Journeys Within Travel Blog

Fans of the charmingly round Noodoll characters are in for a festive treat this holiday season as the popular toy brand debuts a major Christmas installation at Langham Place in Hong Kong. Titled “Noodoll: Merry PotatoMAS,” the event brings the entire potato plushie family to Mong Kok, transforming the mall’s atrium into an imaginative, luxury department store dedicated entirely to the endearing spuds, set to delight visitors from mid-November through the new year.

A Whimsical Retail Experience

The centerpiece of the installation, located in the mall’s fourth-floor atrium, reimagines a grand, opulent retail space—evoking the prestige of iconic British stores like Harrods or Hamleys—but with a decidedly potato-centric twist. The space is richly decorated with classic holiday elements: sparkling tinsels, glittering gift boxes, and a towering Christmas tree uniquely adorned with miniature Noodoll plushie ornaments.

A dozen distinct Noodoll potato characters populate the lavish, red-and-gold grand lobby, each depicted in humorous or festive scenarios. Visitors can spot characters playing roles ranging from a courteous bellhop greeting guests to a mischievous prankster seemingly responsible for a collapsed chandelier. The immersive environment invites playful interaction, including a dedicated booth shaped like an elevator where guests can capture ASMR videos while enjoying a snack of potato chips.

Celebrating an Anniversary with Exclusive Collectibles

The “Merry PotatoMAS” celebration holds dual significance, marking both the Christmas season and Langham Place’s 20th anniversary. To commemorate this two-decade milestone, Langham Place has collaborated with Noodoll to release a series of limited-edition collectibles available exclusively at the venue’s dedicated gift shop.

Among the standout merchandise are quirky “Potato Soup Cans,” inspired by Pop Art aesthetics and featuring the beloved potato mascots. Shoppers can also find a variety of themed gifts and merchandise, perfect for holiday gifting. Adding to the excitement, the gift shop features a special raffle where participants have the chance to win major technological prizes, including the latest iPhone 17 and AirPods.

The installation serves as a testament to the enduring appeal of the Noodoll brand, which has successfully translated simple, cheerful designs into globally recognized characters. By integrating the characters into a high-end, imaginative retail setting, the event creates a unique blend of nostalgia, luxury, and festive cheer.

Plan Your Festive Visit

The “Noodoll: Merry PotatoMAS” installation is open to the public from November 14 until January 1, 2026, at Langham Place in Mong Kok. This festive spectacle provides a delightful, family-friendly backdrop for holiday outings and gift shopping in Kowloon.

Visitors seeking the latest details on accompanying interactive programming, special giveaways, and other mall happenings should monitor the official Langham Place website. The collaboration not only offers a whimsical escape during the competitive holiday retail rush but also grounds itself in local culture through its partnership with a major Hong Kong retail landmark celebrating a significant anniversary.

To honor Hong Kong’s senior community, MTR Corporation is offering a full day of complimentary travel across its extensive network in celebration of Senior Citizens Day. On November 16, residents aged 65 and above will enjoy free access to most MTR lines, Light Rail, and MTR bus routes, encouraging city-wide mobility for elders.

This one-day special initiative aims to recognize the contributions of Hong Kong’s senior population by removing travel barriers and promoting enjoyment of the city. Eligible seniors only need to tap their existing JoyYou Card, Elder Octopus card, or Personal Octopus card to ride at no cost, with no prior registration required.

Understanding the Free Travel Offer

The promotion is straightforward, making it highly accessible for eligible individuals. The ease of use—simply tapping an existing specialized senior travel card—ensures maximum participation on the designated day.

However, seniors planning their trips should be aware of several exemptions:

• Airport Express line travel is excluded.
• Travel in First Class cabins on rail lines is not covered.
• Trips to or from border stations Lo Wu or Lok Ma Chau on the East Rail Line are not included.
• The High Speed Rail remains separate from this promotion.

While one day of free travel offers a significant benefit, the MTR Corporation is also investing in long-term infrastructure to improve daily commutes for the elderly.

Streamlining Travel with the MTR · Care App

Beyond the one-day fare holiday, MTR Corporation is actively promoting the use of its new MTR · Care App. Specifically designed with the needs of seniors in mind, the application integrates several user-friendly features to make navigation simpler and more intuitive.

The MTR · Care App incorporates elder-friendly design elements such as:

• Enlarged text and graphics for enhanced readability.
• Text-to-speech functions to assist users with visual impairments.
• Simplified interfaces for seamless route searching and station navigation.

This digital tool represents a concerted effort by the transit provider to ensure that public transportation remains a reliable and convenient option for Hong Kong’s aging demographic, addressing common challenges encountered by older adults when using digital services or navigating complex transit systems.

An Opportunity for Family Outings

For many families, Senior Citizens Day is a perfect time to plan meaningful activities. Even if younger residents do not qualify for the free travel themselves, the initiative provides a compelling reason to treat senior family members to an outing. The complimentary ride removes the financial consideration, making it easier to arrange joint excursions to parks, cultural sites, or dining destinations across the territory.

This transit relief on November 16 underscores the growing importance of addressing the needs of Hong Kong’s rapidly aging society and ensuring that essential services, like public transport, remain accessible and affordable for all citizens. Seniors and their families are encouraged to take advantage of the fare reduction for a day of exploration and connection.

Hong Kong Disney enthusiasts can anticipate a dazzling evening of cinematic music as Tony Award-winning vocalist and official Disney Legend Lea Salonga returns for a one-night-only performance celebrating Hong Kong Disneyland Resort’s 20th Anniversary on January 10, 2026. The internationally acclaimed singer, known globally as the voice of Disney Princesses Jasmine and Mulan, will grace the stage beneath the Castle of Magical Dreams, offering fans a rare opportunity to experience her iconic voice live, accompanied by the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra and the Hong Kong Disneyland Band.

The exclusive event, titled “Disney Legend Live in Concert,” is a key highlight of the resort’s milestone celebrations, marking Salonga’s return to the location where she notably performed at the park’s grand opening two decades prior. For those who grew up immersed in the enduring musical scores of Disney films masterminded by composers like Alan Menken and Jerry Goldsmith, this concert promises an evening steeped in powerful nostalgia and musical artistry.

A Career Defined by Excellence

Lea Salonga’s legacy extends far beyond her foundational contributions to Disney’s animated film catalogue. A true theatrical trailblazer, she achieved international recognition as the original performer of Kim in the West End and Broadway productions of Miss Saigon. Her pioneering success made her the first Asian actress to win a Tony Award—a testament to her singular talent and global impact.

The “Pride of the Philippines” has also starred in notable stage productions including Les Misérables and Flower Drum Song. Her decorated career includes a Laurence Olivier Award, and she was officially recognized by The Walt Disney Company as a Disney Legend in 2011 for her cherished voice work.

During the concert, Salonga will curate a musical journey through the compelling narratives of Disney’s Princesses and Queens. Attendees should expect breathtaking renditions of timeless Disney classics, likely including her signature songs from Aladdin (“A Whole New World”) and Mulan (“Reflection”).

Enchantment and Special Guests

Adding to the magic, the vocal performance will feature special appearances by six beloved Disney characters: Jasmine, Mulan, Tiana, Elsa, Cinderella, and Pocahontas. This unique combination of orchestral mastery, legendary vocal talent, and character presence ensures a highly immersive and memorable experience for Disney fans of all ages.

The pairing of Salonga with the prestigious Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra elevates the concert from a standard performance to a significant cultural event, ensuring a rich, symphonic delivery of the beloved melodies.

Securing Tickets for the Exclusive Night

Tickets for the highly anticipated “Disney Legend Live in Concert” are currently available for purchase through the official Hong Kong Disneyland Resort website. Given the artist’s immense popularity and the one-night-only nature of the event, early booking is strongly recommended.

Ticket options include:

• Standard Seating Area Pass: HK$740
• VIP Seating Area Pass: HK$980

This anniversary concert represents a significant cultural moment for Hong Kong Disney fans, offering a chance to witness a cornerstone of Disney history perform live. The event reinforces Hong Kong Disneyland Resort’s commitment to delivering world-class entertainment, creating lasting memories for its global audience as it celebrates two decades of operation.