Front and center in Hong Kong this February 2018 are the Chinese New Year celebrations which will be in full swing as we welcome the Year of the Dog...
Watch out for dancing lions, parading dragons, and of course Hong Kong's signature fireworks extravaganza!
It's all happening this month, Chinese New Year is on February 16, 2018, the preparations begin early in the month as the territory envelopes itself in a sea of red and gold and the flower markets and temples are brimming with activity and excitement.
The celebrations extend for the next 15 days into March and culminate with the Spring Lantern Festival on March 2, 2018.
So let's get started. Here's this month's fantastic line-up:
Chinese New Year Highlight Celebrations in February 2018:
- Chinese New Year Flower Markets - early February through 6:00 am February 16, 2018
- Chinese New Year Parade - February 16, 2018
Chinese New Year Fireworks- February 17, 2018 CANCELLED- Chinese New Year Race Day (Horse Racing) - February 18, 2018
- Lunar New Year Lantern Displays - February through early March
- Chinese New Year at Disneyland Hong Kong - January 18 - March 4, 2018
- Ocean Park Lucky Lunar Fiesta - February 16 - 25, 2018
- Hong Kong Well-Wishing Festival - February 16 - March 4, 2018
- More on this year's Lunar New Year, Year of the Dog Celebrations in Hong Kong
Make the most of Chinese New Year!
Also Coming This February 2018 to Hong Kong
- The Great European Carnival - mid-December - early March
- Cats - The Musical On Tour - January 6 - February 11, 2018
- C3 Hong Kong - for Anime, Comics and Games fans - February 9 - 11, 2018
- The Longines Masters of Hong Kong (Equestrian) - February 9 - 11, 2018
- Valentine's Day - February 14, 2018
- The 46th Hong Kong Arts Festival - February 23 - March 24, 2018
Ongoing Events This February 2018
- Free cultural exhibitions: Kung Fu, Tai Chi, Feng Shui
- The Symphony of Lights, Hong Kong's light and sound show
- It's race time! The Horse Races at Happy Valley are on!
Pleasant, dry and cooler temperatures continue through this month, a light jacket will definitely come in handy but leave your heavy stuff at home.
February will be packed with exciting events, but do make some time to head outdoors and enjoy the marvelous weather! For nature lovers, this is the time to enjoy our fantastic reserves and trails. Weather is pleasant and migrating birds are here in spades.
Get Outdoors!
Book with confidence! Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Hong Kong Lunar New Year Highlight Events February 2018
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 atmosphere is at night, but be prepared for the crowds!
When? February 10 - 16, 2018 On New Year's Eve February 15, 2018 it will be open throughout
until the early hours (6:00 am) of New Year's Day when it will close.
February 10 - 15 from 12:00 noon to midnight
February 16 - from midnight to 6:00 am
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!
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.
It has been traditionally held on the first night of the New Year and is together with the fireworks, one of the hallmark celebrations of the Lunar New Year.
When? February 16, 2018 - 8:00 p.m.
How Much? Free along the Parade route, fee applies for spectator stands.
Chinese New Year Fireworks - CANCELLED
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 pyrothechnic wonder as the sky above the harbour explodes in bursts of shimmering color.
The breathtaking
show lasts approximately 25 to 30 minutes.
When? CANCELLED February 17, 2018- 8:00 p.m.
Where? Victoria Harbour, all along the waterfront or where there is a view just above the Harbour.
How Much? FREE
Chinese New Year Race Day (Horse Racing)
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?: February 18, 2018 - 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)
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 in the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront in the lead up to the Lantern Carnival which mark the end of the Lunar New Year celebrations.
When? Early February through Early March 2018. 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
Magical Year After Year 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!
Special event this year celebrating the Year of the Dragon is a one-of-a-kind concert with world-renown pianist Lang Lang on January 27, 2024 on stage at the Castle of Magical Dreams.
When? January 25 to February 25, 2024
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 HK639 HKD590, Children HK487 HKD438
More Info and Booking at Klook.com
Also available are exclusive experience for World of Frozen and Arandelle Royal Breakfast Buffet
Dining Offers at Hong Kong Disneyland
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.
When? February 16 - 25, 2018
Where? Ocean Park Hong Kong
How Much? CNY events are free with entrance ticket. In addition, Ocean Park will launch "Ocean Park Chill Night Out" during this period, offering free night-time admission to the festive attractions at the Waterfront Plaza from 7pm to 11pm, as well as Old Hong Kong.
Remember you can buy discount tickets online at Klook.com:
Ocean Park Discount Tickets Adult HK498 HK$398, child (3-11) HK249 HK$217
Ticket + Halloween Attractions packages also available.
More Info and Booking at Klook.com
Offers for Water World Ocean Park HK Ticket
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 February 16 until the Lantern Festival weekend March 4, 2018
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.
The A1A Carnival in the Waterfront
The giant, amazing outdoor event in one of Hong Kong's most iconic settings with sweeping views of Victoria Harbour is back!
What's coming? Two months of thrilling rides for all, carnival games, live entertainment including local and international music artists and comedy performers, and of course, festival food from around the world!
The 2024 - 2025 Carnival will feature many highlights as in years past. The World Circus with its exciting performances from all over the world, performance art, interactive sporting events, live music, and local community acts all have a home at the AIA Carnival and expect a special line-up as this year it celebrates its 10th Anniversary!
When?: December 18, 2024 to February 16, 2025
Where?: Central Waterfront Event Space, at the Central Waterfront next to the Observation Wheel
How Much?: TBA, last year General Admission from HK$140 for adults on Off-Peak Days to HK$160 for Peak Days, Children Off-Peak HK$95 Peak HK$110, add-on tokens HK$180+
Cats The Musical On Tour
CATS, one of the greatest musicals of all time, returns to Hong Kong.
Featuring a fantastical set, Andrew Lloyd Webber's magnificent score that includes the poignant hit song "Memory", dazzling choreography and stunning costumes, CATS is a brilliant song and dance spectacular.
Come join as the Jellicle Cats come out to play in a larger-than-life junk yard on the night of the Jellicle Ball!
When?: January 6 - February 11, 2018
Where?: The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, Lyric Theatre
How Much?: HK$ 445 + Likely to sell out
C3 AFA Hong Kong 2018
C3 in Hong Kong which stands for "Characters, Culture and Contents" is an annual anime, comics and games event for fans of Japanese ACG culture.
Major anime publishers, retailers and production houses bring the authentic Japanese anime and comic culture to Hong Kong with their latest creations, with popular Japanese singers/voice actors/producers etc. here to entertain Hong Kong fans.
This year, C3 will co-operate with AFA, the Anime Festival Asia and rename as C3AFA HK 2018
When?: February 9 - 11, 2018
Where?: Hong Kong Convention Centre Hall 1ABCD
How Much?: HK$35
Longines Masters of Hong Kong - February 9 - 11, 2018
Established in three of the world's most iconic cities, Los Angeles, Paris and Hong Kong, the unique Masters Series is recognised by Fédération Equestre Internationale and is one of the most prestigious equestrian events worldwide.
If you love horses, this is your event! This is not only about exhilarating show jumping, polo matches, unique racing and jumping competitions, expert jockeys and outstanding horsemanship... Besides fantastic equestrian eye candy, this is a chic social event, the Masters features a "Prestige Village", the main beehive of activity featuring live entertainment, wine tastings, meet-and-greet with the riders, demos and classes, and of course luxury boutiques and champagne lunches...
The main equestrian events take place over five different sessions from Friday through Sunday when these are battled out:
- The Hong Kong Jockey Club Trophy
- The Hong Kong Jockey Club Race of the Riders
- Shanghai Tang Polo Cup
- Longines Speed Challenge
- Massimo Dutti Trophy
- Longines Grand Prix
When?: February 9 - 11, 2018
Where?: AsiaWorld Expo
How Much?: Admission to the Prestige Village is FREE
Tickets for competition sessions - HK$200 - HK$980, family and concessionary tickets available as well as premium VIP packages.
Valentine's Day In Hong Kong - February 14, 2018
From romantic strolls, a quiet restaurant with killer views, the iconic sunset cruise on the harbour or a mind-blowing flight as you soar over the magnificent skyline...
Hong Kong Arts Festival - February 23 - March 24, 2018
On its 46th year, this is Hong Kong's foremost event dedicated to the performing arts.
Four weeks of spectacular performances with all genres of the performing arts well-represented including concerts, ballets, operas, drama by leading international orchestras, performers and artists in world-class venues.
This year's line up include the Danish National Symphony Orchestra, the National Theatre of Great Britain, the China National Peking Opera Company, the Verbier Festival Chamber Orchestra, Ballet Zurich and many others.
Ongoing Hong Kong Events
These are some popular ongoing events that are worth checking out, specially since they are FREE or offered for a low fee!
These events feature some of the great and ancient traditions of the territory and are offered by experts in their corresponding fields:
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 about 12 minutes.
When?: Every Night
Where?: Can be seen from both sides of Victoria Harbour, specially stunning aboard a Harbour Cruise.
How Much? Free
- More on Hong Kong's Symphony of Lights, best spots to watch.
- Symphony of Lights Harbour Cruise with Aqualuna (NOW SAILING! Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays)
The Horse Races Are On! This is how you can attend
The horse races in 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 two world-class venues, at the Sha Tin Racecourse and the iconic Happy Valley Racecourse.
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?: Happy Valley Night Races on Wednesday Nights. On race day, 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.
Sha Tin Day Races are on Sundays. First race normally starts at 1:00 pm, earlier if there are more than 10 races. Gates open at 11:00 am.
All races will be streamed live at the HK Jockey Club Racing Channel.
How Much? 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. You can join this guided experience and learn all about horse racing and betting, Enjoy the HKJC horse races from the 2M roof deck.
Hong Kong Events By Month
Most Popular Excursions in Hong Kong
Book with confidence! Free cancellation: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance to receive a full refund
Send a Tip!
Got something to share? Let us know!