What’s New In The 852: 6 Hot Picks For Sassy Families This January

From free ferry rides to the return of AIA Carnival and the opening of new bakeries, restaurants and cafes, January is brimming with exciting activities and new products to cheer up all members of the family.

As the excitement of Christmas and the holiday season fades, Hong Kong lights up with cool new things to keep you pumped for the coming year. Keep tabs on what’s going on in the city with our shortlist of what’s new in the 852 for Sassy families this January!

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First-Ever McDonald’s Themed Ferry Offers Free Rides

Celebrating 50 years in Hong Kong, McDonald’s is inviting the public to take a free ferry ride on Wednesday, 1 January 2025 on a themed Star Ferry between Central and Tsim Sha Tsui. It will be adorned with designs inspired by McDonaldland characters and passengers will be able to relive the classic scene from 1976 when the first restaurant opened in Kowloon. The Ronald McDonald Bench will be displayed in 50 locations across Hong Kong for a limited time, and restaurants will be serving All Day Breakfasts (including McGriddles!) on the first day of 2025. If you have the McDonald’s app, make sure you check out the great offers running for a week from Thursday, 2 January 2025.

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AIA Carnival — Hong Kong’s favourite winter tradition returns

Ready for some winter fun? Our favourite family tradition is back and better than ever! Celebrating its 10th birthday, AIA Carnival has everything for all ages with over 20 exhilarating rides, interactive installations and fun games. There will also be a delightful selection of yummy food to power you through the day. And don’t forget AIA Alta presents The World Circus, where performances will keep you on the edge of your seats. Mark your calendars for a winter celebration that the whole family will adore! AIA Carnival will be open at the Central Harbourfront from Wednesday, 18 December 2024, until Sunday, 16 February 2025.

TruffleBAKERY Opens Doors Outside Of Japan For The First Time

Since its inception in 2017, TruffleBAKERY has taken Japan by storm with its freshly baked bread, innovative recipes and use of high quality ingredients. Now, for the first time, the beloved bakery is opening overseas and coming right here to Causeway Bay! Its soft opening on Sunday, 15 December was a resounding success, so don’t worry if you missed it, you’ll have another chance to sample its signature White Truffle Salt Bread as well as new items exclusive to Hong Kong like Chocolate Truffle Salt Bread and Osmanthus Oolong and Fig Sourdough. This is sure to be one worth lining up for!

TruffleBAKERY, G/F, The Hedon, 11 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

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New restaurant and social destination Aire redefines the Spanish dining experience

Epicurean Group’s third foray into Spanish cuisine in Hong Kong, Aire is a brand new restaurant concept set to be a unique addition to our city’s culinary landscape. With a focus on Basque grill cooking, imported ingredients from Spain, the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea, meticulous decor and attentive Iberian service, get ready to be transported to the isles of Spain the second you walk through Aire’s doors in Lee Gardens.

The exact opening date in January 2025 is currently unknown, stay tuned!

Aire, Shop 301B, 302, 3/F, Lee Garden One, 33 Hysan Avenue, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong

Blue Bottle Creates An Outdoor Park Coffee Experience In Tung Chung

In collaboration with Village Bakery and Lantau Blue, the first Blue Bottle Coffee in Tung Chung will open in Citygate Outlets near the Hong Kong International Airport. It will adopt a “gate park” design concept with triple-height, floor-to-ceiling windows that offer stunning views of Lantau Island’s gorgeous mountain scenery. As the design allows for a seamless blend from the inside of the mall to the great outdoors, this new coffee shop will provide the perfect spot to relax and take in your surroundings, while delighting in your expertly crafted coffee and exclusive menu items.

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Kele’s Chinese New Year 2025 Pokémon Special Collection

If you or your kids were ever on a mission to catch ’em all, make sure you don’t miss out on this limited-time special collection that combines the magic of Pokémon with Kele’s iconic baked goods. Whether you’re looking to gift Pineapple Tarts and Golden Pineapple Balls to your friends or keep them for yourself, the Pokémon-themed tins, flasks and tote bags are sure to add a touch of fun festive flair to anyone’s day.