The AIA Carnival, formerly called AIA Great European Carnival, is one of Hong Kong’s top annual winter events. The return of one of the city’s largest outdoor event has been long-awaited. After a almost 4-year hiatus, the family-friendly European style carnival returns to the Hong Kong Central Harbourfront again.

For 2023/2024, the carnival will last again for 2 months throughout Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year. From 21st of December 2023 and last till 25th of February 2024, you can enjoy the carnival full with rides, games and circus performance. The event promises to be bigger and better than ever. So, are you ready to have a fun blast this holiday?

The Hong Kong AIA Carnival is one of the city's largest annual winter outdoor event

Hong Kong AIA Carnival back in town

Below are all the info you need to know about the popular AIA Carnival event, including e.g. entrance fees, ticket prices, how to get to the carnival, what you can do, activities, tokens, games, rides and events.

  • Worthwhile: 5 blue stars
  • Location:   5 pink star
  • Highlights: The AIA Carnival is highly recommended if you are interested in games, fun rides, performances and winning fun fair prizes such as. eg. huge plush toys.

Smile Plan to Stay: min. 120 – 180 minutes or plan a whole day in case you want to explore and enjoy all the rides, games, amusements and music performances.

What is the Hong Kong AIA Carnival?

The AIA Carnival is a combination of e.g. amusement park, fair, games, rides, live music performances, interactive shows and of course dining and snacking at the many food booths.

In fact, the AIA Carnival has already turned to be Hong Kong’s must celebration during the winter fest. It always covers Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year. Roughly 1,000,000 visitors enjoyed the 70 different types of rides, games and food booths at the past event. Having said that, it is one of the most popular Christmas celebrations in Town. Besides, it is also a great option for the New Year’s Eve Countdown celebration and Chinese New Year celebration. It is also one of the best locations watching fireworks display on the New Year’s Eve and Chinese New Year.

The Hong Kong AIA Carnival is one of the city's largest annual winter outdoor event

Hong Kong AIA Carnival

There are more options for celebrating Christmas in Hong Kong. Find out more updated information of Christmas celebration on themed parks, markets, shopping malls, concerts, special events, parties and best decorations.

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Admission tickets: prices, available discounts and where to buy tickets

So, how much are ticket prices for the AIA Carnival?

Official ticket prices for 2023/2024 AIA Carnival

Unfortunately, ticket prices for the AIA Carnival got a little bit more expensive than previous years. Admission adult tickets at the entrance gate start at HK$ 160 (including entrance fee and 10 e-tokens). Ticket prices for Children (aged 3 – 11) and visitors with disabilities start at HK$ 100 (including entrance fee and 7 e-tokens).

Ticket

Adult

Kids (aged 3 – 11) &
visitors with disabilities

Ticket Discount

Off Peak Days

HK$ 160

HK$ 100

HK$ 140

Standard Days

HK$ 170

HK$ 100

HK$ 150

Peak Days

HK$ 180

HK$ 110

HK$ 160

Discount for Locals

Discount for Overseas Visitors

If you would like to get more tokens and there are several add-on token packages. For HK$ 180 you can purchase additional 20 tokens. In case that this add-on package is not enough, a 50 add-on token package is also available for HK$ 450. Furthermore, there are several combo tickets, hospitalities and VIP packages available.

Early Bird and where to get discounted AIA Carnival tickets

A special Early-Bird ticket sale is available until October 8, 2023 (midnight). The early bird ticket sale gives you an opportunity to save up to 20%. Furthermore, purchasing one of the early bird AIA tickets, you have a chance to win the Golden Ticket.

The Golden Ticket is something like the ultimate fun day out. As the winner of the Golden Ticket you can e.g. enjoy VIP access for a group of 5 people, priority access to unlimited rides for up to 5 hours, 400 tokens plus and extra HK$ 8,000 worth of prizes.

Ticket

Adult

Kids (aged 3 – 11) &
visitors with disabilities

Off Peak Days

HK$ 130

HK$ 90

Standard Days

HK$ 135

HK$ 95

Peak Days

HK$ 144

HK$ 99

In case you didn’t take advantage of the early bird sale and promotion, you don’t need to worry. You still have a chance to get some good deals and promotion if you purchase your tickets online.

AIA Carnival tickets can also purchased through popular online booking platforms such as e.g. Klook as well as KKDay. Both online platforms are used to provide discounted AIA Carnival tickets in the past. Keep tuned.

Last but not least, festival tickets can also directly be purchased online at https://www.aiacarnival.com/tickets.

box-info2 Secret Tips for you

  • “Please pay attention that similar to Hong Kong Disneyland, consumption of food or drink purchased outside the carnival is prohibited. Inside the carnival, there are many food booths, stands and trucks providing e.g. Thailand, Italian, Japanese, Chinese, American as well as local food taste.”

  • “If you would like to watch one of the performance shows, make sure to check out the AIA Carnival Facebook page for everyday’s stage schedule.”

  • “Besides AIA Carnival, there are many other options for the Hong Kong Chinese New Year Celebrations.”

  • “Besides having fun in the carnival, you can also enjoy the ride and view from Hong Kong Observation Wheel.”

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What can you do at the AIA Carnival – Highlights

The AIA Carnival Hong Kong 2023/2024

Hong Kong AIA Carnival
(Photo Source: Hong Kong AIA Carnival)

The carnival is a popular day out for the whole family. Expect e.g. old traditional carousels, European style rides such as e.g. the wave swinger, fun games where you can win cute giant plush toys, world circus, live music performances, interactive shows, performance art and sporting events. Moreover, there are plenty of food booths and trucks. Here you can sample e.g. local and international foods (including all-time favourites such as popcorn and fairy floss).

Rides at the 2023/2024 AIA Carnival

2023/2024 Hong Kong AIA Carnival ride for everyone

The ride suitable for everyone
(Photo Source: Hong Kong AIA Carnival)

AIA Carnival will step up again this year. Expect a bigger and better event than ever. Having said that prepare for more games, bigger rides, and newer attractions this year.

2023/2024 Hong Kong AIA Carnival ride for kid

The ride suitable for kids
(Photo Source: Hong Kong AIA Carnival)

The carnival will be a mixture of fun rides, games, entertainment programs, magical lanterns, digital experiences (only with e-tokens and RFID cards), live performances on stage and plenty of Asian and European food delights.

The Helter Skelter ride at the AIA Carnival Hong Kong 2023/2024

Helter Skelter

This year, there will be 29 rides to choose from. Most of the rides are directly shipped from Europe (e.g. Germany, Switzerland, United Kingdom, Holland or Belgium. There are 9 rides suitable for everyone, 14 rides for kids and extra 6 rides for thrill seekers. The Popular rides include e.g. the Apple Coaster, Dodgems, Wave Swinger, Jumping Frog, Drop Tower, Remix Extreme, Star Flyer and Helter Skelter. New rides are opened weekly. In addition, there will be e.g. street artists and performers, 3D trick art and plenty of selfie opportunities with pirates, Vikings and wild animals.

2023/2024 Hong Kong AIA Carnival ride suitable for thrill-seekers

The ride suitable for thrill-seekers
(Photo Source: Hong Kong AIA Carnival)

Games at the 2023/2024 AIA Carnival

If the crazy rides are not your thing, there are still lots of game booths where you can have fun. This year, there will be 30 different games, including e.g.: Basketball, Bowling, Can Smash, Hoop the Block, Knock Down, Lobster Pot, Mini Hoop The Block, Ping Pong Roll Down, Shoot the Stack, Rebound, Ring Toss, Roll A Ball, Spill the Milk, Tooth Smash, Magical Hoop, Cut the Bear, Table Pin Ball and more.

In previous years, the event returned with over 1,000,000 toys including favourite characters from Marvel, Sesame Street, Minions, Super Mario as well as Trolls from the latest Dreamworks movie.

Game Booth of 2023/2024 AIA Carnival HK

Games of 2023/2024 AIA Carnival
(Photo Source: Hong Kong AIA Carnival)

The World Circus

The Great Circus comes back to AIA Carnival for the 4th-year sensation. In previous years, the Great Circus with the mind-blowing artists all around the world had great success in Hong Kong. This year’s show is presented by Gandeys Circus, one of the world’s oldest circuses. They have brought many sensational performances around the world for over 40 years.

The acts include: The Wheel of Thrill, Motorbike on the Wire, Gomonov Knife Show, Acrobatics and Flying Saddles, Motorcycles in The Globe, Flying Trapeze and Chico Rico the Clown.

Hong Kong AIA Carnival The Great Circus 2023/2024

The Great Circus 2023/2024
(Photo Source: Hong Kong AIA Carnival)

Ticket prices start from HK$ 150 to HK$ 500 (depending on the seat location). Various combo tickets and extra discounts are also available for bigger groups. The circus show is performed from Tuesday to Sunday during the carnival period. Each show lasts about 65 minutes.

Visitors of the Great Circus also can enjoy a one-time FREE entry to the AIA Great European Carnival.

Performance arts, live music performances and interactive shows

The AIA Festival and Carnival is also known for its unique and exclusive line up of top performers and performances. Expect a wide range of local, regional and international music superstars. For example: in 2015, the carnival teamed up with Udderbelly Festival which hosts several events and festivals throughout the UK. Past events welcomed e.g. Rita Ora, Far East Movement or Khalil Fong.

The Udderbelly Festival at the AIA Carnival Hong Kong

Udderbelly Festival in Hong Kong (2015/2016)

From 17th to 24th of January 2024, the giant circus tent will transform into the live music party. Both local and international artists, including KIRI T, Moon Tang, Nancy Kwai, Dear Jane, Crash Adams, Zpecial, Bang Yedam, MARZ23, DJ SuNKeN, etc., will bring all kinds of music to the audiences. Tickets are avaailble from the official website.

Food booths and trucks

As a carnival-goer you don’t need to worry about starving. There are plenty of food options and snack treats. The AIA carnival offers local and international food delicacies. This year, you can sample delicacies from e.g. Mexico, Korea, Taiwan, Italy, America, Thailand, Europe and of course some local flavours such as the famous milk tea. Moreover, there are plenty of all-time favourite snacks such as e.g. popcorn or cotton candy.

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Is it worthwhile to visit?

Over the past years, the AIA Carnival became an institution and won over the hearts of locals and visitors alike. In fact, it is one of the city’s largest annual outdoor event. An event that you can’t or should not want to miss. The family-friendly event has something for the whole family. No matter if you like crazy rides, fun games, circus or music live performances, the AIA Festival is a must-visit and highly recommended for the young, old and young-at-hearts.

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Hotels close to the AIA Carnival – or where are the best places to stay

No matter if you are a first-time or repeating visitor to Hong Kong, it is recommended to plan your stay ahead. Choosing to either stay on the Kowloon or Hong Kong Island side is not the only thing to decide. Hotel rooms and accommodation fill up quickly and room rates skyrocket. Having said that try to book and secure your hotel room as early as possible!

Stay in Central / Admiralty District (close to the AIA Carnival)

The closest location to the Hong Kong AIA Carnival is the Central / Admiralty District. There are several hotels located within walking range to the event. The area is convenient and has several other top sightseeing attractions, restaurants and shopping options in close proximity.

  1. Four Seasons Hong Kong (closest) 香港四季酒店
  2. Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong (closest) 香港文華東方酒店
  3. JW Marriott Hotel 香港JW萬豪酒店
  4. Island Shangri-La 港島香格里拉大酒店
  5. The Murray 香港美利酒店
  6. Conrad Hong Kong 香港港麗酒店
  7. The Upper House 奕居

If you prefer to check out hotels in other locations, you can start with where are the best places to stay.

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What are the Opening Hours and when is it the best time to visit the Hong Kong AIA Carnival?

On the first day of the event (December 21, 2023) the carnival opens at 4:00pm until 11:00pm.

The official opening hours of the Hong Kong AIA Carnival are:

  • 11:00am – 11:00pm (Standard & Peak days)
  • 12:00pm – 10:00pm (Off-Peak days)
  • So, when is the best time to visit? Depending if you just want to have a quick look or want to spend a whole day, it is recommended to avoid weekends and public holidays. Similar to the other events, prepare that it will get crowded. Especially it is the first comeback after three-year suspension due to the pandemic. Having said that, the best time to visit is during the week.

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    Where is the location of the Hong Kong AIA Carnival and how to get there

    The AIA Carnival is located at the Central Harbourfront with its stunning and spectacular views of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong’s magnificent skyline.

    The Central district is one of the major tourist and business hotspots. Within walking distance you have several other top attractions. Just to name a few: e.g. the popular Victoria Harbour cruises start here, Ferris Wheel, the nightly Symphony of Light and Laser Show, the iconic Star Ferry. In addition some of the most iconic skyscrapers of the the finance, banking and business district are located here.

    How to get the Hong Kong AIA Carnival?

    The most convenient way to get to the AIA Carnival is to take Hong Kong’s MTR subway. Take the subway to the Central MTR Station and take Exit A (this subway exit is closest to the event). Alternatively, you can travel with the iconic Star Ferry to the Central Star Ferry Pier.

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    FAQs – Some quick answers

    How many tokens are needed for a ride?

    Each ride require a certain amount of tokens. Expect 4 to 7 tokens per ride.

    How many tokens are needed for playing the games?

    Similar to the rides, the game booth require tokens to play and participate at the games. Usually, the games start with 2 tokens.

    What time is the AIA Carnival in 2023/2024?

    This year, the AIA Carnival is held from December 21, 2023 to February 25, 2024. The carnival will last again for 2 months throughout Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year. Expect a wide selection of rides, games, music performances, circus, street performers, food delicacies and live events.

    How much are AIA Carnival Hong Kong tickets prices in 2023/2024?

    This year, ticket prices vary depending if you visit the event on a standard, peak or off-peak day. Adult ticket prices range from HK$ 130 – 180 and include 10 tokens. Children (aged 3 – 11) and visitors with disabilities can purchase tickets between HK$ 90 – 110 (including 7 tokens). The tokens can be used for rides, games and other activities.

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    box-info2 General Info and Details

    Opening Times: 12:00pm – 10:00pm (Off-Peak Days) / 11:00am – 11:00pm (Standard & Peak Days)
    Location: Central Harbourfront Event Space, 9 Lung Wo Road, Central
    Ticket Fare: See price details and discounts
    Official Site: Hong Kong AIA Carnival Official Website

    How to Get to the Hong Kong AIA Carnival and Festival?

    Depending on the starting location, you can take either MTR to Central or Star Ferry to Central Ferry Pier: See details above