More dazzling as night falls: Hong Kong and Macau city light shows compete in brilliance to welcome Christmas

The winter edition of “Symphony of Lights” uses advanced 3D projection technology to “freeze” the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, allowing visitors to experience the unique brilliance of Hong Kong’s winter nights.

The “2017 Macao Light Festival – Love Fills the City, Love on the Road” will shine from December 3 to December 31.

As the year draws to a close, besides soaking in the festive winter atmosphere at New Taipei City’s Christmasland, nearby Hong Kong and Macau are must-visit Christmas and New Year destinations. The streets are adorned with festive decorations, and from December onwards, vibrant city light shows illuminate the night, creating a dreamy snowfall effect that “freezes” the beautiful memories of 2017 and welcomes the new year.

The winter edition of “Symphony of Lights” creates a white winter ambiance for visitors with dazzling light performances, live snow effects, and a giant crystal ball.

The new version of the “Symphony of Lights” features a medley newly arranged by the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, premiering every night at 8 PM starting December 1.

Hong Kong’s two major light shows made their debut yesterday. The revamped “Symphony of Lights” utilizes diverse lighting effects across 40 buildings and locations on both sides of Victoria Harbour, creating a vibrant, fan-like dance of colors. The show runs nightly at 8 PM, lasting about 10 minutes. The best viewing spots are along the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront outside the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai, or aboard a sightseeing cruise.

Meanwhile, the winter edition of “Symphony of Lights” uses 3D projection technology to “freeze” the Cultural Centre and the adjacent Clock Tower in celebration of Christmas. Coupled with live snow effects, colorful LED spheres, and a giant crystal ball, the show fills the air with a strong winter Christmas spirit.

The 2017 Macao Light Festival incorporates interactive light installations and games to enhance audience engagement and participation.

The “2017 Macao Light Festival – Love Fills the City, Love on the Road” will run from tomorrow (3rd) to December 31, from 7 PM to 10 PM each night. In addition to light sculpture performances, decorative light installations, and interactive games, there will also be a series of events including light art exhibitions, outdoor local music concerts, open-air film screenings, light-themed dinners, and light-inspired cultural and creative products.

This year’s Macao Light Festival route will center around the Ruins of St. Paul’s, branching out into multiple paths leading to Senado Square, Nam Van Lake and Yat Yuen Lake Waterfront near the Macao Museum of Art, the São Lázaro area, and Camões Garden, among others. The Taipa Village (Lilau) area will also serve as an exhibition venue.

Among them, three major light sculpture shows will be staged at the Ruins of St. Paul’s, St. Anthony’s Church, and the Chapel of Our Lady of Hope, accompanied by locally composed background music to take audiences through Macao’s historical timeline. Additionally, Nam Van Lake and Yat Yuen Lake Waterfront will transform into a “Light Playground,” where participants can rediscover youthful energy through music, dance, and games; while the “Flower Sea Maze” set up at the Nam Van Lake Waterfront Activity Centre offers a mystical experience amid a sea of roses.