Edition:
HIGHLIGHTS
Donald Trump’s China policy
NEW
US-China relationsHong Kong economy
News
Hong KongChinaEconomyAsiaWorldSportThis Week in AsiaUS Elections
Business & Tech
BusinessTech
Opinion
Latest
Lifestyle
LifestylePeople & CultureStylePostMagK-popOutdoorCooking
More +
VideoTalking PostSCMP FilmsInfographicsPicturesPodcastsSCMP SeriesExplainedSCMP SpotlightNewslettersSpecial Reports
Topics
Donald Trump’s China policyUS-China relationsHong Kong’s Article 23 national security lawChina’s militaryChina's economic recoveryTrending in ChinaTaiwanChina’s Communist PartyUkraine warWellness
Focus
Greater Bay Area
Advertisement
avatar image
TOPIC

Christmas

Christmas
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Christmas. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
Recommended For You

China Economy

China’s container bookings to plunge up to 60% as US tariffs wipe out trade

videocam
US tariffs have caused demand for container shipping to plunge 30 to 60 per cent in China. Photo: Reuters

Science

Nianli Ma, wife of cyber expert Xiaofeng Wang, speaks out over FBI raids

videocam
Indiana University, Bloomington, told Xiaofeng Wang on March 28 it was terminating his employment “effective immediately”. Wang’s wife Nianli Ma, who was also dismissed, says the university did not abide by due process. Photo: Handout

Science

From MIT to PKU: rising Chinese scholar Wang Jiangtao comes home

The west gate of Peking University in Beijing. It is the latest institution to lure a top Chinese scholar back to China. Photo: Shutterstock

Global Economy

‘Almost no orders’: Shenzhen chip traders mull closing shop as US tariffs bite

videocam
People are seen near an electronics repair shop offering services for brands such as Apple, Huawei, Xiaomi, and Oppo in the Huaqiangbei area of Shenzhen. Photo: Getty Images

Science

The Chinese AI scientists dying in the pursuit of greatness

videocam
Sun Jian, chief scientist at Beijing-based AI company Megvii Technology, is among a handful of Chinese artificial intelligence experts whose untimely deaths have rattled the industry. Photo: Handout
US tariffs are causing firms to halt shipments, from Swiss watches to Christmas toys. Uncertainty looms, potentially emptying American shelves. Photo: Shutterstock
United States

Explainer | Cars, clothing, Christmas toys: what US consumers are losing to Trump’s tariffs

Trump’s tariff pause provides temporary relief, but uncertainty may lead to US shortages of cars, toys, and electronics as shipments are halted.

videocam
5
Lunar New Year

Opinion | Holidays can bring families together, and sometimes nations too

Australia

Australian cruise ship operator denies staff dressed in Ku Klux Klan fancy dress

Offbeat

Don’t eat your Christmas tree, Belgians warned, after city posts food tips

The Ghent website had suggestions on how to recycle the conifers at the dinner table, such as by making flavoured butter with the needles.

An elephant eats a non-sold, untreated, leftover Christmas tree at a zoo in Berlin, Germany. Photo: EPA-EFE
Singapore

Singapore defends interception of Indonesian fishing boats due to incursions

The Singapore coastguard had observed the Indonesian fishing vessels repeatedly entering and exiting the city state’s waters, the police say.

Hong Kong transport

Hong Kong’s air passenger traffic soars to pre-pandemic levels over Christmas

Secretary for Transport Mable Chan says the number of flight movements on a single day peaked at about 1,150 during Christmas period.

videocam
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Food and Drinks

Your Hong Kong weekend food guide for January 3-5

Stay warm with winter menus, enjoy auspicious afternoon tea, and prepare for King’s Day with Butterfly Patisserie’s Galette des Rois.

Cruise Restaurant & Bar’s Feast of Fortune afternoon tea set at the Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour Hong Kong hotel. Photo: Handout
Hong Kong economy

Number of Hongkongers leaving city over Christmas holiday rose by 50%

Immigration data shows 905,035 local residents left Hong Kong on Christmas Day and Boxing Day of this year, compared with 599,083 last year.

videocam
11
What to do in Hong Kong

AIA Carnival super fans, including one who moved house to fit all her prizes

Running from December 20, 2024 to February 16, 2025, the much-loved event featuring rides, games, even a circus attracts dedicated visitors.

Pope Francis

Pope opens Holy Door for Catholic Jubilee at Rome prison: ‘do not lose hope’

The opening of the Holy Door at the prison was the first since the start of the Jubilee year tradition in 1300.

Pope Francis opens a Holy Door, one of only five that will be open during the 2025 Catholic Holy Year, at Rebibbia prison in Rome. Photo: via Reuters
Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong records net outflow of 592,740 trips over 6-day Christmas period

But catering sector reports an 8 per cent boost in business on Christmas Day compared with last year.

8
Travellers at the departure hall for the West Kowloon High Speed Rail Station. Photo: May Tse
Donald Trump

Trump takes aim at Canada, China, ‘left lunatics’ in Christmas wishes

The Republican’s messages were in stark contrast to US President Joe Biden’s post emphasising ‘kindness and compassion’.

8
King Charles III

UK’s cancer-hit King Charles hails doctors in Christmas speech

The monarch and daughter-in-law Kate Middleton were diagnosed with cancer just weeks apart, removing two senior royals from frontline duties.

War and conflict

Pope urges ‘all people of all nations’ to silence arms in Christmas address

He called for an end to conflict in Ukraine and the Middle East, singling out Christian communities in the region.

Pope Francis leads the traditional Urbi et Orbi Christmas Day blessing from the central balcony of Saint Peter’s Square. He called for arms to be silenced in war-torn Ukraine and in the Middle East. Photo: EPA-EFE/ANGELO CARCONI
English Premier League

English Premier League: Liverpool host Foxes, Arsenal prep for life minus Saka

After returning to rampant form against Spurs last weekend, the league leaders will hope to finally capitalise on their position this season.

Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah (left), scoring his side’s fifth goal against Spurs, is the first player in EPL history to hit double figures in goals and assists before Christmas. Photo: Xinhua
English Premier League

Manchester United’s Diogo Dalot spends Christmas Eve helping homeless at charity

Portuguese international defender turned up unannounced with his partner at the homeless charity, surprising visitors with clothing and food.

videocam
Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong restaurants and bars enjoy business bump over Christmas

Businesses in Lan Kwai Fong roll out festive offerings as they observe some spending patterns are shifting towards ‘affordable deals’.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Old Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s darkest December brought a season without peace or goodwill

Hong Kong’s array of wartime memorials means the city will never forget those lost in the traumatic aftermath of December 1941 and the surrender on Christmas Day.

The British surrender Hong Kong to the Japanese on Christmas Day in 1941. Photo: SCMP
Pope Francis

On Christmas Eve, Pope Francis appeals for courage to better the world

The pontiff opened the Catholic Holy Year, which happens only every 25 years and is expected to bring 32 million tourists to Rome.

Hong Kong tourism

Hong Kong logs 1 million arrivals, but half are residents heading home for Christmas

Arrival number is 300,000 more than last year, but about 50 per cent are residents returning to city.

8
Food and Drinks

For the love of cod, why bacalhau is Portugal’s classic Christmas fish

In cod they trust – for centuries Portuguese have eaten the preserved fish, and it is traditionally served during the holiday season.

Portuguese chef Julio Fernandes’ dish “Bacalhau a Minhota”. Salt cod is traditionally eaten for Christmas in Portugal. Photo: AFP
Hong Kong economy

Christmas on the mainland? Hongkongers opt for festive fun across the border

Holidaymakers say Shenzhen’s open spaces and budget-friendly options drew them to city’s attractions.

8
Visitors enjoy the Christmas snowscape at MixC World shopping centre. Photo: Oscar Liu
Fashion

Are second-hand gifts the new trend? UK charity shops do a brisk trade

This Christmas, a time of year often criticised for promoting consumerism, more Britons than ever before are buying ‘preloved’ gifts.

Climate change

Dreaming of a white Christmas? Global warming is making it less likely

An analysis of winter temperatures showing fewer freezing days spells bad news for fans of snow at Christmas. Europe is warming the quickest.

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong restaurants expect Christmas boom thanks to Shenzhen visa change

A 10 per cent year-on-year bump in business is expected over the holiday as many restaurants are fully booked.

Singers and reality show stars at the 58th Hong Kong Brands and Products Expo in Victoria Park. Photo: Eugene Lee
King Charles III

Chocolate maker Cadbury loses royal warrant under King Charles

Campaign group B4Ukraine had urged king to remove companies ‘still operating in Russia’, singling out Cadbury’s owner Mondelez International.

Cadbury’s Dairy Milk chocolate bars. Cadbury on Monday lost its UK royal warrant for the first time in 170 years. Photo: EPA-EFE
Hong Kong society

Hong Kong cardinal urges empathy over revenge in Christmas message

City’s top Catholic priest Stephen Chow says renewed hope needed despite Hong Kong’s sluggish economy and rise in mental health cases.

Food and Drinks

Your perfect week: what to do in Hong Kong, December 23-28

Indulge in Michelin-starred Christmas fare at Petrus, drink classic cocktails at Darkside, enjoy the harbourside AIA Carnival, and check out MGM Macau’s new show.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Help preserve 120 years of quality journalism.
SUPPORT NOW
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement