Guide to AIA Carnival – Hong Kong’s largest annual festival winter outdoor event – celebrate Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year

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. Finally, the wait is over. The family-friendly European style carnival returns to the Hong Kong Central Harbourfront again. Prepare for an epic event. The carnival and event celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.

For 2024/2025, the carnival will last again for 2 months throughout Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year. The much loved annual family event takes place from 18th of December 2024 and last till 16th of February 2025. At the Central Harbourfront you can enjoy the carnival full with rides, games and circus performances. The event promises to be bigger and better than ever. So, are you ready to have a fun blast this holiday?

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

What is the Hong Kong AIA Carnival?

The AIA Carnival is a combination of e.g. amusement park, fair, games, rides, live music performances, circus, 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. It is an event you can’t miss.

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.

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 2024/2025 AIA Carnival

First, the good news: ticket prices for the AIA Carnival remain stable and are similar to previous years. Admission adult tickets at the entrance gate start at HK$ 150 (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).

If you would like to get more tokens there are several add-on token packages. For HK$ 180 you can purchase additional 20 tokens. Furthermore, there are several combo tickets, hospitalities and VIP packages available.

Early Bird and where to get discounted AIA Carnival tickets

A special Presale and Early-Bird ticket sale is available starting from October 20, 2024. The early bird ticket sale gives you an opportunity to save up to 15%. Furthermore, purchasing one of the early bird AIA tickets gives you another advantage. These tickets will be valid for all dates. So, you don’t need to worry if it’s an off-peak, standard or peak day.

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 tickets in the past. Stay tuned.

Last but not least, festival tickets can also directly be purchased online at their official site.

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What can you do at the AIA Carnival – Highlights

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 2024/2025 AIA Carnival

AIA Carnival will be at another level this year. The event is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. Expect a bigger and better event than ever. Having said that prepare for more games, bigger rides, and newer attractions this year.

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.

For many visitors, one of the highlights are the traditional rides (e.g. such as Merry-go-round). 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.

Games at the 2024/2025 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.

AIA Alta presents The World Circus

The World Circus comes back to AIA Carnival for the 5th-year sensation. In previous years, the World Circus with mind-blowing artists from all around the world had been a great success in Hong Kong.

This year’s show is presented again by the Gandeys Circus from the UK, one of the world’s oldest circuses. The Gandeys Circus has an over 40 year tradition. This year’s line-up feature sensational performances from Brazil, Argentina, Ethiopia, Mexico and Columbia.

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.

Last year’s show sold out literally within seconds. So, in case you want to enjoy this magnificent circus show and their mind-blowing acts and performers it is highly recommended to book and secure your tickets as fast as possible. Don’t miss out on this spectacle!

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.

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 availble 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 18, 2024) 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)

Please note: The event is closed to the public on Friday January 10, 2025.

Until when is the AIA Carnival?

The AIA Carnival starts this year from December 18, 2024 and runs until February 16, 2025.

When is the best time to visit the AIA Carnival?

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. 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 and date is the AIA Carnival in 2024/2025?

This year, the AIA Carnival is held from December 18, 2024 to February 16, 2025. 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 long or how many minutes is the Circus performance at the AIA Carnival?

At past years’, the circus show performance at the AIA Carnival is approx. 65 minutes.

Is the AIA Carnival free?

Only kids under the age of 3 and seniors (aged above 65 years) are permitted to enter the AIA Carnival for free. Everybody else has to purchase an admission ticket.

How much are AIA Carnival Hong Kong tickets prices in 2024/2025?

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.

How much are AIA Alta presents The World Circus tickets prices in 2024/2025?

Ticket prices vary on two factors. First, it depends when you visit AIA Alta presents The World Circus (standard, peak or off-peak day). Second, ticket prices depend on where you would like to sit (rear, standard, premium or VIP Ringside seats).

Having said that, ticket prices for the AIA Alta presents The World Circus range from HK$ 150 – 500. In addition, you also can purchase additional token vouchers and packages. The 20 token voucher is available for HK$ 200, while the 50 token package sets you back at HK$ 500. In case you would like to save some money, check out the current promotions and discounts.

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