Hong Kong WinterFest 2024

Launched in 2002 by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Hong Kong WinterFest transformed the city into a festive wonderland afresh from 22 November 2024 to 1 January 2025 at West Kowloon Cultural District. We set out to position this event as Hong Kong’s unrivaled festive destination, reigniting locals’ love for Victoria Harbour while delivering fresh, innovative experiences to keep this annual tradition vibrant. Facing fierce competition from countless holiday attractions, we embraced the challenge of standing out with the “3-I Strategy” of Instagrammable Moments, Innovative Experience, and Inclusivity.
Execution fused meticulous planning with bold creativity, featuring a 20-meter-tall Christmas tree which is the tallest outdoor one in Hong Kong, alongside an LED Light Tunnel and 3D Light Projections. Capitalising on Hong Kong’s panda economy with 6 panda mascots set in the Christmas town. Seasonal highlights included Winter Harbourfront Pyrotechnics Displays synced to a custom Christmas medley, and the pioneering Postmas Campaign featuring 70 vibrant mailboxes across the city and free postcards doubling as photo filters igniting global excitement.
Apart from collaborating with influencers to amplify visibility, innovative tech met the demand for experiential tourism. The animated 3D projection on the Christmas tree, the LED Light Tunnel with the festive aroma of cinnamon smoke effects that shared the legend of Christmas gnomes created immersion. Inclusivity shone through pet-friendly designs, all-ages activities, and NGO visits, ensuring everyone felt festive joy.
The results were dazzling with over 11 million social media reaches, 14 million UGC views, and 380 media coverages, including Vogue nod as “The Best Places to Spend Christmas Aboard” marked our success. Visitors increased 40% compared with last year, 98% of tourists perceived Hong Kong as the “Event Capital of Asia,” and 97% eager to return. Event sentiment hit 100% for uplifting festive vibes with the giant tree and overall ambiance earning perfect marks.
Hong Kong WinterFest successfully redefined winter celebrations, seamlessly blending tradition with innovation to create a festival showcasing vibrant creativity and cultural significance. By leveraging Victoria Harbour’s iconic backdrop, this event crafted an unmissable celebration that resonates worldwide, proving Hong Kong’s flair for hosting world-class festivals.