Whether you’re looking for conventional Chinese New Year events in Hong Kong, or interesting exhibitions to feel the vibes, we have you covered!
Hong Kong may be known for its happy hours and scrumptious brunches, but when it comes to Chinese New Year, it’s a whole different scene. From receiving red packets to indulging in auspicious Chinese New Year food like poon choi, it’s the time of year when families reunite to celebrate and pray for good fortune. So, if you’re in search of the best Chinese New Year events in Hong Kong to enjoy with your loved ones, look no further than our top picks below.
Kung hei fat choy! 2024 Chinese New Year events in Hong Kong
1. Lion Dance at The Peninsula
For over 40 years, The Peninsula has dazzled its audience with its Chinese New Year event – a vibrant lion and dragon dance. The awakening ritual featuring nine lions and one dragon will take place on the morning of Saturday 10 February. This spectacularly choreographed performance is designed to bring luck, blessings, and good fortune as the lions and dragon dance into the Year of the Dragon. Marvel at the breathtaking performances and costumes, with three exclusive Peninsula red and gold lions included in the troupe, as you celebrate these symbols of prosperity and luck for the new year.
Learn more about the lion and dragon dance at The Peninsula.
The Peninsula Hong Kong, Salisbury Road, Hong Kong, p. 2920 2888
2. Watch the Lunar New Year fireworks display
You’ll want to clear your calendar for the evening of 11 February when Victoria Harbour is illuminated with the year’s most spectacular fireworks display. Watch in awe as the night sky ignites in celebration of the Lunar New Year, with vibrant bursts of red and gold cascading over the city’s iconic skyline. The fireworks finale is not to be missed – it’s the perfect way to commemorate new beginnings this CNY.
For the best views, check out our article on where to watch fireworks displays in Hong Kong.
3. Visit the Wishing Trees in Lam Tsuen
Looking for traditional Chinese New Year events in Hong Kong? The famous Wishing Trees in Lam Tsuen are said to bring good luck to those who throw joss paper onto them and make wishes. Legend has it that the higher the branch the joss paper lands on, the higher the chance your wish will come true. Each Chinese New Year, people from across the city flock to these Trees to pray for good fortune.
Lam Tsuen, Tai Po, Hong Kong, p. 2638 3678
4. Sample both traditional and innovative Chinese New Year menus
You can’t miss out on the delicious food when it comes to Chinese New Year in Hong Kong! Other than traditional CNY snacks like the New Year pudding and turnip cake, we’ve also compiled a list of the best Chinese New Year menus in Hong Kong where you’ll find limited-time festive delicacies to enjoy with your family and friends.
5. Go shopping at the Flower Market
For an extra dose of luck, prosperity, and good fortune, add some symbolic plants into your home. Kumquat, orange trees, and mandarin trees are often bought to welcome wealth, luck, and prosperity, and you’ve probably spotted them outside shops and in lift lobbies. And in case you haven’t noticed, shops filled with orchids are popping in every corner, so why not stop by to pick up some beautiful blooms? They signify renewal of life and a new beginning, and their long branches symbolise longevity. You can easily find them at the Flower Market (for a great bargain too!).
Follow our guide to the Flower Market for an insider’s look at the best shops.
6. W Hong Kong: Bliss Spa packages
Greet the Year of the Dragon with glowing skin and a rejuvenated soul with exclusive packages from Bliss Spa at W Hong Kong. The Prestige Plant Stem Cell Treatments from Cell Premium Switzerland is ideal for fighting against skin ageing and sagging. If you’re looking for the ultimate rest and relaxation experience, enjoy a luxurious spa getaway with the “Those Lazy Hazy Crazy Days” Spa and Stay Couple Package. Along with a one-night room voucher at W Hong Kong, you’ll be able to partake in a 105-minute Caviar and Collagen Cocoon Deluxe Body Experience, 60-minute Precious Caviar Facial, 30-minute Rose Petal Super Soak the the Harbour-view BIP Suite, and more!
Bliss Spa, W Hong Kong, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, Hong Kong, p. 3717 2797
7. Watch festive Cantonese movies during your holiday
If you’re looking for things to do during Chinese New Year that you can enjoy from your own home, we recommend you to binge watch these beloved Hong Kong movies to get in the mood. One of locals’ must-watch during the holiday has to be Stephen Chow’s All’s Well, Ends Well (1992) – it’s a hilarious classic!
Check out these iconic Hong Kong film locations if you feel like taking a tour in the city over the CNY break.
8. Festival Walk x Fat Coffee With’s “Kung Hei FAT Choi” installation
In addition to the fireworks and festive menus, you’ll absolutely want to make your way to Festival Walk this Lunar New Year. They’ve teamed up with the hip lifestyle brand Fat Coffee With on a limited-edition collaboration, which is creating quite the stir. Fat Jai, the brand’s adorable mascot known for his knack for spreading joy and blessings, is leading the campaign. Together, the “Kung Hei Fat Choi” installation is set to turn the mall into an enchantingly stylish CNY wonderland. Make sure to capture plenty of selfies amid the vibrant decor and don’t miss out on the exclusive Fortune Bag, complete with a bespoke Fat Jai figurine. We’re completely charmed by the 18-metre-long dancing dragon, the traditional drums, and the lion dance performances – and let’s not overlook the exclusive pop-up shop. Here, you’ll have the chance to pick up Fat Jai collectibles and customised gift sets.
Festival Walk, 80 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong, p. 2844 2222
9. Times Square x Panther Chan: Whimsical Spring Blossoms
This Chinese New Year, Times Square is the venue of choice for an artistic take on the festivities, brought to life by the vibrant Canto-pop songstress, Panther Chan. Her audacious and colourful installation, “Whimsical Spring Blossoms,” metamorphoses the mall into a spring festival wonderland. The Open Piazza is aglow with interactive photo opportunities, featuring a 9-metre floral knitway and a walkway abloom with spinning lucky ornaments, all crafted by Panther herself.
Times Square, 1 Matheson Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, p. 2118 8900
10. Lee Tung Avenue presents “Lanterns-Lit Year of the Dragon”
Whether you’re a local or simply visiting Hong Kong over the Lunar New Year, you won’t want to miss the chance to soak up the festive atmosphere at Lee Tung Avenue. The street becomes a spectacle of light, adorned with hundreds of red lanterns along the tree-lined walkway, while golden fish lanterns ‘swim’ through the air above, symbolising prosperity for the Year of the Dragon. An impressive 8-metre golden dragon takes centre stage in the piazza, awaiting adornments from the public to bring blessings for the new year. Also, be sure to mark your calendar for the Chinese New Year Parade on 12 February. This event promises award-winning international acts straight from the esteemed HKTB showcase. Prepare to be enthralled by dynamic Latin dances, enchanting light sculptures on stilts, and performances by local ballet and jazz ensembles.
Lee Tung Avenue, 200 Queen’s Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, p. 3791 2304
11. MOSTown x Kanahei’s Small Animals Play-‘n’-Wish Dragon Park
A whimsical fusion of tradition and trendy pop culture awaits visitors at MOSTown this Chinese New Year, as the mall collaborates with Kanahei’s Small Animals for the ‘MOSTown x Kanahei’s Small Animals Play-‘n’-Wish Dragon Park’. The much-adored duo, Piske and Usagi, don brand-new dragon-themed ensembles, stepping into their roles as the cutest mascots for the auspicious Year of the Dragon. This thematic park promises a feast for the senses with its vibrant, playful installations, where Piske and Usagi are set to charm visitors amidst a backdrop of interactive photo spots and themed playgrounds.
MOSTown, 18 On Luk Street, Ma On Shan, Hong Kong, p. 2643 9110
