Hong Kong turns to tech to dazzle this Christmas - Even Santa goes virtual

To ensure the festive season feels unique and immersive, Hong Kong retailers, businesses and artists have tapped into technology to bring Christmas like never seen before.

Just like real-life Hong Kong, Christmas Town is surrounded by iconic skyscrapers and all decked out for the holidays, showcasing a towering tree and festive Christmas lodges. Adding an extra Hong Kong touch, Uncle Siu, a popular English educator known for his charming voice, leads visitors through the innovative, 360-degree online experience, where lots of fun, interactive stops await.

In this snow-kissed virtual town, you can choose your own adventure: Learn how to make festive DIY crafts, such as aromatic wreaths, ornaments, pop-up holiday cards or candle holders, via video tutorials; download holiday-themed WhatsApp stickers designed by famous Hong Kong illustrators, like Din Dong, Dustykid and Messy Desk; and tune in to beautiful Christmas carols along the way. To experience the excitement of Hong Kong’s one and only Christmas Town, all you need is a computer or mobile device.

In Wan Chai, a seven-metre-tall, stained-glass butterfly and over 350 little LED butterflies have turned Lee Tung Avenue into a playground of light. Dubbed ‘Butterflies of Hope’, the world’s first AI-powered butterfly art installation aims to inspire and uplift, reminding visitors of all the hope, love, beauty and positivity in the world.

Every afternoon, when the sun shines high in the sky, the glass installation refracts natural light on to the ground, effectively painting the boulevard with light and colour. Come evening, a music-and-light symphony takes flight as the butterflies ‘dance’ to the sound of music using artificial intelligence.

But that’s not all: The Lee Tung Avenue atrium is also home to a stunning, 12-metre-tall Christmas tree, with some powerful special effects. Combining touchless interactive technology and a special shadow-projection technique, the tree projects butterflies on to the clothes of visitors – a feat of art and technology.

K11 MUSEA, a new cultural-retail destination and arts hub on the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade, has turned up the Christmas spirit this year with A Very MUSEA Christmas Village. The village spreads joy and wonderment with a roster of artistic cultural experiences, including the Asia debut of Globoscope.

Adding to the festive vibe, K11 MUSEA has also dreamed up a gorgeous Christmas Forest with glistening golden trees in the mall’s atrium, not to mention a special Santa Muse Parade and a Christmas Market.

For the past 50 years, Harbour City has marked the holiday seasons with larger-than-life Christmas installations and festive surprises. And this year is no different: Harbour City’s ‘Christmas Every Day’ celebration once again promises unforgettable holiday memories, plus a roster of online experiences at your fingertips.

The holiday extravaganza continues in person. At the ‘Christmas Lighting Garden’ on the Ocean Terminal Deck, you can wade through a sea of illuminated LED clovers and dandelions and enjoy the ‘Christmas Lighting & Music Show’ every evening, with the stunning Hong Kong skyline as a backdrop.
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