There's heaps of events to enjoy in and around the city as Hong Kongers usher in the Year of the Snake
Enjoy live performances at the New Year Night Parade hosted by Hong Kong Tourism Board
Chinese New Year, or Lunar New Year, is one of the most important dates of Hong Kong’s calendar. Officially, Chinese New Year lasts for three days but celebrations spill into the previous and following weeks. To usher in the Year of the Snake in Hong Kong, there will be plenty of events taking place around the city. Here are some of the best family friendly events to celebrate Chinese New Year in Hong Kong.
Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree Festival
The Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees are a popular shrine located near to the 18th century Tin Hau Temple in Lam Tsuen. Visitors should write their wishes on joss paper and throw them into the trees, the higher the better. Legend maintains that if your wish catches onto a branch, it will come true. In addition to the wishing trees, floats from the Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade will be on display in Lam Tseun Wishing Square from January 30 to February 13. There will also be live street performances on January 30 and 31.
Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree Festival, January 29 to February 12, Lam Tsuen Wishing Square, Tai Po, New Territories.
Chinese New Year Flower Markets
Colourful flower markets spring up throughout the territory up to a week before Chinese New Year featuring auspicious flowers such as orchids, chrysanthemums, peach blossom, pussy willow and naricssus. One of the largest and most popular markets takes place in Victoria Park. And of course don’t miss a trip to Prince Edward Flower Market where stalls will be stacked with blooms, decorations, handicrafts and treats.
Chinese New Year Flower Markets, various villages and town squares throughout Hong Kong; plus Victoria Park, Causeway Bay, and Prince Edward Flower Market, Kowloon.
Lion Dances
Watch - and listen - out for the many dragon and lion dances that take place throughout the city during the Chinese New Year period. The colourful creatures wind their way along alleys and streets and through parks and shops, dancing to clashing cymbals and banging drums to banish evil spirits and encourage prosperity and good fortune for the new year. The dances take place anywhere and everywhere, from streets and town squares to resataurants and office spaces.
Discovery Bay Chinese New Year Market
Head over to Discovery Bay Plaza for Chinese New Year decorations, gifts, homewares and food. Stalls are held by local Hong Kong artisans offering Hong Kongers a great opportunity to 'shop local' for the new year festivities. Joing this community event to get the Year of the Snake off to a fun start.
Discovery Bay Chinese New Year Market by Handmade Hong Kong, Discovery Bay Plaza, Discovery Bay, 11am to 6pm, January 19.
Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade
This annual carnival parade takes place on the first day of the holiday, which this year falls on January 29. The annual event is organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board with Cathay as the main sponsor for the 23rd year. This year the theme is Unfold a Year of Good Fortune, with a parade combining more than 50 international performers and Hong Kong-themed floats. The parade begins at the Hong Kong Cultural Piazza, working its way down Canton, Haiphong and Nathan Roads before arriving at Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers. Pre-parade entertainment includes juggling, magic shows, dancing and live music. Ticketed seats are priced from $300 and are available from 8am on January 11 at HKTB's Kowloon Visitor Centre, Star Ferry Pier, Tsim Sha Tsui.
Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade, 8 to 9.45pm with pre-parade performances along the route from 6pm, January 29 Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon.
Lunar New Year Fireworks Display
Enjoy the second major new year’s firework display of the month on both sides of Victoria Harbour. This event takes place on the second day of Chinese New year.
Lunar New Year Fireworks Display, January 30, Victoria Harbour.
Sha Tin Races
Sha Tin Racecourse hosts a major horse racing event on the third day of Chinese New Year. Enjoy live racing, lion dance performances, a variety show and music as the new year is welcomed in.
Sha Tin Races, January 31, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Sha Tin Racecourse, Sha Tin, New Territories.
Times Square Lucky Chessland
Times Square has unveiled a giant auspicious chess board with wishing trees. The. Open Piazza at Time Square has transformed into a huge chessboard to host a series of lifesize installations including gold ingots, candy, chess pieces, interactive wishing trees and more inspired by the worlds of Japanese illustrator Master Heisuke Kitazawa.
Times Square Lucky Chessland, until February 16, Open Piazza, Atrium (2/F) and Food Forum (10/F). Times Square, Causeway Bay.
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