Where to meet Santa in Hong Kong this Christmas

The Admiralty mall is transformed into a dazzling white-and-gold winter wonderland this year. Santa’s Grotto can be found on the first floor near Lane Crawford Home. A cosy Santa’s Village welcomes holiday shoppers with the sweet scent of freshly-baked gingerbread while you grab a photo – and ask for a wish – with Santa himself. You even get to take home a pack of sweets. Make sure to book your ticket here or at the Pacific Place Theatre Box Office. All proceeds go towards local charity Operation Santa Claus. $80-$110. Daily 12.30pm-3pm, 4.30pm-6pm, 6.30pm-8pm.

There’s no grander Christmas tree in Hong Kong than the one that sits in the heart of Central in Statue Square. Meet Santa Claus and friends as they make their appearances at Santa’s Lodge, which sits right next to the majestic 18m-tall tree. Grab a pic with Saint Nick and tell him your Christmas wishes and you might get a goodie bag in return! There are also carollers to crank up the festive ambiance. Free. Various times on December 1-3, 8-10, 15-25.

Come Christmas, it’s Goofy’s turn to shine! Taking the coveted mantle of Santa Claus, Goofy, donning a red-and-white suit, is out and about on Main Street giving out free hugs and photo-ops to anyone who’s on the good list – which is, well, everyone! Embrace all the festive cheer and catch the Mickey and Friends Christmastime Ball in front of the Sleeping Beauty Castle. There’s also a tree lighting ceremony and Christmas carol singing every evening.

‘I’m walking in the air...’ Bringing the Christmas classic cartoon The Snowman to life, the loveable character and Santa can be found roving Elements together, greeting Hongkongers, young and old, every Sunday up until Christmas. There are also plenty of Christmas caroling and other performances to enjoy. Not to mention, tons of photo opportunities everywhere with either The Snowman or his new friend, Snowdog. Free. Every Sunday until December 17. Daily between Dec 23-25 3.30pm-5.30pm. 

Transporting a slice of France and the alluring world of Moulin Rogue to Hong Kong, Festival Walk has been turned into the French capital this Christmas, complete with a red windmill and a giant Eiffel Tower-shaped Christmas tree. Aside from getting sweet selfies, you can meet Father Christmas in person and immortalise your encounter with a picture-perfect photo – limited edition photo frame and all. All proceeds go to Charles K Kao Foundation for Alzheimer's Disease. Why not pop along to the ice rink and go for a spin for two? $80. LG/F, Santa's French Cottage. 12pm-1.45pm, 2.30pm-3.45pm, 4.30pm-5.15pm, Dec 2-3, 9-10, 16-17, 23-26.