Everyone knows going out on New Year’s Eve in Hong Kong is a massive pain in the ass and usually a total letdown. But you guys also know as well as we do, that come 6pm on Dec. 31, that night in with a bottle of wine and Lethal Weapon 4 is going to look lamer than Mel Gibson with no legs.
We’re not promising anything, but here are five Hong Kong New Year’s Eve Parties we reckon might actually be okay.
Harbour Pop-Up Party from KEE
Fancy yourself as a private club member but too proud to actually join? Try it for one night only with KEE Club’s first-ever waterfront pop-up party. Dubbed “Cirque de la Lune”, basically just because there will be some acrobats at some point, the special celebration will take place at Level P of Central Pier 7 this NYE.
There will be a posh five-course dinner by KEE International Group chef Roland Levy Schuller for a whopping HKD2,600, but we imagine most will hold out for the after party with New York hip-hop and electronic guru DJ Spinna, who’ll lead the dancing ’til dawn from 11pm. After-party tickets are HKD500 (including a glass of Champers) in advance or HKD600 on the door. Email info@keeclub.com for table bookings.
Hipster heaven, Andy Warhol-style
For a truly hip hipster option, you can always count on Above Second and Fresh Off the Boat. They’ve also teamed up with Red Bull for The Silver Factory – Andy Warhol’s NYE Bash, but let’s just ignore that un-cool partner. Join the beautiful bohemians at Zafran (43-55 Wyndham Street, Central) for a night of delights inside Andy Warhol’s famous Silver Factory, which became the main stage for one of his weird-ass films, attracting fashionistas from all over the world.
Dress up as one of the Warhol superstars (so probably just how you normally dress with more eyeliner) and eat, drink and dance in a room completely covered in silver – hopefully not just foil. Dinner and an open bar comes at a thoughtfully priced HKD2,015, while just the open bar from 10pm to 3am is HKD990. Both packages also come with snacks and BREAKFAST! Tickets are available at ticketflap.
Hot Havana hangout at Duddell’s
Relive the heyday of Havana on Duddell’s palm-fringed terrace (3/F, Shanghai Tang Mansion, 1 Duddell Street, Central) this NYE and stay warm all night with sizzling Cuban sounds. The fun and flirty venue will kick things off from 10pm with entertainment from one of Hong Kong’s hottest Latin bands, Azucar Latino, followed by a decks set to stamp your feet to courtesy of DJ Hameed Laeed. He’s being flown in especially from France’s famous Calle Ocho Cubano Café, where he normally serves croissants (not really).
DJ Hameed Laeed and his cool specs
Don your coolest Havana Social Club chic and give the Club Tropicana-themed dancing girls a run for their money, as the best dressed of the night will scoop a HKD5,000 dinner voucher for Duddell’s. Entry costs HKD530 if booked before Dec. 26, including a glass of Champagne and a light supper. If you opt for the eight-course menu (HKD1,680) at the 2-Michelin star restaurant beforehand, entry to the Havana Nights party is free. Tickets available here.
Fiesta fun at Boqueria
If you’ve every been to a proper party at Boqueria (7/F, LKF Tower, 33 Wyndham Street, Central), you’ll know these guys provide the perfect mix of action and atmosphere without compromising on service, quality and personal space. (Just kidding about the last one.)
Yes, you’ll be in close quarters and have to crowd close to see the amazing flamenco dancers, but rest assured you’re going to guzzle all the free-flow Cava, sangria and Spanish beer you can handle, along with freshly shucked oysters, lobster paella and even the odd rack of lamb Entry to Fiesta de Ano Nuevo (Google Translate that shit, you fool) from 9pm onwards costs HKD1,088. Call (+852) 2321-8681 to secure your place or risk it on the night.
Rock in the New Year a Midi Music Festival in Shenzhen
And now for something completely different. If you’re done with NYE in Hong Kong altogether and just want to get the hell out, join the biggest New Year’s celebration in the south China region at the two-day Midi Music Festival in Shenzhen. The loud and lairy head-banging hoedown will take place across three stages at the Universiade Center Square in Longgang District.
As many as 50 domestic and international bands we’ve never heard of will be taking part. Our favourite names include touring band “The Muff”, screamo/post-hardcore outfit “Insecticide” and new school punks “Defiant Scum”. Tickets are just HKD150 – HKD300 and available from Ticketflap.
You’re welcome and good luck, Hong Kong!
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