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In a city as vibrant and cosmopolitan as Hong Kong, there’s a lot happening throughout the year. Cultural celebrations, festivals, international sporting events, art exhibitions, concerts, and so much more. As with so much in Hong Kong, the challenge is in the choosing. Start with these major crowd pleasers and take it from there.
Hong Kong New Year Countdown
As the clock strikes 12 and New Year comes a-calling, Victoria Harbour lights up in an epic display of music and fireworks. Watch it by the shore, head out to sea or zoom up a skyscraper to catch it in the clouds.
Hong Kong Marathon
Pin a number on your shirt and hit the streets, as long-distance runners take part in the city’s biggest marathon. The Hong Kong Marathon has been on-the-run since 1997, the annual event seeing up to 60,000 people compete at the beginning of every year. While the full marathon distance covers over 40km, there are half-marathon and 10km races too.
Chinese New Year
Hong Kong’s biggest festival, and one that sweeps over the entire city. Red lanterns are hung all across town, lion dances are performed on the streets, and crowds head down to their local temple to pray for good fortune. Chinese New Year, observed in January or February according to the Chinese lunar calendar, is a celebration that Hong Kong adores. Take a wander through the many makeshift markets selling all manner of festive items, stop in to see floats at the carnival, and then catch the stunning fireworks display that lights up Victoria Harbour.
Masters of Hong Kong (International Indoor Show Jumping Competition)
The Hong Kong Masters attracts the world’s top 25 show jumping riders for a spectacle that fans will not want to miss. As the first five-star (CSI 5*) accredited competition on the equestrian calendar to take place in Asia since the Olympic Games in 2008, the event also strengthens Hong Kong’s role as the region’s equestrian capital.
Hong Kong Arts Month
Culture vultures come flying into town, as March signals Arts Month. From fine art to festivals like Art Basel, Art Central and Hong Kong Arts Festival, to operatic events and outdoor live music shows, there’s something for everyone.
Hong Kong Sevens
Started in the 1970s as a local club affair, the Sevens has blossomed into Hong Kong’s biggest sporting showcase. Tickets are nigh impossible to procure, but those that gain entrance are treated to a true spectacle. The world’s finest athletes battle in rapid-fire games for three days, while local legions watch on, most notably from the South Stand. If you can’t gain entrance, neighbouring Sevens Village makes an entertaining substitute.
Le French May Arts Festival
Since its modest inception in 1993, Le French May has matured into one of the largest French arts festivals in Asia, bringing the spirit of France to Hong Kong. Francophiles can savour a rich cornucopia of French culture, as well as French culinary arts through the popular stand-alone programme called Le French GourMay.
Cheung Chau Bun Festival
The mad clamber to the top, the grabbing of buns, the cheer of the crowd as the winners make their descent. This festival is a rare spectacle, not only of athleticism during its bun tower climbing competition, but of camaraderie and good cheer. Falling in April or May each year, its history is based on offerings to fend off an ancient plague. The event also includes ceremonies, parades and lion dances. Be warned though, it can get very busy.
Dragon Boat Festival
Dragon boat races are a Hong Kong spectacle, where brawny paddlers battle it out in vessels adorned with Chinese dragon heads and tails while the crowds cheer on from the side.
Exhibitions and consumer fairs
Hong Kong attracts exhibitions and fairs that stand out on the world stage, and some of the biggest summer stand-outs include Ani-Com & Games Hong Kong, Hong Kong Book Fair, Hong Kong Computer & Communications Festival and the city's Food Expo. Turn your Hong Kong trip into an in-depth exploration of the world’s best computers, books, comics, games and flavours!
Photo credit: Kelvin Yuen
Great Outdoors Hong Kong
Take to the hills and explore the great outdoors, by seeking out hikes, beaches and islands.
Mid-Autumn Festival & the Tai Hang fire dragon dance
Mid-Autumn was once celebrated to welcome the harvest and is now an enduring custom that takes over the city. Mooncakes are sold everywhere, fruit and wine offerings are made to the gods, and lanterns are lit to emulate the full moon in September or October. In Victoria Park, kids carry mini-lanterns, while games and performances take place. Over in Tai Hang, the Fire Dragon Dance is a spectacle where an incense-studded beast dances through the streets.
Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival
Embark on a four-day gastronomical party at the Central Harbourfront, where visitors can visit about 400 booths to savour the flavours of Hong Kong and rediscover the one-of-a-kind stories of Hong Kong exhibited through the creative food and drink offerings of some of the city’s top brewers, distillers and chefs. Aside from wine-pairing meals designed by visiting chefs and fun activities by industry experts, visitors can indulge in the enjoyment of live music performances against the stunning Victoria Harbour skyline.
Hong Kong Tennis Open
With names like Venus Williams, Jelena Jankovic and Johanna Konta regularly gracing our hard courts, the Hong Kong Tennis Open is quickly becoming a major sporting spectacle. Set every October in Victoria Park’s outdoor stadium, catch the world’s best women’s players for a weekend of singles and doubles matches. And if you’re lucky enough to be here during the first few days, the qualifying stages are free entry on a first-come basis.
Cross Harbour Race
First held in 1906, the Cross Harbour Race has served as one of Hong Kong’s most celebrated events for over 70 years, attracting almost 1,000 participants and even more spectators to watch them swim across the iconic Victoria Harbour. After suspension in 1979, the event resumed in 2011, delighting locals and promoting the sport of swimming.
Hong Kong Great Feast
Set your tongue tingling with a series of hot city-wide offerings, with everything from special tasting menus, gastronomy tours and discount offers to international wine and spirit expos, and even a district carnival. Savor the vibrant local food scene that’s not to be missed.
Hong Kong Cyclothon
Cyclothon sees amateurs and professionals riding through the city.
Clockenflap, Hong Kong’s Music & Art Festival
Hong Kong’s biggest music festival, Clockenflap is an electrifying weekend of great tunes and captivating multimedia. Featuring local, regional and international acts, alongside film and art installations, it’s set outdoors, usually in November, just as the weather cools. Attracting crowds of up to 50,000 people, including entire families, the festival features numerous food and drinks vendors, alongside a dedicated kids' zone. Previous years have seen headliners such as The Chemical Brothers, New Order, The Flaming Lips and Flying Lotus.
Hong Kong Open
Get in the swing of things at the Hong Kong Open, the city’s oldest professional sporting event and a tournament where the world’s best golfers gather. Set in Sheung Shui as the weather starts to cool in December, it regularly awards a US$2 million prize, with previous winners including Rory McIlroy and Justin Rose. Admission is free on the first two days, and ticketed for the main event over the weekend.
WinterFest
Soak in the heavy festive ambience in Hong Kong with a merry season like nowhere else! In winter, the skyline shines with more glamour than usual as buildings are dolled up for the jolly occasion. Don’t miss holiday events at top attractions, special shopping offers and festive menus that will fuel your excitement and add to the joyous atmosphere!
Hong Kong International Races
Global attention focuses on Sha Tin Racecourse as leading horses, jockeys, trainers and owners from around the world compete in the four G1 race series. Fans coming to Sha Tin to witness the truly world-class on-course action can also enjoy an array of exceptional off-track entertainment.
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