AIA Carnival
Photograph: Courtesy AIA Carnival
Photograph: Courtesy AIA Carnival

The best things to do in Hong Kong this weekend (January 23-25)

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
  • Food and drink events
  • Central

Legendary sushi chef Shinji Kanesaka will be returning to his namesake restaurant in Hong Kong this month for two days on January 23 and 24 only to demonstrate in person to an exclusive group of diners exactly why his restaurant in Japan is crowned with two Michelin stars and countless accolades. This will be a rare opportunity to indulge in nigiri sushi crafted by the acclaimed master himself.

Omakase sushi is wholly dependent on the freshest catches of the day and available seasonal offerings, but to give you an idea of what you could expect from chef Kanesaka’s two-day stint in town, the regular lunch omakase menu features selections such as fatty tuna, horse mackerel, sea urchin, and baby sea bream, while the dinner nigiri menu favours amberjack, lean tuna, tiger prawn, salmon roe, sea eel, medium fatty tuna, and much more. Japanese snow crab has also been mentioned as an ingredient that will feature in chef Kanesaka’s special menu, so that’s something to look forward to.

  • Music
  • Kowloon City

Globally popular Korean girl group Blackpink has announced the highly anticipated Asia leg of their Deadline world tour, and Hong Kong’s on their schedule! The last time Blackpink was in town was during their Born Pink world tour, when they played three concerts at the AsiaWorld-Expo in early 2023.

That was the highest-grossing tour by a girl group, and with the release of several successful solo projects from Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa since then, we can only expect even more people to want to see them perform live now. Since Hong Kong is the final stop on their Deadline tour, we’re also keeping our fingers crossed they end things with a bang and jazz things up for our shows.

Due to huge demand, Blackpink has added an extra date to their Hong Kong shows, so they’ll take the stage at Kai Tak Stadium on January, 24, 25, and 26.

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  • Things to do
  • Food and drink events
  • Lan Kwai Fong

Contemporary German restaurant Heimat by Peter Find is partnering up with local heritage brand Ha Ming Kee for a unique German-Cantonese fusion menu where Hong Kong’s humble fishball takes centre stage. Each dish in this six-course affair incorporates Ha Ming Kee’s fishball products into Heimat’s contemporary German cuisine. For a small teaser, the meal kicks off with an appetiser that pairs the beloved cuttlefish ball and crispy fish skin with potato foam and caviar, and moves onto a main course that transforms Ha Ming Kee’s famous fish cake into a delicate mousse to accompany ocean trout alongside Champagne cream sauce and lobster reduction. Finally, a deconstructed mango pomelo sago paired with coconut sorbet aptly concludes this one-of-a-kind East-meets-West tasting journey. 

The Heimat x Ha Ming Kee menu is priced from $580 per person and is available for lunch on January 23 and 24 at Heimat in Central. Reservations are now open at heimat.hk.

  • 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
  • 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.

  • 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!

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  • 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.

  • 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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  • Shopping
  • Pop-up shops
  • Mong Kok

Chiikawa and friends are returning to town as baby versions of themselves! From January 23 to March 2, Niko-Niko Lifestyle Store in Mong Kok’s MOKO shopping mall is hosting the Chiikawa Baby Hong Kong pop-up store, giving local fans a chance to enter the world of Chiikawa Baby for photo opportunities, pick up licensed merchandise and new releases, and immerse themselves in the official pop-up store experience. 

At the 2,000-sq-ft pop-up, you can get your hands on the new Chiikawa Baby Series 2 merchandise, featuring baby Chiikawa, baby Usagi, baby Hachiware, and more. From the Chiikawa Baby Crawling Baby Plushies and Chiikawa Baby Mini Bibs to dress up the dolls to the Chiikawa Baby Star Mascot, Chiikawa Baby Swaddle Plushies, Chiikawa Baby Quilted Tote Bags, and more, there’s so much to choose from that fans of these cute critters will probably get dizzy from whipping their heads around too much.

During the first week of the limited-time pop-up, there’s a reservation system in place, which opens on January 15 at 11am for visits between January 23 and 29. If you miss the opportunity to reserve a spot, be prepared to wait until January 30 to swing by.

  • 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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  • Cocktail bars
  • Causeway Bay

Louis Vuitton is celebrating its store expansion at Lee Gardens One with a limited-time bar pop-up, partnering with none other than the World’s Best Bar of 2025, Bar Leone. From now until March 15, the Bar Leone x Louis Vuitton pop-up bar will serve new cocktails, mocktails, and food created specifically for the collaboration, taking inspiration from the iconic Yum Sing Bar at the historic Lee Gardens Hotel.

Bar Leone-made drinks such as the Kir Royal with Ruinart Blanc de Blancs, raspberry cordial, and violet; the gin-based Lee Gardens Special with moutai, elderflower, cucumber cordial, and soda; and the Yum Sing Café, featuring coffee, salted cream, and cardamom. Paris With a View offers a non-alcoholic experience of grapefruit and raspberry flavours, while the Bar Leone signature, Masa Margarita, combines toasted corn-infused tequila, sloe gin, and lime cordial.

There are also three food sets available, loaded up with caviar, Balik salmon, lobster, foie gras, and more indulgences – each guest is required to order one per person in order to enjoy the Bar Leone x Louis Vuitton pop-up bar, and you’ll be prompted to choose which set you’d like when making your booking.

Read more details about the pop-up and how to book.

  • Things to do
  • Food and drink events
  • Tung Chung

Ringing in the new year, Cafe Lantau at Sheraton Hong Kong Tung Chung Hotel is bringing back its beloved seafood buffet with a twist, inviting legendary Wan Chai dining institution Sang Kee to collaborate on the limited-time ‘Shell and Savor’ buffet (from $844.8 for adults, from $734.8 for seniors, from $503.8 for children, all for dinner).

Available from January 5 to March 29 exclusively during the dinner seating, Sang Kee’s seafood staples and Cantonese signatures will be offered at Cafe Lantau, on top of a bountiful variety of iced Russian crab legs, iced lobster claws, tuna, hamachi, deep-fried Hiroshima oysters, soft-shell crab baos, crab bisque, and more from the buffet. Guests can expect Sang Kee’s rabbit fish congee with meatball, steamed fresh lobster with plum sauce and garlic, handmade pan-fried pork patty cake with Tai O salted fish, dace fish balls with clam sauce, and lava black sesame glutinous rice balls in ginger soup.

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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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