The Last Day of Chinese New Year in Hong Kong: A Complete Guide
The last day of Chinese New Year (CNY) in Hong Kong is an important celebration that marks the conclusion of the 15-day festival, known as the Lantern Festival or Yuan Xiao Festival (元宵节). It is celebrated on the 15th day of the lunar new year, typically falling in February or early March. The final day is vibrant, filled with traditions, festivities, and family gatherings. If you're in Hong Kong on this day, here’s a guide to experiencing it fully:
1. Attend the Lantern Festival Celebrations
The Lantern Festival is the highlight of the final day of CNY. Public areas and temples throughout Hong Kong are adorned with colorful lanterns, creating a festive atmosphere.
Key Lantern Displays:
Victoria Park (Causeway Bay): This is one of the largest and most famous venues for lantern displays. The park is illuminated with intricate and massive lanterns, featuring traditional designs as well as modern interpretations of zodiac animals, flowers, and animals. Many lanterns are even interactive, with opportunities for visitors to light their own lanterns.
Hong Kong Cultural Centre (Tsim Sha Tsui): Another venue often hosting public lantern displays, alongside performances like traditional Chinese music and dance.
Lantern Processions:
In some areas, particularly around Victoria Park or along Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, lantern parades may take place. People of all ages carry lanterns of various sizes and shapes, creating a beautiful, colorful procession under the night sky.
2. Enjoy Traditional Foods
On the final day, people in Hong Kong traditionally eat tangyuan (汤圆), sweet glutinous rice balls filled with sesame paste or other sweet fillings. These symbolize family unity and the closing of the CNY celebrations. You can find tangyuan served in sweet soup or on their own.
Tangyuan: Available in many restaurants or street stalls, tangyuan is one of the most important foods of the Lantern Festival.
Noodles and Rice Dishes: Many families enjoy a final meal together, often featuring long noodles to symbolize longevity, or rice dishes symbolizing abundance.
3. Watch the Fireworks Display
Though fireworks are generally a feature of the first days of Chinese New Year, on the final night, a spectacular fireworks display can still be seen around Victoria Harbour, typically between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. These fireworks mark the official end of the CNY season and are a stunning visual treat.
Viewing Spots: The Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui or Victoria Harbour Promenade offers excellent views of the fireworks. Early arrival is recommended for securing a good spot.
4. Temple Visits
Visiting temples is a significant part of the final day for many in Hong Kong, as it is believed that praying at temples will bring good luck for the rest of the year.
Recommended Temples to Visit:
Wong Tai Sin Temple (Kowloon): Known for its famous “make a wish” offerings, many people visit here to pray for good fortune.
Man Mo Temple (Sheung Wan): A historic temple dedicated to the gods of literature and martial arts, it’s especially crowded on the last day of CNY.
Expect to see people lighting incense, offering prayers, and purchasing “lucky charms” or “fortune sticks” for a prosperous year ahead.
5. Participate in Family and Community Activities
For many, the last day is an opportunity to gather with family, enjoy games, and celebrate unity. In the evening, families might gather to admire lantern displays or attend community events together. It’s also a time for giving small gifts and spending quality time together.
Dragon and Lion Dances: While they are most common during the first days of CNY, some places may host lion dances on the final day as well, symbolizing the expulsion of evil spirits and bringing good fortune.
6. Shopping and Market Visits
Many markets in Hong Kong offer CNY-themed products during the final days of the holiday. Visit Mong Kok’s Flower Market or Street Markets to shop for last-minute decorations, trinkets, and gifts for loved ones.
Though the major CNY shopping frenzy happens at the start of the festival, there will still be plenty of festive items and seasonal food available.
7. Lucky Money (Red Packets)
Though hongbao (红包), or red envelopes filled with money, are traditionally given during the first days of CNY, some families also exchange them on the final day as a final gesture of goodwill and to share prosperity for the year ahead.
8. Final Clean-up and Farewell to CNY Decorations
In Hong Kong, some people observe the tradition of sweeping away the CNY decorations and cleaning the house on the final day, symbolizing the removal of bad luck. This is an opportunity to reset and prepare for the rest of the year.
Tips for Enjoying the Final Day of CNY in Hong Kong:
Plan ahead for crowds: Hong Kong’s Lantern Festival is popular, so be prepared for large crowds in popular areas, such as Victoria Park and along the waterfront for fireworks.
Dress comfortably: Many of the events and activities, such as walking through lantern displays and watching parades, require a fair bit of walking, so wear comfortable shoes.
Be mindful of the weather: February can be chilly, so bring layers to stay warm, especially in the evening when outdoor events take place.
Book restaurant reservations in advance: On the final day, many restaurants may be busy, so consider making a reservation ahead of time, especially for traditional CNY meals.
The last day of Chinese New Year in Hong Kong is a grand celebration, a fusion of family, tradition, and festivity. Whether you’re admiring lanterns, watching fireworks, or enjoying tangyuan with loved ones, it’s an unforgettable way to experience the spirit of the season.
