As we prepare to welcome the Year of the Horse on February 17, Hong Kong is buzzing with Chinese New Year events running from before the holiday through to the end of the 15-day celebration. During the biggest festival of Chinese culture, it’s the perfect time to fully immerse yourself in its rich traditions and customs, and enjoy the festive events.
AIA Carnival Chinese New Year Promotions — February 2-22
The AIA Carnival marks Chinese New Year with festive touches across the grounds, from CNY-themed Sesame Street toys and daily lion dances to a horse mascot meet-and-greet and colourful decorations.
From February 2 to 13, there is also a special New Year treat: anyone born in the Year of the Horse or with Horse, Ma, or 馬 in their name can enjoy free carnival entry, making it a fun stop during the holiday period.
When: February 2–13, 2026
Where: AIA Carnival, Central Harbourfront
Tickets: Free entry for eligible guests during the promotion period; standard admission applies for others. Visit the website for more info
Lunar New Year Fairs — February 11-17
Lunar New Year Fairs across Hong Kong mark the lead-up to Chinese New Year with flower markets, festive goods, and seasonal treats. From peach blossoms and kumquat trees to festive decorations and local street snacks, the fairs create a lively pre-holiday atmosphere. With 14 locations citywide, including major venues like Victoria Park, they are a staple of the festive calendar.
When: February 17-19, 2026
Where: 14 locations across Hong Kong
Tickets: Free admission. Visit the website for locations and opening hours.
Wong Tai Sin Temple — February 16-17
One of Hong Kong’s most cherished Chinese New Year traditions is making the first incense offering of the year at Wong Tai Sin Temple, the city’s largest Taoist temple. Each year, visitors gather outside to collect incense sticks before rushing to the altar to honour the Great Immortal Wong, to whom the shrine is dedicated.
This year, the temple will open at 9:00pm on February 16 (Chinese New Year’s Eve), with incense offerings taking place from 11:00pm to 12:00am, marking the start of the Lunar New Year. The temple will remain open overnight until 9:00pm on February 17.
When: February 16, 9:00pm to February 17, 9:00pm. Special New Year arrangements and festive rituals will be in place throughout the holiday period.
Where: 2 Chuk Yuen Village, Wong Tai Sin
Tickets: Free admission. Visit the website for more opening hours and suggested routes
Chinese New Year Night Parade — February 17
Chinese New Year celebrations kick off in full force with the Night Parade in Tsim Sha Tsui. The streets come alive with large floats from Cathay, Ocean Park, McDonald’s, Disneyland and more, while you can also enjoy performance from local and international artists as the procession moves through the district.
Secure your spot early along the route while the pre-parade street performances will start early at 6pm.
When: February 17, 2026 (street performances from 6pm; parade from around 8pm)
Where: Starts at Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza, ending near Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel
Tickets: Free viewing along the route; spectator stand tickets from HK$450 via Hong Kong Tourism Board. Visit the website for more information and ticketing.
Hong Kong Well-wishing Festival — February 17-March 3
Make a New Year wish at the famous banyan wishing trees, a long-running Lunar New Year tradition held in Lam Tsuen, Tai Po. Visitors gather to write down hopes for health, success, fortune, and love, then toss the placards onto the wishing trees, a ritual believed to bring good fortune. Set away from the city’s bustle, the festival offers a fun and distinctly local way to welcome the year ahead.
When: February 17 to March 3, 2026
Where: Lam Tsuen Wishing Square, Lam Tsuen, Tai Po
Tickets: Free admission. Visit the website for more event updates
Ocean Park Lunar New Year Fiesta — February 17-March 22
Ocean Park’s Lunar New Year Fiesta brings festive touches to the park with themed decorations, traditional performances, and seasonal photo spots. Visitors can catch scheduled lion and dragon dances, meet the God of Fortune, and explore special character installations, including the Ocean Park x Sanrio “Marine Wonders” display, where characters are featured in an ocean adventure.
When: February 17 to March 22, 2026
Where: Ocean Park Hong Kong, Wong Chuk Hang
Tickets: Park admission required. Visit the official website for ticket details and updates
Chinese New Year Fireworks Display — February 18
Hong Kong’s skyline takes centre stage during the annual Chinese New Year Fireworks Display over Victoria Harbour. This year’s show is built around the Year of the Horse, featuring themed segments, symbolic shapes of “8”, and a large-scale finale designed to fill the harbour with light.
If you plan to watch the show, take your family to these best free firework viewing spots on both sides of the harbour for an evening outing.
When: February 18, 2026, 8pm
Where: Victoria Harbour
Tickets: Free viewing
Che Kung Festival — February 18
Che Kung Temple in Sha Tin is another popular temple to visit during Chinese New Year, especially Che Kung Festival falls on the second day of the first lunar month. Locals come to honour Che Kung, a Song Dynasty general revered for his loyalty and protective powers. It is believed that worshipping here, turning the fan-bladed wheel of fortune, and beating the drum can help drive away bad luck and bring a smoother year ahead.
When: February 18, 2026
Where: Che Kung Temple, Sha Tin
Tickets: Free admission. Visit the website for more information
Year of the Horse Raceday — February 19
Kick off the new year with a bit of luck at the Year of the Horse Raceday, held at Sha Tin Racecourse on the third day of Chinese New Year. Beyond the day’s live horse racing, the event features festive programmes including lion dances, New Year blessings by God of Fortune, and live performances by Cantopop diva Kelly Chen alongside the popular trio FAMA with feng shui master Mak Ling-ling.
When: February 19, 2026 (event starts at 11am; first race at 12.30pm)
Where: Sha Tin Racecourse
Tickets: Public enclosure HK$10; free admission for visitors to Hong Kong with a valid travel document (racecourse entrants must be aged 18 or above)
Chinese New Year Cup 2026 — February 21
Football is another sport Hongkongers are truly passionate about, which is why Chinese New Year celebrations would not feel complete without a match. The Chinese New Year Cup 2026 brings festive football action to Hong Kong Stadium, where the Hong Kong, China Representative Team will go head-to-head with FC Seoul from South Korea’s K League.
When: February 21, 2026
Where: Hong Kong Stadium, So Kon Po
Tickets: From HK$180. Buy tickets on Ticketflap
Hong Kong Disneyland Magical Year After Year — Until March 1
Hong Kong Disneyland welcomes the Year of the Horse with its “Magical Year After Year” celebration. The park is dressed with festive decorations, including Mickey-shaped red lanterns featuring Bullseye, while you can collect limited-edition Year of the Horse lai see during the first five days of Chinese New Year. Bullseye makes his festive debut at Toy Story Land for meet-and-greets. Across the park, Disney friends in special Chinese New Year outfits and are ready to share blessings with visitors of all ages.
When: January 30 to March 1, 2026
Where: Hong Kong Disneyland, Lantau Island
Tickets: Park admission required. Visit the official website for ticket deals and details
Chinese New Year Decorations — During the festival period
During Lunar New Year, festive displays light up shopping malls and major attractions across Hong Kong, from large-scale decorations to themed installations designed for evening strolls and photos.
One highlight is the annual Chinese New Year Lantern Display at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Running from February 12 to March 15, the display features illuminated lanterns with horse-themed designs, symbolic motifs, and hand-crafted lantern art, showcasing traditional craftsmanship inspired by Hong Kong’s intangible cultural heritage.
When: During Lunar New Year
Where: Across Hong Kong
Tickets: Free admission
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Header image credits: galitskaya via Freepik, Lee Tung Avenue, Hong Kong Tourism Board