WinterFest brings the best of Christmas (hktdc.com)


	Central business is transformed into a dazzling Santa's Town during Hong Kong's Christmas festival

	SantaFest in Lan Kwai Fong mixes festive spirit with fund raising

Hong Kong is transformed into a winter wonderland at Christmas, when the "city of lights" is dressed in its festive best.

It's an exceptional time of the year to be in Hong Kong. At the city's heart, international business continues at cracking pace inside skyscrapers festooned with the most spectacular lighting displays. All around shoppers and gourmands are spoiled for choice with all that this renowned city has to offer.

Hong Kong Tourism Board has kicked off the holiday season by launching WinterFest 2006, turning the busy Central business district into a dazzling Santa's Town. A huge Christmas tree rises 35 metres above this fun-filled town, serving as a beacon drawing people from both sides of Hong Kong harbour to the WinterFest celebrations. There's lots to do at the Snowy Chapel, Santa's Clock Tower, Santa's Lodge, Santa's Post Office and even a Mistletoe Corner. The whole of Santa's Town reverberates with music and laughter, with carollers and performers entertaining on weekends and holidays.

WinterFest is also the perfect time of year to indulge in two of Hong Kong's favourite passions - shopping and eating.

Unforgettable

According to Swire Properties, a leading retail landlord in Hong Kong, "nowhere else in Asia has such a strong Christmas atmosphere as in Asia's world city".

"The whole city will have celebrations of all kinds during this festive season, with festive lightings on commercial buildings' exterior along the waterfront, as well as interior festive decorations and activities in major shopping malls," said Elizabeth Kok, Swire's portfolio manager, responsible for Cityplaza.

Swire Properties pools huge effort and resources to transform its shopping malls into perfect destinations for shoppers to mingle and celebrate Christmas. International performers will join in the Christmas entertainment, with redemption campaigns and lucky draws for the enjoyment of both tourists and local residents.

Christmas is also the time Hong Kong excels at one of the things it does best – food! Make the most of the culinary capital of Asia by savouring the seasonal specialties on offer and checking out the great deals for visitors in the Discover Hong Kong Year Bonus Guide, and award winning restaurants featured in the Best of the Best section.

Lavish fare

Hong Kong's buoyant economy is reflected in increased competition among Hong Kong's elite five-star hotels, said Ainslie Cheung, Director of Communications, InterContinental Grand Stanford.

"Private functions have definitely been on the increase this year and people are seeking the extra frills and touches that would make their events stand out. Hiring extra chefs to man a smoked salmon carving station is just the tip of the festive iceberg. Of course, the usual signs of a successful economy - champagne, caviar and oysters - are more visible than ever."

"However, it is not just the standard grades that people are looking for - they are seeking out the Louis Roederer Cristal, the finest possible farmed caviar in larger portions and larger than normal oysters - bigger juicier belons - preferably from Brittany." The hotel will be flying in luxury jetfresh foods and produce from Italy, France, Germany, Japan and Australia "to ensure that our guests get a festive season to remember".

Peace and goodwill

And at legendary entertainment district Lan Kwai Fong, the spirit of giving is well and truly alive. The second annnual SantaFest returns by popular demand on Saturday, December 9, when all proceeds from a festive propotion at Igor's Group restaurants are donated to charity. This year's funds will improve the quality of life for disabled children by providing free rehabilitative surgeries through the Children's Surgical Centre (CSC) in Phnom Penh.

For a glimpse of the exciting Christmas programmes in Hong Kong this season, visit any of the web links below: