In Hong Kong, there’s an event or festival for every type of traveller
There’s nothing quite like experiencing Lunar New Year in downtown Hong Kong.
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Planning a Hong Kong holiday? Timing your trip with one of the city’s top festivals or events is sure to elevate your stay. From admiring lantern displays to savouring world-class cuisine, there’s something for every type of traveller. The best part? Whether you’re planning your getaway last-minute or months in advance, Cathay Pacific offers two non-stop flights to Hong Kong per day from Toronto and Vancouver. So, hop on a flight for these top festivals and events that highlight the city’s best food, arts, culture and sports.
Snap photos of fireworks during Lunar New Year celebrations in Hong Kong.SUPPLIED
For the arts and culture lovers
Chinese New Year a.k.a. Lunar New Year is big in any city, but there’s nothing quite like experiencing one of China’s most significant holidays in downtown Hong Kong. So, grab your loved ones and get ready for non-stop celebration. (In 2025, the Year of the Snake kicks off on January 29.) The revelry starts at the Chinese New Year Night Parade in Tsim Sha Tsui and features cultural music, dance performances and flamboyant floats. Join spectators on the second day of Chinese New Year in Victoria Harbour to witness the night sky sparkle with awe-inspiring fireworks.
Calling all art fans! You’ll want to head to Hong Kong for Arts Month in March, when its creative side really shines. A slew of events take place at this time, like Art Basel Hong Kong, Asia’s largest art fair, which showcases contemporary and modern works from both emerging and established artists, and is truly a gathering place for galleries, collectors and art enthusiasts to unite. Make time in your schedule for the Hong Kong Arts Festival, a celebration of local and international music, theatre, dance and opera. (Yo-Yo Ma and the Paris Opera Ballet have both performed.)
Cheer on your favourite team at Hong Kong Sevens.
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For the sports fans
Dragon boating is a big deal in Hong Kong; it is after all the birthplace of the sport. In June, catch the Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races, a major sporting event and celebration held in the waters off Tsim Sha Tsui, where paddlers from around the globe compete in 20-passenger dragon boats. It’s more than a race; it’s a cultural and culinary celebration. Refresh with speciality drinks and snap selfies with friends.
Get ready to cheer alongside 50,000 other sports fans at the new Kai Tak Stadium in Kai Tak Sports Park for Hong Kong Sevens, a major rugby event that attracts global attention. Each April, the sport’s energy and entertainment draws large crowds – something you don’t want to miss.
If biking is more your speed, join cycling spectators as they gather along Victoria harbourfront and Tsim Sha Tsui East to watch thousands of amateur and professional riders cycle through the scenic cityscape at the Hong Kong Cyclothon each October. And then come March, top golfers from around the world tee up for LIV Golf Hong Kong, a uniquely team-based golf tournament that hits the green at the Hong Kong Golf Club in Sheung Shui.
Sip samples at the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival.
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For the foodies
Foodies flock to Hong Kong for some of the world’s finest cuisine, and in October, the best is showcased at the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival, a bucket-list event that will take your taste buds on a gastronomic journey around the globe. Held along Victoria Harbour, this al fresco event features visiting chefs and local culinary stars cooking up everything from street food snacks like spicy seafood skewers to mini-Michelin-star meals such as truffle risotto. Plus, you can sip samples of award-winning wines while you stroll; try an internationally renowned Italian Chianti or locally lauded chardonnay from Shandong.
Eating mooncakes is a must at the Mid-Autumn Festival (also known as the Mooncake Festival), which takes place each and every September. Nosh on the perfectly packaged sweet treats – filled with red bean paste, egg custard or chocolate lava – while admiring lantern displays at Victoria Park. While you’re there, take in the three-night-long Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance parade, where over 300 performers carry a glowing dragon through the streets of Tai Hang. This performance, dating back to the 19th century, is a UNESCO-recognized National Intangible Cultural Heritage and something you don’t want to miss.
During the Mid-Autumn Festival, take in the Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance parade.
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Advertising feature produced by Globe Content Studio with Hong Kong Tourism Board. The Globe’s editorial department was not involved.