From neon-lit festivities to grand fireworks display, here’s how Hong Kong is kicking off the Year of the Fire Horse.
If you’re planning to celebrate Lunar New Year beyond the basics—wearing red, eating tikoy, or wrapping your walls in crimson—then Hong Kong is the place to maximize luck this Year of the Horse. This special holiday is when one of the city’s biggest festivals takes place: unique traditions and neon-lit festivities everywhere, a grand fireworks display above Victoria Harbour, and the city buzzing with “new year, new vibes” energy.
The city-wide celebration is a must-not-miss for many travelers. In fact, the Travel Industry Council of China estimated that up to 1.4 million tourists would enter Hong Kong during the holiday—a 6 percent increase compared to last year as every year, Hong Kong’s Chinese New Year promises a feast for the senses.
Here’s everything to gear up for when kicking off a year overflowing with prosperity and good fortune.
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Lunar New Year fairs
February 11 to 17
During Chinese New Year, also known as the “Spring Festival,” flowers are popularly shared among family, friends, lovers, and colleagues as they symbolize a flourishing start to the year. Pick up some blooms to delight a loved one—or yourself—at the Lunar New Year fairs in Victoria Park in Causeway Bay and Fa Hui Park in Mong Kok.
Take your pick from calamondin (for good fortune), peach blossoms (romance and growth), orchids (fertility), peonies (wealth), and narcissus (good luck) to welcome a year of luck and abundance. While you’re at it, explore other stalls filled with eye-catching decorations, traditional treats, and local handicrafts that will get you in the festive mood.
Chinese New Year lantern display
February 12 to March 15
Immerse yourself in a world of luck, light, and color at the dazzling lantern displays taking over Hong Kong’s museums, galleries, and public spaces from February 12 to March 15. The Hong Kong Tourism Board tapped veteran paper-crafting master Hui Ka-hung to create paper lanterns with the theme “Leaping into Spring, Galloping to Success.”
Each piece incorporates various traditional elements such as the Hong Kong cheongsam, Chinese candy box, and other symbols of wealth and prosperity. These lanterns will be lit up at 6 pm, so make sure to step out and snap a photo or two to bring home this memorable experience.
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Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade
February 17
Expect to see floats glow, drums thunder, and performers bring high-energy acts to the Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade on February 17. This year’s theme, “Best Fortune, World Party,” imbibes the energetic spirit of the horse—a symbol of strength and success in Chinese culture. The event will enliven the streets of Tsim Sha Tsui with multicultural performances, including acts from Bacolod’s MassKara Festival dancers.
The Filipino dance group, performing for the second time at the event, will be joined by other international acts such as FierS à Cheval from France, the Xi’an Acrobatic Troupe from mainland China, Les Vitaminés from Canada, Manly Seabirds from Australia, and Cromosauro from Italy. Their participation is a highlight for visitors from home and a reminder of the Philippines’ vibrant festival culture amid Hong Kong’s diverse parade lineup.
If you miss the event, don’t worry—you’ll still get to experience part of it. Some of the floats showcased at the parade will be on display at Kai Tak Sports Park from February 18 to 26, giving visitors a chance to admire the artistry and take Instagrammable photos up close.
Well-Wishing Festival in Lam Tsuen
February 17 to March 3
One of the most iconic Chinese New Year traditions in Hong Kong, the Well-Wishing Festival draws thousands of tourists from all over the world to the quiet village of Lam Tsuen in Tai Po every year. Here, you can join other tourists at Wishing Square, where you write your wishes on joss paper and toss them onto a tree. It is believed that wishes will come true if the paper catches on the branches—the higher, the better!
Grand fireworks display
February 18
People anticipate Hong Kong’s Chinese New Year fireworks display because it’s not just a show—it’s a full-on, once-a-year moment where culture, spectacle, and city energy collide. Join spectators on both sides of Victoria Harbour on the second day of Chinese New Year to witness a mesmerizing fireworks display ushering in the Year of the Horse.
And because it’s happening in the city’s iconic harbour, expect cinematic vibes as the fireworks reflect off the water and glass towers. Every burst feels amplified by the cityscape.
Year of the Horse Raceday
February 19
On the third day of the New Year, head to Sha Tin Racecourse to catch the excitement of its annual horse racing event. This year’s festivities are particularly significant as they also celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse. Alongside the thrilling races, lion dance performances, an electrifying variety show, and festive crowds are sure to sweep you up in the fun.
