Landmark is going French; Harbour City is opening a train station. That’s how two of Hong Kong’s best-known upmarket malls are marking Christmas 2014.

Landmark’s ‘French family’ comprises a group of figurines , centreplace in what the mall management describes as a “magical Parisian chic Christmas extravaganza”.

This season, Landmark has been transformed into a ‘mini Paris’ complete with Parisian figurine characters that represent a ‘typical’ French family “and remind shoppers what the festive season should be about”. Err, no. Not the birth of that Biblical character Jesus, but family togetherness.

A special creative collaboration between celebrated French designer, author, style icon and faed Karl Lagerfeld supermodel muse, Ines de la Fressange and Landmark has seen the family of figurines set up home in an impressive installation that fills the centre with life.

In keeping with their traditional Christmas, the stylish French figurine family – mother, Flora; father, Vincent; and their children Lucas and Chloe – went on a Gallic shopping spree to select special and unique gifts for their loved ones from across Landmarks’s four buildings, Landmark Atrium, Alexandra, Chater and Princes’s.Landmark takes up the story: “Six-year-old Lucas has been busy writing out his Christmas present list – and thinks grandpere would love a new pen. Landmark has a large selection of exclusive stationery items to suit all pockets and tastes, including a luxurious Alfred Dunhill’s limited edition Namiki Seahorse barrel fountain pen.

“Four-year old Chloe loves grand-maman’s home cooking. Her maman, Flora, knows her favourite is the ragout de lapin that her grand-mere makes from rabbits that run wild over grand-pere’s vegetable garden at their picturesque home in Rochefort-en-Terre. Grand-maman will simply love the Gien, Sologne Soup Tureen from Heather & March in Landmark Prince’s.

“Chloe and Lucas’ grand-maman is also celebrating her 60th birthday in January, so the family is buying a gift to celebrate both her Christmas and special birthday. One of their mother Flora’s favourite French-based designers is Guy Berdarida. His stunning Cinta Bamboo Panda Pendant Necklace from John Hardy, are only available at the luxury brand’s flagship boutique in Landmark Atrium. A wonderful reminder of grand-maman’s first ever trip abroad to Hong Kong to visit the family last summer.

“Flora has already found the perfect present for husband Vincent. His beloved vinyl collection, which started when he was an engineering student at the renowned Arts et Metiers ParisTech, has been gathering dust in recent years and many tracks he enjoyed are no longer available to download. The Edwards Audio Apprentice TT1 Turntable from Universal Audio and Video Centre in Atrium is the ideal ‘first’ turntable for enthusiasts who are either just starting out or returning to vinyl after dabbling in the digital world.

“Vincent has a special gift surprise arranged for his wife, Flora. He hasn’t forgotten that this Christmas is exactly 10 years since they first met. He wonders if Flora remembers that little cafe near Pont des Arts, on Rue de Rivoli, when they were introduced by mutual friends.

He has already selected the stackable rings of Yewn’s Imperial Grace Collection from Atrium. A little bit of luxury for 10 romantic years is perfect, he thinks.”

Landmark says from high fashion and accessories to watches and jewellery, from luxury living to beauty and grooming, from international cuisine to authentic gourmet dining, Landmark brings “luxury and sophistication” to the festive shopping season for discerning guests.

Santa takes the train

As the whole world knows, Santa distributes his annual gift allocation by sleigh. But the marketing team at Hong Kong’s Harbour City has hatched a plan to help him out in Hong Kong: They’ve built his very own train station which will remain open until January 4.

This Christmas, Harbour City features “Shaun the Sheep” as the theme for different Christmas scenes at Gateway Arcade and Kids Zone on Ground Floor of Ocean Terminal in December 2014. Together with the charity sale of limited edition 2015 “Shaun the Sheep” desktop calendar, you can enjoy a warm and memorable Starry Christmas at Harbour City!

The mall’s marketing team explains the concept: “‘Starry Christmas’ is the main theme of Harbour City this Christmas. The Ocean Terminal Forecourt of Harbour City has been transformed into a Christmas train station with red, white and gold as the main colours. A 30-meter long Starry Christmas Train with giant steam locomotive funnel releasing countless Christmas stars stops at the station. There are special lighting effects at night to create a romantic ambience. The other two carriages display a Snowman, Teddy bear, and Christmas ball, all standing at three meters tall. By donating HK$20 to the Hong Kong Blood Cancer foundation, shoppers can board the train and enjoy the full experience of this magical ride.  

“The train station in the Ocean Terminal Forecourt and the staircases of the Ocean Terminal Main Entrance have also opened many “shop fronts”. The opposite side of the station features four crafted large window fronts with different themes, including a ferris wheel, Teddy bear, ice mountain and fashion. The public can take photos inside the fashion window front and act as top models. The staircase ceiling is fully covered with giant hexagonal stars and star-shaped lights. Over 10 pieces of shining star frames with different sizes would be also hung up in the ceiling, which creates a giant three-dimensional Christmas star in the sky.

“Walking from the train station to the Ocean Terminal Lobby, you will see a six-meter tall European Christmas tree. Every place at the Harbour City Christmas Train Station is destined to be a popular photo taking spot that will capture the memorable moments of you and your loved ones.

Meanwhile, Harbour City has brought British animated character Shaun the Sheep to Hong Kong to celebrate Christmas. Thirty figurines of Shaun dressed up in different colours are on display at the big barn in Gateway Arcade of Harbour City. The Kids Zone on the Ground Floor of Ocean Terminal has been transformed into the funny playground of Shaun the Sheep, and displays 30 pieces of Shaun Charity Christmas ornaments sponsored by various Harbour City tenants, organisations and donors.