Macau lights up for Christmas

Winter Extravagaza Launch Ceremony - The Venetian Macao
Christmas celebrations at The Venetian Macao – Santa will be in his grotto until Dec 30

Christmas has arrived in Macau this week with the lighting of Christmas trees throughout the Venetian complex and the opening of an outdoor ice rink at The Parisian Macao.

But the show stealer is perhaps the 50-foot inverted Christmas tree which hangs dramatically from the lobby ceiling of The Parisian Hotel. Organisers admitted the tree had been inspired by Paris’ famous Galeries Lafayette department store which suspended an ‘upside down’ Swarovski-covered tree from its Art Nouveau cupola in 2014. Recent followers of the trend have included London’s Tate Britain, Claridge’s Hotel and Victoria Beckham’s Dover Street boutique.

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The stunning ‘upside down’ Christmas tree at The Parisian Macao

 

The Parisian’s Eiffel Tower installation at the front of the hotel will be lit up with a Grand Illumination Show Christmas Edition light performance until Dec 30 and the hotel’s ‘Winter in Paris’ activities include a fun ice rink on the level 7 observation deck of the tower. Skaters will be kept well fed with an adjacent pop-up cafe serving an assortment of hot and cold refreshments and some pretty tasty hot chocolate.

Meanwhile, down the road at The Venetian Macao, a ‘Winter in Venice’ theme includes a Venetian Express train installation and Santa will be taking up daily residence in his pop-up grotto.

The Christmas installations run until Jan 6 2019; The Parisian Macao ice rink is open 4-10pm daily. sandsresortsmacao.com

 

Your Hong Kong ‘Christmas’ markets guide – October

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The sun’s out and it’s time to start shopping Christmas goodies…

Discovery Bay Sunday Market

Jump on a ferry and head over for heaps of stalls hosting some of Hong Kong’s best-loved local businesses.

11am-6pm, October 14, Discovery Bay Main Plaza, Discovery Bay, Lantau, handmadehongkong.com.

 

Gold Coast Autumn Gift & Fashion Fair

Head over to Hong Kong’s one-and-only Gold Coast to shop jewellery, fashion, lifestyle products, cosmetics, fine wine and more.

10am-6pm, October 20, MCH Lobby, Gold Coast Yacht and Country Club.

 

Momentai Pop-Up Market

Sai Kung’s favourite waterfront hang-out is hosting a host of local businesses, from eats to homewares to womenswear. Drop in, enjoy some lunch, grab a bargain.

10am-5pm, October 21, Kiosk 1, Wau Man Road, Sai Kung, momentai-la-com.

 

Fashion & Fun Pop-Up

Channel your inner Diwali diva as local event specialist Mums@PLAY hosts a three-day shopping event to celebrate Diwali, the Indian festival of lights. Shop precious stones, ethnic ‘kundan’ jewellery, traditional ‘gota’ pouches and bags, cotton and linen saris and homewares.

11am-8pm, October 25-27, Usagi, Wah Shin House, 6-10 Shin Hing Street, Central, mumsatplay.com.

Pinktober support

Join OnTheList for its month-long Breast Cancer Awareness Charity Sale. Shop Marc Jacobs, Mischa, APM Monaco and more – all proceeds go to Maggie’s Cancer Care Centre.

Throughout October, G/F Printing House, 6 Duddell Street, Central, OnTheList.

 

Entrepreneurs’ pop-up

Drop into Culture Cover in Central for a month-long pop-up shop. Browse style, self-care, home and adventure labels from some of Hong Kong’s best loved small businesses.

Throughout October, 67 Hollywood Road, Central, Pink Lotus.

 

Ethical kids’ clothing

Eco-chic children’s boutique Retykle will be showcasing hundreds of designer children swear brands throughout the month of October. Pop along for pre-loved and new pieces from newborn to 12 years at this eco-conscious shopping event.

Throughout October, 57-59 Hollywood Road, Central, retykle.com.