Photo: Ryanne Lai, Flickr
Seriously, we can’t think of a worst way to spend New Year’s Eve than hanging out in a Lan Kwai Fong bar. Other than the distant risk of being trampled to death, you are also more likely to count down to 2014 with hundreds of strangers, helplessly stuck at some ridiculous barricade the police have forced you into while you try to get to the place your friends are at.
If that’s not your idea of fun either, we present seven things to do this New Year’s Eve that avoids LKF and still allows you to celebrate 2014 in style.
Sing K
Celebrate NYE the local way with a bunch of friends in a private karaoke room at Neway or Red Mr — it’s cheap, comfortable, and there’s table service with a good selection of food and drinks.
With thousands of English and Chinese songs to choose from, you can sing your heart out. For a more opulent experience, check out Penthouse Skylounge, which offers floor-to-ceiling views over Wan Chai and Kowloon.
Charter a boat to view the fireworks at Victoria Harbour
Stake out a spot on the Victoria Harbour to view this year’s pyromusical on the waterfront and surrounding skyscrapers, which will light up the skies above the iconic Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. The fireworks show, the most expensive to date at HK$12.5 million, begins with shooting stars at 11:00pm with a grand finale that will last eight minutes at midnight.
Check out Water Tours and Cruise for new year boat tours.
Have a hotel room party
Get a bunch of friends to chip in for a penthouse suite in one of Hong Kong’s many luxe hotels (preferably with a view) and have a gathering. You can do whatever you like: organise games, play poker, or even mahjong. Order in room service and use the bathtub as a giant ice-box to cool your bubbly, wines, and vodka (see where you can get wine delivered here). Just don’t let the party get too rowdy or the staff will kick you out or worst, charge you for damages.
New Year’s Eve Countdown Carnival at Sha Tin Park
A nice alternative to the Times Square, Causeway Bay countdown, is this carnival staged at Sha Tin Park, Sha Tin Town Hall Plaza cum City Art Sqaure with a range of cultural performances: fire-dancing, Latin dance, ethnic dances, and of course, an amazing pyrotechnic display to welcome 2014.
There will also be a brass band, lots of live bands, and tons of other entertainment. Starts 8:30pm.
The Peak
Yea, it’s a little touristy, but you can’t beat the fresh air and the open view. For New Year’s Eve, most of the restaurants and attractions will open late, with the Peak Tram and the Sky Terrace open as late as 1:00am.
For a little romance, get a bottle of wine, some nibbles and a flashlight and go hiking on the trails around the peak. Maybe you can find a cozy spot to have a picnic and watch the fireworks.
Hang out at Fenwick Pier
This sailor’s haunt is a great place to take in the Hong Kong skyline and the sea, where you can enjoy fine-dining at restaurants like Quarterdeck, Giando, and chocolate lounge Vero, all of which offers stunning floor to ceiling window views. Compared to fireworks hot spots like the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront or Victoria Park, Fenwick Pier has the advantage of being a lot less crowded.
Watch the dragon dance
Holding the claim to fame as the biggest lion and dragon dance on the planet, the Hong Kong Dragon and Lion Dance Extravaganza is a colorful, noisy parade that starts from Canton Road on Jan. 1 at 1:30pm and ends at UC Centenary Garden at 5:00pm.
Entire streets will be cleared out for the impressive act. The parade also features lion-making craft performances and other traditional arts like the Dance of Happy Buddha.
