Hong Kong’s annual Christmas street fair opened on Thursday with a blend of festive cheer and solemn remembrance, emphasising hope, community and courage in the wake of the recent Tai Po fire.
Now in its 13th year, the White Christmas Street Fair spans Tong Chong Street, Taikoo Square and Taikoo Park.
It is being held by Swire Properties to raise funds for Operation Santa Claus (OSC), the annual fundraising initiative organised by the South China Morning Post and public broadcaster RTHK.
Themed “Colour the Season – Lights of Hope”, the fair, which runs until Sunday, transformed Taikoo Place into a dazzling, neon-inspired winter setting.
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This year’s opening included a moment of silence for the victims of last month’s blaze in Tai Po, which killed 160 people and displaced thousands.
Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism Rosanna Law Shuk-pui urged guests to “pray for peace at heart and light of hope for everyone in Hong Kong.”
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“As we gradually come out of the haze of the fire, the fair gives us a very good opportunity to go back to a familiar atmosphere and to take our little ones – or bigger friends – to experience a moment of ease and comfort,” she said.
