictions. The outbreak may have saved the endangered animals from extinction. If there was ever a year when we all needed some inspiration, 2020 would be it. The year claimed many lives, cost thousands of jobs, affected many industries that caused numerous Hong Kong event cancellations and time-honoured establishments to close. 2020 was a year when face masks became a part of our daily lives, Dalgona Coffee went viral, and Hongkongers unleashed a frenzy of grocery hoarding all across the city, making toilet paper the number one commodity that even pastry chefs made it the trending cake design. #ToiletPaperCake picked up as yet another crazy food trend Amidst the crazy things that happened, and all the challenges everyone faced, we salute the people that became bright spots during these dark moments. We thank the frontline workers, advocates, and inspiring personalities that went above and beyond to help those in need. We salute ImpactHK who helped HK's homeless to find shelter in these difficult times; #SaveHKFnB who launched various F&B programmes to support Hong Kong's bars and restaurants; the small and independent businesses who strived to stay open despite market difficulties; the city's new restaurants and bars who still managed to open during the most challenging time; the numerous F&B venues who collaborated to keep each other's businesses afloat; Canto-pop legends like Aaron Kwok and Sam Hui who entertained and serenaded millions of Hongkongers and helped raise fund for those in need; and all the artists, illustrators, photographers, Instagrammers, and local tradesmen who made us laugh, cry, and inspired us to get through the social distancing blues. Thank you. We won't have been able to survive the year without you.   Aaron Kwok's free online concerts held at Ocean Terminal Deck in Harbour City Canto-pop legend Sam Hui's livestream concert at Harbour City With the current social distancing restrictions, we are celebrating New Year a little differently this year, but with the year that was, we definitely all earned a celebration, even if it has to be small one. Some of us will be avoiding the crowd and staying home to celebrate with our loved ones, and others will be catching the last sunset of 2020 and welcoming the sunrise at the most scenic escapes in town. However you are celebrating in the city, we can say that at least we're all (stuck) in this together.  At Time Out, we're ready to close 2020 and look forward to a new year full of energy and optimism. We toast to the year that no one wants to remember, but will definitely never forget. Happy New Year everyone! 

While we may not be gathering for all-night parties due to the city's current social distancing restrictions, you can still countdown to the New Year at home with some excellent sparklers. Whether you're looking for a great value bubbly or an exceptional bottle to splurge on, here's a roundup of bottles that you can order for delivery.  RECOMMENDED: Spice up your sparklers with festive fizzy cocktail recipes to ring in the New Year.  

Hong Kong may not be known as the city of love in the same way as Paris, but we’ve still got plenty of things to help amorous couples set the mood – just look at the Hong Kong skyline, the countless romantic restaurants you can bring a date to, or the many sexy movies you can pick up.  But if you're looking for a city escape to rekindle your love, especially if the current situation in the city has been dampening your spark, here's a roundup of the best hotels in the city to book your next romantic staycation. Whether you’re a new couple planning your first-weekend staycation or long-term partners celebrating the holiday break, there’s something for everyone.  RECOMMENDED: Looking for more staycation ideas? Check out the best themed hotels in town or take advantage of the holiday staycation deals at these hotels.   

Between all the decorating, workload, and preparing for the holidays, you didn't get a head start on your holiday shopping. Don't worry; you still have time to finish off your gift list. But before you shove all those thoughtless gift cards in your shopping cart, check out this roundup of unique Christmas gifts that definitely won't seem like hasty, last-minute picks. Whether you are looking for romantic gifts for your significant other, your favourite drinking buddy, or your family members, we've got you covered. RECOMMENDED: Want to give handmade gifts to make someone feel extra special? Get in touch with your artistic side, and create customised gifts at these DIY gift-making classes and workshops in Hong Kong.  

As the city's environmental issues continue to pile up – especially now that everyone is ordering delivery and takeaways – it’s more important than ever to reduce plastic usage and to do your bit to help the environment. The easiest way to start is by removing plastic from your home – and these awesome zero waste stores are here to help. From bulk groceries and sustainable body care items to silicone storage containers, these shops are your first step towards achieving a zero-waste lifestyle.RECOMMENDED: Check out our favourite sustainable and eco-friendly shops in Hong Kong!

Hampers are a great way to give something impressive for Christmas. Be it for a business partner, mother-in-law, or a friend that is in need of a thoughtful care package. They’ll open up a wicker basket or gift box and find a treasure chest of goodies that range from gourmet foods, wines, accessories, and even wellness products that are sure to please. So, if you’re looking for a gift that gives it all, and then some, we’ve got you covered with the best Christmas gift hampers to buy in Hong Kong right now. RECOMMENDED: If hampers aren’t what you’re looking for, check out the best Christmas workshops to make your own gifts, and maybe indulge in a few Christmas sweet treats yourself while you’re at it.

Forget about the big gift unwrapping on December 25 – Christmas is about opening presents every single day of the month. Or at least that’s what all the swanky retail brands are telling us. Yes, these days, advent calendars are no longer limited to tiny chocolate treats. You can now count down towards the big day with a myriad of glamorous cosmetic goodies from the likes of Charlotte Tilbury, Benefit, Kiehl's, and more. Here are just some of our faves to unwrap this December. RECOMMENDED: For more Christmas shopping, check out these festive markets, or browse around these vintage and second-hand clothing store.