The 20-meter tree, accompanied by music and twinkling lighting to complement the Victoria Harbour's panoramic views, is among two winter presents from the Tourism Board.

Perfect for photos day and night, the giant tree is joined by numerous smaller ones and ornaments including reindeers and vintage-style lampposts in a coastal European-style Christmas Town in the district's Art Park.

From December 23 to 27, the board will also set up a Christmas Wonderland on the other end of the park, to embark on a festive journey around eight Christmas-themed lodges including a snow-clad kingdom, a candy house and a childhood home.

The second winter present is a multimedia New Year countdown show to ring in 2023.

Executive director Dane Cheng Ting-yat said Hong Kong is filled with Christmas and New Year celebrations during winter.

"Impressive sparkling decorations can be seen all around town, creating a festive atmosphere that draws in visitors," he said.

Cheng said the board expanded the campaign scale this year and "installing the city's tallest outdoor Christmas tree in front of the beautiful Victoria Harbour to create a unique photo backdrop."

"The location will transform into a unique photo checkpoint with a diverse array of programs to showcase the vibrancy of Christmas and New Year celebrations in Hong Kong to travelers worldwide."

A Metropolitan University graduate, Cyrus, who was at the park for graduation photos, said he had also seen last year's Christmas tree and found this year's prettier.

"There are more colors and richer visual effects this year," he said, adding that he wished Hong Kong can resume normalcy step by step and that he can soon travel overseas more conveniently.

Also at West Kowloon was university student Liu from Guangdong, who said the board's Christmas town last year was very popular and packed.

Liu's Christmas wish was for a reopening of the border with the mainland so he can visit friends and families.

From yesterday, a Christmas market "The Little Big Lane" has opened at the lobby and multi-purpose art space at K11 Atelier King's Road, with nine booths and a food truck.

The three-month market will see a new set of stalls every two weeks, including those selling Taiwanese milk tea, coffee, cookies and bagels.

Joining in the festivities are two Scottish Ballet performance screenings of The Snow Queen at City Hall on December 11 and Tsuen Wan town hall on January 1.

Tickets priced at HK$60 are now available at URBTIX.