What’s new in Macau beyond the casinos? Revived neighbourhoods, a roof garden and one-off shows and festivals to look forward to
- There is more to Macau than a visit to a casino – not least the Light Up Macao festival, which transforms the city’s streets into a swirling psychedelic landscape
- Irish boy band Westlife are visiting for two concerts, The House of Dancing Water returns and an indoor water park is making a splash
![Iao Hon Market has photogenic views of Macau. It is one of several new attractions to visit in Hong Kong’s sister city. Photo: Macau Government](https://cdn.i-scmp.com/sites/default/files/styles/1020x680/public/d8/images/canvas/2023/11/09/17f6e1d0-51f7-412c-83a0-bdb4e92babf6_eb145965.jpg?itok=rKUfXnrg&v=1699512494)
As Covid-19 disruptions slip ever further into the past, Macau is coming alive again – and not all the action is happening on the casino floor.
We look at some of the new permanent attractions, as well as one-off shows and events, that should brighten up a trip to Hong Kong’s sister city.
1. Red parasols, flower beds and wooden tables and chairs await visitors at the new rooftop sitting-out area atop the revamped Iao Hon Market. Located inside a 1970s housing estate, the roof terrace has photogenic views of the neighbourhood, as well as a court for gateball, a faster-paced version of croquet.
Free.
![The Light Up Macao festival takes place all over the city. Photo: Macau Government Tourism Office The Light Up Macao festival takes place all over the city. Photo: Macau Government Tourism Office](https://img.i-scmp.com/cdn-cgi/image/fit=contain,width=1024,format=auto/sites/default/files/d8/images/canvas/2023/11/09/57e8b904-d238-43b3-a10f-6962b3e83069_e8220d54.jpg)
2. The Light Up Macao festival is back from December 2 to February 25, and will transform the city’s streets and historic buildings into a swirling psychedelic landscape.
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