We are about to enter the Year of the Rabbit in the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle. If you will be in Hong Kong to ring in the Year of the Rabbit, here’s your quick guide to what’s on over the Chinese New Year holidays. January 23 to 25 will be statutory holidays. Traditionally, the first 15 days of the new lunar year are part of the festival period, so you can expect celebratory activities and decorations well into the beginning of February 2023.
Lantern exhibitions and displays
The LCSD will hold lantern exhibitions in the grounds of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre (January 1 to February 7, Thursdays to Tuesdays) and at North District Park and Tsuen Wan Park (January 31 to February 7, Tuesdays to Thursdays). There will also be miscellaneous lantern displays all around Hong Kong throughout the festive period. Expect to see big, bright, and beautiful lanterns in various lucky animal shapes.
When: From 1 January 2023 to 7 February 2023, 6pm to 11pm
Where: Hong Kong Cultural Centre, North District Park, Tsuen Wan Park
Lion dancing
The traditional lion dance is believed to scare away bad luck and evil spirits and will be happening all over the city from the first day of the lunar year, 22 January, onwards. Visit nearly any market or shopping mall and you will hear the distinctive Chinese drumming as lion dancers visit shops and businesses. Check out the listings in your own local area to see if any special performances are planned near you.
When: From 22 January 2023 onwards
Where: All around Hong Kong
Chinese New Year Race Day
Enjoy the festive atmosphere at the Chinese New Year horse racing meet at The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Sha Tin location. Scheduled for the third day of CNY, check out the cherry blossom trees dressed in lucky lai see, have a flutter, and find out whether your luck is in for the coming year!
When: 24 January 2023, 10:30am onwards
Where: Sha Tin Racecourse
Tickets: HK$10 for entry to public enclosure area. Purchase upon arrival or online.
Hong Kong Disneyland
Hong Kong Disneyland will be decked out in red and gold finery to celebrate Chinese New Year. Mickey Mouse and his friends will be waiting for the kids dressed up in Lunar New Year costumes for the occasion. You may even get lucky with a festive Disney red packet during your visit!
When: TBC
Where: Hong Kong Disneyland, Lantau Island
Tickets: TBC. Purchase on Klook.
Hong Kong Well-Wishing Festival
The Well-Wishing Festival attracts hundreds of thousands of locals and visitors from all over the world to Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree in Tai Po district every year. Experience the well-wishing tradition by throwing placards onto the wishing tree and lighting wishing lanterns.
When: 22 January 2023 to 5 February 2023
Where: Lam Tsuen Wishing Square, Tai Po
Tickets: Free admission
Chinese New Year flower markets (TBC)
Colourful and festive, these markets are a perfect place for people watching, enjoying the atmosphere, and buying some lucky blooms to decorate your home. Evening is the most popular time to go, so expect crowds. Flower markets will spring up around the city in preparation for the mad rush before the New Year, when the gifting of fresh flowers and plants is customary. Around 15 temporary market stalls, including a very popular one in Victoria Park, will be blooming with fragrant bouquets and greenery.
When: 16 – 22 January 2023
Where: Victoria Park (Causeway Bay) and Fa Hui Park (Mong Kok)
Chinese New Year Night Parade (TBC)
Join the hordes of tourists and locals alike hitting the streets to witness the Chinese New Year Night Parade. It kicks off at 8pm with an opening ceremony at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre (you’ll need to purchase tickets at the Hong Kong Tourism Board Visitor Centre located at the Star Ferry Concourse to attend the ceremony, but viewing along the parade route is free). Elbow your way for a spot among the throngs on the main roads of Tsim Sha Tsui to see huge illuminated floats, stilt walkers, and traditional dragon dancers. The dragon is considered to bring good luck, so when you’re craning your neck to see the big, colourful beast float by as it’s held up by a team of skilled dancers, remember this: the longer the dragon, the more luck it will bring.
When: TBC
Where: Starts at Hong Kong Cultural Centre (Tsim Sha Tsui)
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Header image credits: Wpcpey via WikiCommons
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