New Year's Eve in Hong Kong

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!

Happy New Year 2019!

New Year's Eve Fireworks in Hong Kong

The New Year's Eve fireworks in Hong Kong have come a long way from the early 4-minute displays launched from many of Hong Kong Island's landmark buildings.

The scope and range of the fireworks as the complexity and sophistication of the entire performance has been extended exponentially with fireworks being launched from the middle of Victoria Harbour and the addition of many features, laser and LED displays, and stunning coreography.

The limelight of the celebration has transferred in recent years from the IFC tower to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, and this is where the countdown to midnight has been reflected.

You can practically watch the fireworks from just about anywhere in Hong Kong and 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...

Even though shorter and smaller in scope than the Chinese New Year and National Day Fireworks which last a whooping 20 plus minutes, the pyrotechnics and synchronized music and sound effects provide an incredibly dazzling spectacle with a superb atmosphere.

Watch below the mind-blowing 2018 countdown when the display area was increased by a third to 1.1 km along the harbourfront. The fireworks lasted approximately ten minutes and featured 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.

New Year's Countdown 2019

The Fireworks will be held at midnight December 31, 2018 and will be a 10-minute synchronised "pyromusical" including fireworks, pyrotechnics, music and lights, all beautifully choreographed.

The Countdown starts 60 seconds before midnight with the focal point of the countdown reflected on the facade of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre as in prior years.

The fireworks will be launched from the barges set up in the harbour, lighting effects and fireworks shoot out of rooftops of buildings and landmarks on both sides with many exploding high in the sky above Victoria Harbour. The numerals "2019" and New Year blessings will of course be displayed on the facade of the Convention Center.

And don't miss the grand finale when 45 different patterns of fireworks will be projected within the last single minute including flowers, candles, smileys, hearts...

You need to stake out your viewing place waaaay before midnight as most public places will be packed, and remember, road closures start as early as 6:30 pm.

There is also a live street party featuring various artist performances starting at 11 p.m. in Tsim Sha Tsui and hosted by the Hong Kong Tourism Board. This year's guest performers include singers George Lam Chi-cheung, AGA and emerging band MIRROR, check them out by the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza and viewing deck.

"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, 2018 - 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, map 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 2019 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, 2018 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$ 197

›› More Info and Booking: 2019 NYE Buffet Dinner and Fireworks Cruise

Small Group 2019 New Year's Eve Deluxe Seaside Dinner, Fireworks Cruise, and Open Bar

A very exclusive celebration including a Deluxe banquet at an authentic harbour side local seafood restaurant, followed by a smooth boarding process to an intimate 70ft yacht for the most fantastic night views and the magnificent New Year's Eve fireworks. Celebrate aboard an intimate and exclusive 70ft cruiser with a delicious Deluxe dinner and whilst enjoying the fantastic night view and build-up to midnight.
Share the magnificent New Year's Eve fireworks aboard the cruise.
Open-bar hospitality: beer, soft drinks, juices, Prosecco, red wine and white wine
Can also cater for gluten free/dairy free/vegan dietary requirements - please confirm if required at the time of booking
Small group, maximum 50 guests.

When?: December 31, 2018 check in starts 6:30 pm - 7:00 pm
Where?: Meeting point will be at the corner of Nathan Road and Middle Road of the rear entrance of The Peninsula Hotel Hong Kong outside store "Ralph Lauren". By the end of our cruise, guests will be dropped off at the Causeway Bay typhoon shelter to disembark. Trains will be running all night for guests to get back to their hotels, taxis or uber will also be available to hail. Expected disembarkation at 1am.
How Much?: US$ 425
Passengers 18+ ONLY
Dress code is Smart Casual

›› More Info and Booking: 2019 NYE Fireworks Cruise and Deluxe Dinner

2019 New Year Countdown Fireworks Cruise - Luxury Yacht with Dinner Sold Out

Enjoy a rich and delicious western buffet dinner aboard a luxury yacht, in a comfortable dining environment and meticulous service to bask in the spectacular fireworks display that illuminates Victoria Harbour and the iconic Hong Kong skyline at midnight. This cruise will have a maximum of 40 guests.
Buffet Menu includes Smoked Salmon & Dill Finger Sandwich, Duck Breast in Teriyaki Sauce, Chicken Wings, Spicy Garlicky Shrimp Spaghetti, etc. and unlimited soft drinks
Family-friendly, all ages welcome

When?: December 31, 2018 boarding 9:15 pm, departure 9:30 pm
Where?: Departs from Central Public Pier 10 and returns to Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter
How Much?: US$ 180.70

›› More Info and Booking: 2019 NYE Fireworks Cruise with Dinner

NYE Fireworks Buffet Dinner Cruise Aboard 63ft Junk Boat Sold Out

Avoid the crowded streets and relax in style on this very spacious 63ft boat which will cruise around Victoria Harbour while enjoying ree flow drinks and a gourmet dinner buffet against the most amazing backdrop. Maximum of 40 people onboard.
Free-flowing alcoholic drinks on a help yourself basis: Prosecco, Red and White Wine, Beer, Vodka, Gin
Buffet Menu TBA similar to last year's which included 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, 2018 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: 2019 NYE Fireworks Cruise Aboard 63ft Junk Boat

More New Year's Eve Offers, Bashes, Parties...

New Year Fireworks at Sky100

Certainly an experience to remember! Sells out quick!
Ride up the double decker elevators at Hong Kong's tallest building straight to Sky100 Observation Deck where you enjoy spectacular 360-degree views of the Hong Kong skyline, famous Victoria Harbour and the stunning fireworks with a live band.
One free drink included with the New Year Fireworks package (choice of Sparkling Wine, White or Red Wine, Beer, OJ or Soft Drink)
Quick and easy entrance with this e-ticket admission

When?: December 31, 2018 - opening time 8:30pm to 1:00am (last admission at 11:45pm)
How Much?: HK$568 (US$72.60) Klook Offer HK$466 US$59.59
›› More Info and Booking: 2019 New Year's Eve Countdown at Sky100 Select the 2019 New Year's Eve Count Down Ticket.

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