Things to Do in Hong Kong During Chinese New Year

Fireworks explode over Victoria Harbour, the air crackling with excitement as thousands of spectators cheer. It’s the biggest spectacle of the year, but it’s just the beginning. Imagine walking through the neon-lit streets of Mong Kok, the air thick with the smell of roasted chestnuts and sweet egg tarts. A lion dance erupts around the corner, drums pounding in rhythm with your racing heartbeat. You’ve just stepped into the sensory overload that is Hong Kong during Chinese New Year.

What if I told you this was only a fraction of what’s waiting for you in Hong Kong during this time? This isn’t your typical “spend a day at the beach” kind of vacation. Chinese New Year in Hong Kong is an all-encompassing celebration that pulls you into a whirlwind of traditions, food, and activities that you can’t experience anywhere else in the world.

The Victoria Harbour Fireworks: The Main Event

Hong Kong’s New Year celebrations reach their peak with a jaw-dropping fireworks display over Victoria Harbour. If you think you’ve seen impressive fireworks before, think again. Thousands of spectators line up on both sides of the harbour, hoping to get the best view of the action. Ferries stop in the middle of the water, offering exclusive (but pricy) seats to this luminous show.

But where should you position yourself? The Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui offers unbeatable views, but it fills up fast. Pro tip: head to one of the rooftop bars along the waterfront for a more relaxed vibe and fewer crowds. Want something more luxurious? Book a spot on one of the private boats or enjoy the view from the InterContinental Hotel’s famous lounge.

Temples and Fortune: Where Tradition Meets Spirituality

While Hong Kong’s skyline might look like a futuristic metropolis, the city is deeply connected to its spiritual roots. Chinese New Year is all about luck, fortune, and renewal, and temples become the epicenters of this spiritual awakening.

Start at Wong Tai Sin Temple, the city’s most famous Taoist shrine. People from all over come here to “kau cim,” a traditional practice of shaking bamboo fortune sticks until one falls out. You take that stick to the temple fortune-teller to decipher your fate for the coming year. The energy here is infectious—everyone is hoping for that coveted sign of good luck and prosperity.

If you're after a quieter, more personal experience, head to the Man Mo Temple on Hollywood Road. It's a bit more tucked away, but equally atmospheric. Walking into this incense-filled sanctuary feels like stepping back in time. You light a few sticks of incense, make a wish, and take a moment to reflect. In the midst of Hong Kong's hustle, this pause can be a profound experience.

Street Markets: Shopping with a Festive Twist

Who doesn’t love a good street market? Hong Kong's already famous markets get a New Year’s makeover during the Chinese New Year period. The flower markets, in particular, bloom into vibrant displays of color and fragrance. Fa Hui Park in Mong Kok transforms into a flower lover's paradise, with thousands of orchids, peach blossoms, and kumquat trees—all of which are symbols of luck and prosperity. These markets are also perfect for finding unique souvenirs, from delicate jade ornaments to bold red lanterns.

But it's not all flowers. The Temple Street Night Market takes on an even more energetic vibe during this time. With stalls selling everything from traditional Chinese outfits to quirky trinkets, this is where you can haggle and have some fun. Be prepared for crowds, but that’s part of the charm. Grab a bowl of street food noodles while you're there and take in the lively atmosphere.

Lion Dances: Action-Packed Tradition

If you haven’t witnessed a lion dance, you haven’t truly experienced Chinese New Year. In Hong Kong, these dances aren’t just performances—they’re symbolic rituals meant to chase away evil spirits and bring good luck. Teams of highly trained dancers, dressed in elaborate lion costumes, move to the beat of loud drums and cymbals.

You can catch lion dances across the city, but the best ones are usually organized by major malls or temples. If you're in the Central District, head to Pacific Place or Harbour City Mall. These performances are high-energy, with lions leaping onto towering poles and dancers performing acrobatic stunts. It's loud, it’s chaotic, but it’s mesmerizing.

Food: Feast Your Way Through the New Year

No festival in Hong Kong would be complete without a culinary adventure, and Chinese New Year is no exception. Every meal is symbolic. Start with “poon choi,” a massive dish packed with layers of ingredients like pork, abalone, prawns, and taro, all simmered together in a giant clay pot. Families and friends gather around to share this dish, symbolizing unity and abundance.

If you have a sweet tooth, you’re in for a treat. “Nian gao,” a sticky rice cake made from glutinous rice, is a must-try during the New Year period. It’s sweet, chewy, and believed to bring good fortune for the coming year. Pair it with some sesame balls and coconut-flavored tong yuan (sweet dumplings), and you've got a dessert feast.

Hiking and Nature: A Different Side of Hong Kong

While the city’s streets buzz with celebration, sometimes you just need a break. Luckily, Hong Kong’s nature is just as impressive as its urban landscape. For a tranquil escape, hike up to the Dragon’s Back, one of the city’s most scenic trails. From the top, you’ll get stunning views of the coastline, with the ocean stretching out in one direction and the skyscrapers of the city in the other. It’s the perfect balance between urban and natural beauty.

For a truly unique experience, visit Lantau Island and hike up to the Tian Tan Buddha. The hike is a bit challenging, but reaching the massive bronze Buddha is a rewarding moment. Plus, it’s a chance to reflect on your year and set intentions for the new one.

The Lantern Festival: Ending on a High Note

Chinese New Year celebrations stretch on for two weeks, and they culminate in the Lantern Festival. Victoria Park becomes the central stage, with thousands of lanterns lighting up the night. Some are simple, made from paper and lit by a single candle. Others are elaborate creations shaped like animals, mythical creatures, and even popular cartoon characters. It’s a magical sight, with lanterns reflecting off the water, families strolling around, and performers entertaining the crowd.

By the time you leave, you’ll be filled with more than just memories. You’ll carry the energy of the festival, the taste of the food, the sound of the lion dances, and perhaps a little extra good luck for the coming year.

Because that’s what Chinese New Year in Hong Kong is all about—immersing yourself in a world of tradition, joy, and celebration, with something new waiting for you at every corner.