This month features some fantastic things to do – savour the spectacular Lunar New Year fireworks or soak up the carnival atmosphere of the night parade and so much more!
Lunar New Year Fireworks
Celebrate the Chinese New Year in style by watching the iconic fireworks display against the unforgettable backdrop of Victoria Harbour. The Hong Kong New Year Countdown Celebrations has justifiably gained a reputation as one of the best synchronised and spectacular fireworks displays anywhere in the world. With the pyrotechnics released from barges in the centre of the harbour, the best views can be gleaned from waterfront vantage points spanning Central to Causeway Bay and over in Tsim Sha Tsui. Some hotels and restaurants, the Observation Wheel and even up on the Peak also offer excellent vistas.
When: Until 11 Feb
Where: Victoria Harbour
How much: Free
For more information: discoverhongkong.com
Flower Markets
During the week preceding Chinese New Year, flower fairs are dotted around Hong Kong to service residents busily decorating their homes or seeking gifts for friends and family. The main market is located in Victoria Park, and evenings are the best time to visit and experience the electric vibe of the festival of flowers. Join the crowds on this traditional saunter past stalls of blooms and orange trees, browsing the displays and soaking up the intoxicating scents of the myriad exotic flowers. Stalls around the city will sell every imaginable flower and fruit.
When: 4-10 Feb
Where: Victoria Park and elsewhere
How much: Free
For more information: fehd.gov.hk
Night Parade
On the very first day of the Chinese New Year enjoy a wonderful festival of fun as the Night Parade floating carnival meanders through the streets of Tsim Sha Tsui. Sponsored by Cathay International, the festive procession will start at 8 pm from the Cultural Centre piazza and wind its way to its final destination at the Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel and Towers. The Year of the Dragon celebrates that iconic creature of nobility and good luck, and the theme for this year’s parade is ‘Good Fortune All Around Hong Kong’.
When: 10 Feb
Where: Tsim Sha Tsui
How much: Free
For more information: discoverhongkong.com
Well-wishing Festival
A traditional Chinese New Year activity is to head to Lam Tsuen in the New Territories and partake in well-wishing. Write down your wish, tie it on a string, anchor it with an orange, then toss it into the village’s famous wishing trees. Alternatively, release a wishing lantern into the canal to help bring better tidings for the year ahead. Plus there is another chance to see the Night Parade floats.
When: 10-25 Feb
Where: Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees
How much: Free
For more information: lamtsuen.com
Sha Tin Races
Immerse yourself in the joy of watching magnificent horses gallop around the track in a full programme of races, with the feature race being the Chinese New Year Cup. Perhaps have a flutter and see if your luck is in! Entertainment and Cultural performances abound too at Sha Tin Racecourse on a day packed with activity, including a grand opening show, lion dance and the opportunity to receive good-luck messages from the jockeys.
When: 12 Feb
Where: Sha Tin Race Course
How much: From HK$10
For more information: campaigns.hkjc.com/chinese-new-year
World of Animation
Take an almost spiritual journey into the multimedia universe of Miwa Matreyek as she delves deep into the relationship between humans and the natural world. In this amazing one-woman theatrical display, the artist’s silhouette interacts with cinematic projections, and seemingly separate worlds seem to collide into a new reality. World of Animation offers reflections on the inherent conflict between humanity and nature.
When: 20-23 Feb
Where: City Hall Theatre
How much: From HK$200
For more information: hk.artsfestival.org
Disney on Ice
It is 100 years since the creations of the Disney cannon first began to light up the imaginations of children and adults alike. Now the Disney on Ice 100 Years of Wonder tour comes to Hong Kong and brings the fantastical nature of so many of those characters closer to your heart. Marvel at Simba and his friends on safari in the Pride Lands or rejoice in the carnival of Toy Story 4 as you are swept along in Aladdin’s princely parade.
When: Until 4 Feb
Where: Convention and Exhibition Centre
How much: From HK$480
For more information: disneyonice.com
Losing It
Part of Hong Kong Arts Festival’s Arab Arts Focus, this dance performance reflects the troubled times and experiences of Samaa Wakim, whose formative years were spent in the fiery cauldron of Palestine, that land of bitter and seemingly never-ending conflict. Co-created by dancer and choreographer Wakim and multidisciplinary artist Samar Haddad King, Losing It is a personal journey based on memories of a disintegrating world.
When: 27-28 Feb
Where: Cultural Centre Studio Theatre
How much: From HK$180
For more information: hk.artsfestival.org
AIA Carnival
Enjoy a fun-filled time at this carnival against the spectacular setting of Victoria Harbour. Plenty of entertainments will keep everyone amused, from comedy performers to local and international music acts to carnival games to thrilling rides. Beside a host of performing arts shows and interactive sporting events, The World Circus takes centre stage in the Big Top as well. This is an event with a European feel but a local edge, and there will be oodles of food and drink to recharge the batteries.
When: Until 25 Feb
Where: Central Harbourfront
How much: From HK$95
For more information: aiacarnival.com