FESTIVE SPIRIT: Hong Kong is offering a feast for culture lovers this month, with two major artistic offerings. The Hong Kong Arts Festival, running Jan. 15 to Feb. 13, will present a smorgasbord of performances including a multilingual rendition of Shakespeare's Lear with a pan-Asian cast and crew; Brecht's Threepenny Opera, performed by the China National Youth Theater; the Hamburg Ballet; and the Kirov Orchestra. A free exhibition showcasing the work of Bulgarian "wrap artist" Christo will be on view at the Hong Kong Arts Center's Pao Galleries from Jan. 23-Feb. 14. For tickets call 852-2734-9009; program details are available online at www.hk.artsfestival.org. The Fringe Festival is changing its name this year to City Festival, with more than 120 events taking place Jan. 8-31. True to its name, the urban-themed festival offers performances not just in galleries and theaters, but also in restaurants, schools, shopping centers and on the street. Call 852-2521-7251 or check out the City Festival's website at www.hkfringe.com.hk/cityfestival.