Hong Kong Festivals and Events
February 2015

Front and center in February 2015 are the Chinese New Year celebrations, the biggest and most anticipated events of the year as we welcome the Year of the Sheep, also known as the Year of the Goat!

The Flower markets are just getting underway and will be bustling with activity soon. The fireworks, the fantastic parade, the Well Wishing Festival, and the Lion and Dragon dances are still to come!

It's all happening this month, Chinese New Year is on February 19, 2015, the celebrations are ongoing for the next 15 days and culminate with the Spring Lantern Festival.

More on this year's Chinese New Year, Year of the Sheep Celebrations.

A summary of this month's line-up:

• Chinese New Year Flower Markets February 13 to February 19, 2015

• Chinese New Year Parade - February 19, 2015

• Chinese New Year Fireworks - February 20, 2015

• Chinese New Year at Disneyland Hong Kong - February 12 - March 8, 2015

• Ocean Park Blossoming Lunar Fiesta - February 19 - March 1, 2015

• Chinese New Year Race Day (Horse Racing) - February 21, 2015

• Hong Kong Well-Wishing Festival - February 19 to March 5, 2015

• Lunar New Year Lantern Exhibition - February 12 to March 22, 2015

• Pulse: Hong Kong's Newest 3D Light Show - February 14 - March 5, 2015

• The 43rd Hong Kong Arts Festival - February 27 - March 29, 2015

Ongoing Events for February 2015

• 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!

Enjoy the cooler temperatures this month, it's a great time to get out and enjoy one of these savory treats!

Hong Kong Chinese New Year Flower Markets - February 13 to February 19, 2015

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? Noon to midnight from Frebruary 13 to 18. On New Year's Eve February 18, open throughout until the early hours (6:00 am) of New Year's Day February 19, 2015.

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

Here's more on the Chinese New Year Flower Markets

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Chinese New Year Night Parade - February 19, 2015 - 8:00 p.m.

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.

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.

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Chinese New Year Fireworks - February 20 , 2015 - 8:00 p.m.

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 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 20, 2015 - 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 on the Hong Kong Chinese New Year Fireworks including options for viewing.

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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.

When? February 19 to March 5, 2015

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.

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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 and the theme varies from year to year.

When? February 12 to March 22, 2015. Displays are lit 6:30pm to 11pm daily.

Where? Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza by the Water Pools in front of the Clocktower, Tsim Sha Tsui.

How Much? Free

More Info: The Lunar New Year Lantern Festivals

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A Golden 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, 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 12 - March 8, 2015

Where? Hong Kong Disneyland

How Much? CNY events are free with entrance ticket

Here's more on A Golden Chinese New Year at Disneyland Hong Kong

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Pulse: Hong Kong's Newest 3D Light Show

Hong Kong Pulse is the city's newest light show, a great FREE show with spectacular 3D audiovisual effects in the Kowloon harbourfront at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre and the TST Clock Tower, just a short walk from the Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry station and the Avenue of the Stars.

This month, the show runs through the Chinese New Year season and the theme is of course Spring Festival-related. There are four nightly sessions, each 15 minutes long.

When?: February 14 - March 5, 2015 (except February 19) - 8:30pm, 9:00pm, 9:30pm and 10:00pm nightly

Where?: Hong Kong Cultural Centre and Clock Tower

How Much?: FREE

More info: Hong Kong Pulse.

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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.

This year there will be stunning face-changing and fire breathing tricks and also new acrobatic shows. The ongoing Ocean of Light spectacle is also running through the Chinese New Year festivities.

When? February 19 - March 1, 2015

Where? Ocean Park Hong Kong

How Much? CNY events are free with entrance ticket

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Chinese New Year Race Day (Horse Racing) - February 21, 2015

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 21, 2015 - 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)

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Hong Kong Arts Festival - February 27 - March 29, 2015

On its 43rd 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

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Ongoing Hong Kong Events for February, 2015

Hong Kong Cultural Events

These are some popular ongoing events that are worth checking out, specially since they are FREE or offered for a very low fee!

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

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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.

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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.

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Hong Kong Events