Style Edit: Hong Kong’s Discovery Bay invites visitors to experience a ‘buon Natale’ with Italian-themed decorations, Christmas Markets, live music and dance performances

Dec 6 , 2023

Winter wonderland? Visitors to Lantau this December can browse festive markets, indulge their sweet tooth and enjoy musical performances. Photos: Handout

Are you dreaming of a white Christmas? Get ready to make those dreams come true at Hong Kong’s Discovery Bay, where you can immerse yourself in the festivities of Buon Natale: Italian Wonders and indulge in a Christmas celebration like no other.

A picturesque scene will greet you as you step into the winter wonderland, made complete with artificial snow and enchanting Italian-themed decorations: the ideal backdrop for capturing Instagram-worthy pics and creating cherished memories.

At Discovery Bay’s festive North Plaza, a giant Christmas tree stands at six metres tall, while – keeping with the Italian theme – its eight-metre-long base is in the shape of a gondola

One of the highlights of the festivities is at DB North Plaza, where you’ll find yourself immersed in an authentic European Christmas atmosphere, complete with festive lighting, light projections and decorations. The picturesque DB North Clock Tower will be the centrepiece, transformed into a replica of the world-renowned Milan Cathedral.

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Standing tall at 13 metres, the tower will feature stained-glass windows and angels made with LED lights, creating a breathtaking sight. And, of course, no Christmas celebration would be complete without a beautifully decorated tree. This one will have a Venice gondola design at its base, fitting for the Italian-themed festivities.

The DB Clock Tower, in the North Plaza, has been transformed into a 13-metre-tall replica of Milan Cathedral, especially for Christmas

But it’s not just about the decor – there’s a whole line-up of exciting events happening throughout the Christmas season. Visit the Christmas Sunday Markets at DB Plaza, where you can browse a wide selection of handmade goods and indulge in delicious Christmas delicacies, with entertainment including dance and music performances.

For the little ones, there’s a special treat – they can write letters to Santa and receive a reply. Fans of a cappella singing, meanwhile, can look forward to an appearance by the vocal group Decibels.

A stone’s throw from Discovery Bay Pier, and part of the (south) Plaza, D’Deck is Hong Kong’s largest alfresco waterfront dining area – and has its walkway bedecked with two-metre-tall illuminated angels for the festive season

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If you’re in the mood for some holiday shopping for a good cause, head over to the charity market by the Neighbourhood Advice-Action Council between Christmas Eve and Boxing Day. Here, you’ll find a variety of items on sale.

As they do on myriad special occasions – including, of course, Valentine’s Day – lovers are invited to clip their own padlocks to the illuminated love hearts at DB North’s Love Lock Promenade

At DB North Plaza, the Wonderland Winter Snow weekends will feature a popcorn and candyfloss giveaway sure to delight revellers with a sweet tooth. A special Christmas gift awaits each child, helping to make the season bright: an exclusive photo app with Santa Claus.

Dining establishments in the D’Deck alfresco dining area, next to the pier, and at DB North Plaza will have special festive menus to accompany Discovery Bay’s stunning ocean views. So mark your calendar and get ready to experience a cosy European Christmas, right here in Hong Kong.

Christmas

The seaside community’s European Christmas festivities include artificial snow, stained-glass windows, a giant tree with a Venice gondola design, and a replica of the Milan Cathedral
Visitors to Lantau can browse festive markets, indulge their sweet tooth, enjoy musical performances including a cappella singing, and take their little ones to have their photo snapped with Santa