Celia Lee

Christmas is just around the corner, which means it’s time to get all your gift shopping done! Luckily, there’s still a bit of time left to hunt down the perfect treat for the women in your life. If you’re running short on ideas, let our Christmas gift guide for her help you find a thoughtful and meaningful present that the ladies will love. RECOMMENDED: Start planning for the holiday season with our ultimate guide to celebrating Christmas in Hong Kong.

With Thanksgiving on the horizon, it’s time to start planning your gathering with friends and family before the festive rush hits. If you, like us, have been craving a hearty turkey roast, cinnamon-y pies, and warming hot cocoas with the recent drop in temperature, we’ve got you covered. Check out some of Hong Kong’s best thanksgiving menus for 2025, and pass that cranberry sauce! RECOMMENDED: Book a table at one of these new restaurants in town or enjoy a meal from one of these restaurants with an epic view. Best for large gatherings: Buenos Aires Polo ClubBest for a unique meal: Quiero MásBest for roast lovers: Feather & BoneBest for families: Fini’sBest for Friends-giving: La Paloma

There are many ways to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, such as admiring the full moon, spending time with family and friends, or solving lantern riddles. If you ask us, our favourite way to get into the festive spirit is to stuff our faces with mooncakes. From timeless fillings like lotus seed paste with salted egg yolks to creative flavours like chocolate, tea custard, or cured ham, there are plenty of mooncakes to try. In preparation for the autumnal festival falling on October 6, we’ve gathered some of the best mooncakes you can get your hands on this year.RECOMMENDED: Mark your Mid-Autumn Festival with an indulgent family meal at Hong Kong's best restaurants.

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 that’s representative of local comedies, these iconic crime films not only offer gripping stories but also capture the essence of life in our city in the 70s and 80s. Now, cinephiles and cultural enthusiasts can relive their favourite scenes from these classics at the Old Yau Ma Tei Police Station. Opened on January 2, the ‘Yau Ma Tei Police Station: A Cinematic Journey’ delves into local cop film classics through reconstructed sets, collectibles, original scripts, and much more.  Organisers couldn’t have picked a more apt setting for an exhibition spotlighting Hong Kong cop vs triad films. Not only did the façade of the Old Police Station appear as a backdrop for a good number of iconic titles, but the restored building also retains its original Edwardian architecture that’s representative of colonial buildings in the 20s, while the majority of the two-storey structure is opened for the public to explore. This nostalgic location definitely sets the stage for an immersive affair.  Photograph: Courtesy Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency Visitors enter through a retro-style cinema entrance before moving onto five immersive spaces: CID Office, Identification Parade Room, the Armoury, Surveillance Room, and Detention Cells. Designed by local filmmak

Newly opened at the East Kowloon Cultural Centre is Mi Manchi, a laid-back trattoria serving a menu of casual Italian fare. Located just minutes away from the Kowloon Bay MTR station and between the neighbourhood’s residential areas, Mi Manchi is a no-fuss, family-friendly destination with a touch of class — thanks to its artsy abode.  Tucked away within the Cultural Centre, Mi Manchi sports an open-planned interior complete with two-storey floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooks the surrounding metropolis. Its window counter seats are ideal for a lazy afternoon of people watching, while its booths and tables add extra comfort and privacy to your meals.  Photograph: Celia Lee Mi Manchi offers a menu of Italian classics revamped with a local twist. A highlight is the tofu cheese foam with focaccia toast ($78), a light and fluffy tofu cloud that pairs exceptionally well with the contrasting crunch of toasted focaccia slices, while another signature is the restaurant’s selection of homemade fresh pastas. If you’re indecisive, go with our choice: the spaghetti alla red shrimp ($178), a rich and indulgent dish made with Huadiao-infused soy sauce and sashimi-quality shrimp that is served with a spray of Huadiao mist.  Another highlight is Mi Manchi’s housemade sourdough pies, where toppings are piled on a sliced sourdough bread loaf and baked to perfection. Meanwhile, the restaurant offers four classics: housemade gelato, bomboloni, panna cotta, and tiramisu. As for drinks, you’l

Hong Kong keeps things alive with a steady slew of new openings and offerings, and nighttime punters will be glad to hear that a new cocktail bar has just opened on Soho’s buzzy Peel Street. Friday After Class serves a menu of nostalgic favourites inspired by one of our core collective memories: college. This cosy joint on Peel is divided into an intimate ‘Common Room’ and a rowdy ‘Pre-game’ terrace where cocktails are served on tap through a takeaway window in red solo cups.  The Common Room menu offers 10 concoctions dedicated to three stages of life, where cocktails increase in strength with each chapter. ‘Lifelong Kindergarten’ comprises two sweet cocktails that recalls the simple joys and sweet treats of childhood, while ‘Bittersweet Adolescence’ explores the period of turbulent pre-adulthood with twists on classic recipes and savoury creations. A highlight is the Reverse Manhattan, which channels the rebelliousness of teenage years with inverted ratios in a traditional mix.  Photograph: Courtesy Friday After Class The final chapter, ‘Say FAC! To Adulthood’, is made up of four refined cocktails. Highlights include the Shroom-Fashioned with umami flavours of mushroom, butter, and coffee, as well as a duo of martinis that champions a good life motto, “Float Like a Butterfly, Sting Like a Bee.” Out on the pre-game terrace a selection of uni party favourites await. Initial takeaway cocktails include FAC’s take on the British summer classic, Pimm’s High Cup; a throwback wit

Hong Kong is no stranger to spectacular Christmas lights and installations this time of the year. However, a recently opened destination in the West Kowloon Cultural District is promising Hongkongers a different kind of fun this festive season. Get ready to bounce the year away at Merry Balloon Hong Kong, a giant inflatable playground offering endless merriment to visitors of all ages. Here’s everything you need to know before your visit.  The Balloon Park themed attraction is one of three mega projects under Merry Balloon Hong Kong and will take place from now until January 11, 2026. The park is divided into two main zones: the ‘Giant Bouncy Zone’ where large inflatable attractions, a bouncing area, and an inflatable slide await, while the ‘Snap & Play Zone’ includes a vibrant maze populated with installations of popular cartoon characters ranging from Moomin and Peppa Pig to SpongeBob and Mr. Men Little Miss that are ideal for photo taking. An outdoor snack booth will also be onsite, where you can refuel with small bites and drinks in-between all the jumping.  Photograph: Courtesy Merry Balloon Hong Kong Entries into Merry Balloon Hong Kong are divided into three categories: Junior, Everyone’s Fun Day, and After Dark. Junior sessions take place from 9.30am to 12.40pm and are designed for little ones under 120cm, so parents can let them run free around a safe zone within the park. Everyone’s Fun Day sessions run from 12.50pm to 7.20pm, where children aged 15 or under can p

While we love to indulge in a well-shaken post-work margarita, the vibe calls for something with less detrimental effects on your liver once in a while. Among the myriad boba shops and coffee spots in Central, a new contender for delicious drinks, good vibes, and an all-round mindful philosophy has entered the scene: Hong Kong’s favourite matcha specialist Matchali has finally opened a second location on Lyndhurst Terrace! Fellow matcha lovers, it’s time to get hyped.  Photograph: Courtesy Matchali Loved for its handcrafted, ceremonial-grade matcha creations, Matchali has become a one-stop shop for all things matcha since opening on Wan Chai’s Moon Street back in June 2022. Visitors can expect the same matcha-centred menu on offer at its Central store, alongside seasonal offerings, location-exclusive items, premium tea powders, and state-of-the-art brewing equipment.  Photograph: Courtesy Matchali The Lyndhurst-exclusive iced banana bread matcha latte infuses the essence of this comforting treat with matcha to create a tropical delight, while the Spanish matcha latte layers hand-beaten tea with swirls of creamy condensed milk for extra indulgence. Meanwhile, diners can pair their drinks with the sweet yet refreshing matcha ricotta strawberry toast or the matcha yoghurt granola bowl, a hearty delight packed full of essential nutrients and superfoods.  Photograph: Courtesy Matchali Don’t miss the Christmas specials! The festive line-up stars returning favourites such as t

Since Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi’s comments on Taiwan in a recent parliamentary debate, Sino-Japanese relations have seen a steady decline. This political tension has led to many Japanese artists being boycotted from performing in mainland China as well as its Special Administrative Regions. Unfortunately for fans of Japanese pop idol Ayumi Hamasaki, the cancellation of her upcoming Macau concert will mark the second axed performance in her 2025 ‘I am ayu’ Asia tour.  The J-pop sensation announced the cancellation on Instagram, expressing her regret about the decision following discussions with event organisers. Scheduled to take place in Macau on January 10, 2026, the concert was originally planned to be the finale of Hamasaki’s 2025 Asia tour, which began in Hong Kong with an electric performance at AsiaWorld-Arena in June.  Since her Hong Kong appearance, Hamasaki has shown her love and appreciation for her supporters in our city through fan-interactions and social media presence. Notably, before the singer’s Shanghai concert was scheduled to take place, Hamasaki announced in an Instagram post that, in light of Hong Kong’s devastating Tai Po fire, she would be nixing red-coloured costumes, cancelling crimson special effects, and urged fans not to wear red to the show. Nonetheless, the performance was axed one day before it was scheduled to take place on November 29, leading to the singer performing to an empty stadium instead.  Fans who have purchased tickets f

If you, like us, remember when the CupNoodles museum first opened its doors in Tsim Sha Tsui back in March 2021, then this will come as sad news to you. The beloved establishment has become a staple weekend destination for visitors of all ages, offering DIY cup noodle workshops alongside a comprehensive instant noodle-themed exhibition. If you’ve yet to experience the magic of the CupNoodles Museum, or are simply on the hunt for a slurp of nostalgia, pay them a visit before their doors close for good. But this isn’t all bad news for cup noodles fans, as the museum also teases its eventual return to Hong Kong after a round of renovation. As mentioned in a discreet closing statement published on November 24, the CupNoodles Museum Hong Kong will operate until January 11, 2026, with intention to return with a “brand-new format and design in the future”.  Photograph: Courtesy Cup Noodles Museum Until then, the public is encouraged to visit the museum for its noodle factory-themed exhibition, complete with the iconic Cup Noodles Wall and a three-metre tall giant, overturned cup noodle, The Big Cup. Beyond photo ops, visitors can also sign up for the My CupNoodles Factory workshop ($60), Demae Iccho Factory workshop ($120), and the Hong Kong-exclusive My Granola workshop ($60), where you can create your own cup noodle from scratch. Don’t forget to pay the souvenir shop a visit before you leave! Here’s where you can stock up on exclusive instant noodles, snacks, desserts, and more.

In light of the deadly fire that took place at Wang Fuk Court, Tai Po, many local and international initiatives have been set up to aid the clean-up and recovery services on the ground. Now, the art world is also pitching in on these collective fundraising efforts, so if you’re art lover and collector, here’s how you can contribute to a local ambulance service in the aftermath of the Tai Po disaster in return for a world-class piece of art.  Chinese artist Ding Shilun is auctioning one of his paintings, and all proceeds will go towards supporting St John Ambulance Hong Kong to aid their continued work for those affected by the tragedy at Wang Fuk Court. Known for his pictorial paintings, Ding’s latest work diverges from the vibrant hues and fantastical, mythological motifs that has become a trademark of the Guangzhou native.  Depicting a moment of stillness and serenity, Dawn (2025) features two painters sharing an umbrella as they observe a sunset over turbulent waters. Symbolising faith, hope, and resilience, the watercolour painting is a poignant reminder of continued support for victims and their families, and a light at the end of the tunnel for those in need.  The silent auction is taking place through Bernheim Gallery. To bid, simply message the gallery through email or direct message on Instagram. The auction will close at 11.59pm on December 11 and the winning bid will be announced on December 12.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jacky Ho (@

This December, local craft brewery Yardley Brothers will be hosting the inaugural Lamma Island Beer Fest on Power Station Beach! Gathering fine pours from Hong Kong’s top breweries — including Breer, Hong Kong Beer Co., Heroes Beer Co., and more — the two-day festival promises a weekend of friendly conversations and island fun powered by exceptional brews.  Festival-goers can also expect live music delivered by neighbourhood favourites from the Lamma Blues Collective, setting the stage for a chill afternoon with soulful tunes and mellow beats. Not gonna lie; we’re looking forward to a festival with summer vibes where we’re not actually sweating through our outfits! The highlight of the Beer Fest is, of course, the cold pints, and visitors will get one free beer plus a free festival glass to sample over 100 pours on offer with the purchase of a ticket. Additional beer tokens are also available for purchase on-site. Meanwhile, organisers Yardley Brothers will be launching a brand-new Milkshake India Pale Ale at the festival, a refreshing and flavourful creation aptly named Heliogazer.  The Lamma Island Beer Fest will take place between 1 and 4pm and 5 and 8pm on December 13, and between 1 and 4pm on December 14 at Power Station Beach, Yung Shue Wan, Lamma Island. Tickets are priced at $150 per person, while all-session passes are available for $288 per person, granting full access to all timeslots across both days. Tickets are available at yardleybrothers.hklammafest2025.   St

Acclaimed Korean fine-dining restaurant Mosu is hosting an exclusive four-hands dinner, where head chef Bruno Jeong combines forces with chef Scott Kang from Seoul’s ingredient-forward restaurant, Trid. If you’ve had the pleasure of dining at these restaurants before, you’ll know this is a significant collab worthy of Culinary Class Wars fame. Having honed his culinary skills in the bustling kitchens of Singapore and the vibrant, fast-paced food scenes in Melbourne and Sydney, chef Jeong is a recognisable member of the Mosu team, having been stationed at the restaurant’s Seoul flagship before taking over as head chef in the West Kowloon Cultural District. Since joining the team in Hong Kong, chef Jeong has channelled his wealth of culinary expertise into Mosu’s tasting menu-only operations.  Joining hands with chef Jeong in Mosu’s Michelin-starred kitchen is chef Kang, a former colleague and dear friend of chef Jeong. Over the years of refining his skills and expertise alongside chef Jeong at Mosu Seoul as well as the restaurant Benu in the States, chef Kang is now well-known for his unique interpretation of Korean cuisine that blends French techniques with seasonal, home-grown ingredients.  Their ‘Echoes of Korea’ menu promises to be a harmonious blend of flavours, where seasonal ingredients take centre stage. Chef Jeong will bring Mosu’s signature innovative flair while chef Kang reinterprets traditional recipes with a distinctive contemporary touch.  The Mosu x Trid: Echoe

Hong Kong’s annual winter celebration is about to return to Central Harbourfront this month! AIA Carnival will take place from December 22, 2025 to March 1, 2026, spanning the Christmas, New Year’s, and Lunar New Year holidays. The carnival’s 11th edition pays 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.  Photograph: Courtesy AIA Carnival As always, thrilling rides, carnival games, and more await along the harbourfront – and there’s good news for fairgoers this year. Organisers are introducing a flexible ride pricing system that offers lower rates on selected off-peak days, as well as a digital token system that conveniently lets you top up your token cards through a secure digital wallet between rides.  After snatching up limited-edition prizes at over 30 different attractions across the carnival, don’t forget to explore the diverse live entertainment programme on offer. A highlight is 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.   Photograph: Courtesy AIA Carnival When you’re starting to flag, take a breather to dine locally at the food and drinks stalls. Partnering once again with Blue Girl, the AIA Carnival brings back the crowd-favourite Blue Girl Dai Pai Dong, where festivalgoers can feast on authentic dai pai dong di

While the film camera resurgence has seen a dip in recent times, local patisserie Luna Cake is determined to bring this beloved analogue tech back in fashion. The cheesecake specialist has collaborated with Panda Camera to open a film camera-themed café in Causeway Bay!  Photograph: Courtesy Luna Cafe Luna Café promises to be a haven for cheesecake lovers and analogue camera enthusiasts alike, complete with a menu of Luna’s most popular items, specialty drinks, seasonal cakes, as well as retro photo spots at its Hysan Place location. Sporting a one-of-a-kind design, the café rides a fine line between nostalgia and futurism by juxtaposing retro analogue imaging technology with the metallic aesthetics of space travel. In the centre of the café is a giant vintage Fujifilm camera complete with realistic flash and black and green details. Unique to Luna Café is the food printing service, which lets you imprint a treasured image on one of the cheesecakes or drinks on offer.  Photograph: Yuen Cheung During its opening period, visitors can find a series of limited-edition items at the café. Photography enthusiasts will love the collab-exclusive film camera and space-themed polaroid album, available for redemption upon spending $149 at the café. Meanwhile, Luna is launching two exclusive drinks that channel the brand’s signature offerings. Only 100 cups of the creamy cheesecake milkshake and the aromatic hojicha cheesecake cloud cream are both available daily on a first-come-first