Hong Kong Chinese New Year 2026: Complete Day-by-Day Visitor's Calendar
Welcome to the Year of the Fire Horse! This comprehensive calendar guides you through Hong Kong's spectacular Chinese New Year celebrations from the pre-festival preparations through the final lantern displays. Whether you're seeking cultural immersion, family fun, or once-in-a-lifetime spectacle, this day-by-day guide ensures you won't miss a moment.
PRE-CNY FESTIVITIES
January 29 - February 10, 2026
Lee Tung Avenue "Lanterns and Blossoms" Display
Location: Lee Tung Avenue, 200 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai
Hours: 10:00am - 11:00pm daily
What to expect: Over 800 iconic Chinese lanterns create a shimmering sea of lights forming a 200-meter tree-lined pedestrian walkway. Features an eight-meter golden dragon installation and vibrant red and goldfish-shaped lanterns.
Best time: Evening (after 7pm) when lanterns are fully illuminated
Free admission
MTR: Wan Chai Station
FLOWER MARKET WEEK
Wednesday, February 11, 2026
๐ธ FLOWER MARKETS OPEN - Day 1
Victoria Park Flower Market (Causeway Bay)
Hours: 8:00am - 12:00am (midnight)
400 stalls: 175+ wet goods (flowers, kumquats, orchids), 216+ dry goods (decorations, toys, fai chun)
Morning strategy: Arrive 8-10am for best selection, smallest crowds, helpful vendors
What to buy: Kumquat trees (HK$200-1,200), peach blossoms, orchids, pussy willows
MTR: Causeway Bay or Tin Hau
Fa Hui Park Flower Market (Mong Kok)
Hours: 8:00am - 12:00am
136 stalls - more intimate, local atmosphere
Combine with: Nearby Flower Market Road, Goldfish Market, Bird Market, Ladies Market
MTR: Prince Edward or Mong Kok East
12 Additional Markets across Hong Kong open today (see locations list)
AIA Carnival Opens (Central Harbourfront)
Special promotion: FREE entry for anyone born in Year of the Horse or with "Horse/Ma/้ฆฌ" in their name (Feb 2-13)
Over 50 attractions including 80-meter observation tower
Lion dances, horse mascot meet-and-greet
Hours: Check official website
Through March 1, 2026
Thursday, February 12 - Friday, February 13
๐ธ FLOWER MARKETS - Days 2-3
All 14 flower markets continue
Hours: 8:00am - 1:00am
Best time: Weekday afternoons (2-4pm) for smaller crowds
Shopping tip: Prices still high but good selection remains
Cultural experience: Watch calligraphy demonstrations, try street food (curry fish balls, stinky tofu, egg waffles)
Handmade Hong Kong CNY Market (Discovery Bay)
Saturday-Sunday, February 14-15 only
Hours: 11:00am - 6:00pm
DB Plaza, Discovery Bay, Lantau Island
Handmade art, jewelry, candles, apparel, treats from local vendors
Free admission
Saturday, February 14 - Sunday, February 15
๐ธ FLOWER MARKETS - Days 4-5 (PEAK WEEKEND)
โ ๏ธ WARNING: Heaviest crowds of the entire week
All 14 markets: 8:00am - 1:00am
Expect wall-to-wall people all day
Use FEHD real-time crowd monitoring before visiting
Consider visiting smaller neighborhood markets instead of Victoria Park
Alternative activities:
Lee Tung Avenue lantern displays continue
Theme parks: Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park CNY celebrations ongoing
Shopping malls: Elaborate CNY decorations throughout city
Monday, February 16, 2026
๐ธ CHINESE NEW YEAR'S EVE - The Big Night
FLOWER MARKETS: FINAL MARATHON SESSION
Hours: 8:00am - 7:00am (next morning) - 23 HOURS STRAIGHT
Best time for deals: 10:00pm - 4:00am (50-70% discounts)
Peak crowds: 6:00pm - 9:00pm
Midnight countdown atmosphere: Electric, festive, families everywhere
What to expect:
Vendors aggressively clearing stock before New Year
Massive bargaining opportunities
Last-minute shoppers grabbing lucky plants
Traditional "must have flowers before midnight" rush
Food stalls packed with families eating together
WONG TAI SIN TEMPLE - First Incense Ceremony
Special hours: Opens 9:00pm (Feb 16) until 9:00pm (Feb 17)
Peak time: 11:00pm - 12:00am (midnight)
The tradition: Rush to light the "first incense" of the New Year for maximum luck
What happens: Hundreds of thousands gather outside, collect incense sticks, then rush to the altar at midnight to honor Wong Tai Sin
Location: 2 Chuk Yuen Village, Wong Tai Sin, Kowloon
MTR: Wong Tai Sin Station (Exit B2)
Free admission
Tip: Arrive by 10:30pm if you want to participate; expect massive crowds
CHINESE NEW YEAR DAY 1
Tuesday, February 17, 2026
๐ LUNAR NEW YEAR DAY (Public Holiday)
MORNING: Temple Visits & Traditions
Wong Tai Sin Temple
Continues from midnight: Open until 9:00pm tonight
Still extremely crowded from first incense ceremony
Fortune telling (Kau Cim), wish-making, prayers for the year
Alternative quiet time: After 2:00pm crowds thin slightly
Che Kung Temple (Sha Tin)
Hours: Special CNY hours (check website)
Turn the windmill for good luck
Beat the drum to drive away bad luck
Less crowded than Wong Tai Sin
MTR: Che Kung Temple Station
AFTERNOON/EVENING: THE BIG PARADE
๐ญ CATHAY INTERNATIONAL CHINESE NEW YEAR NIGHT PARADE
THE signature Hong Kong CNY event
Pre-parade street performances: 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Main parade: 8:00pm - 9:45pm
Route:
Starts: Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza, Tsim Sha Tsui
Through: Canton Road โ Haiphong Road โ Nathan Road
Ends: Near Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers
What you'll see:
Elaborate illuminated floats celebrating Year of the Horse
Lion and dragon dances
International performance troupes
Local cultural groups
Acrobatic performances
Traditional drummers
Marching bands
Disney and theme park characters
Viewing options:
Free: Arrive 4-5pm to secure spot along parade route (Salisbury Road, Nathan Road waterfront areas best)
Ticketed: Spectator stands (HK$450+) via Hong Kong Tourism Board
Livestream: Global broadcast on satellite TV and social media
Crowd management:
Expect 100,000+ spectators
Road closures from afternoon
MTR stations (Tsim Sha Tsui, Jordan) implement crowd control
Bring layers (evening temps 15-18ยฐC)
Post-parade:
Temple Street Night Market nearby (food, souvenirs)
Harbour City mall open along route
Avenue of Stars waterfront promenade
LTRIP: Lam Tsuen Well-Wishing Festival Begins**
Location: Lam Tsuen Wishing Square, Tai Po, New Territories
Hours: 9:00am - 7:00pm (Day 1 only)
Through March 3, 2026
Write wishes on joss paper, toss to wishing trees
Light lotus lanterns
Food stalls and local performances
Getting there: East Rail Line to Tai Po Market Station, then bus 64K or minibus 25K
Free admission
CHINESE NEW YEAR DAY 2
Wednesday, February 18, 2026
๐ FIREWORKS DAY (Public Holiday)
MORNING: Temple Day
Che Kung Temple Festival
THE day to visit (2nd day of CNY is traditional Che Kung day)
Government official performs traditional divination for Hong Kong's fortune
100,000+ worshippers expected
Turn wheel of fortune, beat drum, pray to Song Dynasty general Che Kung
Hours: Extended CNY hours
Location: Sha Tin
MTR: Che Kung Temple Station
Free admission
AFTERNOON: Prepare for Fireworks
Scout locations early:
Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront (most crowded)
Central/Admiralty waterfront
Wan Chai waterfront (good views, less crowded)
The Peak (if weather clear)
ICC Sky100 observation deck (tickets required)
Harbour view restaurants/bars (book weeks ahead)
Dinner recommendations:
Reserve harbour-view restaurants by January
Many offer special CNY fireworks menus
Expect premium pricing
EVENING: THE BIG SHOW
๐ VICTORIA HARBOUR CHINESE NEW YEAR FIREWORKS DISPLAY
Time: Approximately 8:00pm
Duration: 23-25 minutes
The spectacle: Over 31,888 fireworks choreographed to music
Features Year of the Horse themes
Synchronized with Symphony of Lights building displays
Creates shapes including lucky "8" symbols
Massive harbor-wide finale
Best viewing locations:
Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront (Avenue of Stars, Cultural Centre) - Most crowded
Central/Admiralty waterfront (IFC, Tamar Park) - Good views, manageable crowds
Wan Chai waterfront (Golden Bauhinia Square) - Excellent views, fewer people
Victoria Peak - Spectacular overview (weather dependent, arrive early)
Harbour cruises - Book months ahead, expensive but special
Rooftop bars: Ozone, Aqua, Sevva (reservations essential)
Crowd tips:
Arrive 2-3 hours early for waterfront spots
MTR stations extremely crowded 7-10pm
Consider walking to avoid station congestion
Bring portable chair/mat for waiting
Dress warmly for evening harbor breeze
After fireworks:
Harbour areas remain packed for 1-2 hours
Consider staying for late dinner
Temple Street Night Market great post-fireworks destination
Lam Tsuen Well-Wishing Festival
Hours: 9:00am - 9:00pm (extended for Day 2)
Less crowded than city center
Evening: Illuminated lanterns create magical atmosphere
CHINESE NEW YEAR DAY 3
Thursday, February 19, 2026
๐ HORSE RACING DAY (Public Holiday)
SHA TIN RACECOURSE - CHINESE NEW YEAR CUP
THE most popular horse racing day of the year
Hours: Gates open 11:00am, racing until approximately 6:00pm
Expect: 100,000 excited fans
Location: Sha Tin Racecourse, New Territories
MTR: Racecourse Station (special CNY service)
What makes it special:
Chinese New Year Cup - featured championship race
Grand opening ceremony
Lion and dragon dance performances
God of Fortune blessings
Live performances: Cantopop diva Kelly Chen, FAMA trio
Feng shui master Mak Ling-ling appearances
Traditional cultural festivities throughout
CNY souvenirs and decorations
Special betting activities
Ticket information:
General admission varies (check Hong Kong Jockey Club website)
Members' enclosures available
Book ahead - extremely popular
Family-friendly atmosphere
For non-racing fans:
Spectacle worth experiencing even if not betting
Cultural performances and atmosphere are the real attractions
Safe, well-organized event
Alternative: Chinese New Year Cup Football Match
Hong Kong Stadium
Hong Kong, China Representative Team vs. FC Seoul (Korea's K League)
U10 Youth Exhibition Match also held
Check Hong Kong Football Association for details
Lam Tsuen Well-Wishing Festival
Hours: 9:00am - 9:00pm
Continues with wish-making, lantern lighting, performances
Day 3 still busy but more manageable than Days 1-2
POST-HOLIDAY PERIOD
Friday, February 20 - Sunday, February 22, 2026
๐ EXTENDED FESTIVITIES (Regular working days resume)
Best time for return visitors:
Hotels 40% cheaper than peak days
Major attractions less crowded
CNY decorations still up
Many events continue
What's still happening:
Theme Parks:
Hong Kong Disneyland "Magical Year After Year"
Through March 1
Mickey-shaped red lanterns featuring Bullseye (Toy Story)
Disney characters in festive outfits
Goofy as God of Fortune
Duffy and Friends in CNY attire
Special CNY food items
Lion dance performances at hotels
25% off tickets for Hong Kong residents (2+ guests, through May 3)
Ocean Park "Lunar New Year Fiesta"
Through March 22
Dragon and lion dance performances
Sanrio character meet-and-greets (Hello Kitty, Cinnamoroll, My Melody, Kuromi, Pompompurin, Hangyodon)
"Marine Wonders" Sanrio x Ocean Park displays
CNY themed decorations
God of Fortune appearances
Lam Tsuen Well-Wishing Festival
Hours: 9:00am - 9:00pm daily
Continues through March 3
Evening lantern displays particularly beautiful
Shopping & Dining:
CNY sales begin
Special menus continue at restaurants
Mall decorations remain up
Flower markets have closed (ended Feb 17)
Monday, February 23 - Tuesday, March 3, 2026
๐ฎ WINDING DOWN PERIOD
Lam Tsuen Well-Wishing Festival
Hours: 9:00am - 7:00pm (back to standard hours)
Final days - Feb 23-Mar 3
Quieter, more reflective atmosphere
Last chance for wish-making tradition
Theme Parks:
Disneyland continues through March 1
Ocean Park continues through March 22
Reduced CNY programming, regular operations resume
Around Hong Kong:
Most businesses back to normal
CNY decorations begin coming down after March 1
Traditional 15-day festival period concludes March 3
LANTERN FESTIVAL FINALE
Tuesday, March 3, 2026
๐ฎ SPRING LANTERN FESTIVAL (15th Day of CNY)
THE TRADITIONAL END OF CHINESE NEW YEAR
First full moon of the lunar new year
Marks official conclusion of 15-day festival period
Tsim Sha Tsui Lantern Carnival
Location: Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza
Hours: Check Hong Kong Tourism Board closer to date
Thousands of colorful lanterns
Performances: Acrobatics, folk songs, traditional dances
Cultural activities and lantern-making workshops
Free admission
Lam Tsuen Well-Wishing Festival
Final day: 9:00am - 7:00pm
Last chance to make wishes
Evening lantern releases particularly meaningful
Festival concludes at end of day
Around Hong Kong:
Special lantern displays at shopping malls
Traditional tangyuan (sweet rice balls) featured at restaurants
Many families gather for reunion dinners
Symbolic completion of CNY celebration cycle
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Public Holidays
February 17-19 (Tuesday-Thursday): Official public holidays
Many businesses, shops, restaurants closed Feb 17-18
Banks, government offices closed all three days
Tourist attractions generally open with extended hours
MTR & Transportation
Extended service hours during peak days
Expect crowds, especially around event venues
Octopus Card recommended (works on MTR, buses, ferries, some shops)
Visitor Day Pass: HK$65 for unlimited 24-hour rides
Accommodation
Book 3-6 months ahead for Feb 16-19
Prices triple during peak period
Consider staying slightly outside prime areas
Lantau Island, New Territories more affordable
Weather
Average: 15-20ยฐC (59-68ยฐF)
Dress in layers
Bring light jacket for evenings
30% rain probability mid-February
What to Wear
RED IS LUCKY - wear red clothing for good fortune
Gold accents also auspicious
Comfortable walking shoes essential
Layer for temperature changes
Money
Bring CASH (HKD) - many vendors don't accept cards
ATMs widely available
Small denominations (HK$50, HK$100) preferred
Currency exchange at airport, banks, authorized dealers
Cultural Etiquette
"Kung Hei Fat Choi" (ๆญๅ็ผ่ฒก) - Standard CNY greeting
Accept lai see (red envelopes) with both hands
Avoid words like "death" or "poor" during CNY
Don't sweep floors on Day 1 (sweeps away fortune)
Never gift clocks (sounds like "death" in Cantonese)
Safety
Hong Kong is very safe, even during crowded festivals
Watch belongings in dense crowds
Police presence heavy at major events
Emergency: 999 (Cantonese/English/Mandarin available)
Useful Apps & Resources
FEHD website: Real-time flower market crowd monitoring
Hong Kong Tourism Board app: Event updates, maps
MTR Mobile: Real-time train schedules
OpenRice: Restaurant reviews, bookings
Google Maps: Navigation (works well in Hong Kong)
SAMPLE ITINERARIES
3-Day Highlights (Feb 17-19)
Day 1: Morning temple visit (Wong Tai Sin) โ Afternoon rest/explore โ Evening CNY Parade (Tsim Sha Tsui) Day 2: Morning Che Kung Temple โ Afternoon harbor-area lunch โ Evening fireworks viewing (waterfront) Day 3: Full day at Sha Tin Racecourse for CNY Cup races and performances
5-Day Immersive (Feb 15-19)
Day 1: Victoria Park Flower Market (morning) โ Mong Kok area exploration โ Ladies Market (evening) Day 2: Lee Tung Avenue lanterns โ Flower Market (late afternoon for atmosphere) โ Temple Street Night Market Day 3: Morning temple visit โ Afternoon rest โ Evening CNY Parade Day 4: Morning Che Kung Temple โ Afternoon preparation โ Evening fireworks Day 5: Horse racing OR theme park OR Lam Tsuen Wishing Festival
7-Day Complete (Feb 14-20)
Add to 5-day: Day 6: Hong Kong Disneyland OR Ocean Park CNY celebrations Day 7: Lantau Island (Ngong Ping 360, Big Buddha) OR outlying islands (Cheung Chau, Lamma)
Family-Friendly Focus
Prioritize theme parks (Disneyland, Ocean Park)
AIA Carnival (Central Harbourfront)
Flower markets during daytime
Skip late-night events
Consider Lam Tsuen (more space, less intense crowds)
INSIDER TIPS
Money-Saving:
Visit Feb 20-23 for 40% cheaper hotels
Free attractions: Flower markets, parade viewing, temple visits, fireworks
Theme park discounts for advance booking
Eat at local cha chaan tengs (tea cafes) vs. tourist restaurants
Crowd Avoidance:
Visit temples early morning or mid-afternoon
Choose smaller neighborhood flower markets over Victoria Park
Watch parade livestream if you hate crowds
Wan Chai waterfront for fireworks (fewer people than TST)
Must-Do Experiences:
Buy kumquat tree at flower market
Light first incense at Wong Tai Sin (if you can handle crowds)
Watch CNY Parade live
Victoria Harbour fireworks
Make wish at Lam Tsuen wishing tree
Photography:
Golden hour (5-6pm) for flower markets
Bring tripod for fireworks
Lee Tung Avenue lanterns best after dark
Temple photos: Ask permission, avoid flash
Food Highlights:
Curry fish balls at flower markets
Traditional CNY dishes: Turnip cake, taro cake, eight-treasure rice
Tim Ho Wan dim sum (Michelin-starred, affordable)
Roast goose at Yat Lok or Yung Kee
Welcome the Fire Horse with energy, joy, and unforgettable memories! Kung Hei Fat Choy! ๆญๅ็ผ่ฒก!
