Lunar New Year 2025 Hong Kong
Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival (農曆新年 / 农历新年, Nónglì Xīnnián), is the most important and widely celebrated festival in Hong Kong. As the city prepares to welcome the Year of the Snake (蛇年, Shé Nián) in 2025, the energy in the air is palpable—streets are adorned with vibrant red decorations, lion dances fill the markets, and fireworks light up the iconic Victoria Harbour.
Whether you’re a local resident, an expat, or a traveler looking to experience Hong Kong’s world-famous Lunar New Year festivities, this guide covers everything you need to know—from traditional customs to modern celebrations, must-visit places, and the best food to enjoy.
1. The Significance of Lunar New Year in Hong Kong
Lunar New Year is the most anticipated holiday in Hong Kong, with celebrations lasting for 15 days, beginning on January 29, 2025 (New Year’s Eve) and concluding with the Lantern Festival on February 12, 2025. The festival marks the start of the lunar calendar and is a time for family reunions, paying respects to ancestors, and wishing for good fortune in the year ahead.
The Year of the Snake represents wisdom, transformation, and strategic thinking. In Chinese culture, those born under this sign are often considered intelligent, charming, and resourceful—traits that reflect Hong Kong’s dynamic and ever-evolving nature.
2. Top Lunar New Year Events in Hong Kong 2025
1. Chinese New Year Parade (January 30, 2025)
📍 Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
One of the biggest highlights of Lunar New Year in Hong Kong is the Chinese New Year Parade. Held on the first evening of the new year, the streets of Tsim Sha Tsui come alive with colorful floats, traditional lion and dragon dances, and international performances. Expect a fusion of ancient traditions and modern entertainment, with dancers, musicians, and acrobats dazzling the crowds.
2. Fireworks Display Over Victoria Harbour (January 31, 2025)
📍 Victoria Harbour
No Lunar New Year celebration in Hong Kong is complete without the spectacular fireworks show over Victoria Harbour. The night sky is illuminated with gold, red, and blue bursts, symbolizing prosperity, happiness, and success. Some of the best viewing spots include:
- Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade
- Central Harbourfront
- Avenue of Stars
- Victoria Peak (for a panoramic view)
3. Che Kung Temple Fair (February 1-2, 2025)
📍 Che Kung Temple, Sha Tin
Many Hong Kongers visit Che Kung Temple to pray for luck and protection in the new year. You’ll see crowds spinning the golden windmill, believed to bring good fortune. Fortune-telling, incense-burning, and traditional drumming create an authentic New Year experience.
4. Hong Kong Jockey Club Chinese New Year Races (February 2, 2025)
📍 Sha Tin Racecourse
For those who love horse racing and good fortune, the Chinese New Year Races at Sha Tin Racecourse are a must-visit. The event combines thrilling races, lion dances, and lucky draws, making it an exciting way to start the year with a win.
5. Temple Street Night Market & New Year Shopping
📍 Temple Street & Mong Kok Markets
Leading up to the festival, Hong Kong’s night markets and flower fairs are packed with locals buying red envelopes (利是, Lì Shì), golden decorations, and lucky kumquat trees. The Hong Kong Flower Market in Victoria Park is a must-visit for peach blossoms, orchids, and festive snacks.
3. Traditional Customs & Superstitions
Lunar New Year in Hong Kong is steeped in customs and superstitions, many of which are followed to ensure good luck and prosperity. Here are some key traditions:
🎊 Giving Red Envelopes (利是, Lì Shì) – Elders and married couples give red envelopes filled with money to children and unmarried relatives as a symbol of good luck.
🧹 No Cleaning on New Year’s Day – Sweeping the floor on the first day of the new year is believed to sweep away good fortune.
🥢 No Using Sharp Objects – Knives and scissors should not be used on New Year’s Day to avoid cutting off good luck.
🎨 Decorating with Red and Gold – Homes and businesses are decorated with red banners, golden lanterns, and lucky calligraphy to attract happiness and wealth.
4. Best Lunar New Year Foods to Try in Hong Kong
🍊 Tangerines & Oranges – Symbolizing wealth and prosperity, these are often exchanged as gifts.
🥟 Dumplings (餃子, Jiǎozi) – Shaped like gold ingots, eating dumplings is believed to bring financial success.
🥠 Turnip Cake (蘿蔔糕, Luóbo Gāo) – A must-eat dish made of radish, dried shrimp, and Chinese sausage, symbolizing rising prosperity.
🍜 Longevity Noodles (長壽麵, Chángshòu Miàn) – Served uncut to represent long life and good health.
🍬 New Year Candy Box (全盒, Quán Hé) – A tray of assorted sweets symbolizing sweetness and happiness in the year ahead.
5. Why You Should Experience Lunar New Year in Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s Lunar New Year celebrations are among the most vibrant, immersive, and culturally rich in the world. Whether you’re watching the fireworks over Victoria Harbour, experiencing the colorful parade in Tsim Sha Tsui, or indulging in traditional New Year foods, there’s no shortage of memorable experiences.
If you’re planning to visit, make sure to book accommodations early, as hotels and flights tend to fill up quickly. And most importantly, immerse yourself in the joy, tradition, and festive energy of the Year of the Snake in Hong Kong!
🐍🏮 Happy Lunar New Year 2025! Wishing you prosperity, happiness, and success in the Year of the Snake! 🎉🥠
