Just a short flight from the Philippines, Hong Kong is marking the Year of the Horse with one of Asia’s biggest Chinese New Year celebrations, blending age-old traditions with large-scale entertainment that draws both culture lovers and holiday shoppers.
The highlight is the Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade on Feb. 17 in Tsim Sha Tsui. Colorful floats, drum performances, and international dance acts turn the streets into a high-energy showcase. This year’s theme, “Best Fortune. World Party,” reflects the horse’s cultural meaning in Chinese tradition as a symbol of strength, progress, and success—values that resonate with both locals and visitors.
Filipino travelers get a familiar connection through the return of Bacolod’s MassKara Festival dancers, performing alongside groups from France, Mainland China, Canada, Australia, and Italy. Their presence underscores Hong Kong’s role as a meeting point of global cultures, while also highlighting the shared festival spirit across Asia.
Beyond the parade, celebrations double as a major tourism and retail draw. Lunar New Year fairs fill Victoria Park and Mong Kok with flowers, street food, and lucky items from Feb. 11 to 17. The Lam Tsuen Well-Wishing Festival invites visitors to take part in a traditional wish-making ritual, while parade floats go on display at Kai Tak Sports Park after the main event. The festivities culminate in a special Year of the Horse raceday at Sha Tin Racecourse on Feb. 19, combining sport, entertainment, and seasonal crowds.
Together, these events position Chinese New Year as both a cultural celebration and a commercial peak season, offering travelers a festive reason to visit, shop, and explore the city.
