From January to December, Hong Kong has a non-stop whirlwind of activities each month. Here are some of our favourite traditional Chinese festivals as well as events from all over the world that take place in the international city.
Just arrived in town? Check out our guide to getting started and settling in Hong Kong.
January/February
Chinese New Year
Easily the most significant and colourful of all Hong Kong’s annual festivals. Expect to see the city awash with red lanterns and decorated with images of whichever animal of the Chinese zodiac represents the year ahead.
Busy pop-up markets sell auspicious food, narcissi bulbs, tangerine trees and lucky bamboo plants; there will be lion and dragon dances galore and queues outside temples as people pray for health, wealth and good fortune in the year ahead. Be prepared to greet everyone you meet with the phrase kung hei fat choi (meaning “Happy New Year”). On New Year’s Day, a night parade comprising floats and performing artists passes through the streets of Tsim Sha Tsui; the following evening, Victoria Harbour is lit up with a celebratory fireworks display.
As a general rule, lai see packets are given by seniors to their juniors – parents to children, bosses to staff, married couples to single friends. Ideally the bank notes should be new, so expect some queuing at your bank to get crisp notes. Never give any amount with the number four in it as it sounds like ‘death’ in Cantonese and is considered bad luck. Odd numbers should also be avoided. As a sign of courtesy always give and receive the packets with both hands.
Standard Chartered Hong Kong Marathon
In 2016, the event was upgraded to Gold Label Road Race status by the International Association of Athletics Federations. The full race is 42km, and there are also half marathon, 10km race, Youth Dash, Family Run, and 3km and 10km wheelchair race categories. Check out the official website for registration rules and more.
Longines Masters of Hong Kong
Recognised by Fédération Equestre Internationale, the unique Masters series is one of the most prestigious equestrian events worldwide. Five different sessions spread over two days over the weekend see plenty of battling for various trophies. Activity hub Prestige Village will also feature live entertainment, wine tastings, jockey meet-and-greets, and much more. Find out more on the official website.
March
Hong Kong Arts Month
Get cultured every March in Hong Kong. During the month, many large scale art events are hosted, the biggest names including Art Basel, Art Central and Asia Contemporary Art Show. Many independent art galleries also open their doors to the public with special exhibitions.
April
Easter
Easter may not be as big of a festival as Chinese New Year or Christmas, but it’s one that Hong Kongers enjoy all the same. The majority of the population will take a break or fly elsewhere for vacation, whilst the Christian community will attend church services. In the recent years, events and activities held by different organisations have popped up, ranging from egg hunts and Easter bunnies to brunches and afternoon teas. We at Hong Kong Living host an annual Easter event for families, so keep an eye on our website so any updates.
Hong Kong Rugby Sevens
This is Hong Kong’s biggest annual party. The highly anticipated three-day tournament is regarded as the premier tournament of the World Rugby Sevens Series and Hong Kong Stadium’s 40,000 seats are unfailingly filled.
Dozens of teams, each with seven players a side, compete in fast but fierce 14-minute matches. Contributing to the Sevens’ high-octane party atmosphere are the kick-off concert, inter-match entertainment, lots of beer and an overwhelming penchant on part of the spectators to dress up.
Tickets sell out notoriously quickly and such is the hype around the event that massive screens and party tents are set up at Central promenade for those who miss out. The weekend sees plenty of partying in the city’s nightlife districts, namely Lan Kwai Fong, Soho and Wan Chai, maintaining the jovial atmosphere even when the games of the day have come to a close. Check out our Rugby Sevens guide to get the full scoop and visit the official website to register and be notified when the public ticket ballot opens.
May
Cheung Chau Bun Festival
Thousands of people flock to this sleepy fishing village for its annual bun festival which is held on Buddha’s Birthday. Watch the Piu Sik (floating colours) parade followed by the Bun Scrambling Competition during which competitors race up 60-foot bamboo towers.
Buddha’s Birthday
This public holiday is one of the biggest Buddhist celebrations in Hong Kong, often falling in April or May. During this time, Buddhist temples buzz with activity and worshippers from all over the city come to celebrate and pay their respects. For non-Buddhists, it’s a welcome day off from work to take a break.
Le French May
As the name suggests, this well-loved annual celebration of French culture ranges from food to art, theatre, film and design and takes place throughout Asia every May. For more details, head to the official website.
June
Stanley International Dragon Boat Championships
Watch over 200 local and international teams compete to the beat of the drum in this world-famous set of races. Dragon Boat Festival, or Tuen Ng, is the only sport in the world with its very own public holiday, it draws thousands of spectators to Stanley, Aberdeen and Sai Kung to watch the teams of suits, mums, fishermen and athletes battling it out for glory, a trophy and a roast suckling pig. It is always hot and crowded but the atmosphere is terrific.
July
Junk Boat Season
Junk boat trips are equally as important to Hong Kong expats as their famous Sunday brunches. By the time humidity reaches its peak, the junk season is in full swing and Hong Kong offers options to cater for every taste and budget. Hire the boat only or opt for an all-inclusive food and drinks package – add ons can include inflatables, an onboard masseuse, an Xbox and even a karaoke machine. We host an annual junk party in July – watch this space for more information closer to the date!
September/October
Mid-Autumn Festival
Much loved by children and adults alike, this harvest festival is held on the fifthteenth day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar to honour the full moon.
Many people will head down to their local beach from sunset onwards so it often turns into a family-friendly party. It is customary to give mooncakes around this time of year. An acquired taste, these dense, sweet cakes made from red bean or lotus seed paste surrounded by a thin crust, sometimes containing salted duck egg yolks.
During this time of year lanterns illuminate the city adding to the festive atmosphere. A visit to Victoria Park in Causeway Bay is a must; the park hosts the largest lantern festival in the city with hundreds of traditional lanterns on display.
Halloween
The east-meets-west nature of Hong Kong means that Western festivals are increasingly popular in Hong Kong. Lan Kwai Fong hosts the biggest street party in town – hundreds don their scariest attire and head out for a night on the tiles. Trick-or-treating is not particularly common but the city hosts an impressive offering of Halloween-themed events for young and older ones. Disneyland and Ocean Park transform into ghost and ghoul havens during the month leading up to October 31.
November
Clockenflap
This is undoubtedly Hong Kong’s biggest music event of the year, incorporating international and local live music, film, art installations, street, and kids’ area. There are even suggestions of co-founder Justin Sweeting making plans to develop Clockenflap into a camping festival!
December
Christmas and New Year
Although there may be no snow in Hong Kong, from the abundance of holiday markets to Christmas carols and other festive performances, there is plenty to get you in the festive spirit. The city’s skyscrapers are adorned with lights and decorations from as early as October.
WinterFest is a series of annual events held across the city; the highlight of which is a massive Christmas tree at Statue Square. The AIA Great European Carnival also begins with plenty of fairground rides, gaming booths and food stalls.
Supermarkets import all the necessities to produce an authentic home-cooked Christmas dinner and if you fancy a break from cooking every hotel and restaurant in the city will feature festive menus around this time of year.
