Held at Hong Kong's waterfront, the carnival will run from December 16, 2016 to February 12, 2017, covering the major events of the holiday period.
Once known as the World Carnival, the AIA Great European Carnival ran for its first four occasions between 2001 and 2007 at locations in Kai Tak, Hung Hom and Tamar Park. In 2015 it returned to the city after an eight-year hiatus. Now held at Hong Kong's waterfront, the carnival will run from December 16, 2016 to February 12, 2017, covering the major events of the holiday period, including Christmas, New Year's Eve and the Chinese New Year.
The festival brings a touch of European flair to the city, with traditional handcrafted light displays from Italy and large replicas of landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Europe isn't the only continent represented however -- a model of the Statue of Liberty will also tower over the Central Harbour. A mix of circus, music, comedy, family shows and Hong Kong's only outdoor ice skating rink make this an extremely popular family event, with over 1 million visitors last year.
2015 was not an easy ride for the event managers. Many of the attractions had not received their official licenses when the fair opened, and had to be gradually introduced over the course of the festival. Exceptionally gloomy and wet weather also made running the event challenging.
It is hoped that 2016 will bear the fruits of last year's experiences, with two more rides – bringing the total to 27 – a newly designed stage area and a European Market. The British-based pop-up theater Udderbelly will also make its international debut at the dedicated Udderbelly Stage, an upside-down, purple cow named Violet.
For more information, visit the Grand European Carnival's official website; or get your tickets online here.