Best alternative party ideas in Hong Kong

Dancing and drinking on a tram might sound outrageous, but not on the epic party tram that invites you and your friends to hop aboard for an evening of shenanigans along the Hong Kong tramline. A vintage open-top tramcar offering spectacular 360-degree views of the city will certainly provide a memorable venue to celebrate birthdays, wedding anniversaries, reunions, or gatherings.

There are different trams to choose from depending on which tram you select—the Red Antique tram or Green Antique tram, the classic Passenger tram, the iconic “TramOramic Tour” tram, or the more luxurious Tram 18. Whichever model you go for, there’s a minimum charge of two hours rental, which gives you plenty of time to lap up the fantastic views of Hong Kong, from the nostalgic Western District through to the contemporary financial area and shopping hubs of Hong Kong Island. Of course, you will have ample time to polish off a few bottles of bubbly, too!

Hiring is subject to a first-come, first-served basis, and reservations are accepted two months prior to the hiring date, so you have plenty of time to gather the tram squad for a totally unforgettable night. Find out more here.

If you love a bit of Sherlock Holmes, or Murder on the Orient Express had you biting your nails on the edge of your seat, then now’s your chance to put your acting skills to the test and take part in an epic murder mystery dinner party by events company Harbour Secrets. It offers amazing packages with original plots, character lists, costume ideas, and actors thrown in for dramatic effect. Some storylines and characters are inspired by real Hong Kong, which means you could actually find yourself chatting with Suzie Wong over a glass or two of Champagne!

“The Roaring House” and “Neon Nights” are suitable for parties with between eight and 22 guests, while “Hong Kong Hustle” is designed for larger-scale events with over 22 guests. All the scripts and clues are delivered to the host in a fancy Chinese box ahead of the party, giving guests ample time to get into character and arrive ready to solve the big mystery. With plenty of plot twists and turns dotted along the way, and the occasional riddle to overcome, you’re guaranteed to have a totally unique night that you won’t forget in a hurry.

While the company doesn’t have its own venue, the team is happy to recommend local restaurants, private kitchens, photographers, costume stores, make-up artists, and more to help you plan the perfect night. And if you’re after a more advanced package which includes event management, photographers, or hiring actors for the role of the host, Harbour Secrets also offers a variety of add-ons to cater to all your needs. We won’t give too much away, because after all, we don’t want to spoil the surprise! Find out more here.

Calling all foodies! Crystal Bus is the first double-decker in Hong Kong that combines touring with a gourmet experience, so if you’re looking to feed your guests in style, this is it. You and your party will have the rare opportunity to tuck into various dim sum set meals while taking in the sights of more than 20 attractions around the city during a three-hour bus ride. Prepared by well-known partnering restaurants such as One Dim Sum, Chuen Kee Seafood Restaurant, Sang Kee Restaurant, and others, all the menus and prices per person are available for you to choose from before you book.

And when we say bus, we’re not referring to some old banger, but a swanky vehicle in which you will find yourself surrounded by 100,000 pieces of Swarovski crystals! How’s that for a special treat? You can book a standard tour or privatise the entire thing, with a maximum capacity of 47 passengers! Departure and arrival are both at Hankow Road in Tsim Sha Tsui. Find out how to book here.

If your friends are creative types, they will surely appreciate a fun painting session in an art studio—with drinks and nibbles included, of course. Art-jamming parties are hugely popular in Hong Kong and there are several studios to choose from when planning your big event.

Head to funky Wong Chuk Hang studio Artjamming and enjoy getting messy. Alternatively, head to Messy Jam in Sheung Wan, Rica in Wan Chai, or the two Aura Art studios in Central. There, you can choose a canvas of your preferred size, grab all the acrylic paints you need, and enjoy complimentary soft drinks to keep your creative juices flowing. But if you fancy something a little stronger (Champagne, darling?), then most venues are happy for you to bring your own alcoholic drinks with you, and will even let you play your own music to get you all inspired. Check out more venues here.

If you’re looking for an adrenaline-pumping party experience, then gather your army and head to Resalaser HK, where you can unleash your inner Rambo and eliminate your frenemies in a 5,000-square-foot, neon-lit battle zone scattered with obstacles. With a variety of light and sound effects to create various moods and atmospheres, you’re guaranteed non-stop excitement from start to finish. All combat gear is provided, and there are different levels of intensity to choose from (none of them painful). The original location in Kwun Tong is great, but we recommend trying out the D2 Place One space, which also has an arcade zone, a spaceship-themed party area, and private kid and sea-view party rooms. Find out more here.

Karaoke is a classic alternative party idea, and the activity is up there as one of our favourite things to do with a group of friends—at least, the ones you’re not afraid to put on a show-stopping performance for. Whether you know how to sing, are constantly out of tune, or just ready to bust a move while others hold the mic, karaoke always provides a good laugh, and loads of fun!

There are many karaoke bars in Hong Kong, but if you’re wanting some privacy and space to organise a party, Red Mr has four locations across Hong Kong. The music selection is varied, you can order food and drinks, the classic rooms are wallet-friendly, and it has a selection of larger, fancier party rooms. For the more casual affair, with darker rooms and more neon lights, you can head to one of Neway’s nine locations across Hong Kong!

Take it back to the 1980s with a roller-skating party for your next big celebration. That’s right—think laminated roller rink, disco lights, loud music, and maybe a few tumbles! Bun’s 2020 has two locations in Quarry Bay and Lai Chi Kok which cover 20,000 square feet. With its retro feel, vinyl diner-booth seats, chequered linoleum floor, neon lights, and banger playlist, Bun’s 2020 delights your inner child. The venue can also be privatised for two hours during the day or three hours at night, with drinks and catering available as part of the party package. All roller-skating gear is provided, and you can bring your own decorations, too! Find out more here.