Spring Lantern Festival 2025 in Hong Kong

The Spring Lantern Festival, also known as Chinese Valentine's Day, marks the first full moon of the lunar calendar and concludes the nearly two-week-long Chinese New Year celebrations. During this time, Hong Kong transforms into a vibrant wonderland, with colorful lanterns adorning parks, flower markets, restaurants, and streets, creating a dazzling spectacle of light and festivity. The festival is also often called the Yuan Xiao Festival due to the popular rice ball that is traditionally eaten during the celebration.

Chinese Lanterns

Lanterns of all shapes, sizes, and designs illuminate the Spring Lantern Festival, creating a magical atmosphere. Iconic Chinese red lanterns, symbolizing hope and prosperity for the new year, are prominently displayed everywhere. From whimsical designs to traditional symbols, lanterns often depict goldfish, fruits, and majestic dragons, representing power, strength, and good fortune.

Lantern Displays (January 12–February 7)

The Spring Lantern Festival offers vibrant exhibitions and activities leading up to and during the celebration. From January 12 to February 7, the outdoor piazza of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui hosts its annual lantern display, a favorite for its convenient location along Victoria Harbour. Additional displays can be enjoyed at North District Park and Tsuen Wan Park from January 31 to February 2. While live performances are not scheduled this year, the entrance to all lantern carnivals remains free for everyone.

Origins of Spring Lantern Festival

The tradition of lantern-making dates back thousands of years, originating with the use of natural materials like bamboo, wheat, paper, and silk. Over time, this art form evolved, with lanterns becoming increasingly intricate, larger, and more imaginative, showcasing the creativity and craftsmanship of their makers.