The Hong Kong celebrates Chinese Lantern Festival with illuminating lantern displays and various lantern carnivals soon after the Chinese New Year. The Chinese Lantern Festival or the Spring Lantern Festival (元宵節) always falls 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. Thus, the Lantern Festival celebration is the last important event of Chinese New Year.
This year, the Chinese New Year Lantern Carnival will be on the 20th to 25th of February 2024, while the 2024 Lunar New Year Thematic Lantern Display should start earlier (from Feb 2nd, 2024).
Different with the Mid-Autumn Day Lantern Carnival and Display, the Chinese New Year Lantern Carnival and Display will usually feature more elements around CNY, wishing for a good start of the year.
Major events of 2024 Chinese Lantern Festival celebrations
If you would like to enjoy other 2024 Chinese New Year celebrations, such as Lunar New Year Fair, Night Parade etc., check out the review below.
More to Know
Kung Hei Fat Choi – Top things to do during 2024 Chinese New Year in Hong Kong
Chinese New Year is THE most important festival in Hong Kong. The 2024 Hong Kong Chinese New Year Celebrations are much more than international carnival and Lunar New Year fair…
What and when is 2024 Chinese Lantern Festival?
The Chinese Lantern Festival, or called the Spring Lantern Festival is an ancient Chinese festival. It is on the 15th day of the Chinese Lunar Calendar and usually falls on February or March.
As the first full moon day of the new year, it represents the coming of spring and the end of Lunar New Year celebration. Usually, the locals will eat rice balls, play pretty lanterns as well as solve the Chinese riddles wining some gifts.
The 2024 Chinese Lantern Festival is on the 24th of February 2024. Although it is a traditional festival, it is NOT a public holiday for locals (unlike the Mid-Autumn Day).
When and Where are 2024 Chinese Lantern Festival celebrations?
During Chinese Lantern Festival, across the city, you will find various celebrations including lantern carnivals, lantern displays, traditional performances and other festivities. Lanterns will be displayed for one-week time.
Every year, the key Lantern Carnivals and Lantern Displays on Chinese Lantern Festival are:
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Urban Lunar New Year Lantern Carnival
(Feb 20 – 25, 2024)
Urban Lantern Carnival in Hong Kong Cultural Center Piazza is the mega event full with cultural programs. It’s also the most popular event of Lantern Festival in town. -
New Territories East Lunar New Year Lantern Carnival
(Feb 20 – 25, 2024)
New Territories East Lunar New Year Lantern Carnival takes place in North District ParkHong Kong Velodrome Park this year. Usually it will have also consists of Gala Night, Lantern Display and Youth Night. -
New Territories West Lunar New Year Lantern Carnival
(Feb 20 – 25, 2024)
New Territories West Lunar New Year Lantern Carnival will be in Tin Shui Wai Park & Ginza Square, which is far away from city center. -
Lunar New Year Thematic Lantern Display
(Feb 2 -25, 2024)
This event with the longest exhibition duration is located conveniently in Tsim Sha Tsui. It is the most visited spot for tourists and you shall easily find it.
What to expect from 2024 Chinese New Lantern Carnivals?
Every year, the Chinese New Year Lantern Carnivals consist of three parts: illuminating Lantern Display, Carnival Night with live performance and game booths and Youth Night (performance from young generation).
Lantern Display on Chinese Lantern Festival
Illuminating lanterns is an ancient tradition for celebrating Chinese New Year. You will find the spectacular lantern display and innovative visual effects from CNY Lantern Display.
Lantern displays on Chinese New Year Lantern Carnivals (previous years)
Illuminated lanterns for Chinese Lantern Festival celebrations (previous years)
Gold ingot lanterns (previous years)
Traditional tea cup lanterns (previous years)
Pigs lanterns (previous years)
Carnival Night
Every year, the Carnival Night features orchestra performances, Chinese ethnic songs, dance, acrobatics, traditional stage art, game booths as well as festival souvenirs and food markets.
Acrobat performance on Carnival Night
Acrobat performance
Chinese Opera performance
Youth Night
Hong Kong Leisure and Cultural services Department arrange the stage for different performances of young generation, sharing their talents. The young generation of Hong Kong will perform street dance, band performance, diabolo, a cappella etc, filling the energy to this traditional festival.
Chinese New Year Lantern Carnivals 2024
There will be different Chinese New Year Lantern Carnivals this year in different districts:
(1) Urban Chinese New Year Lantern Carnival (recommended);
(2) New Territories East Chinese New Year Lantern Carnival;
(3) New Territories West Chinese New Year Lantern Carnival;
The Urban Lantern Carnival is located in the downtown (Tsim Sha Tsui), which is the most convenient for tourists to join, while the other two in New Territories are bit far away from major areas. All three districts have “Lantern Display” and “Lantern Carnival” this year. The “Youth Night” is only available for Urban Carnival.
1. 2024 Urban Chinese New Year Lantern Carnival
Hong Kong Cultural Center Piazza (Tsim Sha Tsui)
Lantern Display
Date: February 20 – 25, 2024
Time: 6:00pm – 11:00pm （Tue – Sun)
Program: Lantern theme: Welcoming Spring with the Dragon Treasure
(1) Myriad Blossoms as the Night Descends
(2) Merry-Go-Round in Flying Petals
(3) Groove It Out! – Money and rabbit lanterns
Gala Night / Carnival Night
Date: February 24, 2024 (Sat)
Time: 7:30pm – 10:00pm
Program: Shows and Fun:
(1) Ethnic Song, Dance and Acrobatics Performances
(2) Lantern Riddle Quiz
(3) Singing & Dance Performance from Yaumati Kaifong Association School
(4) K-Pop Dance Performance
(5) RTHK Pop Up Live
Youth Night
Date: February 23, 2024 (Fri)
Time: 7:30pm – 9:30pm
Program: Shows and Fun:
(1) Chinese Music Performance by Music Office Island Youth Chinese Orchestra
(2) Pop Music Performance
(3) Band Performance
(4) Pop Music & Dance Performance
Venue: Hong Kong Cultural Center Piazza (Tsim Sha Tsui)
Ticket: Free Admission for All
Getting to Hong Kong Cultural Center Piazza
By Subway: The most convenient way is to take the MTR to Tsim Sha Tsui or East Tsim Sha Tsui station.
By Star Ferry: Or to take Star Ferry to Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier.
Lantern displays in Urban Lantern Carnival 2024
Did you know
Due to limited space of the piazza, the Urban Lantern Carnival usually will not have lantern display, but only Carnival Night and Youth Night. However, this year visitors can enjoy traditional lantern display from both Hong Kong Cultural Center Piazza and the 2024 Chinese New Year Thematic Lantern Display.
2. 2024 New Territories East Lunar New Year Lantern Carnival
(Hong Kong Velodrome Park)
Lantern Display
Date: February 20 – 25, 2024
Time: illuminated from 6:00pm – 11:00pm (Tue – Sun)
Program: Lantern themes: The Fantasy Playground
(1) Full of Joy and Happiness
(2) Strolling Mischievous Duo
(3) Starry Cat Under the Moon
(4) underwater Adventure – with jellyfish, sea turtles and hermit crab lanterns
Gala Night / Carnival Night
Date: February 23, 2024 (Fri)
Time: 7:30pm – 10:00pm
Program: Shows and Fun:
Youth Night
Date: (Only available at Urban Carnival this year)
Time: 7:30pm – 9:30pm
Program: Shows and Fun:
(1) Ethnic Song, Dance and Acrobatics Performances by Hubei Provincial Performing Arts Group
(2) Pop Music Performance
(3) Unicorn Dance Performance by Ma Yau Tong Unicorn Association
(4) Lantern Riddle Quiz
(5) RTHK Pop Up Live
Venue: Hong Kong Velodrome Park
Ticket: Free Admission for All
Getting to Hong Kong Velodrome Park
By Subway: The most convenient way is to take the MTR to Hang Hau station and exit at Exit B2 or Tseung Kwan O station and take Exit A1.
Lantern displays in NTE Lantern Carnival 2024
3. 2024 New Territories West Lunar New Year Lantern Carnival
(Tin Shui Wai Park & Ginza Square)
Lantern Display
Date: February 20 – 25, 2024
Time: illuminated from 6:00pm – 11:00pm (Tue – Sun)
Program: Lantern themes: A Festive Celebration of Love and Joy for the Year of the Dragon
(1) Blooming Prosperity
(2) Carp Leaping over the Dragon Gate
(3) Spring Lotus Pond
(4) Round and Harmonious – with lovely animal lanterns
Gala Night / Carnival Night
Date: February 25, 2024
Time: 7:30pm – 10:00pm
Program: Shows and Fun:
(1) Ethnic Song, Dance and Acrobatics Performances by Hubei Provincial Performing Arts Group
(2) Pop Songs, Street Dance and K-pop Dance
(3) Fancy Rope Skipping Performance
(4) Pop Music Performance
(4) Lantern Riddle Quiz
(5) RTHK Pop Up Live
Youth Night
Date: (Only available at Urban Carnival this year)
Time: 7:30pm – 9:30pm
Program: Shows and Fun:
Venue: Tin Shui Wai Park & Ginza Square
Ticket: Free Admission for All
Getting to Tin Shui Wai Park & Ginza Square
By Subway: The most convenient way is to take the MTR to Tin Shui Wai station and transfer to Light Railway 705 / 706
Lantern displays in NTW Lantern Carnival 2024
2024 Hong Kong Lunar New Year Thematic Lantern Display – Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront (annually)
Every year, special designed lanterns will be set up either in the fountains/ponds next to the Clock Tower, or around the pond of Hong Kong Space Museum. It is the earliest public event of the Chinese New Year celebration every year (even earlier than the Lunar New Year Flower Market).
In 2024, the lantern theme in TST is “Dancing Dragon with Lanterns to Greet the New Year“. The illuminating dragon spread it’s blessing and wish everyone happy new year. Besides, all the lanterns lit up with stunning night view of Victoria Harbour as background. It’s definitely a unique opportunity for photo shooting.
Dragon style lantern in TST
Dragon lanterns in TST
Dancing Dragon with Lanterns to Greet the New Year in TST
Here are some many breath-taking beauty from the previous years’ thematic lantern displays.
Flying High with the Golden Dragon (2020)
Glittering Peacocks in Full Bloom (2019)
Glowing peacock lanterns (2019)
Happily Fish Leap (2018)
Fish means Good Luck in Chinese Culture (2018)
Fish Lanterns (2018)
2017 CNY Thematic Lantern Display
2017 Thematic Lantern Display
Lantern Display in the daytime (2017)
Year of the Sheep Lantern Display (2015)
2014 Thematic Lantern Display next to Clock Tower at night
2024 Hong Kong Lunar New Year Thematic Lantern Display
Date: January 12 – February 7, 2024
Time: illuminated from 6:00pm – 11:00pm (Thu – Tue)
Location: Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Ticket Fare: Free Admission
Other Major 2024 Hong Kong Chinese New Year Celebrations and Events
Lunar New Year Fair
(Feb 4 - 10, 2024)
Chinese New Year Night Parade
(Feb 10, 2024)
Lunar New Year Fireworks
(Feb 11, 2024)
Chinese New Year Raceday
(Feb 12, 2024)
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