Chinese New Year in Hong Kong: What to Do and What to Expect

The Biggest Holiday on the Calendar

Chinese New Year (also called Lunar New Year or Spring Festival) is the most important holiday in Hong Kong. The entire city transforms for a celebration that lasts roughly two weeks, with three official public holidays. For expats experiencing it for the first time, it is extraordinary — and a little overwhelming. Shops close, millions of people travel, and centuries-old traditions play out alongside modern spectacles.

Here is everything you need to know about Chinese New Year in Hong Kong, whether you are watching from the sidelines or diving in.

When Is Chinese New Year?

Chinese New Year follows the lunar calendar, so the date shifts each year. It typically falls between late January and mid-February. The three public holidays are New Year's Day (day one), the second day, and the third day. Many businesses close for longer — some for the entire week. The festivities build from about two weeks before the New Year and wind down around the Lantern Festival, fifteen days later.

The Flower Markets

The Lunar New Year flower markets are one of Hong Kong's most beloved traditions. Pop-up markets spring up across the city in the days leading up to New Year's Eve, selling flowers, plants, snacks, and novelty items. The biggest and most atmospheric is the Victoria Park Flower Market in Causeway Bay, which runs for about a week and stays open until the early hours of New Year's Eve.

Key things to buy:

Peach blossoms — symbolize romance and prosperity
Kumquat trees — represent wealth and good fortune
Narcissus bulbs — symbolize good luck
Orchids — represent fertility and abundance
Lai see packets (red envelopes) — you will need these for giving cash gifts

Other popular flower markets are at Mong Kok Flower Market Road (year-round but expanded for CNY), Sha Tin, Tsuen Wan, and Tuen Mun. Prices drop dramatically in the final hours before midnight on New Year's Eve, as vendors would rather sell cheaply than cart unsold inventory home.

The Parade and Fireworks

Chinese New Year Night Parade

The Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade along the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront is the marquee event. Colourful floats, performing troupes from around the world, dragon and lion dances, and marching bands process along Canton Road and Nathan Road. The parade typically starts around 8pm on New Year's Day. Grandstand tickets sell out quickly, but you can watch for free along the route — arrive early to get a good spot.

Fireworks Display

On the second day of Chinese New Year, a massive fireworks display lights up Victoria Harbour. The 23-minute show is choreographed to music and is visible from both sides of the harbour. The best free viewing spots are along the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, the Central harbourfront near the observation wheel, and Wan Chai promenade. Many restaurants and bars along the waterfront offer special viewing packages at HK$500-1,500 per person.

Traditions and Customs to Know

Lai See (Red Envelopes)

Lai see — small red envelopes containing cash — are given by married people to unmarried people, by employers to employees, and by older people to younger ones. As an expat, you should give lai see to building security guards, cleaning staff, and anyone who provides regular services. The amount varies: HK$20-50 per person is standard for service workers, HK$100-500 for closer relationships. Always use new, crisp bills — you can get them from bank ATMs in the weeks before CNY.

Greetings

The most common greeting is "Gung Hei Fat Choy" (Cantonese for "wishing you prosperity"). Other popular greetings include "San Nin Fai Lok" (Happy New Year) and "Sun Tai Gin Hong" (wishing you good health).

Taboos

Do not wear black or white clothing during CNY — red and gold are preferred
Avoid sweeping the floor on New Year's Day (sweeping away good luck)
Do not use scissors or knives (cutting off fortune)
Avoid saying unlucky words like "death" or "sickness"
The number 4 is considered unlucky (it sounds like "death" in Cantonese)

Where to Eat

Many restaurants close during CNY, especially smaller local eateries — their staff travel home for the holidays. Hotel restaurants and chain restaurants generally stay open. Traditional CNY dishes to try include:

Turnip cake (lo bak go) — pan-fried radish cake, a dim sum staple
Nian gao — sticky glutinous rice cake symbolizing advancement
Poon choi — a communal basin dish layered with premium ingredients, traditionally shared by entire villages. Many restaurants offer takeaway versions for HK$800-2,000.
Whole steamed fish — symbolizing abundance

What to Do During the Holiday

With many shops and restaurants closed, CNY is a great time to explore Hong Kong's outdoor spaces. Hike to the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery in Sha Tin, visit the Wong Tai Sin Temple (packed with worshippers but atmospheric), or take a ferry to Cheung Chau or Lamma Island for a quieter pace.

The horse races at Sha Tin Racecourse on New Year's Day are a major event, drawing huge crowds. Tickets sell out fast — check the Hong Kong Jockey Club website well in advance.

Tips for Expats

Stock up on groceries before CNY — supermarkets get cleaned out, and many wet markets close
Book restaurants early if you want to dine out during the holiday
ATMs may run out of cash — withdraw money a few days before
Public transport runs on holiday schedules — check the MTR and bus timetables
Expect noise — firecrackers are banned but lion dance drums are everywhere
Embrace it — even if the traditions are unfamiliar, Chinese New Year is one of the most vibrant cultural experiences in the world