The Definitive Sassy Mama Christmas 2012 Roundup

And so this is Christmas… and here’s our present to you! We’ve pulled together a roundup of roundups; everything you need for fabulous family festivities right here in Hong Kong. So curl up with a glass of mulled wine in front of a roaring log fire (we can dream, can’t we?) and don’t forget to leave out Santa’s mince pie!

DECK THE HALLS

Christmas décor tends to fall into one of two styles. You can go understated, all white lights, subtle silver accents and tasteful handcrafted centrepieces. Alternatively, there’s the inflatable snowman, acres of tinsel and Singing Santa option. Anyone with small children may have found themselves reluctantly drifting from camp A to camp B, but rest assured we’ve got the lowdown on where to find every type of trimming for your pad right here.

SEASONAL SHOPPORTUNITIES

Hong Kong’s festive fairs are a great opportunity to pick up some thoughtful and interesting gifts for the family, sample some scrummy handmade produce or simply browse whilst soaking up the atmosphere. Many have been and gone already, (clearly for people more organised than us!) but here’s the remainder of markets and bazaars in December and beyond.

The American Club Holiday Bazaar takes place in Monday 17^th December from 10am to 6pm at the American Club Tai Tam, 28 Tai Tam Road, Tai Tam. Here you’ll find everything under one roof: women’s & children’s apparel, accessories, educational toys, art, health & beauty products, gourmet food & wines, and so much more. Not an American Club member? No problem! Register in advance by emailing [email protected] to get full access.

Head to Quarry Bay for the Island East Farmers’ Market, Tong Chong Street, Taikoo Place (Quarry Bay MTR Exit A) on 16^th December. There’s plenty of organic produce on offer along with over 40 stalls selling a variety of handcrafted goods.

For a fun-filled family fair with over 50 booths and unique events like a parent-child farming session and even a creative upcycling workshop, check out Cyberport Weekend Markets. Not just a festive event, this is held at The Podium, Cyberport 2 on 22^nd – 26^th December, 19^th – 20^thJanuary, 23^rd – 24^th February and 16^th – 17^th March. Special programmes include the HEXbug Spider Maze Competition and The Powder Room Fashion Show. Note that the December 22-26 markets will be at Ocean View Court, The Arcade, Cyberport.

The 10^th annual Mega Showcase at the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wanchai features lots of different zones loaded with goodies and activities galore –including a shopping zone, a winter book pavilion, and a kids zone. Check it out between 23^rd and 26^th December.

All browsed out? Our one-stop online gift guide takes the schlepp out of your Christmas shop and free you up for some relaxing family time at home. Pass the mulled wine and gingerbread! If that wasn’t enough inspiration, then Instant Goddess’ Christmas family shopping picks are sure to spur your credit card into action!

If the man of the house tends to be a little challenging to buy for, check out this gift guide for guys and wave goodbye to novelty socks and golf paraphernalia (at least until next year!)

Spent so much time shopping for the fam that you’ve run out of time to find anything for mama? Never fear, help is at hand! We’re back over to the Instant Goddess for everything you need to spruce up your party wear and accessories, and if everything’s feeling a little snug this season (and we’re not talking about mice pies) then our selection of super-glam maternity wear will have you rocking the bump!

Finally, if you just can’t wait until the January sales to bag a bargain, Sabrina and Rach’s guide to Citygate Outlet is for you! There are substantial discounts on gift items for the family (head to Level 2 for childrenswear). We’ll be spending our savings at the Kate Spade outlet…

Also on our festive shopping radar:

We’re loving the selection of funky toys, gifts and baby equipment at Hip Little Bubba and we’ve got an exclusive discount for you! Check out the deets here.

If you’re dreaming of a green Christmas, Itsybb carry organic, hypoallergenic bamboo and merino wool togs for kids at very reasonable prices.

Another deal? Oh, go on then! BaoBae’s holiday pop-up shop offers super-stylish gifts and gorgeous hampers for bubs and mamas alike.

Teuscher are back in Hong Kong and their luxury Christmas treats are perfect stocking fillers for the chocoholic in your life.

The Incy Wincy Powder Room’s line of adorable tutus by Tutu De Monde will thrill any little ballerina on Christmas Day. She can wear it to The Nutcracker! 

FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD

For all that we love the gifts, the family time and the pretty decorations, Christmas is only really about one thing; eating! Here’s our pick of the festive feasts, whether you’re heading out on the town or whipping up a sumptuous spread at home.

Eating In

Forget peeling potatoes and putting those little crosses in the bottom of the sprouts (anyone know what these are for?) The most important bit of prep for making Christmas lunch memorable for all the right reasons; measure your oven! Yep, those tiny Hong Kong kitchens can have serious consequences for your Christmas catering plans and no-one wants to be eating cup noodles on the 25^th. Confident in your tools? Then check out the only guide you’ll need on where to find all the turkey and trimmings this year.

Eating Out

If on the other hand your kitchen does not pass muster, or the other 364 days of cooking have you all out of enthusiasm for basting and stuffing, then there’s no shortage of alternative Christmas dinner venues in town. This festive dining roundup has an abundance of great venues for celebrating with the family, and a sprinkling of glamorous eateries for those with older kids too.

Also on our Christmas list:

Bubba Gump. This family restaurant on the Peak has a four-course Christmas menu designed to appeal to adults and kids alike. An ideal spot for walking off lunch!

Berliner has outlets in four locations around Hong Kong, but the Discovery Bay branch is particularly kid-friendly, with plenty of outdoor space available at the Plaza for them to run around when they’ve finished eating, freeing you up to relax. The menu offers a German twist on a traditional Christmas (think honey-glazed goose instead of the usual turkey), and Dad should be happy with the selection of European Beers on offer!

Nicole reviewed their regular menu here, and now we’re loving the sound of Wild Grass’ Christmas carvery. If an organic Christmas is the only way to go, head here.

How about something completely different? The Backyard at Langham Place Hotel, Mong Kok has a Christmas Day BBQ on their outdoor deck. Featuring New Zealand lamb, spring chicken and fresh seafood, there’ll be no turkey-fatigue here. They’re also donating HK$1 per person dining at their restaurants over the festive season to Half the Sky Foundation.

WHAT’S ON

Hong Kong has spruced itself up for the festive season and there are plenty of events happening around town all holiday long. Whether it’s viewing the city in all its finery, taking in a yuletide exhibition, singing along to some classic carols or a chat with Santa that’s on their Christmas list, we’ve got events covered!

And if you’ve still craving Christmas inspiration…stay tuned for our Festive Family Adventures roundup coming your way next week!