The Hong Kong New Year Fireworks and Countdown celebration is one of the premier and most anticipated events of the year. Get ready to party away and ring in the new year with a bang!
New Year's Eve in Hong Kong Quick Links
New Year's Eve Fireworks in Hong Kong
The New Year Fireworks as Hong Kong fireworks go, are not on the same scale as the Chinese New Year Fireworks or the National Day Fireworks which are twenty plus minutes extravaganzas launched from land and harbour, but no less spectacular.
There is a focal point for the New Year's fireworks where the main countdown is projected. In previous years, the main countdown was displayed in the IFC tower, with the fireworks and light shows being launched from many of Hong Kong Island's landmark buildings. The show lasted a little bit over four minutes. Even though shorter and smaller in scope, the pyrotechnics were still a dazzling spectacle with a superb atmosphere.
More recently, the limelight has transferred from the IFC tower to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, also on the Hong Kong Island side, and this is where the countdown to midnight has been reflected.
The scope and range of the fireworks has also been extended. In the last couple of years, the show has lasted over 8 minutes and the fireworks were launched from land on skyscrapers on both sides as well as the harbour barges. You can practically watch the fireworks from just about anywhere in Hong Kong.
New features and improvements are constantly being added. The countdown celebrations have featured "Shooting Stars" beginning an hour before the countdown with splashes of light exploding every 15 minutes from the rooftops of the buildings surrounding the harbour... The 2016 countdown added "smileys" bursting out in the sky... The 2017 countdown was a 10-minute pyromusical display.
New Year's Countdown 2018
The Fireworks will be held at midnight December 31, 2017 The Countdown starts 60 seconds before midnight and we expect the focal point of the countdown to be at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre as in prior years.
This year, the display has increased by a third to 1.1 km along the harbourfront, it will last 10 minutes and as in prior years, fireworks will be fired from the barges on the harbour as well as from the rooftops of prominent buildings along the waterfront.
The show will feature for the first time pyrotechnics from an award-winning European fireworks maker accompanied by a soundtrack composed and produced by veteran local music director Chiu Tsang-hei.
You need to stake out your viewing place waaaay before midnight as most public places will be packed, and remember, road closures start early as well, around 6:30 pm.
There is also a live street party featuring various artist performances starting at 10 p.m. at the Tsim Sha Tsui Pier and hosted by the Hong Kong Tourism Board. This year's guest performances include Australian performing arts group Strange Fruit.
"Shooting Stars" start at 11:00 pm, every 15 minutes, rooftops of skyscrapers around the harbour will launch bursts of shimmering lights.
When?: December 31, 2017 - Countdown starts 60 seconds before midnight.
Where?: Anywhere within view of the harbour.
How much?: Free! at all public viewing areas.
What if you can't be here? The HKTB will be live streaming the countdown on its Facebook page so be sure to tune in!
Latest New Year Countdown news from the HK Tourism Board.
Where are the best spots to watch?
Which side of the harbour? As a general rule, you should watch from whatever side you are staying and plan on walking. Trying to catch a taxi or the packed MTR on the way home when every one else is also trying to do the same is quite challenging to say the least.
Also consider whether you want to have the focal point of the countdown in view or just want to enjoy the fireworks. The focal point is normally at the Convention Center, so best view if you want to watch that is from the Kowloon side.
One of our favourite spots to watch from Kowloon in Tsim Sha Tsui, you can watch all along the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade from the Star Ferry Terminal to the New World Centre in the East.
Another popular vantage point for fireworks is the Hung Hom Bypass which is closed to traffic between Salisbury Road and Hung Hom Road, and the Hung Hom Promenade.
If staying in the Hong Kong Island side, consider the area around the Convention Centre and Bauhinia Square or anywhere along the Central Waterfront Promenade that extends from the Central Star Ferry Pier to Tamar Park and has elevated walkways for great views.
Here are more free vantage points and tips for enjoying the fireworks!
New Year's Eve Fireworks Cruises
Watching the fireworks from a Harbour Cruise in the middle of Victoria Harbour as the entire sky lits up and splashes of colour and light explode all around you is truly a once-in-a-lifetime mesmerizing experience. There simply are no words to describe it.
Another plus besides the front-row fifty-yard-line awesome views is the fact that you avoid the crowds and, this is a big one, there will be free-flowing drinks AND toilets available...
New Year's Eve fireworks cruises are extremely popular, so needless to say, you need to book as soon as you firm up your plans as they sell out quite quickly!
NYE Fireworks Cruise, Dinner Buffet and Free Flow Drinks SOLD OUT
Witness the blazing display of colourful fireworks to commemorate the arrival of 2018 aboard a harbour cruise with no more than 55 revelers while enjoying a buffet dinner and New Year's Eve drinks.
Free-flowing drinks: red, white, sparkling wine, beer, soft drinks, juice and water
Minimum drinking age is 18 years
Adult pricing applies to all travelers
When?: December 31, 2017 boarding between 8:15pm - 8:50 pm, departure 9:00 pm
Where?: Departs from Central Pier 10
Returns right after the midnight fireworks.
How Much?: US$ 210
›› More Info and Booking: 2018 NYE Buffet Dinner and Fireworks Cruise
Small Group 2017 New Year's Eve Fireworks Cruise, Deluxe Dinner and Open BarSOLD OUT
Celebrate aboard a comfortable 70ft cruiser with a delicious Deluxe dinner and open-bar hospitality, whilst enjoying the fantastic night view and build-up to midnight.
Share the magnificent New Year's Eve fireworks with less than 40 people.
Unlimited drinks include soft drinks, juice, beer, red and white wine, prosecco
Main courses: Roast Ribeye of Beef, Buttermilk Fried Chicken, Pan Fried King Prawns With Chilli and Lime Dressing
Canapes, Sides and Desserts will also be served
Can also cater for gluten free/dairy free/vegan dietary requirements - please confirm if required at the time of booking
This cruise is wheelchair accessible
When?: December 31, 2017 boarding at 8:30 pm departs at 9:00 pm
Where?: Departs from Causeway Bay typhoon shelter and returns to same spot after the fireworks
How Much?: US$ 399
Passengers 18+ ONLY
Dress code is Smart Casual
›› More Info and Booking: 2018 NYE Fireworks Cruise and Dinner
NYE Fireworks Dinner Cruise Aboard An Exclusive Upmarket White Junk Boat SOLD OUT
Join this annual New Year fireworks dinner on the exclusive upmarket white junk boat for celebration. Avoid the crowded streets and relax in style on this very spacious 63ft boat which will cruise around Victoria Harbour while enjoying unlimited alcoholic drinks, soft drinks and a delicious dinner buffet. Maximum of 40 people onboard.
Free-flowing alcoholic drinks: Prosecco, Red and White Wine, Beer, Vodka, Gin
Buffet Menu includes Seared Tuna, Beef and Chicken Skewers, Homemade Quiches, Vegetable Samosas, Roasted Tenderloin Beef, Tandoori and Lemmon Chicken, Penne Pasta, etc.
Passengers 18+ ONLY
Dress code: Please wear something warm and fabulous!
When?: December 31, 2017 boarding 8:45 pm, departure 9:00 pm
Where?: Departs from the "Noon Day Gun" Pier in the Causeway Bay district on Hong Kong Island
Returns to same dock right after the midnight fireworks.
How Much?: US$ 262
›› More Info and Booking: 2018 NYE Buffet Dinner and Fireworks Cruise Aboard White Junk Boat
Groupon Offer: NYE Fireworks Family Cruise
This is the no-frills option, a great offer and a fantastic experience as you sail out under the bright lights of the city under the Victoria Harbour skies for a fireworks spectacular to remember.
There will be a Lucky Draw, fun game and prizes, face painting, party toys, etc. great for families
When?: December 31, 2017 boarding 8:30 pm
Where?: Departs from Tsim Sha Tsui Public Pier near the Clocktower
Returns to same dock right after the midnight fireworks.
How Much?: HK$348 Approx. US$ 45
›› More Info and Booking at Groupon: 2018 NYE Family Fireworks Cruise
More New Year's Eve Offers, Bashes, Parties and Balls
- TimeOut's Best Hong Kong New Year's Eve parties to ring in 2018
- Sassy's Best Hong Kong New Year's Eve 2018 Parties and Events
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