Lion Dances and Dragon Parades are an essential part of every Chinese New Year celebration, or rather, ANY Chinese Festival for that matter, and in Hong Kong that is no exception.
In fact, the city set a Guinnes World Record in 2011 for the largest Lion and Dragon Dance display which featured 1,111 Dragons and Lions. This gave way to a fantastic yearly event, the Hong Kong Dragon and Lion Dance Festival which takes place every year on New Year's Day January 1st, (NOT Chinese New Year's Day) and is an explosion of colour, glitter and roars with hundreds of troupes parading throughout the streets...
These traditional arts date back for more than a thousand years.
Besides being incredible acrobatic performances, in Chinese Culture it is believed that the Lions and the accompanying revelry of drums, gongs and
firecrackers, will scare away the bad spirits and
bring in the good luck in the coming year, and thus a Lion Dance is a "must" during the Chinese New Year festivities.
Where are the Lion and Dragon Dances during Chinese New Year in Hong Kong?
On any normal year during the Chinese New Year celebrations, Lion and Dragon Dances are performed just about everywhere. Regardless of where you are tripsing around town, chances are, you are able to catch one at some point or another, from businesses and office buildings, shopping centers to restaurants and hotels, even at the markets... This year, understandably, offerings will be limited and only if can be arranged according to the prescribed health and safety measures at the time. Many performances are likely to go virtual this year.
Whether there are live performances or not, it is quite a treat to browse around the fantastic Lunar New Year displays as the lanterns, lucky plants, blooms and firecrackers spread all throughout the city.
Lion Dancers at the Chinese New Year Parade
Chances to catch a show are best at the many shopping centers in the city...
Chinese New Year Lion Dance Performance at Pacific Place
Chinese New Year Dragon Parade at Harbour City
At hotels and restaurants...
The Lunar New Year Festivities at Langham Place
At pedestrian malls throughout the city...
Lion Dances and gorgeous decorations at Lee Tung Avenue
At tourist attractions around town, Ngong Ping where the Big Buddha is located, theme parks (if they are open) Disneyland and Ocean Park which normally have full programmes for the occasion.
Lion Dance performances at Ocean Park
Even if you're just strolling the markets, keep an eye out for those lions! After all, anybody that is in business will want to usher away all the accumulated bad luck, clean house and bring in the good fortune, so the Lion Dancers are sure to be welcomed by all anytime... anywhere!
Chinese New Year Lion Dancers at the Temple Street Night Market
Keep in mind that while most government offices, schools, banks, are closed for the public holidays during Chinese New Year, shops and restaurants remain open, shopping centers even offer extended hours. Attractions and theme parks remain open as usual, street markets close on the first and second day of Chinese New Year and reopen on the third day. However, due to the pandemic, this year's arrangements are likely to be more limited. We will update this page as events are confirmed so stay tuned.
Dragon and Lion Dances Year Of The Ox 2021
Chinese New Year Celebrations 2021 Update
Hong Kong has cancelled a number of public Lunar New Year events including the Chinese New Year Night Parade and the Fireworks, amid safety concerns and in an effort to suppress the spread of COVID-19 as a fourth wave of the pandemic hits the city. Check for any updated info before you head out to any large-scale event and most of all have a harmonious, healthy and peaceful Spring Festival.
Here are some popular places that go all out with splashy decorations and where lions and dragons consistently make appearances every year. This year they might also present an opportunity if they can be performed well-within health and safety measures prescribed at the time. We will strive to update this page as information and events become available. Please refresh often and stay tuned!
Year of the Ox Celebrations at Ngong Ping Village and the Big Buddha
What? Although no Lion Dances have been confirmed for 2021, the Ngong Ping Cable Car is one of the few attractions that remain open in Hong Kong and it is a really pretty time of the year to visit as the cherry blossoms that were planted a couple of years ago are beginning to bloom now. At the Ngong Ping Village you will find six lucky hotspots and a wishing tree to hang your lucky wishes.
When? From February 12, 2021
Where? Ngong Ping Village Square. Here's how to get there with the Cable Car and getting discount tickets.
How Much? Free
More Info: www.np360.com.hk
Chinese New Year at The Peak
What? "Fortune Catching Net" at Sky Terrace 428 where you can write down your wish and hang it at the Fortune Catching Net for a New Year blessing. Lucky Fai Chun Workshop at Peak Tower.
When? February 12 - 28, 2021, Workshop February 5 - 7, 2021
Where? The Peak Tower and Sky Terrace 428
How Much? Lucky Fai Chun Workshop free with purchase of HK428
More Info: www.thepeak.com.hk.
"Butterflies of Hope Blessing Lanterns" Chinese New Year at Lee Tung Avenue
What? Traditional Chinese red lanterns adding harmony and blessings will grace Hong Kong's largest outdoor pedestrian street and in addition, "Butterflies of Hope", the world's first artificial intelligence light and art installation first introduced during the Christmas holidays will be recreated for Chinese New Year.
When? January 29 - February 5, 2021 - Lights from 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, AI Symphony from 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm
Where? Central Piazza and along Lee Tung Avenue
How Much? Free
What? Lion Dance Spectacular on the Lantern Festival, Lee Tung Avenue will host a fantastic lion dance performance. Audience can receive lucky gold coins from the God of Fortune.
When? NO LION DANCES ANNOUNCED FOR 2021
Where? Central Piazza and along Lee Tung Avenue
How Much? Free
More Info: www.leetungavenue.com.hk or follow their FB page.
Chinese New Year at Pacific Place 2021
What? As we welcome a new year of new beginnings, Pacific Place is bringing to life a favourite Chinese New Year blessing "May each step take you to greater heights". Stroll through festive gardens that feature gilded moon gates, colourful clouds and stepped walls -all designed to inspire hope and optimism. Look out for hidden Chinese New Year blessings at all decoration locations, then capture them all with your mobile phone for some festive new year cheer and redemption rewards!
When? January 27 - February 28, 2021
Where? Throughout the Mall
What? Eye Dotting Ceremony and Lion Dance Parade: Celebrate the new year with an unmissable lion dance parade! The eye-dotting ceremony will be followed by a lion dance parade around the mall to bring even more good luck and wishes to you and your family. With the steady beat of the invigorating drums and clashing symbols, visitors at the mall are set for a brand new beginning.
When? NO LION DANCES OR PARADES ANNOUNCED FOR 2021
Where? Garden Court (Level LG1)
How Much? Free
More Info: www.pacificplace.com.hk or follow their FB page.
Blossom of Fortune Chinese New Year at IFC Mall 2021
ifc-mall-cny-blossom-of-fortune.jpg
What? Bask in the joyous festivities with glorious peach blossoms and a contemporary floral installation. Bring home the flower-shaped blessing cards to discover a new year surprise! Kick start your Chinese New Year with the auspicious lion dance which this year has gone virtual.
When? Now until February 21, 2021
Where? IFC Mall Oval Atrium, Podium Level 1 - 10:30am - 10pm daily
What? Lion Dance, this year online
Where? Check out the Lion Dance Instagram filter
How Much? Free
More Info: www.ifc.com.hk or follow their FB page.
Chinese New Year at Lee Gardens
What? Fortune Experience at Hysan Place: Visit Fortune Photo Hot Spots in Hysan Place and scan the QR code on the giant fortune stick bucket to join the CNY Fortune Experience for FREE. Draw the electronic fortune stick to receive your fortune and share your luck and blessing with your friends!
When? January 29 - February 28, 2021
Where? Hysan Place's 1/F Atrium
How Much? Free
Plus wonderful decorations and Photo Hot Spots:
- CNY Fortune Windmill Corridor at Hysan Place Atrium
- Auspicious Golden Oxen at Lee Garden One
- Love in Bloom at Hysan Place (G/F)
- Street of Bright Blessings at Lee Garden One
More Info: www.leegardens.com.
Harbour City's Bountiful New Year Installation
What? This year, Harbour City has dressed up the Staircase of Ocean Terminal Main Entrance with a festive look. Hundreds of "Bountiful Koi Fish" are swimming into Harbour City with high spirits and with them, they're bringing affluence and good luck to everybody. Stop by for a photo and take it all in. Lion and Dragon Dances have not been announced for this year.
When? Now until February 28, 2021
Where? The Staircase of Ocean Terminal Main Entrance
How Much? FREE
More Info: www.harbourcity.com.hk or follow their FB page.
Year of the Ox Celebrations at the Hong Kong Observation Wheel - Suspended
What? Chinese Lion Dance Performances - CANCELLED, the Observation Wheel is temporarily closed
When? First and Second day of Chinese New Year February 12 - 13, 2021 at 2:30 pm.
Where? Hong Kong Observation Wheel
How Much? Free
More Info: Hong Kong Observation Wheel and AIA Vitality Park FB Page
Celebrate Chinese New Year 2021 at Festival Walk
What? Drumming Acrobatic Dragon Performance: A high-energy Drumming Acrobatic Dragon Performances by afamous Hong Kong Kung Fu & Dragon Lion Dance Team!
When? Performances have not been announced for 2021
Where? Level LG2 at Festival Walk Kowloon
What? Lion Dances: Feel the power and excitement as the lion dances around the mall to bring good luck and wealth to everyone!
When? Lion Dances have not been announced for 2021
Where? Level LG2 at Festival Walk Kowloon
What? CNY Fun on Ice: Figure Skating performances, New Year Blessings from the God of Wealth
When? Following the HKSAR Government's latest preventive measures against COVID-19, The Glacier will be temporarily closed until 17 February 2021
Where? Festival Walk Glacier at Festival Walk Kowloon
How Much? Free
More Info and full CNY programme: www.festivalwalk.com.hk/en/ or follow their FB page.
Lion Dance performances at IFC Mall
Lion Dances... Dragon Dances... what's the difference?
The Lion Dance is performed by a pair of dancers, one handles the head of the lion and the other half handles the tail.
The Dragon Dance is a team effort involving a dozen or more dancers. The long Dragon is held on poles carried by each dancer, they raise the poles up and down creating the Dragon's movements as they snake around the streets.
You can learn more about the Lion Dance and Dragon Dance at our sister site, China Family Adventure.
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