Hong Kong Chinese New Year 2026: A Detailed Visitor's Guide
Chinese New Year 2026 falls on February 17th, welcoming the Year of the Horse, one of the most auspicious and energetic zodiac signs. Hong Kong's celebration is among the world's most spectacular, blending ancient traditions with modern pageantry across a vibrant three-day public holiday (February 17-19).
Major Events & Celebrations
The Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade
The parade kicks off on the first day of Chinese New Year in Tsim Sha Tsui, featuring dazzling illuminated floats, lion and dragon dances, acrobatic performances, drumming troupes, and international acts. The parade route runs through one of Hong Kong's most densely visited districts, and crowd density can be extreme. Arrive several hours early to secure a good viewing spot, ideally along the waterfront near Victoria Harbour. The main procession typically begins around 8:00 PM.
Victoria Harbour Fireworks Display
Held on the second day of Lunar New Year (February 18, 2026), the fireworks display lights up Victoria Harbour for approximately 25 minutes. Prime viewing locations include:
Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront promenade
Avenue of Stars
Central Harbourfront
Rooftop bars in Kowloon and Hong Kong Island
Arrive at least three hours early for waterfront spots. Many hotels offer special fireworks packages with dinner and guaranteed views.
Chinese New Year Race Day
Taking place on the third day (February 19, 2026) at Sha Tin Racecourse, this event attracts over 100,000 spectators. Alongside thrilling races, enjoy lion dance performances, an electrifying variety show and live music. The highlight is the Chinese New Year Cup race. Gates open at 11:00 AM with races throughout the afternoon.
Hong Kong Well-Wishing Festival
Running from February 17 to March 3 in Lam Tsuen, this traditional festival in the New Territories offers a more tranquil cultural experience. Visitors can write blessings on joss paper and toss them into the wishing trees—legend says your wish comes true if it catches on the branches. The event also features lantern displays, folk performances, and local food stalls.
Flower Markets
Starting a week before Chinese New Year, flower markets pop up around town, with visitors purchasing auspicious blooms like orchids, peach blossoms, kumquat trees, and narcissus for good luck.
Victoria Park Flower Market (February 11-17, 2026) The largest and most iconic market in Causeway Bay. This year expects 175 wet stalls (flowers and plants), 216 dry stalls (festive goods), and 4 food stalls. Markets are busiest in the evenings but offer discounts late on the final night as vendors clear stock. Nearest MTR: Causeway Bay (Exit E) or Tin Hau (Exit A2).
Fa Hui Park Flower Market (February 11-17, 2026) Located in Prince Edward near Mong Kok's street markets, this offers a more local, less touristy atmosphere. Nearest MTR: Prince Edward (short walk).
Markets typically operate:
February 11-13: 8:00 AM - 12:00 AM
February 14-15: 8:00 AM - 3:00 AM
February 16-17: 8:00 AM - 7:00 AM
Dining Experiences
Food plays a central role in Chinese New Year celebrations, with dishes chosen for their symbolic meanings—fish representing abundance, glutinous rice cakes signifying progress, and dried seafood associated with prosperity. A popular tradition is Lo Hei (prosperity toss salad), where diners stand and toss ingredients together while shouting auspicious phrases.
Many top restaurants offer special Chinese New Year menus:
Luxury Hotel Dining
Lung King Heen (Four Seasons): Two-Michelin-starred Cantonese fine dining
Man Wah (Mandarin Oriental): One-Michelin-starred with harbour views
Above & Beyond (Hotel ICON): Contemporary Cantonese
Lai Ching Heen (Regent Hong Kong): Harbourfront dining
Mott 32: Award-winning Chinese cuisine in Central
Book well in advance—advance reservations are essential during this period. While many small family-run restaurants close for the first few days, large restaurants and hotels remain open.
For fireworks viewing with dinner on February 18:
Morton's Steakhouse (Sheraton Tsim Sha Tsui)
The Ritz-Carlton (Tosca Di Angelo, highest hotel in the world)
Mandarin Oriental (The Mandarin Club offers exclusive fireworks viewing)
Four Seasons (Pool Terrace transforms into a premium viewing spot)
Theme Park Celebrations
Hong Kong Disneyland From January 17 to February 16, enjoy the "Magical Year After Year" Chinese New Year Celebration, featuring festive gatherings with beloved Disney characters, special meals, and unique gifts. The park features a "Mickey and Friends Year of the Horse Processional" and exclusive merchandise.
Ocean Park Also offers special Lunar New Year celebrations (check their website for specific 2026 programming).
Practical Information
Public Holidays Hong Kong gets three public holidays from February 17-19. Many shops and businesses close on these days, particularly February 17-18.
Accommodation Chinese New Year is one of Hong Kong's busiest travel periods, leading to higher accommodation prices and limited availability. Book several months in advance, especially for hotels near parade routes or along Victoria Harbour.
Getting Around
MTR (subway) runs on special schedules but remains the most reliable transport
Expect road closures around parade routes and fireworks viewing areas
Octopus card (transport card) is essential for easy travel
What to Wear Red is considered the luckiest color for Chinese New Year—wearing red is encouraged and helps you blend in with the festive spirit. Dress in layers as February evenings can be cool (15-20°C/59-68°F).
Cultural Etiquette
Avoid wearing all black or white (associated with mourning)
Exchange red envelopes (lai see) with good wishes
Say "Gung Hay Fat Choy" (Cantonese) for prosperity wishes
Avoid negative words or topics during celebrations
Shopping & Decorations Hong Kong's malls, streets, and MTR stations are elaborately decorated with red lanterns, peach blossoms, kumquat trees, and auspicious calligraphy. Crowds go shopping before and during the Spring Festival for holiday food, decorations, clothes, gifts, and furniture.
Best Times to Visit Specific Events
Night Parade: Arrive by 5:00 PM for good viewing spots (parade starts ~8:00 PM)
Flower Markets: Visit mornings for freshest selections, evenings for atmosphere, late night February 16-17 for bargains
Fireworks: Claim waterfront spots by 5:00 PM on February 18
Temple Visits: Early morning to avoid crowds at Wong Tai Sin Temple and other popular temples
Additional Experiences
Temple Visits Many locals visit temples on New Year's Day to pray for good fortune. Popular temples include:
Wong Tai Sin Temple
Man Mo Temple
Che Kung Temple
Lee Tung Avenue Lantern Display From January 29 to March 15, 2026, Lee Tung Avenue hosts the "Lanterns-Lit Year of the Horse" event, featuring a 200-meter tree-lined pedestrian walkway adorned with hundreds of vibrant red and goldfish-shaped lanterns and a magnificent eight-meter-long golden dragon installation.
Chinese New Year 2026 in Hong Kong offers an unforgettable cultural immersion combining spectacular public celebrations, ancient traditions, world-class dining, and the infectious energy of the city's most important festival. While crowds are large and prices higher, the reward is experiencing Hong Kong at its most vibrant and emotionally charged.
