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A Very Festive Christmas At The Peninsula Hong Kong

A truly grand time at Hong Kong’s Grand Dame 

Article (news)

Anton Barretto

<p>While shiny and sleek new developments may rise around her, <a href="https://www.peninsula.com/en/hong-kong/5-star-luxury-hotel-kowloon" target="_blank">The Peninsula Hong Kong</a> remains stately, serene, incomparable. Unforgettable. But more than a cold, impregnable palace, it’s a welcoming haven full of memories and comfort. Flashbacks of fun nights at <a href="https://www.instagram.com/felix.hongkong/" target="_blank">Felix</a>, scrumptious dim sum at <strong>Spring Moon</strong>, and indulgent weekend stays all on my own came back to mind when I received the invite to attend the Peninsula Hong Kong’s magnificent Christmas tree lighting and its magical The Peninsula Express.  </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/a90ef66b-e3ea-4959-a13b-462ea714ea1d_an enchanting festive musical extravagaza took place at the hotels majestic lobby on 23 november 2023.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">The Grand Dame of Hong Kong <span id="isPasted" style="color:rgb(65, 65, 65);letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-color:initial;display:inline !important;float:none"><em> The Peninsula Hong Kong   </em></span></span></span></span></div><p>Of course, my friends and I have always made it a point to welcome the holidays by being at the legendary <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thepeninsulamanila/" target="_blank">The Peninsula Manila</a> Christmas Concert, so the connection of music and and The Pen and this most wonderful time of the year is a firm and steady one.</p><div><br/></div><p>Billed as an “Enchanting, Festive Musical Extravaganza“, The Peninsula Express certainly didn’t disappoint. Designed to reignite the romance and nostalgia of steam train journey, we were all transported from Grand Salisbury Station to London and Istanbul, the newest Pen destinations, through the tale of a young boy who learns the essence of Christmas. A mysterious letter is the start of the journey, and as he boards the train, the magic begins. With a full orchestra, a full ensemble of performers and special guests, our intrepid adventurer discovers that it’s not the big presents but the very human connections and memories that are the true essence of Christmas.</p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/15bd4227-0872-46fd-88be-37b8805b2517_more than 200 guests aboard the peninsula express from the grand salisbury station to travel the new peninsula destinations of london and istanbul.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">A scene from the enchanting musical extravaganza<span id="isPasted" style="color:rgb(65, 65, 65);letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-color:initial;display:inline !important;float:none"><em> The Peninsula Hong Kong   </em></span></span></span></span></div><p>From the Dickensian nostalgia of London to the intricate intrigue of a Turkish tapestry, the music and performances was an escape for the soul and the senses.  And naturally, the train has a last destination: Hong Kong !!! The glorious tree is lit and at all The Pen HK outlets, the Verandah, the Chesa, Spring Moon and Imasa, gourmet delights overflowed. </p><div><br/></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:950px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/c0e44aec-90bf-455c-9e11-1a27134c7fb6_the peninsula express log cake.jpg" style="width:950px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt=""/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">The Peninsula Express Log Cake <span id="isPasted" style="color:rgb(65, 65, 65);letter-spacing:normal;orphans:2;text-align:left;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;widows:2;word-spacing:0px;-webkit-text-stroke-width:0px;white-space:normal;background-color:rgb(255, 255, 255);text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-color:initial;display:inline !important;float:none"><em> The Peninsula Hong Kong   </em></span></span></span></span></div><p>The Peninsula made sure that our days were adventure-filled before the grand festivities. We were treated to a tour of Mido, and old school Cha Chaan Teng, or tea restaurant. It’s a beloved spot for many Hong Kongers where basic cafe fare provides sustenance and convenience and also a ticket to the past, present and future of this great city. A visit to a temple and the New Royal Palace Museum gave us an understanding of the rich culture and heritage. As The Peninsula is known for afternoon tea, a new way to enjoy the ritual is aboard the Star Ferry Peninsula boat. Such a delight to enjoy the tea time spread. </p><div><br/></div><p>Like many Filipinos, Hong Kong is a treasured, cherished spot, a place where there is both familiarity and instant, constant evolution; and our twin passions, shopping and eating, are elevated and perfected. To feel the Christmas spirit at The Peninsula HK is a journey that stays deep within your being, a core memory that is beyond priceless.</p><div><br/></div><div class="article-content" itemProp="articleBody"><div class="media-content"><div class="slider-for"><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/4595b664-7df5-4b6b-b14f-0fe1de8b88a6_an enchanting festive musical extravagaza took place at the hotels majestic lobby on 23 november 2023.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/134c4be8-94c4-45ab-975c-dec9e4d76e59_christmas eve gala dinner menu at chesa.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/e845b792-36fa-4b5b-aba1-0b97a11aea54_christmas eve gala dinner menu at gaddi’s.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/4366644d-5758-49d6-bfae-f573fa5d586f_festive set menu at the lobby.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/8989a2c6-ebdb-4ecb-a7dc-13fb032260ab_new year’s eve set menu at felix.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/19081c53-5cf5-4073-b27e-d44db29746de_teas of hope afternoon tea.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/d168e8d5-1380-41b1-b147-df3799bd819a_the peninsula express log cake.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/a4f46981-865b-4f88-aea4-19d21d6be363_the peninsula express on 1f_2.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div><div><img loading="lazy" src="https://assets-metrostyle.abs-cbn.com/prod/metrostyle/attachments/78bab685-18cf-4dcb-8b67-3a33e04dfe95_the peninsula festive hamper.jpg" alt="" class="fr-fic fr-dii"/></div></div><div class="media-content slider-desc"><div class="item-desc"><div></div></div><div class="item-desc"><p>Cosy Up at Chesa - The wonders of an Alpine-style festive celebration await at The Peninsula’s evergreen Swiss restaurant Chesa. Diners can cosy up and feast on the warming winter fare featured in the restaurant’s superb classic set lunch and dinner menus amidst the welcoming atmosphere of a beautifully decorated ski chalet.</p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>Festive Elegance at Gaddi’s - Christmas is always a glamorous affair at the Michelin-starred French restaurant, Gaddi’s. With the tables exquisitely laid with crisp linen, superb silverware and sparkling crystal chandelier, Executive Sous Chef Albin Gobil conjures up his special festive culinary magic with memorable menus to be served in one of Hong Kong’s most elegant dining destinations for 70 years.</p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>Magic Moments at The Lobby - Lavishly decorated in grand traditional Peninsula style with a spectacular Christmas tree as its centrepiece, The Lobby provides a spectacular festive backdrop for guests to relax and indulge in long afternoon teas, lovingly prepared lunches and dinners and more throughout the season of joy.</p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>Fabulous Flavours at Felix - What better location to enjoy the wonder of the festive season than high in the sky at The Peninsula’s iconic 28th floor restaurant, Felix. A fun-filled blend of creative cocktails, fabulous flavours and holiday postcard views over Victoria Harbour are guaranteed to bring joy to all.</p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>Teas of Hope - The Peninsula Hotels’ annual Teas of Hope fundraising campaign raises funds for the Make- A-Wish Foundation®’s local branches in each Peninsula destination to promote happiness and a brief respite for children with life-threatening illnesses by granting them their most heartfelt wishes. At The Peninsula Hong Kong, The Peninsula Express and The Lobby invite guests to enjoy a wonderful festive “Teas of Hope” Afternoon Tea, featuring a special menu. </p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>A Peninsula Express Log Cake - Christmas at The Peninsula would not be complete without the traditional festive log cake which represents the Yule log that once burned in European hearths throughout Christmas. This year, the Log Cake created by The Peninsula Hong Kong’s Executive Pastry Chef Florian Couteau has derived inspiration from The Peninsula Express train and offers a tempting combination of textures and flavours for all to enjoy with family and friends, priced at HK$ 888 each</p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>Aboard The Peninsula Express - As the Grande Dame celebrates her 95th year in operation, the 2023 holiday season at The Peninsula Hong Kong began in breathtaking style on 23 November with a heart-warming Festive Concert – an enchanting story of a young boy&#x27;s adventure on The Peninsula Express to find the true meaning of Christmas was told through joyous melodies, songs and dance, and a lively rendition of this year’s story: “An Enchanting Journey Continues – Aboard The Peninsula Express”. </p></div><div class="item-desc"><p>Hampers of Happiness - Inspired by the elegant trunks from the Golden Age of Travel, the box replicates the hotel’s façade, whilst inside, multiple compartments, including rotating side doors, add a sense of glamour to this artisanal keepsake box. Savour The Peninsula Champagne by Deutz, a bottle of Peninsula Champagne Brut by Deutz, homemade chocolates, gingerbread cookies, Christmas cake, acacia honey, truffle almonds, and duck rillettes, as well as luxurious Christmas crackers, and a beautifully scented festive candle with the aroma of the season.</p></div></div></div></div><div><strong>Related Story: </strong><a href="/food/features/celebrate-feast-of-three-kings-at-the-peninsula-ma/37192" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Celebrate The Feast Of The Three Kings At The Pen</a></div>