Hong Kong is a global city that knows how to truly celebrate festive occasions, and even more so this Year of the Dog which symbolizes adventure, excitement and playfulness. Worried that shops will be closed during the festive season? While most government offices, banks and public utilities will be closed for the Chinese New Year public holidays in Hong Kong, most shops and restaurants in the busiest districts will remain open. Some shopping malls may even extend their service hours, where as major attractions, theme parks and public transport will operate as usual. Street markets and stalls will usually close on the first and second day of the Chinese New Year (16–17 February 2018) and business will resume as usual on the third day (18 February 2018).
Visitors can expect a flurry of colourful festivities and enticing events, from dazzling fireworks to flower markets and night parades, to enormous outdoor carnivals and exhibitions when they visit Hong Kong during this joyful month. With so many exciting events going on, we’ve selected the top 8 or “Fatt” (prosperous) ways you can celebrate the Lunar New Year in Asia’s World City!
1. International Chinese New Year Night Parade (ICNYP)
Local and international performers will come together for a rocking night of entertainment at the annual ICNYP. It has been named as one of the world’s best events, offering viewers live musical performances and colourful floats parading down the main streets of Tsim Sha Tsui. Expect to be mesmerized by this buzzing atmosphere on February 16!
2. Hong Kong Chinese New Year Fireworks Extravanganza
Chinese New Year will start off with a literal bang, courtesy of a spectacular display of pyrotechnics over Victoria Harbour. The splendid 20-minute-plus firework will light up the entire night sky and is broadcast annually on the second day of Chinese New Year. The show will start promptly at 8pm on February 17 to welcome the Year of the Dog. Admission is free and popular viewing hotspots are particularly at The Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront and Central Harbourfront, so do get a spot there!
3. Harbourfront Fun at the Great European Carnival
The Great European Carnival at the Central Harbourfront Event Space will be transformed into a fun-filled outdoor amusement park from December to February. Take a ride on the giant swing carousel or try your luck at a games booth, and enjoy a circus performance. These are some of the many other activities await residents and visitors alike.
4 Hong Kong Disneyland’s (HKDL) First Ever Chinese New Year Night Market
As night falls at Hong Kong Disneyland, the Main Street U.S.A and the Plaza will turn into a special Chinese New Year Night Market for the very first time. This special market will be filled with mobile stalls that offer festive delicacies and specialties. In keeping with the Disney theme, indulge yourselves with Mickey-shaped Maltose Toast, Mickey-shaped Red Bean Pudding and Egg Puffs. Mickey and friends will also appear at the Night Market to wish everyone Gong Hei Fatt Choi! Be sure to stop by as loads of other exciting activities await you at Hong Kong Disneyland.
5. CNY Miniature Exhibition @ Olympian City
The largest miniature exhibition in Hong Kong ever, “Feature of HK – CNY Miniature Exhibition @ Olympian City” co-organized by the Olympian City and the Hong Kong Joyful Miniature Association features nearly 20 local artists. Local characteristics commonly associated in Chinese New Year are vividly presented through 52 miniature art pieces. There will be eye-catching centerpieces including the Lantern Carnival, Sunset in Lei Yue Mun, A Corner of the Flower Market, Embroidered Slippers Shop, West Kowloon Bamboo Theatre, Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree, Hung Fat Cake Shop, Hong Kong Countryside and Prosperity. Together they demonstrate Hong Kong’s uniqueness from its cosmopolitan characteristics, to its scenic attractions, festivals, living style, heritage and architecture through excellent craftsmanship. The best of Hong Kong can be seen in a glance in this miniature exhibition.
6. New Year, New Fortunes with a traditional touch
Step back in time and take a trip to the traditional side of Hong Kong during CNY, beginning with the Che Kung Temple. Every Chinese New Year, the Che Kung Temple is awash in a sea of colourful spinning “wheels of fortune” decorations that dance along with the breeze, beholding a breath-taking sight. Another tradition that you may want to experience is making a wish at the Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree, which is believes to bring good fortune.
7. Gastronomic CNY Festive Feasts
Poon Choi which is a one-pot casserole, is a staple dish of Hong Kong traditional village dining culture and is extremely popular during the Chinese New Year. The dish is made from layering different types of ingredients, from meat and poultry, to seafood and vegetables on top of each other in a giant pot or basin. Poon Choi is a heart-warming communal dish that is perfect for big groups and celebrations. Visitors too can sample this distinct dish at select restaurants across the city. Other auspicious-sounding ingredients in Cantonese cuisine that make the perfect New Year dishes. For instance, tongyuen dumplings, which sound similar to the word “reunion” in Cantonese, symbolize the coming together of family and is considered an ideal dessert during this happy time.
8. A Taste of Hong Kong 2018 – Sneak peek and ticketing information
Speaking of festive feasts, A Taste of Hong Kong (ATHK) is back with the most delectable and exciting line-up of restaurants and entertainment for its third edition that will take place at Central Harbourfront from March 22nd – 25th 2018. As Hong Kong’s leading gourmet festival, ATHK will feature a galaxy of 20 premier restaurants offering you over 60 mouth-watering dishes of which a quarter of it has never been seen in Hong Kong before and are ATHK festival-exclusive dishes. Food lovers will have the chance to sample dishes from the city’s hottest new restaurants such as BlackSalt, Haku, Forbidden Duck, Frantzen’s Kitchen, and New Punjab Club, as well as other Hong Kong favourites including One Harbour Road, Pici and Chachawan.