Luminous Neon exhibition
Photograph: Courtesy Hong Kong Design Centre
Photograph: Courtesy Hong Kong Design Centre

The best things to do in Hong Kong this weekend (January 9-11)

Here’s how you can make the most of your days off

Catharina Cheung
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Looking to make your weekend worthwhile? You’ve come to the right place. Whether you want to catch some live music, check out a new art exhibit, or just find a casual spot to relax with friends, Hong Kong knows how to keep you busy. Come rain or shine, day or night, here’s everything you need to plan the perfect weekend. 

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Things to do in Hong Kong this weekend

  • Things to do
  • Concerts
  • Lantau Island

It’s not every day you get a chance to have your ears blessed in person by the angelic voice of a Disney princess, but that’s exactly what Hongkongers get to look forward to on January 10, 2026. Lea Salonga, the singing voice for Aladdin’s Jasmine and Mulan’s eponymous heroine, will return to Hong Kong to perform for one night only at ‘Disney Legend Live in Concert’, a night of enchantment and nostalgia that’s part of Hong Kong Disneyland Resort’s extensive 20th anniversary celebration.

As the musical soul behind Jasmine and Mulan, Salonga’s spellbinding voice has captivated the hearts of countless fans worldwide, and she was named a Disney Legend in 2011. During the concert, the singer will take fans on a musical journey through the enchanting stories of Disney Princesses and Queens, accompanied by the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra and the Hong Kong Disneyland Band. Expect to hear timeless Disney classics and get ready for special appearances by beloved Disney characters.

Magic Access Platinum members can enjoy the privilege of early ticket booking starting from November 12, 2025. Standard and VIP Seating Area Passes are available for purchase from November 13, 2025 onwards, with a Standard Seating Area Pass costing $740 and a VIP Seating Area Pass costing $980. Book your tickets through Hong Kong Disneyland Resort’s official website now before they sell out.

  • Attractions
  • Historic buildings and sites
  • Yau Ma Tei

The golden age of Hong Kong cinema saw the production of blockbuster titles like A Better Tomorrow (1986), The Conman (1998), and Infernal Affairs (2002). Packed with action, suspense, and good ol’ “nonsense” humour, these iconic crime films not only offer gripping stories but also capture the essence of life in 70s and 80s Hong Kong. Now, cinephiles can relive their favourite scenes from these classics at the Old Yau Ma Tei Police Station. ‘Yau Ma Tei Police Station: A Cinematic Journey’ delves into local cop film classics through reconstructed sets, collectibles, original scripts, and much more. 

This nostalgic exhibition is now open at the Old Yau Ma Tei Police Station, 627 Canton Road, Yau Ma Tei. Tickets are priced at $30 per person, with concessionary tickets available at $10 per person. Children aged six or below can enter the exhibition for free. Make sure to book your tickets online at cultural.cityline.com, as there will not be tickets onsite. Find out more at fpf.ccidahk.gov.hk

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  • Things to do
  • pop-ups
  • Sha Tin

In case you’ve been living under a rock during the second half of 2025, Netflix’s K-Pop Demon Hunters has taken the world by storm with its catchy tunes and colourful animated characters. Building on this massive momentum, the creators have launched a themed pop-up store in Seoul in early December, which has been a huge success. What's more, the animated film’s themed store will tour Asia throughout December and January, with Hong Kong as its first overseas location. 

From December 18 to January 11, head to New Town Plaza to shop for exclusive merchandise of the Huntrix girls, the Saja Boys, and even adorable sidekicks Derpy and Sussie. Expect to find limited items like themed clothing based on the movie’s hit songs, keychains, plush toys, collectible photocards, and much more. Find more details about the pop-up by reading our blog.

  • Things to do
  • Hong Kong

Christmas in Hong Kong just got more joyous with Merry Balloon Hong Kong, a cheerful three-part event featuring an adorable lineup of internationally beloved characters in the form of helium balloons making appearances throughout the city. Make your way around town from now until January 11 to join the Merry-Go-Around Town, where you’ll hunt for helium balloons using augmented reality and purchase exclusive festive postcards to collect stamps for a chance to redeem holiday-edition character pins. 

For even more fun, secure tickets for the Merry Balloon Park at the Great Lawn at West Kowloon Cultural District (WKCD). Here, visitors of all ages can wander through a whimsical wonderland with giant inflatable attractions, including a giant bouncy castle with a seven-meter-tall inflatable slide, as well as snap photos with cartoon character balloons. Finally, the celebrations culminate with the Merry Balloon Parade on January 11, where beloved balloon characters from around the world will be parading around WKCD’s Art Park to put a smile on everyone’s face. Visit Merry Balloon’s website for complete details on the events.

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  • Things to do
  • Food and drink events
  • Soho

Black Sheep Restaurant’s winter-exclusive Chalet des Alpes has returned to Central for the third time, transforming the space on 18 Shelley Street into a warm, cosy retreat, much like traditional Alpine chalets. From now until January 15, diners can indulge in a hearty menu ($1,088 per person) that’ll burst your belly. From festive appetisers such as salade de Mâche, assorted charcuterie boards, and ooey-gooey raclette, to their irresistible fondue of gruyère and Emmental cheese, this is the epitome of winter comfort food, even if you’re not leaving town for colder climes this year. 

Additionally, the Chalet will be giving away nightly prizes to the dining group with the best après-ski outfits, so be sure to don your overalls, fuzzy hats, and obnoxiously large ski goggles.

  • Art
  • Installation
  • West Kowloon
  • Recommended

A new exhibition at M+ showcases 12 immersive installations by pioneering women artists from Asia, Europe, and the Americas, including three new works by Asian artists. Dream Rooms: Environments by Women Artists 1950s–Now emphasises the multisensory experience of art and highlights women’s contributions to installation art, a field often overshadowed by male artists. Visitors can actively engage with the environments, which include nine historic pieces that have been painstakingly reconstructed, such as Aleksandra Kasuba’s Spectral Passage (1975), which invites individuals to journey through interconnected nylon structures as a metaphor of the life cycle; Judy Chicago’s Feather Room (1966), an all-white space filled with 300 pounds of feathers; and more.

M+ will also host talks with co-curators Andrea Lissoni and Marina Pugliese to discuss the concept behind the exhibition, and a panel discussion with the three Asian artists whose new, commissioned work is part of Dream Rooms. Additionally, M+ Cinema will screen three documentaries about some of the exhibited artists to supplement the show.

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  • Chinese
  • Tsim Sha Tsui

Chinese restaurant Hutong has launched a new menu celebrating the fiery flavours of northern cuisines. Titled ‘Qian Jiao Bai Wei – The Essence of Heat’, the menu spotlights five dishes elevated with a secret ingredient: Hutong’s housemade chilli sauces. Crafted using five chilli varieties native to northern China, each sauce brings a distinctive kick to traditional recipes. 

Diners can savour three sauces at the restaurant: Yunnan Pepper and Kumquat Chilli Sauce, Hunan Nutty Spicy Almond Sauce, and Sichuan Erjingtiao. Meanwhile, the Hutong Chilli Sauce and Hutong Peppercorn Oil is also available for purchase. The ‘Qian Jiao Bai Wei’ menu will be available at all Hutong locations worldwide until January 18, 2026. The Hutong Chilli Oil and Hutong Peppercorn Oil are made fresh daily and priced at $200 each. 

  • Things to do
  • Food and drink events
  • Soho

Bringing the French galette des roi tradition to life in Hong Kong, steak frites restaurant La Vache! offers its interpretation of this classic pastry across its branches for dine-in and takeaway while reimagining this ritual with an enticing lucky draw. 

From now until January 31, diners who discover a fève inside their slice of galette des roi – King’s Cake – stand a chance to win two round-trip tickets to Paris! To enter the draw, simply share your discovery on Instagram while tagging the restaurant and using the hashtag #LaVacheRoyals.

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  • Art
  • Central

Running until February 20, 2026 at Tai Kwun, ‘Book of Changes: The Art of Basil Pao’ is a thematic photography exhibition that explores the profound impact of the ancient I Ching text on Chinese life and cultural heritage through abstract visual dialogue.

As one of the Five Classics in Chinese literature, the I Ching – also known in translation as the Book of Changes – is a divination and philosophy text that fortune-seekers refer to for moral guidance and wisdom. Basil Pao is best known for his photography work on Michael Palin’s BBC travel programmes, which were later published as large-format books. In this exhibition of images, he interprets the concepts explained in the I Ching through two photography series: The Great Walls of China and Glimpses of Silence.

If your curiosity is roused by the I Ching and you’d like to gain a glimpse into the future, you can seek your own fortune through the ‘Consulting the Book of Changes’ interactive experience on-site. Visitors can also pick up an exclusive postcard featuring artwork from Pao’s The Great Walls of China photography series as a keepsake. If you’re a TK Fan member, you can make use of Tai Kwun’s special mailing service – just scribble down your message on the postcard and send it off to a local address!

  • Art
  • West Kowloon
  • Recommended

Head to the Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM) to find our city’s first comprehensive exhibition dedicated to Mughal art. The Mughal empire was one of the world’s most powerful kingdoms that encompassed much of modern-day Indian, Pakistan, and Afghanistan, ruling from the 16th to the 17th centuries. Though they ruled a mainly Hindu population, the Mughals were Muslim with Mongol origins, and were known for their rich culture and architecture – the Taj Mahal is one such legacy from this empire.

Over 100 artefacts from the golden age of the Mughal dynasty, from paintings and jewellery to weaponry, architectural segments, and even some rare surviving textiles from this period are now on show – Hong Kong is this exhibition’s only Asia venue after its London premiere in the Victoria and Albert Museum. Under the rule of three emperors, the Mughal court greatly fostered artistic development and embraced cross-cultural influences, shown here in jade pieces that have incorporated motifs from the Chinese court. Highlights include a casket with mother-of-pearl inlays, a thumb ring from Emperor Akbar’s reign with western enamelling that shows the Mughal court’s hybrid aesthetic, and a beautiful dagger sheath and hilt lavishly decorated with gold and red gemstones.

‘Treasures of the Mughal Court’ runs until February 23, 2026, and tickets are priced from $150 which also grants access to HKPM’s thematic exhibitions in galleries one to seven.

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  • Things to do
  • Markets and fairs
  • Central

Hong Kong’s annual winter celebration returns to Central Harbourfront this December, paying tribute to Hong Kong’s cultural heritage with performances from local talents, local cuisine, and photo ops inspired by the city’s beloved landmarks and neighbourhoods. As always, thrilling rides, carnival games, and limited-edition prizes at over 30 different attractions await you, as well as Gandeys Circus’ brand-new winter-themed show, “The Winter World Circus,” a new act that adds a delightfully frozen flair to Gandeys’ signature choreo numbers and acrobatics. 

AIA Carnival will take place at Central Harbourfront from December 22, 2025 to March 1, 2026.

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  • Art
  • Drawing and illustration
  • Sha Tin

A good dose of laughter is a great remedy for the stressors of hectic urban life, which is why comedic comics have been so well-received since they appeared in Hong Kong in the early 20th century. By the 1950s, local comics truly began to take off, giving rise to iconic characters like Old Master Q, My Boy, and Sau Sing Chai. Visitors can see beloved comic works spanning from the 50s to modern-day characters used in our everyday group chat stickers.

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  • Things to do
  • Exhibitions
  • Kowloon Tong

‘Luminous Neon’ is a new exhibition at the DX Design Hub in Sham Shui Po that shares the radiant world of neon signage and the beauty of the traditional art form with visitors for a dose of nostalgia and collective reminiscing. Presented by the Hong Kong Design Centre, Serious Staging, and Tetra Neon Exchange, ‘Luminous Neon’ brings together a collection of painstakingly restored neon signs and new creations, creating a visual dialogue between traditional craftsmanship and modern creativity. 

Endlessly photographable but balanced with educational and informative elements, the exhibition contrasts the different generational approaches to neon art and its legacy as an enduring cultural symbol of Hong Kong. Check out the historic ‘Golden Phoenix Restaurant’ and legendary ‘Tai Ping Koon Restaurant’ signs that once illuminated two of the city’s most prominent soy sauce western establishments, the ‘Nam Cheong Pawn Shop’ with its unique silhouette, and the Ray-Ban-shaped ‘Tai Cheong Eyeglasses’ sign, and more, all of which highlight the hard-earned skills of neon masters.

  • Things to do
  • Exhibitions
  • Mid-Levels

Hong Kong’s Dr Sun Yat-sen Museum (SYSM) has finally reopened to the public after months of renovation, just in time to mark the 100th anniversary of the Chinese statesman’s passing. As part of the revamp, the SYSM is presenting the ‘From Healing Patients to Saving a Nation - Dr. Sun Yat-sen in Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao’ exhibition from now until March 31, 2026, with free admission to all. 

After making touring stops in Zhongshan and Macau, the exhibition has now come to Hong Kong for its final leg to showcase the life story, ideological journey, and remarkable contributions of Dr Sun. More than 60 invaluable artefacts, documents, and historical photographs are on display, highlighting his ties to the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau region. Among them is a historic photograph depicting the Hou Keng Reading Society, a glass negative of the ‘Four Great Desperados’, and significant letters and inscriptions.

If you’d like to deep-dive into Dr Sun’s philosophy, the SYSM will also host scholars from Hong Kong and Macau on November 29 and December 13 for two public lectures. 

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  • Things to do
  • Exhibitions
  • West Kowloon
  • Recommended

In a landmark collaboration between the Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM) and the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) of Egypt, 250 treasures and relics from the land of the Pharaohs will be on display in Hong Kong for nine and a half months. Named ‘Ancient Egypt Unveiled’, this exhibition is the largest, most comprehensive, and longest-running display of ancient Egyptian artefacts Hong Kong has ever seen, displaying archaeological finds loaned straight from Egypt, many of which are being shown outside of their home country for the very first time.

Some of our favourite highlights include a set of canopic jars used to store internal organs in the mummification and burial process; statues of the female pharaoh Hatshepsut and Rameses II; painted coffins of wood and stone; a Book of the Dead papyrus scroll; and even an ancient Egyptian toilet seat.

Swing by the gift shop to find a wide range of Egypt-related merch, including an adorable series of blind box plushies created by HKPM which depict pharaohs, canopic jars, mummies, and more.

  • Things to do

See what life was like in the legendary Kowloon Walled City and step inside this immersive 'real life' movie set exhibition! Featuring meticulously recreated shops and scenes from the award-winning film Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In, the exhibition will take you back into the 1980s inside the famous Walled City to explore everything from the local cafe to the neighbourhood dental clinic.

Check out our guide for everything you need to know about the exhibition, from dates and opening hours to highlights not to be missed.

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  • Travel
  • Transport & Travel

Ever since Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB) launched its pet-friendly bus services, the response has been overwhelmingly positive in Hong Kong’s pet owners. KMB has since gamely added new routes to service more people, with stops now available in neighbourhoods like To Kwa Wan, Sham Tseng, Stanley, and more. Click below to find out more about week day pet bus routes, additional weekend buses, monthly tickets, and August-exclusive adventure buses!

  • Kids
  • Film events
  • Tsim Sha Tsui

The Hong Kong Space Museum has launched a new 3D dome show catered to little Einsteins and space-loving adults. ‘The Great Solar System Adventure 3D’ replaces their previous programme exploring the Arctic wilderness with an immersive, interstellar voyage.

The show will run until October 14, 2026, with screening times at 2pm and 6.30pm on weekdays, 12.30pm and 5pm on weekends and public holidays at the Space Theatre. Tickets are priced from $15 to $40 per person.

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  • Art
  • Outdoor art
  • West Kowloon

‘The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: The Art Plaza Project at the Hong Kong Palace Museum’ is a multimedia initiative that takes traditional Chinese garden aesthetics as the main inspiration. The project features large installations by five local artists and an architect, each creative bringing a unique contemporary interpretation of traditional zen garden elements to the showcase, where iconic pavilions, flowing water, and aesthetic rock formations are reimagined with materials found in our bustling city, such as bamboo, metal, and fabric. 

This exhibition will be open to the public until November 2, 2026 at the Museum Plaza at the Hong Kong Palace Museum. Entry is free of charge during the museum’s opening hours. 

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