Hong Kong Festivals and Events
January 2017

We kick off 2017 with the New Year's Countdown and Fireworks and an array of fantastic and colorful events to welcome the new year on January 1st.

The Winterfest and Christmas celebrations will be wrapping up the first week of the month and after the frenzy of the holiday season, the tempo does not let up as the preparations for the most anticipated event in the calendar, Chinese New Year, will be getting under way.

With pleasant cooler temperatures, days can be cloudy but dry, a light jacket will definitely come in handy but leave your heavy stuff at home.

I know this month is packed with exciting events, but do make some time to head outdoors and enjoy nature! For nature lovers, this is the time to enjoy our fantastic reserves and trails. Weather is pleasant and migrating birds are here in spades.

Here's this month's fantastic line-up:

• Dragon and Lion Dance Extravaganza and Championship - January 1st and 2nd, 2017

• New Year's Day Race Meeting (Horse Racing) - January 1st, 2017

• Bryan Adams: Get Up Tour - January 14, 2017

• Metallica: The WorldWired Tour - January 20, 2017

• The Great European Carnival - December 16, 2016 - February 12, 2017

January 2017 Lunar New Year Events

Let's get ready to welcome the Year of the Rooster!

The Flower markets are bustling with activity, almost like we traded red shiny Christmas ornaments for the red shiny lucky lanterns overnight!

So much to come this month, the fantastic events to welcome the New Year (again!) seem to be getting better each year... the fireworks, the fantastic parade, the Well Wishing Festival, the Lion and Dragon dances... This is a fantastic time to be in Hong Kong!

Read on!

• Chinese New Year Flower Markets - January 22 - 6:00 am January 28, 2017

• Chinese New Year Parade - January 28, 2017

• Chinese New Year Fireworks - January 29, 2017

• Chinese New Year at Disneyland Hong Kong - Jan 25 - mid-February, 2017

• Ocean Park Lucky Lunar Fiesta - Jan 28 - Feb 12, 2017

• Chinese New Year Race Day (Horse Racing) - January 30, 2017

• Hong Kong Well-Wishing Festival - February 8 - 22, 2017

• Lunar New Year Lantern Exhibition - January 20 - February 19 , 2017

• Lunar New Year Lantern Carnival - February 11, 2017

Also check-out these popular ongoing events during January 2017:

• Free cultural exhibitions: Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Feng Shui

• The Symphony of Lights, Hong Kong's light and sound show

• Victoria Harbour Cruises

• It's race time! The Horse Races at Happy Valley are on!

January 2017 Hong Kong Highlight Events

Dragon and Lion Dance Extravaganza - January 1st, 2017
Lion Dance Championship - January 2nd, 2017

Hundreds of colorful dragons, lions, happy Buddhas, acrobats, celestial guardians... running and parading through the streets of Hong Kong in one of the most colorful, thrilling and noisy events to welcome the new year. Truly a feast for the eyes!

Dragon Parades and Lion Dances are nothing new to the territory, however, this event really takes it to another level!

Themes vary from year to year, but are always accompanied by the usual troupes of acrobats and over 500 mascots and lucky animals.

Dragon and Lion Dance Extravaganza: Performances and Parade

When?: Sunday, January 1st, 2017 - Activities throughout the day 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Parade: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm

Where?: Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza B and C

Lion Dance Championship

When?: Monday, January 2nd, 2017 - 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Where?: Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza B

How Much?: Free!

More Info and Parade Route here.

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New Year's Day Race Meeting - January 1st, 2017

This is one of eight "Magnificent Race Days" being waged in the Sha Tin Race Course during the racing calendar. This New Year's Day Race is full of excitement with the Chinese Club Challenge Cup a HK G3 race, being the highlight of the event.

Good luck on this very first day of the year!

When?:January 1st, 2017 - Noon - 6pm (Gates open at 11am)

Where?: Sha Tin Race Course

How Much?: General Admission at Public Enclosure HK10 or Members' Enclosure with Tourist Badge HK130 (must bring passport)

More Info: Hong Kong Jockey Club

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Bryan Adams: Get Up Tour in Hong Kong

When?: Saturday, January 14, 2017

Where?: AsiaWorld-Expo, Hall 10 - 8:00 pm

How Much?: HK$700+ This concert sells out quickly

›› Bryan Adams: Get Up Tour

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Metallica: The WorldWired Tour in Hong Kong

When?: Friday, January 20, 2017 - 8:00 pm

Where?: AsiaWorld Arena

How Much?: HK$1,000+ This concert sells out quickly

›› Metallica: The WorldWired Tour in Hong Kong

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The Great European Carnival

A giant, amazing outdoor event in one of Hong Kong's most iconic settings with sweeping views of Victoria Harbour. What is it? Thrilling rides for all, carnival games, live entertainment including local and international music artists and comedy performers, Hong Kong's biggest ever outdoor ice rink, and of course, festival food from around the world!

When?: December 16, 2016 to February 12, 2017 - 11:00am to 11:00 pm

Where?: Central Waterfront Event Space, at the Central Waterfront next to the Ferris Wheel

How Much?: General Admission: Adults HK 125 (includes 10 tokens), Child (3-11) HK 90 (includes 7 tokens)
Tokens are HK10. Number of tokens required for each attraction/ride vary.

More Info and Tickets: The Great European Carnival Asia Official Site

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January 2017 Lunar New Year Events

Hong Kong Chinese New Year Flower Markets

A popular tradition in anticipation of Chinese New Year, Hong Kong Flower Markets are buzzing with a frenzy of activity as households prepare decorations as well as gifts for their loved ones.

Besides the normal flower markets that run year-round, one of the most popular Chinese New Year Flower Markets is set up just for the occasion in Victoria Park, although open during the day, best time to visit and catch all the electrifying atmposhere is at night, but be prepared for the crowds!

When? January 22 thru the New Year on January 28, 2017. On New Year's Eve January 27 it will be open throughout until the early hours (6:00 am) of New Year's Day.

Where? Several locations, main venue at Victoria Park, MTR Causeway Bay Station Exit E, then follow the crowds along Great George Street or MTR Tin Hau Station Exit A2, turn left at exit.

In Kowloon side, check out Fa Hui Park in Mongkok.

How Much? Depends on what you're buying! Free to browse!

Here's more on the Chinese New Year Flower Markets

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Chinese New Year Night Parade

The Hong Kong Chinese New Year Parade is a classic event featuring colorful floats, marching bands, troupes of acrobats, lively dragons, traditional Chinese dancers, international troupes from all over the world, drummers, Chinese lions, and of course, firecrackers.

When? January 28, 2017 - 8:00 p.m.

How Much?Free along the Parade route, fee applies for spectator stands.

Click here for more info on the Hong Kong Chinese New Year Night Parade including Parade Route and options for viewing.

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Chinese New Year Fireworks

You really don't want to miss this one! It's one of Hong Kong signature events.

To welcome the Lunar New Year, a fleet of boats and barges set up in the middle of Victoria Harbour launches the pyrothecnic wonder as the sky above the harbour explodes in bursts of shimmering color.

The breathtaking show lasts approximately 25 to 30 minutes.

When? January 29, 2017 - 8:00 p.m.

Where? Victoria Harbour, all along the waterfront or where there is a view just above the Harbour.

How Much?Free at public places, might want to consider watching the fireworks aboard a Harbour Cruise.

Click here for more on the Hong Kong Chinese New Year Fireworks and our Hong Kong Fireworks Guide for best vantage points to enjoy the fireworks.

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Chinese New Year Race Day (Horse Racing) - January 30, 2017

This has for years been Hong Kong's most popular horse racing event of all.

This is not only an exciting day at the horse races but for visitors also a chance to enjoy a full programme of traditional festivities including a grand opening show, the traditional lion dance, a variety of cultural and entertainment performances, and jockeys greeting fans with good luck messages.

The featured race of the day is the Chinese New Year Cup.

When?:January 30, 2017 - Noon - 6pm (Gates open at 11am)

Where?: Sha Tin Race Course

How Much?: General Admission at Public Enclosure HK10 or Members' Enclosure with Tourist Badge HK130 (must bring passport)

Chinese New Year Come Horseracing Tour

• Pick-up from designated hotels in Kowloon and Hong Kong Island between 10:20 - 11:20 am
• General admission to the Hong Kong Jockey Club Members' Enclosures
• International Buffet Lunch
• Unlimited serving of house wine, beer, orange juice, standard pouring brand and soft drinks throughout the race meeting
• Guided tour to the parade ring and winning post
• Betting orientation
• Return transfer to designated hotel
• Minimum Age is 18 years

When?: January 30, 2017

How Much?: US$ 246

›› More Info and Booking: 2017 Hong Kong Chinese New Year Come Horseracing Tour

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Hong Kong Well-Wishing Festival

Two popular traditions: wishing trees and wishing lanterns, in addition to performances and cultural activities and lots and lots of local foods.

If you missed the Chinese New Year Parade, this is your chance, all the floats will be on display and the troupes from the parade will also perform here. This is not exactly "around the corner" but well worth the trip.

When? From New Year's Day January 28 until the Lantern Festival February 11, 2017

Where? Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees, take MTR to Tai Wo Station (New Territories) then a free shuttle or taxi to Lam Tsuen Wishing Square.

How Much? Most events are free, there is a fee for banquets and feasts.

Here's more on the Well Wishing Festival.

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Lunar New Year Lantern Exhibition

The Government of Hong Kong's Leisure and Cultural Services Department sponsors a series of events to foster Chinese ethnic culture to residents and tourists alike.

As part of the Lunar New Year festivities, the department sets up an amazing annual Lantern Exhibition and the theme varies from year to year.

When? January 20 - February 19, 2017 Displays are normally lit 6:00pm to 11pm from Thursday to Sunday.

Where? Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza by the Water Pools in front of the Clocktower, Tsim Sha Tsui.

How Much? Free

More Info: The Lunar New Year Lantern Festivals

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A Golden Chinese New Year Celebration at Disneyland Hong Kong

During Chinese New Year, Disneyland Hong Kong transforms once again after the rush of the Christmas season. This time instead of fluffy snow and holiday wreaths, it is lanterns, red envelopes, mandarin oranges, chinese lions, drums and gongs...

And in typical Disney fashion, our favourite characters will be there dressed in full Chinese traditional gear to celebrate and wish you Gung Hay Fat Choy!

When? January 25 to Mid-February, 2017

Where? Hong Kong Disneyland

How Much? CNY events are free with entrance ticket.

Remember you can buy discount tickets online at Klook.com:

HK Disneyland Discount Tickets Adult HK619 HKD524 US$67, Children HK458 HKD366 US$48

More Info and Booking at Klook.com

Here's more on A Golden Chinese New Year at Disneyland Hong Kong

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Ocean Park Lucky Lunar Fiesta

Every year, the park goes all out to celebrate the Lunar New Year with traditional events throughout: Leaping lions at the Waterfront, dazzling dragon dances at the Summit, incredible board-busting Kung Fu shows, lucky red packets at the God of Fortune Palace, roaring dances at the Waterfront Plaza while Old Hong Kong plays host to Golden Lions dancing on the streets and Kung Fu troupes galore.

Giant drums and spectacular acrobatics and lots of memorable photo opportunities.

For the little ones, lucky pinwheel workshops at Whiskers Harbour and all restaurants of course, will be featuring seasonal specials.

This year's highlight is the Cyber Illusion Spectacular Stage Show, a spellbinding show that will feature breathtaking magic acts, cutting-edge visual effects and amazing live entertainment performed by internationally-acclaimed illusionists.

When? Jan 28 - Feb 12, 2017

Where? Ocean Park Hong Kong

How Much? CNY events are free with entrance ticket.

Remember you can buy discount tickets online at Klook.com:
Ocean Park Discount Tickets Adult HK438 HKD380 US$49, Children HK219 HKD193 US$24

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Ongoing Hong Kong Events for January, 2017

These are some popular ongoing events that are worth checking out, specially since they are FREE or offered for a very low fee!

These events feature some of the great and ancient traditions of the territory and are offered by experts in their corresponding fields:

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The Symphony of Lights

The Symphony of Lights is Hong Kong's light and sound show, a tribute to the city and its people, their diversity, energy and vitality.

The stage is the entire city, which is what makes it so unique, you can watch the lights from just about anywhere in the waterfront. This free show offered by the city, takes place every night at 8:00 pm and lasts aboout 15 minutes.

When?: Every Night

Where?: Can be seen from both sides of Victoria Harbour

How Much? Free

Click here for more on Hong Kong's Symphony of Lights and best spots to watch.

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The Happy Valley Horse Races

Happy Valley Hong Kong whether or not you are a horse racing enthusiast is an experience not to be missed!

The beautiful horses, the skillful jockeys, the crowds going wild, they all add up to an exciting, fun-filled, thrilling atmosphere in a world-class venue.

The Happy Valley race course itself is a sight in itself, the city has built around it through the years and it is now practically surrounded by skyscrapers, an awesome experience specially at night when the city is illuminated.

When?: Wednesday Nights. First race starts at 7:15 p.m. and the gates open at 5:15 p.m. The races are done by 11:00 p.m.

Where?: Happy Valley Race Course

How Much? Depends, there are many ways to experience the races, from General Stand to Private Boxes and special packages including dinner and drinks. General Stand entrance starts at HK10. The "Come Horseracing Tour" provides transportation to/from your hotel, dinner and drinks and access to the Member's Boxes.

Click here for more on Happy Valley Horse Racing, how to get there and options for viewing the races.

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Hong Kong Events