Hong Kong Festivals and Events

There is such a wide range of exciting happenings and top notch events throughout the year in Hong Kong, it seems there is always something going on. Hong Kong has become the events mecca of Asia.

Of special interest to visitors are the spectacular and colorful cultural celebrations, the dragon parades, lion dances, dragon boat racing... These are events packed with energy and vitality and give such a unique glimpse into traditional Chinese and local life... Hong Kong's living culture...

And let's not forget the fantastic fireworks displays, a Hong Kong trademark, reserved for a handful of top happenings during the year.

Here we list the top festivals, holidays and events by month and category to help you plan your stay in the city. Be sure to check the listings for the time of your visit:

First, so you don't miss on an extraordinary spectacle should you happen to be in town during a major event
And second, so you plan accordingly your accomodation and transportation needs.

During the most popular events and festivals, if you wait too long it might be a bit difficult to find a reasonable hotel as prices skyrocket, and getting to and out of the city might be a problem as flights and trains are running at full capacity.

This is particularly true during the Chinese New Year celebrations in January/February and the Chinese "Golden Weeks" in May and during the National Day holidays in October.

Discount Tickets on Most Popular Attractions

Hong Kong Staycation Hot Deals

Most Popular Holidays, Festivals and Events

On their own, worth a trip to Hong Kong.

Chinese New Year
January / February

Drums, gongs and firecrackers explode... dancing lions and parading dragons make their ways on the streets... friends and family come together to share in the joy of the New Year... More...

Cheung Chau Bun Fest
May

Bun Towers, Lion Dances, Lively Parades, and the Bun Scrambling Contest... colorful and unique and certainly one of the liveliest of Hong Kong Festivals, a week full of folklore and tradition set in picturesque Cheung Chau Island More...

Dragon Boat Festival
May / June

Well-known for its energetic and colorful races where teams of paddlers glide on their long narrow boats accompanied by the beat of the drums down to the finish line. More...

Mid-Autumn Festival
September / October

It's the 8th Full Moon in the Lunar Calendar and the territory is flooded with bright lanterns, the fire dragons are rambling through the streets, carnivals and fairs are everywhere... More...

National Day
October 1st

It marks the founding of the People's Republic of China on October 1st, 1949 and one of the very few occasions celebrated with Hong Kong's iconic fireworks display... More...

Christmas and NYE
December

Christmas might not be a typical Chinese holiday but the territory certainly embraces any chance to celebrate, shop and enjoy great food, and Hong Kong is clearly a magnet to visitors during this season. More...

Hong Kong Events By Month

January
Events

February
Events

March
Events

April
Events

May
Events

June
Events

July
Events

August
Events

September
Events

October
Events

November
Events

December
Events

Hong Kong Events Each Month At A Glance

Hong Kong In November

Hong Kong November Events: Wine and Dine Month

Hong Kong In December

Public Holidays i.e. Bank Holidays

The Hong Kong annual holiday schedule reflects both Chinese and Western legacies, we get to celebrate two New Year's days! Some holidays have their roots in centuries of tradition whereas others are the result of recent developments up to the formation of the Special Administrative Region. The dates of the Chinese Festivals will vary from year to year since they are based on the Lunar Calendar.

Hong Kong Public Holiday Calendar
Holiday
New Year's Day	January 1st
Chinese New Year	First, Second and Third Lunar New Year Day	January or February
Easter	Good Friday, Day following Good Friday, Easter Monday	March or April
Ching Ming Festival	15th day after the Spring Equinox	April 4, 5 or 6
Labour Day	May 1st
Lord Buddha's Birthday	8th Day of the 4th Lunar Month	May
Dragon Boat Festival	5th Day of the 5th Lunar Month	Late May or June
Anniversary of Establishment of the Hong Kong SAR	July 1st
Day following the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival	16th Day of the 8th Lunar Month	September or October
National Day	October 1st
Chung Yeung Festival	9th Day of the 9th Lunar Month	October
Christmas	Christmas Day and Day after Christmas Day	December 25 and 26

When the public holiday falls on a Sunday, it will be observed on the following work day.

Colorful Traditions... Chinese Festivals in Hong Kong

Chinese Festival Decorations for Chinese New Year

Rich in tradition and history, Chinese Festivals are the life-blood of Chinese life and culture in Hong Kong.

These are some of our favourite festivals where you can enjoy the parades, lion dances, wonderful foods, shiny decorations, noisy firecrackers! If you happen to be around these times, do not miss them!

Dragon and Lion Dance Festival - January
Chinese New Year - January / February
Lantern Festival - February / March
Well-Wishing Festival - January / February / March
Tai Kok Tsui Temple Fair - has moved to November/December
Ching Ming Festival - April
Tin Hau Festival - April / May
Cheung Chau Bun Festival - May
Buddha's Birthday - May
Birthday of Tam Kung - May
Dragon Boat Festival - June
Hungry Ghost Festival - August
Mid Autumn-Festival - September
Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dances - September
Chung Yeung Festival - October

Arts and Entertainment in Hong Kong

Exhibit at Art Basel HK

Hong Kong Arts Festival - February / March
Asian Film Awards - The Oscars of Asia - March / April
Art Basel Hong Kong - March
Hong Kong International Film Festival - March / April
Hong Kong Film Awards - The Oscars of Hong Kong - April
Chinese Opera Festival - June / August
International Arts Carnival - July / August

Hong Kong Sports Events

Hong Kong Stadium Rugby Sevens

Hong Kong Marathon - January / February
Hong Kong Rugby Sevens - April
Stanley International Dragon Boat Championships - June
Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races - June
Hong Kong Tennis Open - October
Hong Kong Cyclothon - October
Hong Kong International Races (Horse Racing) - December

Hong Kong Trade Shows and Fairs

The number and variety of Hong Kong Trade Shows, Conventions and Fairs continues to rise as Hong Kong has established itself as one of the world's leading and most vibrant exhibition venues. Some of Hong Kong Fairs and Trade Shows are the largest of their kind in the world.

For visitors in general, Hong Kong trade shows and fairs might present a special opportunity to witness some of the extrordinary venues, some events might offer shopping opportunities, special demonstrations and the latest innovations in the related fields. Here are some to consider that are open to the general public as well as trade visitors.