A White Christmas in Hong Kong

YAF’s A Chorus Line cast are very excited to be performing at the White Christmas Street Fair 2013 at Tong Chong Street on 6 and 7 December, doing their part to help make Hong Kong a better place this Christmas. Join us at the free street fair and don’t forget to then come see A Chorus Line from 12 – 14 December at Hong Kong Arts Centre. Tickets now on sale at Urbtix! 

We speak to Swire Properties, the organisers of the fair, to find out a bit more…

What is the idea behind the White Christmas Street Fair?

The White Christmas Street Fair is your Yuletide, feel-good destination for Christmas shopping this year, as proceeds from the fair will go to Operation Santa Claus. Great fun for families and all in good cause! Open to the public with free admission, the two-day European-style outdoor fair will take place at Tong Chong Street from 6 to 7 December 2013 (1 pm – 8 pm), and feature Christmas market stalls, festive food and drinks, live entertainment and fun games for all ages. Visitors will find a winter wonderland in the heart of Island East, where they can share picture perfect moments with friends and families under a 20-ft-tall Christmas tree and an 11-ft-tall snow globe. The event echoes the company’s philanthropic efforts and our contribution in building a rich and vibrant community for our tenants and neighbourhood at Island East.

Which charity is it supporting and why?

Proceeds and donations will go to Operation Santa Claus, an annual charity campaign which supports charitable projects that effect positive change to the lives of disadvantaged people in Hong Kong and mainland China.

Any interesting facts about Tong Chong Street?

The venue of the White Christmas Street Fair was home to the world’s largest and most advanced sugar refinery? As the Chinese name “Sugar Factory Street” suggests, Tong Chong Street once exported 2,000 tonnes of refined Taikoo Sugar a week!

We see that art is very much a feature for Swire Properties’ office buildings – can you tell us a bit more?

Arts and culture has always been a major focus of Swire Properties, as we believe that promotion of cultural activities enriches our communities. We believe that cultural arts should not be restricted to museums or galleries, but that they should be easily accessible in our everyday life. That’s why for more than four decades, we have actively hosted and supported a broad range of arts and cultural events, performances, exhibitions and artwork commissions.

Other than A Chorus Line, what else can we expect at the fair?

Besides A Chorus Line, we have a stellar A-list lineup including Hong Kong Philharmonic, the Hong Kong Welsh Male Voice Choir, a cappella group Yat Po Singers, etc. Towering stilt-walkers, roving characters and of course, Santa Claus will delight visitors. Plus, what’s a Christmas fair without delicious, freshly prepared food and drink? Swire Hotels, The News Room and Enoteca will offer special festive menus to enjoy in the chill air, including warm mulled wine, ginger pumpkin soup, BBQ German sausages. Street fair favourites like popcorn and candy floss are also available.

Find out more about the fair here. See everyone there! Only 4 weeks left till Christmas!