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Whoosh… that was the sound of 2012 zooming past! It’s hard to believe that we’re already thinking ahead to 2013, looking back on the year that’s been, making our New Year’s resolutions (and calculating which ones we’ll have broken by January 5th!). If you’ve been too busy cooking up the perfect Christmas to give the 31st a second thought then keep reading.
Whether you like gathering the family together to ring in the New Year or prefer to have some grownup time throwing shapes in your highest heels, we’ve got the lowdown on the countdown right here.
Family Events
A Viennese New Year with the Hong Kong Philharmonic
December 30 & 31, 8pm
Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Tsa Tsui
In the post-Christmas haze of plastic toys, how about some high culture? The Hong Kong Philharmonic Society presents a night of polkas, marches and toe-tapping waltzes. A definite improvement on a night with the Xbox!
New Year’s Eve Countdown Carnival
December 31 into January 1, 8:30pm-12:15am
Sha Tin Park and Sha Tin Plaza, New Territories
There’s dragon and lion dancers, a magician and even a harmonica group at this New Territories shindig. This is very much a family affair.
The Annual Apple Countdown
New Year’s Eve from 9pm
Times Square, 1 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay
Hong Kong’s answer to the famous New York countdown, and hugely popular since way back in 1994. Although Times Square is usually busy, come the 31st those Saturday shopping crowds will seem like a walk in the park! We think this is better for those with older kids as you may have a long wait to get home post-midnight.
Hong Kong Fireworks and Display 2013
New Year’s Eve, from 11pm
Victoria Harbour
Ok, so every year is bigger and better than the last, but this year promises to be something really special! There’s an 8-minute long pyrotechnic display, launched from both land and sea, which starts out in the harbour and moves back toward the city in layers. Plus, here’s a really sweet touch that will thrill little ones: every 15 minutes from 11pm there’ll be ‘shooting stars’ launched from buildings along the waterfront. Get them to make a wish and if they’re very good (a lie-in for mum and dad on the 1st, perhaps?) it might just come true!
**And if you’re looking for the best viewing spots for the fireworks, here’s a few of our absolute faves, or get up close to the action with a harbour cruise.
Prefer to enjoy the show from the comfort of your couch? Can’t say we blame you, and hooray for the internet! The display will be available to live stream here.
World’s Largest Dragon and Lion Dance Parade
January 1, 2pm to 4.30pm
Starting at Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, via the Cultural Centre and Avenue of Stars to Centenary Garden.
Every year, Hong Kong aims for the Guinness World Record for the largest Dragon and Lion dance parade and 2013 is no different. With over 800 auspicious animals featured, this colourful, noisy extravaganza will wow children (and adults!) and is a great antidote to any post-festivity slump!
New Year’s Day Racing at Sha Tin Racecourse
Januray 1, 12pm to 6pm
How about a fun flutter on the gee-gees? Loser gets to tidy their room, winner buys ice-cream!
Eating
The Market
Hotel Icon, Tsim Sha Tsui
Fancy eating out as a family but don’t want the little ones up too late? The Market’s New Year’s Eve lunch buffet or New Year’s Day brunch options tick the family-friendly box (and leave you free to party on the night itself!) They’ll also love the life-size gingerbread house in the lobby.
The Watermark
Star Ferry Pier, Central
For dinner with a view, the Watermark is a great option. There’s a gourmet 6-course dinner, and you can enjoy the fireworks over a cheese platter or dessert.
Tosca
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, ICC, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon
If December 31 is your blow-out night of the year, Tosca is for you. For a mere (ahem) HK$3288 per person, you can enjoy an 8-course celebratory dinner along with an exclusive party.
The Globe
Garley Building, 45-53 Graham Street, Central
At the opposite end of the glitz-scale, you could head to the Globe for a New Year knees-up in the pub. They’ll be celebrating a global New Year, running through each time zone from 9pm onwards (that’s Sydney and Melbourne, btw!) There’ll be no fancy menu, but their pub grub is legendary, and there’s no admission fee either.
Intercontinental Hotel
18 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Another option with that fab view, there’s plenty of dining options to ring in the New Year. Again, lunchtime with the kids works better than pushing back bedtime (we understand!) then Harbourside has a gourmet seafood lunch on the 31st. Alternatively, the promise of sweet little treats should get them to sit still in the Lobby Lounge for a New Year’s Eve afternoon tea!
Top Deck at Jumbos
Shum Wan Pier Drive, Wong Chuk Hang, Aberdeen
This perennial Sassy Mama fave has New Year’s dinner covered for the whole family. You’ll enjoy the view and the bubbly, they’ll enjoy the mini-burgers. Everyone’s a winner!
For the Grownups
Regal Airport Hotel
31 December, 10pm to 4am
9 Cheong Tat Road, Hong Kong International Airport
Take off to the first ever New Year’s Eve Countdown Party in the Grand Ballroom of the Regal Airport Hotel (voted world’s best airport hotel 2012 by Business Traveller UK). There’s free-flow drinks, plenty of snacks and live entertainment by world-renowned DJs (DJs VJ, Samir, JF Amadei and Disk0kidz). There’s also a free shooter on arrival and a complimentary glass of champers during the countdown to get you in the holiday spirit. Beat the crowds and get your early-bird ticket now for a sweet discount!
Armani Prive Roaring Twenties NYE Party
31st December, 10pm to 4am
Armani Prive / Armani Aqua, 2/F, Landmark Chater (Chater House), 8 Connaught Road, Central
Step back in time to the age of decadence, jazz and flappers at The Roaring Twenties NYE Party. Glamorous 1920’s fashion is the order of the evening; think flapper dresses, feather boas, strands of pearls and zoot suits for the dapper gent on your arm! There’s three themed rooms, Hong Kong’s finest DJs (featuring DJ Enso, DJ Fudge, DJ Suru (Small & Tall)), 1920’s Burlesque dancers, Saxophone player Blaine Whittaker, a lucky draw and other surprises on the night.
BLT Steak & Al Molo Midnight in Paris 2012 NYE Party
31stDecember, 6pm onwards
Shop G62 & G63, G/F, Ocean Terminal, Tsim Sha Tsui
Squint a bit and you’re in Montmartre! BLT Steak and AL MOLO will host a Midnight In Paris-themed New Year’s party, with yummy French wines and a French gourmet dinner, all soundtracked by Parisian Jazz Classics. There’s a great view of the harbour fireworks and the party kicks on into the wee hours with a European DJ. Trés Chic!
Soiree
19 Lower Elgin Street, Soho
31st December, 7.00pm til late
Saunter down to Soiree this New Year’s Eve for their BONDS BABES BLONDS party (what more could you want?!). It’s black tie only, so he can dig out his tux while you rock the Miss Moneypenny gown. Need another reason to go? Check out Sassy’s review of their amazing Sensations cocktails, featuring alongside free flow champagne, spirits, wine, beer and canapés on the night.
W Hotel’s Countdown LOUDER New Year’s Eve Party
31st December, 10pm to 3am
WOOBAR, W Hong Kong, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon
If it’s all about the music, then the W’s LOUDER party is for you. Not for the wallflower, (the clue’s in the name!) they’ll be spinning some serious beats from Gio Vanhoutte (W Hotels & Burn Studios DJ Lab 2012 Artist, from W Seoul – Walkerhill), Punks Jump Up (Kitsuné, London), A.N.D.Y. (Discotexas, Brussels), and W Hong Kong’s Artistic Director Angus Wong. As you enjoy your beats and bubbles check out the largest digital visual LCD art display ever seen at the W Hong Kong.
That’s all from us for 2012… Happy New Year, mama, and we’ll see you in 2013!
