Chief Executive John Lee greeted members of the public in Central and Wan Chai on Sunday evening, a day after concluding his duty visit to Beijing.

With his wife Janet Lam, Lee went to the Tai Kwun heritage-arts venue in Central, where he also talked with visitors from Shenzhen and South East Asia.

As Lee stopped by Lee Tung Avenue in Wan Chai, he chatted to passers-by and encouraged them to go out and spend during the festive season.

"The atmosphere is really good. We went to another place just now. The atmosphere there was good too," Lee said.

"You usually go out during the weekends, do you? Please go out more, so that our economy will be better. Merry Christmas!"

On his official Facebook page, Lee said he enjoyed the festive atmosphere in both places.

Lee added that he welcomed tourists from all over the world, saying they could experience Hong Kong's unique charm and vibrancy.