Chinese New Year is celebrated in over a dozen countries, but Hong Kong’s festivities make it one of the most exciting, colorful, flavorful places in the world to ring in the Lunar New Year. Our friends at the Hong Kong Tourism Board have shared the top 10 festive Chinese New Year activities, but don’t take our word for it! Add Chinese New Year in Hong Kong to your travel bucket list!
Beloved and ancient traditions meet charming modern twists in uniquely Hong Kong versions of CNY celebrations like these:
#1 Discover CNY Décor and Red Packets with a Modern Twist
Join locals preparing for Chinese New Year with a trip to one of Hong Kong’s special CNY-themed décor streets, like Pottinger Street, Fuk Wing Street and Sai Yeung Choi Street. They offer a treasure trove of timeless and trendy decorations, such as fai chun - scrolls with auspicious phrases. Today's designs feature contemporary calligraphy, 3D lettering and even LED lights for a playful spin.
You’ll also spot shops selling red packets everywhere, adorned with Chinese surnames alongside modern designs. Stop by to see if they have your surname or find a contemporary style you like – the perfect lucky keepsake of Chinese New Year in Hong Kong!
#2 Double Your Blessings with Festive Snacks
During CNY, be sure to indulge in festive snacks that symbolize good fortune. Visit long-standing bakeries and shops in Kowloon City or Sham Shui Po, or time-honored brand Kee Wah Bakery around town, to find classics like siu hau zou (smiling sesame balls) for happiness and yau gok (fried peanut puffs) for prosperity. Don’t miss the chuen hap, a snack tray representing togetherness, that’s filled with treats like candied lotus seeds and winter melon candy.
#3 Let Fortune Bloom at Lunar New Year Fairs
Sites across Hong Kong like Victoria Park and Fa Hui Park are transformed by Lunar New Year Fairs from January 23 - 29, offering creative CNY-themed products and plants and florals with auspicious meanings to prepare for the New Year: cherry blossoms for new beginnings, kumquat trees for prosperity and orchids for elegance.
#4 A World-Class Party Kicks Off with a Night Parade
On January 29, the first day of the CNY, the Chinese New Year Night Parade will transform the streets of Tsim Sha Tsui into a mesmerizing carnival with dazzling floats and jaw-dropping performances from an incredible lineup of international and local performing groups.
#5 Epic Fireworks and Thrilling Horse Races
Keep the CNY auspicious energy flowing with the 2025 Lunar New Year Fireworks Display (pictured, top) on January 30 lighting up Victoria Harbour.
On January 31, experience Chinese New Year Raceday with a flutter at the track to usher in good fortune and prosperity.
InnerGlow (2024); photo courtesy of The Dodos
#6 3D Architectural-mapped Projection
A 3D architectural-mapped projection visual journey showcasing artwork by local artists inspired by Chinese culture and literature, InnerGlow 2025 runs from January 26 to February 14. It brings the historic facades in Parade Ground and Prison Yard to life.
#7 Celebrate Togetherness with Family at Theme Parks
It’s the first CNY holiday with Ocean Park Hong Kong’s new giant panda members! The Park’s six giant pandas will transform into adorable IP characters, joining the festivities to bring you the cutest New Year blessings! Don’t miss the panda-themed immersive installations, and reserve your time to greet the giant pandas, Le Le, An An and Ke Ke!
Meanwhile, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort lights up with a "Magical Year After Year" Chinese New Year Celebration, from January 17 to February 16. Snaking its way down Main Street, U.S.A, festooned in Disney festive decorations, an all-new processional with God of Fortune Goofy leading this spin on the Chinese New Year tradition. In their joyful seasonal outfits, Mickey and Friends and Duffy and Friends are waiting for you around the Park to share CNY blessings.
#8 Feast Like Royalty at Jǐng
Be transported to CNY of centuries past with an immersive multi-sensory dining experience with Jǐng’s “Man-Han 108” menu. It’s a modern twist on the Qing Dynasty’s “Manchu-Han Imperial Feast”. While the original featured 108 dishes, Jǐng’s chefs will modify and present 10 main courses and eight small and perfectly instagrammable plates, accompanied by visuals displayed on a panoramic LED screen, storytelling and staff in Qing-era attire.
Lo hei from Spring Moon, courtesy of The Peninsula Hong Kong
#9 Savor Prosperity with Michelin-starred Delicacies
Craving a classier Michelin-starred dining experience this CNY? Try Man Ho Chinese Restaurant at JW Marriott, or Spring Moon, the celebrated Cantonese restaurant at The Peninsula Hong Kong, which will once again roll out an array of coveted New Year treats in honor of the Year of the Snake, alongside festive set menus inspired by blessings and goodwill.
#10 Sip Success with Every Cocktail
Joyful CNY moments call for a toast! Raise a glass to the new year in Hong Kong style at trendy bars like Kinsman, where cocktails are crafted from traditional spirits such as local snake wine, blended in CNY exclusive menu “Snaky Panky.” Or visit a speakeasy-styled bar Red Room, for a sip of cocktails inspired by Chinese ingredients in the lucky red color setting.
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Images courtesy of Hong Kong Tourism Board.
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