Chinese New Year in Hong Kong 2025

Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, marks the start of the new year on the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar and is one of the most celebrated festivals worldwide. In Hong Kong, the holiday blends contemporary celebrations with rich traditions, making it a unique experience. Festivities range from a vibrant night parade and interactive installations to dazzling festive decorations throughout the city.

Traditional Celebrations

Chinese New Year traditions, though regionally diverse, share common themes of bidding farewell to the old year and welcoming luck and prosperity in the new one. Celebrations include decorating homes with red ornaments to repel negativity, honoring ancestors, enjoying a reunion dinner on New Year's Eve, and gifting red envelopes symbolizing blessings for safety and peace. Festivities also feature fireworks at midnight, lion and dragon dances, and traditional dishes like fish, dumplings, and rice cakes, all rich with symbolic meanings for the year ahead.

New Year's Parade (January 29, 2025)

A highlight of Hong Kong's Chinese New Year festivities is the spectacular Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade. Drawing thousands of locals and tourists each year, the parade winds through the streets of the Tsim Sha Tsui neighborhood near Victoria Harbour. The vibrant procession features colorful floats, energetic dragon dances, marching bands, and traditional Chinese performers, creating a lively celebration that captures the spirit of the Lunar New Year.

Route & Schedule

The procession travels along Nathan Road, Salisbury Road, Canton Road, and Haiphong Road, passing highlights like the Avenue of Stars, Kowloon Park, and the bustling Golden Mile on Nathan Road. The festivities kick off with pre-parade street performances at 6 pm, building excitement for the main event, which begins at 8 pm and continues until 9:45 pm.

Fireworks Over Victoria Harbor (January 30, 2025)

On the second evening of Hong Kong's Chinese New Year celebrations, Victoria Harbour lights up with a spectacular 25-minute fireworks display. The dazzling show can be enjoyed from several prime locations, including The Peak, aboard a boat on the harbor or along the waterfront areas of Tsim Sha Tsui, Central, and Wan Chai. This grand event is a highlight of the festival, drawing locals and visitors alike to marvel at the vibrant bursts of color illuminating the city's skyline.

Horse Races (January 31, 2025)

On the third day of the Chinese New Year, over 100,000 spectators gather at the Hong Kong Jockey Club Sha Tin Racecourse for one of the year’s most anticipated events. Known as the most popular horse racing event in Hong Kong, this festive occasion combines thrilling races with cultural performances. Guests can enjoy traditional lion dances, a vibrant variety show, and live music, creating a unique and auspicious way to kick off the new year. Admission is HK$10.

Lam Tsuen Well-Wishing Festival (29 January–12 February 2025)

Hong Kong offers additional festive events to enjoy during the Chinese New Year period. The Lam Tsuen Well-Wishing Festival in the New Territories is a cherished tradition where locals pray for good fortune. Highlights include tossing wishes onto the famous wishing trees, releasing wishing lanterns, and experiencing performances from the Chinese New Year's Night Parade.

Spring Lantern Festival (February 12, 2025)

The Spring Lantern Festival, marking the conclusion of the New Year festivities, transforms Hong Kong with vibrant lantern displays. The main carnival is held at Tsim Sha Tsui’s Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza, featuring acrobatics, folk songs, traditional dances, and hands-on activities like lantern-making workshops. These events provide an unforgettable glimpse into Hong Kong’s festive spirit.

Holiday Locations

Hong Kong’s Chinese New Year celebrations highlight several iconic locations filled with festive traditions. Visitors flock to Victoria Park for its massive New Year market, Sha Tin Racecourse for thrilling holiday horse races, and the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade for breathtaking fireworks over Victoria Harbour. Cultural landmarks like Wong Tai Sin Temple and Che Kung Temple offer rituals for good fortune, while Lam Tsuen’s Wishing Trees and the bustling Flower Market add charm and color to the celebrations.