‘Tis the season to go shopping

Hong Kong is a glorious place this time of year. Christmas is on display–and on sale–as shopping malls are decked with festive surprises, streets are packed with cheerful, if not aggressive, shoppers, and best of all, stores are filled with amazing prices! It’s a shopping wonderland in Hong Kong and you’d be a silly Scrooge to miss out on it.

Pacific Place

Every year Pacific Place transforms into a White Christmas with traditional decors and Santa’s cabin set up in the indoor Garden Court. Have your photo taken with him for HKD60 or simply enjoy the live Christmas performances through till 25 December. Be enchanted by talented pianists or mesmerized by the ‘Christmas Belles’ – A beautiful Bell Costume Dance.

After getting into the ‘Real Christmas Spirit’, head on over to your favourite designer stores, such as Marc Jacobs, Kate Spade and Louis Vuitton, but if you’re in the mood for less upscale items, be sure to check out Mango (50% off Christmas sale!), Zara (also on sale) and Nine West (50% off and buy 1 get the 2^nd item for an even lower price) for the best deals. You can also peruse Lane Crawford for the top designer collections. From Balmain to YSL, if you’re looking to spend the big bucks, this is the place for you.

88 Queensway, Admiralty (map)

+852 2844 8900

IFC

The upscale IFC mall is home to every designer label, from food to shoes and cosmetics. This year, a giant airship is being showcased in the middle of the mall, towering at around 40 ft. above, with delighted aviator Santas! ‘Dream To Fly’ also presents an aerial show performed by French group Les Farfadais, complete with unicyclists, a songstress dawning a dramatic scarlet dress, and Cirque du Soleil-esque acrobats.

8 Finance St., Central (map)

+852 2295 3308

Times Square

Always with the most unique and interesting displays, Times Square is staging ‘A date at the Times’ with works from renowned Taiwanese illustrator Jimmy. The second floor atrium and open piazza are adorned with his signature characters jumping out into 3D form. Get lost in the quirky setting filled with a giant rabbit, penguins and the 8-meter high Trojan horse in Jimmy’s Wonderland.

Shop designer or go for the more hip and practical, as the mall is filled with everything a shopper could ask for. Whether you’re looking for perfume, bags, furniture or the latest Nike dunks, you’re likely to find everything on your Christmas wish list right here. My favourite place is Page One—the almost always fully stocked bookstore on the 9^th floor. Grab your favourite novels and comic books in one go then head on over to California Pizza Kitchen for the best peking duck pizza you’ll ever have!

Throughout the month, there will be festive performances, including caroling, lucky draws, a wandering Santa Claus, and handing out of free gifts! I’m trying my luck and hoping to get a moon cushion. If not, the ‘The Perfect Child 2010‘ calendar will do. All this ends on 5 January so don’t miss out.

1 Matheson St., Causeway Bay (map)

+852 2118 8900

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Photo credit: Jessy DB, The Hong Kong Guide