We kick off the year with an array of fantastic and colorful events, with the Lion and Dragon Dance Festival and Extravaganza and the New Years Day Horse Races welcoming the new year on January 1st, followed by the iconic celebrations of Chinese New Year, starting with the flower markets leading up to the main events, the Lunar New Year Parade on New Year's Day and the Fireworks on the harbour the following day!
January is a great month for enjoying the outdoors, for nature lovers, this is the time to visit our fantastic reserves and trails. Weather is pleasant and migrating birds are here in spades.
Hong Kong Highlight Events This January 2025
- New Year's Day Race Meeting (Horse Racing) - January 1st, 2025
- International Dragon and Lion Dance Festival - January 1st, 2025
- Hong Kong Brands and Products Expo - December 14, 2024 - January 6, 2025
- A1A Carnival - December 18, 2024 to February 16, 2025
- Chinese New Year Flower Markets - January 23 - 29, 2025
- Chinese New Year Parade - January 29, 2025
- Chinese New Year Fireworks - January 30, 2025
- Chinese New Year Race Day (Horse Racing) - January 31, 2025
- Lunar New Year Lantern Displays - January 23 - February 16, 2025
- Chinese New Year Celebration at Disneyland Hong Kong - Through January 2025
- Ocean Park Lucky Lunar Fiesta - Through January 2025
- Hong Kong Well-Wishing Festival - January 29 - February 12, 2025
- More on this year's Lunar New Year, Year of the Dragon Celebrations in Hong Kong
Ongoing Events This January 2025
- 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!
Hong Kong Highlight Events January 2025
New Year's Day Race Meeting - January 1st, 2025
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, 2025 - Noon - 6pm
(Gates open at 11am)
Where?: Sha Tin Race Course
How Much?: HK10.
Dragon and Lion Dance Extravaganza
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.
When?: January 1, 2025 - Activities throughout the day
Where?: Hong Kong Cultural Centre and streets of Tsim Sha Tsui
How Much?: Free!
Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon
This is a signature international sporting event in Hong Kong attracting some 70,000 participants and a total prize money for the Marathon of US$ 300,000.
The 42-kilometer Marathon Route starts in Nathan Road in Tsim Sha Tsui and ends in Victoria Park in Hong Kong Island.
There is also a Half-Marathon, a 10km Race, a Wheelchair Race as well as just for fun non-competitive family runs.
When?: This year in February
Where?: Watch along Race Route on both sides of the harbour
How Much?: FREE for spectators
Hong Kong Brands and Products Expo
This is a mega outdoor fair with more than 860 booths with a wide range of products at great prices, offering splendid shopping experiences for visitors and just in time for some holiday shopping.
Organised by the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong and taking place in Victoria Park, the booths are arranged into several Thematic Areas including the Food & Beverage Zone, Grocery & Noddles Zone, Ginseng, Dried Foods & Soup Packs Zone, Beauty & Healthcare Zone, Fashion & Stylish Products Zone, Living & Household Zone, etc.
Deep discounts are the highlights of the HKBPE as well as the large number of prizes to be awarded throughout the Expo. This is the perfect time to load up on presents for the holidays!
When?: December 14, 2024 - January 6, 2025
Where?: Victoria Park
How Much?: Admission HK10 adults, free for children under 1 meter in height, seniors 65+ and persons with disabilities.
E-Ticket is available for sale on HKBPE App, Octopus App, AlipayHK, Alipay, 01 Space and KKDay. Purchase tickets online before 13 December to enjoy the early bird special of HK$8/ticket and HK$10/ticket starting from 14 December.
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+
Hong Kong Lunar New Year Highlight 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 atmosphere is at night, but be prepared for the crowds!
When? Markets start on January 23, 2025. On New Year's Eve January 28, it will be open throughout
until the early hours (6:00 am) of New Year's Day when it will come to a close. (Subject to change)
Hours from 12:00 noon to midnight
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.
How Much? 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? January 29, 2025 - 8:00 p.m.
How Much? Free along the Parade route, fee applies for spectator stands.
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 pyrothechnic wonder as the sky above the harbour explodes in bursts of shimmering color.
The breathtaking
show lasts approximately 20 - 25 minutes.
When? January 30, 2025 - 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?: January 31, 2025 - 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 HK190 (must bring passport)
Lunar New Year Lantern Displays and Lantern Carnival
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? Lantern displays from January 23 - February 16, 2025
Lantern Carnivals - February 7 - 12, 2025
Where? Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza by the Water Pools in front of the Clocktower, Tsim Sha Tsui. and locations in New Territories East and West.
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!
When? January 2025
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 and all restaurants of course, will be featuring seasonal specials.
When? Mid-January through Mid-February
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 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? January 29 - February 12, 2025
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.
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!