A decade of delighting Hong Kong: the AIA Carnival celebrates a milestone birthday
The popular carnival celebrates its birthday with a focus inspired by AIA’s Rethink Healthy initiative
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This winter, the AIA Carnival celebrates a decade of delighting Hongkongers and tourists. Running from December 20 to February 16 next year, the event marks this milestone with the theme, “Season of Love” and a line-up of attractions and activities designed to empower visitors to live “Healthier, Longer, Better Lives”.
Since 2014, the AIA Carnival has brought joy to more than 5.8 million people. As a Hong Kong mega-event, it is estimated that the winter extravaganza has contributed HK$1.8 billion (US$232 million) to the city’s economy over the past decade. It has become a staple of Hong Kong’s festive season, bringing together families, friends, community groups and tourists, while promoting health, happiness and connection.
This year’s event also supports AIA’s Rethink Healthy initiative, emphasising the importance of love, mental well-being and social connection for long-term health.
Before its grand opening this month, AIA hosted a special celebration for its charity and community partners. Not only did they become the first to experience the joy of this year’s carnival, but they also met a special guest – Hong Kong’s Olympic medallist Siobhan Haughey, an ambassador for AIA Hong Kong and Macau.
At the event, Haughey shared her fond memories of the AIA Carnival and her excitement about this year’s event. “The AIA Carnival has always been a special place for me, filled with joy, laughter and unforgettable moments. I still remember visiting with my friends, sharing smiles over the games and rides – it’s these simple yet meaningful experiences that bring us closer together.”
Haughey, who aspires to become a child psychologist, encouraged community members to view health from a new perspective. “Spending quality time with loved ones is so important,” she said. “The AIA Carnival is the perfect reminder to cherish those connections while having fun. We should never underestimate the impact love and play have on our well-being.”
Reflecting on the carnival’s history, Alger Fung, CEO of AIA Hong Kong and Macau, highlighted its importance to the city.
“This year, we have selected ‘Season of Love’ as our carnival’s focus. To achieve our goal of helping people live ‘Healthier, Longer, Better Lives’, we have engaged people of different age groups and backgrounds. Whether they are our customers, AIA scholars, AIA Healthiest Schools Programme participants, our staff or the general public, all have shown us that love and meaningful connections are at the heart of true well-being,” he says. “At AIA, we truly believe that health isn’t just about physical fitness – it’s about nourishing our mind, our relationships and our community.”
Inclusivity and giving back are central to the AIA Carnival mission. This year, the event will set a record with the donation of more than 40,000 tickets to local charities, enabling beneficiaries and community groups to attend.
The upcoming AIA Carnival will feature 28 rides, with a mix of crowd favourites, new experiences, gentle rides for children and adrenaline-pumping options for thrill-seekers. In addition, more than 30 game booths will challenge visitors to test different skills to win toy prizes inspired by blockbuster films and anime hits. Meanwhile, a revamped food and beverage village will feature an international menu featuring an array of crowd favourites.
One of the most eagerly awaited attractions at this year’s carnival is AIA Alta Presents The World Circus, produced by the United Kingdom’s Gandeys Circus. This spectacular highlight is proudly presented in celebration of the first anniversary of AIA Club Alta – the insurer’s one-stop wealth management, health and wellness service for selected clients. The World Circus will host nearly 150 shows throughout the carnival period, featuring performers from 12 countries. Audiences can look forward to six brand-new acts, including one performance premiering at the carnival.
AIA’s support for the mega-events economy continues to grow with events such as the AIA Carnival, and its official partnership with UK band Coldplay, who in April next year will stage four concerts in Hong Kong as part of their Coldplay: Music of the Spheres World Tour. AIA is focused on creating memorable experiences for the community while also promoting economic benefits through tourism and generating employment opportunities.
The insurer’s focus on health beyond fitness emphasises the idea that spending time with loved ones, enjoying meaningful moments and creating positive memories can have long-term benefits. “AIA aims to encourage 1 billion people to live ‘Healthier, Longer, Better Lives’ by 2030,” Fung says. “Our ongoing commitment to Rethink Healthy ensures that the AIA Carnival will continue to inspire the community to prioritise health and happiness for years to come.”