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Hong Kong's EuroChristmas, the biggest public event held in the territory, has been warmly embraced by all sectors of the local community. The event is a retail, dining and entertainment experience set in a fantasy European winter setting.

Hong Kong's biggest private companies, government departments, the retail, hotel and travel industry and public transport companies have all come to the party. And what a party it will be: The real Santa Claus is coming to town for the public opening on December 16, together with the Governor of Lapland, courtesy of the Finnish Government and the event's official airline, Cathay Pacific.

Also coming from Europe and appearing daily will be the Heineken Ski Display Team, featuring five Olympic ski jumpers performing aerial acrobatics from a ski slope built into a specially designed "Snow Mountain". There is also a full programme of European cultural acts appearing on the event's main stage. Various countries will present special days to exhibit their unique culture and cuisine, namely Austria Day on December 16, Nordic Day on December 17, Britain Day on December 18, Italy Day on December 23, Russia Day on December 29 and Greece Day on December 30. Many choirs, musicians and dancers are being accommodated by Century Hong Kong Hotel and Century Harbour Hotel, the event's official hotels.

Also Featured at EuroChristmas will be the largest Christmas tree ever displayed in Hong Kong, courtesy of the City of Vienna and event's official freight forwarder, Panalpina China Ltd. Rising some 40 feet, the tree will be decorated in the traditional European style.

Hong Kong's EuroChristmas is open to the public, free of charge, from 12 noon to 10 pm from December 16 to January 2. Opening hours will be extended until 1 am over Christmas and New Year's Eve. The event is likely to show huge crowds, especially on weekends and public holidays. The police have drawn up special traffic and pedestrian arrangements which they urge the public to follow. Special banking and credit card facilities will also be set up by Standard Chartered Bank, the event's official bank & credit card.

The event is designed to showcase Hong Kong as an international city, boost trade links with Europe and to promote East/West cultural exchange. It is also expected to establish Hong Kong as Asia's Christmas capital and to help raise visitor arrivals to a new all-time high.

For further information please contact: EC SQUARE Ltd., the Official PR Agency (Tel: 2520 5330, Fax: 2520 5230, Email: calvin@ecsquare.net).

End/Friday, December 8, 2000

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