Hong Kong Festivals and Events
February 2013

Front and center in February 2013 are the Chinese New Year celebrations, the biggest and most anticipated events of the year as we welcome the Year of the Snake! The fireworks, the parade, the flower markets, the Well Wishing Festival, and the lion and dragon dances... The festivities culminate on February 24, 2013 with the Spring Lantern Festival.

Here's this months line-up:

A Golden Chinese New Year Celebration at Disneyland Hong Kong February 1-24, 2013
Chinese New Year Flower Markets February 4, 2013 until midnight February 9, 2013
Chinese New Year Parade - February 10, 2013
Chinese New Year Fireworks - February 11, 2013
Chinese New Year Race Day (Horse Racing) - February 12, 2013
Hong Kong Well-Wishing Festival - February 10 - February 23 2013
Lunar New Year Lantern Exhibition - February 7 - March 17, 2013
Lunar New Year Lantern Carnival - February 24, 2013
The Hong Kong Marathon - February 24, 2013 - various times
The 41st Hong Kong Arts Festival - ongoing until March 24, 2013

Also check-out these popular ongoing events during February 2013:

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!

A Golden Chinese New Year Celebration at Disneyland Hong Kong - February 1-24, 2013

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, 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? February 1-24, 2013

Where? Hong Kong Disneyland

How Much? CNY events are free with entrance ticket

Hong Kong Chinese New Year Flower Markets - February 4, 2013 Until February 9, 2013 Midnight

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? End of January until February 9, 2013 midnight

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

Chinese New Year Night Parade - February 10, 2013, 8:00 p.m.

The Hong Kong Chinese New Year Parade is a classic featuring colorful floats and dancers wearing traditional Chinese costumes as well as international troupes from all over the world, and Dragon and Lion Dancers.

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.

Chinese New Year Fireworks - February 11 , 2013 - 8:00 p.m.

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

To welcome the 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? February 11, 2013 - 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 info on the Hong Kong Chinese New Year Fireworks including options for viewing.

Lunar New Year Lantern Exhibition - February 7 - March 17, 2013

Hong Kong Lunar New Year Lantern Festival

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, this year's Theme is "Treasures Fill the City"

When? February 7 - March 17, 2013 - after dark

Where? Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza, Tsim Sha Tsui.

How Much? Free

More Info: The Lunar New Year Lantern Festivals

Lunar New Year Lantern Carnival - February 24, 2013

The festivities culminate on the 15th day of the Lunar Year, on February 24, 2013, with the Lunar New Year Lantern Carnival.

This day, expect to see fantastic lantern displays, all shapes, size and forms, lining up streets and alleys and particularly at the Carnival, where there will also be cultural performances, dances, stage acts, folk craft demonstrations.

When? February 24, 2013, 7:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.

Where? The Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza, Tsim Sha Tsui.

How Much? Free

Here's more on the Chinese Lantern Festival

Chinese New Year Race Day (Horse Racing) - February 12, 2013

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 12, 2013 - 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 HK100 (must bring passport)

Hong Kong Well-Wishing Festival - February 10 - 23 2013

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.

When? February 10 - 23, 2013

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.

Hong Kong Arts Festival - January 28 - March 24 2013

On its 41st year, this is Hong Kong's foremost event dedicated to the performing arts.

All genres of the performing arts are well represented including concerts, ballets, operas, drama by leading international orchestras, performers and artists in world-class venues.

For this year's line up and ticket information check the official site www.hk.artsfestival.org

Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon - February 24, 2013

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$ 258,400.

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 Half-Marathon Wheelchair Race and a 3km Wheelchair Race.

Events held throughout the day. More Info: www.hkmarathon.com

Ongoing Hong Kong Events for February, 2013

These are some popular ongoing events that are worth checking out, specially since they are FREE!

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

Tai Chi Class

Lion Dance Demo

Feng Shui Class

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.

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.

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