Celebrate 2025 Chinese New Year of The Snake in Hong Kong: Flower Markets, Fireworks, Night Parade, Carnival, Markets, Lantern Festival and More

The whole city starts getting busy with Chinese New Year celebrations. As THE most important festival, Hong Kong has lots of colorful Chinese traditional in Chinese New Year. As finally this year the situation of pandemic gets better, the city will have full celebrations to welcome Lunar New Year. The 2025 Hong Kong Chinese New Year celebrations and events are not only just the annual highlights in town, but also great opportunities to feel the vibe, culture, history and people of Hong Kong.

The 2025 Chinese New Year (CNY) is “the Year of the Snake”. Every year the most important annual Chinese New Year events include CNY Flower Market or Fair, Night Parade, Fireworks Display, Lantern Display and Carnival, Horse Race Day, Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree. Besides, Hong Kong has also prepared many colorful traditional celebrations.

Lion dance and dragon dance is a must. Auspicious flowers and plants, red traditional lanterns are everywhere. Shopping malls are all decorated with CNY-themed displays. People are busy going to the temples wishing for a good new year. This is the best time to learn, see and experience Hong Kong’s culture and locals’ life.

The celebrations of Chinese New Year in Hong Kong start earliest with shopping malls decorations, count down with the Chinese New Year Flower Markets, reach to the climax on the first three days of the Chinese Lunar Calendar, and finally end with the Lantern Carnival.

For over one month’s time, wherever you walk around in Hong Kong, you will see snake decoration hanging all over the places. In Chinese customs, the zodiac of the snake is believed to represent wisdom, flexible and cautious. Do come, join and experience Hong Kong’s unique traditional culture.

When is 2025 Hong Kong Chinese New Year?

Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival (春節), starts on the first day of the Chinese Lunar Calendar and usually falls in January or February.

For 2025 Chinese New Year falls on January 29th of 2025. It is considered as an early Chinese New Year compared with the previous years.

To usher in the New Year, Hong Kong will celebrate and welcome the “Year of the Snake” with several big events and activities from January 23rd to February 16th, 2025.

In Hong Kong, From 29th to 31st January 2025 are the Hong Kong public holidays. In order to avoid the crowds, you may consider to visit those places early in the morning and still try to keep the social distance.

What to do on 2025 Chinese New Year in Hong Kong? Where to celebrate?

Chinese New Year is without double the number one festival in town. Everyone gets in the mood of celebration throughout the city. Besides gift exchanging and partying, there are many other ways to enjoy this holiday.

• Relax in hotel: Many hotels give out special CNY Staycation deals and package. It is a perfect way to recharge yourself.
• Book a delicious Chinese New Year meal: Besides Staycation packages, book a CNY buffet from hotels and fine restaurants is another way to enjoy the holiday. Booking from authorized platforms can get some extra discount.
• Visit CNY decorations and displays: Hong Kong is filled fully with Chinese traditional lanterns, fai chun, snake decorations everywhere. Shopping malls will put up with the unique and themed Chinese New Year displays and installations to celebrate the holiday. From the traditional style to cute and sweet design, you will find everything.
• Take a special tour: To enjoy the Chinese New Year decorations in a relax way, the open-top bus tour is a very good option. Don’t want to fight with crowds, then book the Chinese New Year fireworks harbour tour to watch Chinese New Year fireworks in close vicinity.
• Have fun at CNY Markets: Chinese New Year Market is not only a place for gift shopping, but also a treasure trove of delight. Many shopping malls offer special CNY Market.
• Spend a day in theme parks: All the major theme parks and attractions will turn into traditional Chinese look. The beloved mascots will put on the holiday outfits. It’s definitely a bonus for those who plan to visit the parks. It’s only once a year after all.

How will you celebrate 2025 Chinese New Year in Hong Kong?

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Major celebrations and events for the 2025 Chinese New Year in Hong Kong – Annual events

Due to over 150-year colonial history with Britain, the fusion of Chinese and British culture gives Hong Kong a very unique way of celebrating Chinese New Year. Combining ancient Chinese culture with a unique touch of cosmopolitan modern flair, festivities and special events are spread out over three weeks.

As usual, Hong Kong Government will hold many large celebrations and events to welcome “Year of the Snake”, of which the Chinese New Year Flower Markets (Lunar New Year Fair), Chinese New Year Night Parade and the Chinese New Year Fireworks Display are the largest three annual events with the most visitors.

Schedule of 2025 Hong Kong Chinese New Year Events

Top Event:
Lunar New Year Fair / Chinese New Year Flower Market

When:　9:00am to late at night from January 23 – 29, 2025
Where:　15 different Flower Markets at various locations
How much:　Free admission

Hong Kong Chinese New Year Flower Market, aka Lunar New Year Fair, usually kicks off the Chinese New Year celebrations. It starts one week before the 1st day of Chinese Lunar calendar.

In 2025, there are 15 Chinese New Year Flower Markets throughout the city opening between the Jan 23 to 29, 2025.

Although it also refers to the Chinese New Year Flower Markets, it is definitely much more than flowers. Stands with lucky foods, auspicious decors, traditional Chinese New Year flowers are all over the markets. It’s a perfect way to join the locals and experience the real traditions on this special holiday season.

Photos of the colorful Hong Kong Lunar New Year Fair

READ MORE:
Locations, photos, insider tips of 2025 Hong Kong Chinese New Year Flower Markets

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Top Event:
International Chinese New Year Night Parade
(Sponsored by Cathay Pacific)

When:　February 29, 2025
Where:　Tsim Sha Tsui
How much:　Free admission

The traditional Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade finally come back.

It will be from afternoon to evening on 29th of January 2025.

Besides the dozens of illuminating floats, artists from all around the world shared their exquisite live performances. It is always, without a doubt, one of the most expected Hong Kong Chinese New Year events.

Photos of International Chinese New Year Night Parade

READ MORE:
Get to know highlights and insider tips of 2025 Hong Kong Chinese New Year Night Parade

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Top Event:
Hong Kong Lunar New Year Fireworks Display

When:　8:00pm – 8:23pm on January 30, 2025  
Where:　Over Victoria Harbour
How much:　Free admission

The annual Lunar New Year Fireworks Display is always on the second day of Chinese Lunar Calendar. It is the longest and most innovative fireworks of three yearly fireworks shows in Hong Kong.

The 2025 Chinese New Year Fireworks show will be in the evening of the 30th of January 2025. The sky over Victoria Harbour would be completely brightened by the 23-minute fireworks.

As the world-class fireworks display, Hong Kong’s fireworks show over Victoria Harbour is something that you should not miss. Besides watching along Victoria Harbour with tens of thousands of crowds, you can also choose to watch from harbour tours, roof-top bars or harbour-view restaurants in hassle-free.

Photos of Hong Kong Fireworks Show

READ MORE:
Where to watch, more photos, insider tips of Hong Kong Chinese New Year Fireworks Display

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Watching Fireworks on Harbour Tours

When:　January 30, 2025
Where:　On Victoria Harbour
How much:　Various prices from tour operators

Besides watching the fireworks from the best locations on land, how about sailing to the middle of Victoria Harbour during fireworks show and feel the stunning scenery in the closest distance?

Nothing beats these views and I bet there is no better vantage point to enjoy the spectacular fireworks. Not matter it’s Chinese junk boat, historical Star Ferry or floating restaurant cruise, it will for sure be an unforgettable memory.

For the moment, Most of the harbour tour operators Aqua Luna, Luxury Yachts, Bauhinia Cruise, Watertours as well as Oriental Pearl have announced their offers for 2025 CNY fireworks and accept booking now. Other tour operators will have updates shortly.

READ MORE:
Guide to 2025 CNY fireworks harbour tour: inside tips, which one is better, discount and secure ticket

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Chinese New Year Raceday

When:　January 31, 2025
Where:　Shatin Racecourse, Shatin
How much:　See details below

Chinese New Year Race Day is one of the most popular horse racing events during the year. Not only it’s one of the best way to start a new year and wish for good luck, but also it is a special horse racing mixed with many traditional elements.

Nothing can stop the horse racing fans from trying their luck on the third day of Chinese lunar calendar in racecourse. If everything gets fine, it will start from 11:00am till 6:00pm on the 31st of January 2025.

Besides horse races, there also will be Chinese New Year souvenirs and decorations in the racecourse.

Photos of Chinese New Year Raceday

READ MORE:
Free gifts, more photos, live performance, special races for 2025 Hong Kong Chinese New Year Raceday

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Top Event:
2025 Lunar New Year Lantern Carnivals

When:　February 7 – 12, 2025
Where:　3 Lantern Carnivals in various locations
How much:　Free admission

Lantern is a very important element in Chinese tradition. The Chinese Lantern Festival, or called the Spring Lantern Festival is an ancient Chinese festival, which is on the 15th day of Chinese Lunar calendar.

It is the first full moon day of the new year and also considered as the last day of Chinese New Year celebration. Illuminating lanterns represent wishing a good start of the new year. This year’s Lantern Festival is on the 12th of February 2025.

Usually the Lunar New Year Lantern Carnival will feature with spectacular lantern displays, orchestra performances, Chinese ethnic songs, dance, acrobatics, traditional stage art and game booths. This year, Hong Kong will have only one Lantern Carnival in Tsim Sha Tsui.

Photos of Lunar New Year Lantern Carnivals

READ MORE:
Traditions, locations, more photos, insider tips of 2025 Hong Kong Lunar New Year Lantern Carnivals

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Hong Kong Lunar New Year Thematic Lantern Display 2025

When:　January 23 – February 16, 2025
Where:　Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza, Tsim Sha Tsui
How much:　Free admission

Besides the lantern carnival, Hong Kong Culture Center Piazza will have a themed lantern display. It is the longest event of all the Chinese New Year celebrations, which will last almost a complete month.

In 2025, the lantern theme is “Chinese Lanterns: An Enduring Heritage”, including Hong Kong Intangible Culture Heritage with fish lanterns. In Chinese traditional culture, the fish symbolizes good fortune, success, auspicious power.

Photos of Lunar New Year Thematic Lantern Display

READ MORE:
More photos, insider tips of 2025 Hong Kong Lunar New Year Thematic Lantern Display

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Lam Tsuen Well-Wishing Festival

When:　January 29 – Feburary 16, 2025
Where:　Lam Tsuen, Shatin
How much:　Free admission

Lam Tsuen Well-wishing Festival is one of the oldest traditions during Chinese New Year in Hong Kong, which can be traced to 700 years back. It is also regarded as one of the most popular spots in Hong Kong for making a wish.

Two giant banyan trees in Lam Tsuen are considered as god. Whenever there is a festival, villagers will toss the joss paper onto the wishing trees to make a wish. Besides the traditional rituals, the floats from Chinese New Year Night Parade will be displayed here, allowing visitors for a closer look and some selfies.

Photos of Lam Tsuen Well-wishing Festival

READ MORE:
Traditions, more photos, insider tips of 2025 Lam Tsuen Well-Wishing Festival

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Chinese New Year celebrations on tours

Looking for an unforgettable way to celebrate Chinese New Year? Then take a close look at the open-top bus tours or Victoria harbour cruise.

Cross-strait million-night scenery Tsim Sha Tsui New Year’s lucky tour on open-top bus tour

For those who would like to enjoy the CNY lights and displays in the easiest way, how about an open-top bus tour in Tsim Sha Tsui? While you enjoy the stunning views, bus driver will slow down or even stop if possible for better photographs.

The tour lasts 45 minutes and booking is already available online. Secure your ticket as soon as possible while stock lasts.

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Top Chinese New Year displays, decorations, events in shopping malls

Since most of the traditional CNY celebrations are called off, or you will not be in Hong Kong during the time, don’t be regret. Most of the major shopping malls will set up the Chinese New Year themed decorations and displays. Lion dance, firecrackers, peach trees will be all around Hong Kong. This year is the Year of the Snake. You will also be surrounded by snake decors every corner in town.

The highlights usually are Snake-themed displays and decorations, exclusive popup stores, game booths, markets and workshops. BTW, be prepared for the non-stop CNY music once you step into the mall.

– 2025 CNY displays, decorations and themes in shopping malls (keep updating)

Here is list of the shopping malls’ displays and decorations for 2025 CNY (keep updating).

– Popular cartoon themes:

• LCX – Share the Prosperity with M&M’S (Jan 11 – Feb 14 2025)
• MOSTown – Lego Spring Garden (Jan 10 – Feb 16 2025)
• MOKO – Cheeky Cheeky Hugging Festival (Jan 8 – Feb 23 2025)
• Plaza Hollywood – Seasame Street x LINE FRIENDS CNY Celebration (Jan 11 – Feb 16 2025)
• iSquare – Fatty CNY Celebration (Jan 10 – Feb 23 2025)
• The ONE – SHO-CHAN in CNY (Jan 10 – Feb 16 2025)
• Windsor House – Pingu New Year Party (Jan 9 – Feb 16 2025)
• MegaBox – Mofusand Cuddly Cat Hanami Station (Dec 14 2024 – Feb 16 2025)
• apm – Fortune Panda House (Jan 19 – Feb 16 2025)
• Fortune Malls – Mr. Pa’s Chinese New Year Greetings Diary (Jan 1 – Mar 16 2025)

– Classic themes and others:

• Langham Place – Goldfish Art Experience Pavilion (Jan 10 – Feb 16 2025)
• Festival Walk – Wiggle Wiggle Joyous Flower World (Jan 10 – Feb 9 2025)
• New Town Plaza – Prosperity in Bloom (Jan 16 – Feb 16 2025)
• The Whampoa – Vivid Luminary Fest (Jan 11 – Feb 25 2025)
• Times Square – 𝐋𝐮𝐜𝐤𝐲 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝 (Jan 16 – Feb 16 2025)
• Lee Tung Avenue – Lantern-lit Year of the Snake (Jan 14 – Mar 2 2025)
• Cityplaza – LIVE HAPPY Cheers! (Jan 16 – Feb 16 2025)
• tmtplaza – Blessing of the Fortune Fish (Jan 14 – Feb 2 2025)
• East Point City – Wish Blossoms (Jan 8 – Feb 23 2025)
• Citygate Outlets – Catch the Luck (Jan 19 – Feb 22 2025)

READ MORE:
Best of 2025 Year of the Snake Shopping Mall Display and Decoration

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2025 Top Chinese New Year Markets and Fairs

Hong Kong Chinese New Year has prepared various traditional markets and art craft markets for families. It’s great fun and Hong Kong tradition to pick up some special gifts for the beloved ones at these places.

Here is the list for the selected Chinese New Year markets, fairs and workshops for 2024 CNY (sort according to date, keep updating).

#1. New Year Pets Market @ Murray House Stanley(Jan 6 – Feb 4, Sat&Sun, 12:00noon – 7:00pm)
#2 Metroplaza x LOCOLOCO CNY Market @ Metroplaza (Jan 8 – 14, 15 – 21 2024, 11:00am – 9:00pm)
#3. SoHo Market @ MegaBox (Feb 10 – 25 2024, 11:00am – 9:00pm)
#4. Winter Wonderland Market @ Peak Galleria (Jan 13 – 14, 20 – 21, 27 – 28 2024, 12:00noon – 8:00pm)
#5. Central Market x LOCOLOCO: Golden Dragon CNY Market @ Central Market (Jan 26 – Feb1, Feb 2 – 8, 9 – 12, 13 – 16 2024, 12:00noon – 8:00pm)
#6. 2024 Chinese New Year Market @ The Repulse Bay (Jan 27 2024, 11:00am – 6:00pm)
#7. CNY Pop-up Store @ K11 ATELIER (Jan 30 – Feb 2, Feb 6 – 9 2024, 11:00am – 7:00pm)

Besides the above listed markets, the shopping malls with special CNY decorations and displays usually will prepare traditional CNY pop-up markets. You can take a look after taking pictures with the pretty displays and get some auspicious snacks and delicacies home.

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Chinese New Year celebrations at top attractions

Every year during Chinese New Year, the top attractions will put up traditional decoration, creating many color photo booths and bring visitors good luck.

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2024 Hong Kong Disneyland Chinese New Year Celebrations

When:　January 25 – February 25, 2024
Time:　10:30am – 8:30pm
Ticket:　HK$ 639 (adults) / HK$ 475 (children)
Discount:　HK$ 570 (adults) / HK$ 449 (children)
(More promotion combo with meal and cash coupons available)

Every year Disneyland will launch a series of Chinese New Year celebrations. No matter it’s Disney’s beloved characters in the traditional Chinese dress, the zodiacs themed food, limited Chinese New Year merchandise or Live Disney concert by the world-class pianist Lang Lang, there is always something for everyone.

In 2025, the adorable fox LinaBell will lead the festivity in the park, joining with all her friends, to bring everyone A Magical Year of the Snake.

READ MORE:
Don’t miss the 2025 Hong Kong Disneyland Chinese New Year Celebrations

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Hong Kong AIA Chinese New Year Carnival

When:　December 18, 2024 – February 16, 2025
Where:　AIA Vitality Park (next to Hong Kong Observation Wheel)
How much:　HK$ 150 (Off Peak Days)/ HK$ 180 (Peak Days)
Ticket:　Ticket + tokens
Ticket:　Extra discounts on kkday

Hong Kong AIA The Great European Carnival turns to an annual event since 2014. It is located right next to the Victoria Harbour in Central and usually lasts two months throughout Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year. After four-year cancellation, AIA Carnival finally comes back to town.

The carnival is a mixture of fun rides, games, entertainment program, circus as well as plenty of Asian and European food delights.

READ MORE:
Guide to 2024/2025 AIA Carnival – rides, games, tickets & discounts

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Ocean Park Hong Kong 2024 Lunar New Year Celebration

When:　Feb 10 – Mar 3, 2024　 
Time:　10:00am – 6:00pm
Ticket:　HK$ 498 (adults)/ HK$ 249 (children)
Discount:　HK$ 388 (adults) / HK$ 233 (children)
(More promotion combo with meal and cash coupon available)

Ocean Park Hong Kong has extended the celebration of pandas to the Chinese New Year. Besides capturing the New Year blessing, visitors can also enjoy traditional dragon dance, admire old Hong Kong Neon Lights, take some exclusive snake souvenirs home as well as try some New Year auspicious gourmet.

READ MORE:
2025 Ocean Park Hong Kong Chinese New Year Celebrations: Highlights, Themed Food, Pandas

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Ngong Ping 360 Chinese New Year Celebrations

When:　January 27 – February 2, 2025
Time:　9:00am – 8:00pm
Venue:　Ngong Ping Village
Ticket:　from HK$ 270 (adults) (round trip)
Discount:　Round/Single Trip ticket (klook)
Discount:　up to 50% discount on ticket combo (kkday)

Ngong Ping Cable Car and Big Buddha on Lantau Island is one of the most popular attractions.

In 2025, Ngong Ping 360 arranged four major lucky hot spots. Visitors could get there and make a wish for a good start in the new year.

Do keep in mind that during the Chinese New Year period, the Ngong Ping Cable Car will be very crowded. If you don’t want to waste hours in the waiting line, prepare a fast lane ticket to save your time.

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Other options and events for celebrating 2025 Chinese New Year

MTR Year of the Snake Commemorative Tickets for CNY

When:　January 12, 2025
Where:　Most of the MTR stations, MTR official site, MTR App
How much:　HK$ 120 per set

To celebrate the coming Year of the Snake, MTR Company also will launch a set of commemorative ticket featured the zodiac Snake. As the previous years, each set contains two designs of tickets and 8 Chinese red pockets.

The price for each set is HK$ 120 and the stock is limited. The ticket allows a full day free ride on MTR on Chinese New Year.

READ MORE:
where to buy the 2025 MTR Year of Snake Commemorative Ticket

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Other local traditions in Hong Kong on Chinese New Year holidays – What else we do on Chinese New Year

Similar to Western’s Christmas, Chinese New Year is one of the most important traditional holidays in Hong Kong. Hongkongers will celebrate this holiday with all kinds of traditions.

• Family will gather together no matter how busy they are. Nothing can stop anyone from going home and being with family;
• Locals will give out red pockets (with cash) to friends, colleagues or people whoever helped them in the past year for good wishes;
• Auspicious and lucky foods such as black moss (Cantonese pronunciation is Fat Choy, similar to ‘prosperity’), sticky rice cake, sweet glutinous rice balls (tang yuan) are eaten and wishing for good luck in the coming year;
• Some families will visit the fortune tellers for good fortune in one of the many temples;
• Shopping malls, restaurants and offices are decorated with zodiac Snake all around Hong Kong;
• Shopping malls and shops will hire Lion Dance group to perform for good luck and a good start of new year;