Weekender: CNY art classes, Puppets at The Landmark, World of Wearable Art and more!

We’re breathing a sigh of relief that that loooong public holiday is now over… but there’s still plenty of stuff going on to fill up those diaries! Check out our round-up of Hong Kong happenings for the upcoming week.

Kung hei fat choi!
Although the Chinese New Year holidays themselves may be over, there’s still a few seasonal activities to keep little hands busy. Kids Gallery has got some great arts and crafts classes with a special CNY twist – including a story-telling, lion dance role play and make your own dragon puppet session, or the chance to make a papier-mâchécherry blossom tree, design your own Chinese t-shirt or make a dragon-illustrated ancient scroll. Wish they’d also make us some lai see too!

When: 27 January, 1 & 2 February, 9.30-11.30am or 2.30-4.30pm
Where: Kids Gallery Central (21F Coda Plaza, 51 Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong) or Kowloon (28 Cumberland Road, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong)
How much: $490, book here for Central or here for Kowloon

Stay in fashion
It’s art! It’s fashion! It’s theatre! New Zealand’s unique World Of Wearable Art show is heading to Hong Kong as part of the Arts Festival – and the amazing colourful costumes and fantastical themes are sure to go down a treat with the whole family. Start practising your best catwalk!

When: 29-30 January & 3-4 February, 8pm; 29 January & 4-5 February, 3pm
Where: Star Hall, KITEC, Kowloon Bay, Hong Kong
How much: $160-350, www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288

Go to camp!
Just because the weather’s gloomy doesn’t mean there aren’t some fun camp options available for the kids! ActiveKids has got three kinds to take care of the tail-end of the CNY holidays, with themes for every type of youngster – including Science Adventures for learning the fun way, Stormy Chefs to whiz up a three-course meal or The Chess Academy to keep those little grey cells ticking over.

When: Until 1 February, times vary (see full schedule here)
Where: Around Hong Kong, see here for more info
How much: $950-2000; to enrol, see here

Theatre magic
Sadly, it’s time for the final part of the Kidsfest 2012 theatre shows that have been keeping our little ones amused for the past month – if only it could run all year! The last of the storybook classics to be brought to life for the big stage is Julia Donaldson’s Stick Man, telling the adventures of the eponymous title character and the colourful characters and animals he meets along the way.

When: 27-28 January, 10am & 3pm; 29 January, 10am & 12pm
Where: Drama Theatre, HKAPA, 1 Gloucester Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
How much: $195-395, www.hkticketing.com, 3128 8288

Puppet power!
Puppets at The Landmark, an exhibition of cute charming puppets created by beloved French puppeteer Jean-Claude Dehix, is certain to delight littlies – plus provide a nice little pit-stop in-between your shopping! Dehix’s handmade creations attract crowds of millions in Paris but it’s the first time they’ve come to Hong Kong; with scenes including an orchestra, New Year dancing, a countryside feast and Paris itself, there’s bound to be photo opps a-plenty.

When: Until 4 February
Where: The Landmark (Atrium & Queen’s Road Central Entrance), Chater House & Alexandra House, Central, Hong Kong
How much: Free