As we prepare to welcome the Year of the Snake on January 29, 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.
Lee Tung Avenue — January 14-March 2, 2025
Over 800 lanterns will illuminate Lee Tung Avenue from January 14 to March 2, including golden lanterns symbolising prosperity and good fortune. Enjoy traditional lion dance performances and the grand Dragon and Lion Dance Spectacular. For two weekends, the venue will also host the Joyful Charity CNY Chill Fest, offering festive snacks and handwritten spring couplets. Visit their website and social media for the full programme of festivities.
When: January 14 to March 2
Where: Lee Tung Avenue, 200 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook
Hong Kong Disneyland — January 17-February 16, 2025
Hong Kong Disneyland’s Magical Year After Year Chinese New Year Celebration runs from January 17 to February 16, 2025. Join the brand-new ‘Mickey and Friends Year of the Snake Processional’, featuring God of Fortune Goofy, Mulan, and Mickey in festive outfits. Dance along during the Mickey & Friends Street Celebration on Main Street, U.S.A., and meet your favourite Disney friends at Fantasy Gardens or the Duffy and Friends Play House. On the first day of CNY, guests can collect a Disney-themed red packet with dining and shopping vouchers, available while stocks last.
When: January 17-February 16, 2025
Where: Hong Kong Disneyland, Lantau Island
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook
PANDA GO! FEST Chinese New Year Stop — January 17-March 6, 2025
Riding on the panda craze, PANDA GO! FEST HK will return for its Chinese New Year stop from January 17 to March 6! This time, over 800 panda sculptures inspired by Hong Kong’s own panda family, including brand new festive designs, will be displayed at D·PARK and Central Market. The real-looking ‘PANDA GO! GUIDE’ will also make a special appearance on January 19 at D·PARK to meet and take pictures with the public.
When: January 17-March 6, 2025 (D·PARK) | February 17-March 6, 2025 (Central Market)
Where: D·PARK, 398 Castle Peak Road, Tsuen Wan and Central Market, 93 Queen’s Road Central, Central
Tickets: Website | Instagram | Facebook
Lunar New Year Fairs — January 23-29, 2025
Looking to shop for fresh flowers and festive decor? Find everything you need and more at any of the 15 Lunar New Year Fairs across the city. Held during the week leading up to the holiday, from January 23 to 29 this year, the fairs feature booths offering wet goods, dry goods, and themed snacks. The flower markets will remain open overnight on the final day for last-minute shoppers, with the largest fair taking place at Victoria Park.
When: January 23-29, 2025
Where: 15 locations across Hong Kong in Causeway Bay, Cheung Sha Wan, Prince Edward, Kwun Tong, Wong Tai Sin, Tsuen Wan, Kwai Fong, Sha Tin, Sai Kung, Tseung Kwan O, Tai Po, Tuen Mun, Yuen Long, Sheung Shui, Tung Chung
Contact: Website
Lunar New Year Lantern Carnival 2025 — January 23-February 16, 2025
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department will host a lantern exhibition at the piazza of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre from January 23 to February 16, during which the lanterns will be illuminated every evening. In addition, a 5-day lantern carnival will take place from February 7 to 12, featuring a programme of exhibitions and performances. There will also be miscellaneous lanterns displayed around the outdoor piazza throughout the festive period. Look forward to big, bright, and beautifully crafted lanterns in animal shapes.
When: Lantern Display: January 23-February 16, 2025 (lanterns lit from 6pm-11pm | Lantern Carnival: February 7-12, 2025
Where: Hong Kong Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui
Contact: Website
InnerGlow — January 26-February 14, 2025
The fourth edition of InnerGlow will see the return of 3D architectural projections on the façade at Tai Kwun’s Parade Ground. This year’s Chinese zodiac sign, the Snake, will join the centerpiece: Garden of Reflection, created by The Electric Canvas and local new media artist Hung Keung. The piece explores Hong Kong literature, calligraphy and nature, while examining the relationship between traditional Chinese characters and contemporary digital art.
When: January 26-February 14, 2025, Every half hour between 6:30pm-9:00pm
Where: Parade Ground & Prison Yard, Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Road, Central
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook
First Incense Offering At Wong Tai Sin Temple — January 28-29, 2025
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 January 28, 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 January 29.
From January 30 to February 27, Sik Sik Yuen announced that those born in the Year of the Snake, Pig, Tiger, or Monkey can visit for free to perform bai tai sui, a ritual to pray for a smooth year, as these zodiac signs clash with the annual zodiac.
When: The temple will open at 9:00pm on January 28 to 9:00pm on January 29
Where: 2 Chuk Yuen Village, Wong Tai Sin
Contact: Website
Chinese New Year Night Parade — January 29, 2025
On the first day of Chinese New Year, head to Tsim Sha Tsui for the night parade. The event will feature nine themed floats, including a Hong Kong Disneyland float, a LINE FRIENDS float, and a panda-themed float by Ocean Park. The international line-up includes performers from 14 countries and regions, such as South Korean girl group Kep1er, Thai boy group LYKN, and the Shaanxi Performing Arts Troupe, known for their appearances at the 14th National Games of China. Surrounding roads in Tsim Sha Tsui will be closed in the afternoon. Street performances start at 6:00 pm, with the main show kicking off at 8:00 pm.
When: January 29, 2025, 8:00pm-9.45pm
Where: Starting from Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza, Canton Road, Haiphong Road, Nathan Road and finishing at Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel and Towers
Contact: Website | Instagram
Hong Kong Well-wishing Festival — January 29-February 4, 2025
An integral part of Hong Kong’s Chinese New Year festivities is the Well-Wishing Festival. Write your wishes for the year — along with your name and date of birth — on a placard, tie it to a mandarin, and toss it into the branches of the legendary banyan wishing tree. The higher the mandarin lands, the greater the chance your wish will come true! Introduced last year, the festival also features a night market with stage performances, a luminous lion dance, and beautifully illuminated trees.
When: January 29-February 4, 2025
Where: Lam Tsuen Heung Kung Sho Road, Lam Tsuen, Tai Po
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook
Lunar New Year Fireworks Display — January 30, 2025
Another major Chinese New Year celebration is the annual Lunar New Year fireworks display, which will be held on the second day of CNY on January 30. The show will last for 23 minutes, featuring nine scenes created with 23,888 pyrotechnic shells. Inspired by Chinese culture and recent Hong Kong events, the show will highlight figure-eight and panda-heads fireworks.
Want to find the best spot in town to watch the show? Read our guide on where to watch fireworks for free in Hong Kong.
When: January 30, 2025, 8:00pm-9:45pm
Where: Victoria Harbour
Chinese New Year Race Day — January 31, 2025
On the third day of the Lunar New Year, head to Sha Tin Racecourse for the Chinese New Year Raceday! Test your luck with 10 horse races, including the 1400-metre race, the 2000-metre race, and the Chinese New Year Cup. Beyond the excitement on the track, enjoy live entertainment, interactive games, and performances featuring the God of Wealth and Cantopop singer Hins Cheung.
When: January 30, 2025, from 11:15am onwards
Where: Sha Tin Racecourse, Sha Tin
Contact: Website | Instagram | Facebook
Chinese New Year Cup — February 1, 2025
The FWD Insurance Chinese New Year Cup 2025 will take place at Hong Kong Stadium for the final time on the fourth day of the Lunar New Year. This annual invitational tournament will see two star-studded teams — the World Legends and Hong Kong Legends — face off in a friendly match. The international line-up includes Kaká, David Silva, and Rivaldo, while the Hong Kong team will have Leslie Santos, Lee Kin Wo, and Chan Chi Hong.
When: February 1, 2025, 8:00pm
Where: Hong Kong Stadium, 55 Eastern Hospital Road, So Kon Po
Contact: Instagram
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Header image credits: galitskaya via Freepik, Lee Tung Avenue, Hong Kong Tourism Board
