Christmas Day in Hong Kong SAR China
Christmas Day is a general holiday in Hong Kong on 25 December, and many shops, restaurants and bars still open. Employment law also gives employees a statutory holiday for either Christmas Day or the Winter Solstice, while the first weekday after Christmas is a separate statutory holiday.[1][2][4]
Meaning and observance
Christmas is a Christian celebration commemorating the birth of Jesus.[5] In Hong Kong, the holiday also forms part of a wider citywide festive season, with decorations in streets, shopping malls, offices and homes.[4]
The Hong Kong Tourism Board highlights festive displays at the Avenue of Stars, Central Harbourfront, Tsim Sha Tsui East and Lee Tung Avenue in Wan Chai. It also points visitors to seasonal shopping, Christmas markets and hotel brunches and buffets. Specific displays, markets and dining offers can change, so check current details before making plans.[4]
Holiday status and employee entitlements
Christmas Day is listed as a general holiday under Hong Kong’s holiday calendar. General holidays are days when government departments, banks and postal offices suspend services; schools and public offices also follow the general-holiday calendar.[2][3]
The Employment Ordinance treats Christmas Day and the Chinese Winter Solstice as alternatives for one statutory holiday, with the employer choosing which day to grant. The first weekday after Christmas Day is a separate statutory holiday. All employees are entitled to statutory holidays; statutory holiday pay is due to employees who have worked under a continuous contract for at least three months. If a statutory holiday falls on an employee’s rest day, the employer must grant another holiday on the following day that is not a rest day or another specified holiday.[1]
Practical arrangements
Government services and banks generally suspend service on public holidays, though electronic banking remains available. Many shops, restaurants and bars stay open, but opening hours vary by business.[3][4]
Buses, trams and the MTR may use special schedules or extend service hours around Christmas. Arrangements vary, so check the relevant transport operator’s latest notices before travelling.[3]
Frequently asked questions
Is Christmas Day a public holiday in Hong Kong?
Are shops and restaurants open on Christmas Day?
Does public transport run on its usual schedule?
Not always. Buses, trams and the MTR may follow special schedules or extend service hours around Christmas; check current operator notices before travelling.[3]
Sources and references
Sources used for Christmas Day in Hong Kong SAR China:
- Labour Department - The Employment Ordinance, Cap. 57- Labour Department, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
- General holidays for 2027 published- The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
- Hong Kong holiday planning: From essential services to festive celebrations- Hong Kong Talent Engage, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
- The Ultimate Guide to Celebrating Christmas in Hong Kong- Hong Kong Tourism Board
- ST. MATTHEW THE APOSTLE PARISH - ENGLISH COMMUNITY- St. Matthew the Apostle Parish, Hong Kong