No Lunar New Year celebration is complete without the lion dance. This celebratory performance graces all sorts of occasions, from festivals and weddings, to competitions and store openings. During the biggest celebration of the year — Chinese New Year, lion dances can be spotted in shopping malls, along main streets, and in office buildings across Hong Kong. Despite its rich cultural symbolism, the lion dance is a great way to immerse yourself in the festive spirit. Falling from January 29, 2025, we’ve gathered a list of 10 places in Hong Kong to catch lion dances this Lunar New Year.
Chinese New Year Night Parade — January 29, 2025
Every year, the first day of the Lunar New Year highlights the Chinese New Year Night Parade. On this day, roads in Tsim Sha Tsui, starting at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza, will be closed for the event. Before the main show, a massive street party will warm up the audience, featuring a lion dance performance by the Chinese Martial Arts Dragon and Lion Dance Association. Arrive early to secure a free viewing spot and enjoy performances by other acts, including the Hong Kong Rope Skipping Club, Vigor Marching Band, and an appearance by South Korean girl group Kep1er.
Date: January 29, 2025
Time: 6:00pm
Where: Start at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza, go along Canton Road, Haiphong Road and Nathan Road, and finish at the Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel and Towers
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook
The Peninsula Hong Kong — January 29 & February 1, 2025
The iconic Peninsula Hong Kong will host grand dragon and lion dance performances on the first and fourth days of the Lunar New Year. On January 29 and February 1, head to the hotel’s lobby to witness the awakening ritual, where nine lions and one dragon are ‘brought to life,’ followed by a choreographed performance that blesses guests and hotel staff with good fortune for the year ahead.
Date: January 29 & February 1, 2025
Time: 9:30am on Jan 29, 8:00am on Feb 1
Where: 22 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook
Ngong Ping Village — January 29-February 2, 2025
One of the most important activities during Lunar New Year is visiting temples to pray for good luck in the coming year. If you plan to visit the Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery between January 29 and February 2, don’t miss the lion dance performances at Ngong Ping Village. The show was held twice daily at 12:30pm and 3:30pm, along with a worship ceremony to bring prosperity and positive energy for the new year. The village also features a variety of entertainment, unique shops, and dining options.
Date: January 29-February 2, 2025
Time: 12:30pm and 3:30pm
Where: Ngong Ping Village, Ngong Ping, Lantau Island
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook
Hong Kong Well-wishing Festival — January 29-February 4, 2025
The Hong Kong Well-wishing Festival in Lam Tsuen is a beloved Chinese New Year tradition among locals. Running from January 29 to February 12, visitors can toss placards onto the Wishing Tree or light wishing lanterns to seek good fortune. Introduced last year, the festival now features night markets and performances, with the luminous lion dance as a highlight. The night market also offers illuminated trees, glowing placards, and delicious food. Be sure to visit the New Year market, floats exhibition, carnival games, and various live performances during the day.
Date: Night market from January 29-February 4, 2025
Time: 7:00pm-10:00pm
Where: Lam Tsuen Heung Kung Sho Road, Lam Tsuen, Tai Po
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook
AIA Carnival — January 29-February 5, 2025
Come visit the Hong Kong’s largest carnival this Lunar New Year! Apart from over 28 thrilling rides and 30 exciting game booths, the carnival will host a series of festive celebrations: it all kicks off with a grand lion dance parade on January 29 at 12:30pm, followed by daily lion dance performances at 3:30pm. You can also enjoy Canto Disco, Chinese New Year-themed plush toy giveaways, as well as the Baby Rave and cultural parties at the Blue Girl Dai Pai Dong.
Date: January 29-February 5, 2025
Time: 12:30pm on January 29; 3:30pm from January 30-February 5, 2025
Where: Central Harbourfront, Central
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook
Lee Tung Avenue — January 29-February 1&7, 2025
During the first four days of Chinese New Year, traditional lion dances will take place at Lee Tung Avenue, with festive food distributed to spectators. Additionally, the Dragon and Lion Dance Spectacular returns on February 7, featuring eye-dotting rituals, bamboo stunts, and a golden dragon leading a vibrant street parade. Stroll under a canopy of over 800 lanterns, visit the Joyful Charity CNY Chill Fest market by The Salvation Army, and enjoy special events dedicated to traditional Chinese wedding culture.
Date: January 29-February 1 & 7, 2025
Time: 2:00pm-3:00pm on Jan 29, 4:30pm-5:30pm on Jan 30&31, 4:00pm-5:00pm on Feb 1, 11:00am-1:00pm on Feb 7
Where: 200 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook
Sha Tin Racecourse — January 31, 2025
Test your New Year luck at Chinese New Year Raceday! On the third day of CNY, the event will take place at Sha Tin Racecourse. At 11:15 am, the God of Fortune and jockeys will join a traditional lion dance to bless visitors, followed by a performance by popular Cantopop singer Hins Cheung. The day features three major races: the Centenary Vase, the Chinese New Year Cup, and the First Leg of the Four-Year-Old Classic Series – Hong Kong Classic Mile, starting from 2:00 pm onwards.
Date: January 31, 2025
Time: 11:15am
Where: 6001 Tai Po Road, Sha Tin
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook
Happy Valley Racecourse — February 5, 2025
Ring in the Chinese New Year at Happy Valley Racecourse’s Happy Wednesday Blossom Nights, happening on January 22, February 5, and February 19. Alongside thrilling horse racing and festive decorations, a must-see highlight is the LED lion dance. Starting at 6:00 pm on February 5, enjoy this spectacular show accompanied by a performance from the top-notch live band OnPoint at the Beer Garden. Don’t miss the chance to play games with the God of Wealth and win red packets! Each Blossom Night offers a list of festivities, visit Happy Wednesday’s website to learn more.
Date: February 5, 2025
Time: 6:00pm
Where: Beer Garden, Wong Nai Chung Road, Happy Valley
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook
AIRSIDE — February 8, 2025
This Chinese New Year, AIRSIDE brings traditional Chinese legends to life with its Blessings of the Magical Guardians installation. Symbolising prosperity and fortune, the four mythical beasts: the dragon, kirin, phoenix, and tortoise, grace The Atrium. On February 8, enjoy lion dance parades at 1:00pm, and the following day, watch as the legendary beasts ‘come alive’ for an auspicious performance! The mall has also prepared a supersized Snakes & Ladders game and Lunar New Year Markets for you to explore.
Date: February 8, 2025.
Time: 1:00-1:30pm
Where: The Atrium, AIRSIDE, 2 Concorde Road, Kai Tak
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook
Citygate Outlets — February 12, 2025
Citygate Outlets teamed up with KITKAT in the ‘Catch the Luck’ Chinese New Year celebration from January 10 to February 16. An Auspicious Lion Dance Parade is set to happen on February 12, the last day of 15-day festival. Watch as golden lions leap energetically during the eye-dotting ceremony, followed by a lively parade featuring Kwok’s Kung Fu & Dragon Lion Dance Team. Other highlights of the event include eight Lucky Cat and Daruma installations, interactive AI games, WhatsApp sticker creation, and traditional Japanese New Year dances on the second day of CNY.
Date: February 12, 2025
Time: Eye-dotting Ceremony at 10:50am and Lion Dance Parade from 2:00pm-6:00pm
Where: 20 Tat Tung Road, Tung Chung, Lantau Island
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook | +852 2109 2933
Header image credit: cheeyong via Canva