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.

Most Popular Holidays, Festivals and Events

On their own, worth a trip to Hong Kong.

Chinese New Year
February 16, 2018

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 22, 2018

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
June 18, 2018

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 24, 2018

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, 2018

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 2018

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
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September
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October
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November
Events

December
Events

Hong Kong Events Each Month At A Glance

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	2018	2019
New Year's Day	January 1, 2018	Jan 1, 2019
Chinese New Year	February 16,17,19, 2018	February 5, 6, 7, 2019
Easter	March 30-April 2, 2018	April 19, 20, 22, 2019
Ching Ming Festival	April 5, 2018	April 5, 2019
Labour Day	May 1, 2018	May 1, 2019
Lord Buddha's Birthday	May 22, 2018	May 13, 2019
Dragon Boat Festival	June 18, 2018	June 7, 2019
Anniversary of Establishment of the Hong Kong SAR	July 1, 2018 observed July 2, 2018	July 1, 2019
Day following the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival	September 25, 2018	September 14, 2019
National Day	October 1, 2018	Oct 1, 2019
Chung Yeung Festival	October 17, 2018	October 7, 2019
Christmas	December 25-26, 2018	December 25-26, 2019

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 1, 2018
Chinese New Year - February 16, 2018, festivities 2 weeks before and after
Lantern Festival - March 2, 2108 - Last Day of Chinese New Year
Well-Wishing Festival - February 16 - March 4, 2018
Tai Kok Tsui Temple Fair - March 4, 2018
Ching Ming Festival - April 5, 2018
Tin Hau Festival - May 8, 2018
Cheung Chau Bun Festival - May 19 - 23, 2018
Buddha's Birthday May 22, 2018
Birthday of Tam Kung - May 22, 2018
Dragon Boat Festival - June 18, 2018
Hungry Ghost Festival - August 25, 2018
Mid Autumn-Festival - September 24, 2018
Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dances - September 23 - 25, 2018
Chung Yeung Festival - October 17, 2018

Arts and Entertainment in Hong Kong

Exhibit at Art Basel HK

Hong Kong Arts Festival - Feb 23 - March 24, 2018
Art Basel Hong Kong - March 29 - 31, 2018
Hong Kong International Film Festival - March 19 - April 5, 2018
Chinese Opera Festival - TBA Summer Months
International Arts Carnival - TBA Summer months

Hong Kong Sports Events

Hong Kong Stadium Rugby Sevens

Hong Kong Marathon - January 21, 2018
Longines Masters of Hong Kong (Equestrian) - February 9-11, 2018
Hong Kong Rugby Sevens - April 6 - 8, 2018
Stanley International Dragon Boat Championships - June 18, 2018
Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races - TBA July
Hong Kong Tennis Open - TBA October
Hong Kong Cyclothon - TBA October
Hong Kong Cricket Sixes - TBA October
Formula E Hong Kong ePrix - TBA
Hong Kong International Races (Horse Racing) - December 9, 2018

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.