Words by Aude Camus
There are Christmas decorations, and then there are Christmas decorations that tell a story. And if there's one brand that knows how to tell the story of Hong Kong, with a generous sprinkle of festive magic, a healthy dose of nostalgia and just the right amount of humour, it's The Lion Rock Press.
Now, don't get me wrong. I love a traditional Christmas as much as the next person. Give me twinkling lights, a beautifully decorated tree, a few gingerbread biscuits and Michael Bublé on repeat, and I'm a happy girl. But after more than a decade calling Hong Kong home, I've also grown rather fond of the little touches that make Christmas here so unique.
Enter The Lion Rock Press. A brand that has somehow managed to make a lucky cat wearing a Santa hat feel just as Christmassy as a reindeer. And I absolutely love it.
For Christmas 2026, the beloved local brand is back with a collection that's as playful, colourful and unmistakably Hong Kong as ever. And trust me, there are a few pieces you'll want to make room for on your Christmas tree.
The Lion Rock Press: a love letter to Hong Kong There are Christmas decorations, and then there are Christmas decorations that tell a story. And if there's one brand that knows how to tell the story of Hong Kong, with a generous sprinkle of festive magic, a healthy dose of nostalgia and just the right amount of humour, it's The Lion Rock Press.
Now, don't get me wrong. I love a traditional Christmas as much as the next person. Give me twinkling lights, a beautifully decorated tree, a few gingerbread biscuits and Michael Bublé on repeat, and I'm a happy girl. But after more than a decade calling Hong Kong home, I've also grown rather fond of the little touches that make Christmas here so unique.
Enter The Lion Rock Press. A brand that has somehow managed to make a lucky cat wearing a Santa hat feel just as Christmassy as a reindeer. And I absolutely love it.
For Christmas 2026, the beloved local brand is back with a collection that's as playful, colourful and unmistakably Hong Kong as ever. And trust me, there are a few pieces you'll want to make room for on your Christmas tree.
Before we dive into the festive goodies, a little introduction is in order. Because The Lion Rock Press deserves to be celebrated for much more than its Christmas decorations.
Founded in 2013 by Claire Yates, The Lion Rock Press is a family-run Hong Kong brand specialising in stationery, gifts, books and homeware. But describing it as simply a stationery and gift brand doesn't quite do it justice.
What makes The Lion Rock Press so special is its wonderfully distinctive creative universe: a world where East meets West, Hong Kong's visual identity takes centre stage, and everyday local icons are transformed into objects you'll want to keep forever.
Drawing inspiration from her Eurasian heritage, Claire has built a brand that celebrates both sides of her cultural identity, bringing together Hong Kong graphics, nostalgia and traditions with Western aesthetics and humour.
And the result? Designs that feel familiar yet unexpected, playful yet meaningful, and above all, full of personality.
There's something particularly endearing about a brand that celebrates the little details of Hong Kong life, the things we sometimes take for granted but would probably miss terribly if we ever left.
The Lion Rock Press calls itself The Home of Hong Kong Christmas, and after seeing its latest collection, I'd say the title is rather well deserved.
Forget the usual baubles for a minute. This year, The Lion Rock Press is inviting us to decorate our trees with a cast of characters that could only have been dreamed up in Hong Kong.
First up, the brand's bestselling Lucky Cat ornament has received a festive makeover, complete with a Santa hat. Because who says a maneki-neko can't get into the Christmas spirit?
Then come the Gingerbread Man and Lady, and these two might just steal the show. She's dressed in a cheongsam, while he's sporting a rather dashing silk jacket. Quite possibly the most stylish gingerbread couple you'll ever meet.
For those who prefer something a little more elegant, the new chinoiserie-inspired teapot and teacup decorations bring a delicate East-meets-West aesthetic to the Christmas tree, complete with an adorable little biscuit detail.
And because this is Hong Kong, it wouldn't be right to leave out milk tea. The brand has transformed the iconic cha chaan teng drink into a festive ornament, topped with whipped cream, sprinkles and sweet treats.
Last but certainly not least, there's a gorgeous red silk jacket with gold embellishments — a little nod to local traditions that looks right at home among the fairy lights.
Each of these hanging decorations retails for HK$150.
Can't choose? The hand-painted three-piece festive set features a Santa Panda, Gingerbread Man and Santa Lucky Cat for HK$390.
My only concern? Once you start collecting these little treasures, there's a good chance your Christmas tree will become a permanent tribute to Hong Kong. Not necessarily a bad thing, if you ask me.
Wrapping gifts with a purpose First up, the brand's bestselling Lucky Cat ornament has received a festive makeover, complete with a Santa hat. Because who says a maneki-neko can't get into the Christmas spirit?
Then come the Gingerbread Man and Lady, and these two might just steal the show. She's dressed in a cheongsam, while he's sporting a rather dashing silk jacket. Quite possibly the most stylish gingerbread couple you'll ever meet.
For those who prefer something a little more elegant, the new chinoiserie-inspired teapot and teacup decorations bring a delicate East-meets-West aesthetic to the Christmas tree, complete with an adorable little biscuit detail.
And because this is Hong Kong, it wouldn't be right to leave out milk tea. The brand has transformed the iconic cha chaan teng drink into a festive ornament, topped with whipped cream, sprinkles and sweet treats.
Last but certainly not least, there's a gorgeous red silk jacket with gold embellishments — a little nod to local traditions that looks right at home among the fairy lights.
Each of these hanging decorations retails for HK$150.
Can't choose? The hand-painted three-piece festive set features a Santa Panda, Gingerbread Man and Santa Lucky Cat for HK$390.
My only concern? Once you start collecting these little treasures, there's a good chance your Christmas tree will become a permanent tribute to Hong Kong. Not necessarily a bad thing, if you ask me.
Another reason to love The Lion Rock Press? Its commitment to giving back to the community that inspires its creations.
For the 14th consecutive year, the brand is supporting local charity Mother's Choice through its Christmas stationery collection, featuring festive cards, gift wrap and matching tags.
Founded in 1987, Mother's Choice works to support vulnerable girls, babies, children and families in Hong Kong, with the vision of seeing every child grow up in a loving family. Over the years, The Lion Rock Press has donated more than HK$500,000 to the organisation.
And there's more to this collection than its charitable dimension. All the brand's paper products are designed in Hong Kong using FSC paper, while the production of its Christmas stationery supports eight local businesses, from printers and paper merchants to foil stampers and packers.
So yes, you can make your presents look fabulous while supporting a meaningful local cause. That's what I call a win-win.
The 2026 collection includes:
Charity Christmas cards, HK$35 each Packs of eight luxe gold-foiled Christmas cards, HK$120 Ten sheets of Christmas wrapping paper with 20 matching gift tags, HK$150 Christmas gift tags, HK$5 each, or HK$25 for a bundle of ten For the 14th consecutive year, the brand is supporting local charity Mother's Choice through its Christmas stationery collection, featuring festive cards, gift wrap and matching tags.
Founded in 1987, Mother's Choice works to support vulnerable girls, babies, children and families in Hong Kong, with the vision of seeing every child grow up in a loving family. Over the years, The Lion Rock Press has donated more than HK$500,000 to the organisation.
And there's more to this collection than its charitable dimension. All the brand's paper products are designed in Hong Kong using FSC paper, while the production of its Christmas stationery supports eight local businesses, from printers and paper merchants to foil stampers and packers.
So yes, you can make your presents look fabulous while supporting a meaningful local cause. That's what I call a win-win.
The 2026 collection includes:
And honestly, with wrapping paper this pretty, I almost feel sorry for the person who has to tear it open. Almost.
The Lion Rock Press isn't stopping at the Christmas tree or the presents underneath it.
New for 2026 is a festive tea towel that brings together familiar Hong Kong symbols and Christmas motifs in a colourful, cheerful design. It's one of those little things that instantly adds personality to a kitchen, and a fun alternative to the usual Christmas-themed home accessories.
I also love the idea of sending one to friends or family overseas. It's lightweight, easy to post and makes for a thoughtful little reminder of Hong Kong, especially for those who once called the city home.
And while we're on the subject of gifts, there's another new arrival worth mentioning, especially if you're shopping for someone who loves Hong Kong as much as The Lion Rock Press clearly does. Meet Unforgettable Hong Kong (HK$280), a new 1,000-piece double-sided puzzle celebrating the city's iconic skyline, vibrant colours and unmistakable energy.
One side features a wonderfully detailed interpretation of Hong Kong by local mixed-media artist Katie Flowers. Expect familiar landmarks, hidden details and plenty of little discoveries as the picture comes together. Flip it over and you'll find something completely different: a photograph by John Alexander capturing an iconic red Hong Kong taxi driving through the streets of Sheung Wan. Two very different perspectives on the same city, in one box.
I rather like the idea of working on this over the Christmas holidays, when the pace finally slows down a little and there's time for some good old-fashioned, screen-free entertainment.
A Christmas collection that feels like home I rather like the idea of working on this over the Christmas holidays, when the pace finally slows down a little and there's time for some good old-fashioned, screen-free entertainment.
What I love most about The Lion Rock Press is that its creations are more than just pretty objects.
They're little pieces of Hong Kong: its traditions, its everyday rituals, its wonderfully chaotic energy and its unmistakable personality. All reimagined with creativity and affection.
So this festive season, by all means, bring out the traditional baubles and hang the stockings. But perhaps make a little room on your tree for a lucky cat in a Santa hat, too. After all, who said Christmas couldn't come with a touch of Hong Kong humour?
Discover the collection: https://www.thelionrockpress.com/