New Year’s Eve in Hong Kong: Celebrating with Light Shows and Live Music

Published on December 29, 2025

Hong Kong, December 29, 2025 – The Hong Kong Tourism Board has high hopes for the approaching New Year’s Eve event even in the light of the cancellation of the fireworks event above the majestic Victoria Harbour. Indeed, this year’s countdown activity will have a musical performance at the pedestrian zone of Chater Road in the Central district in lieu of the previous fireworks event, in commemoration of the ill-fated Wang Fuk Court fire tragedy.

A Shift in Tradition: No Fireworks, But New Celebrations Await

For the first time in years, Hong Kong’s New Year’s Eve celebration will proceed without its customary grand fireworks display, a spectacle that has long drawn millions of tourists and locals to Victoria Harbour. The decision to forgo the fireworks comes as a mark of respect for the victims of the deadly Wang Fuk Court fire, which claimed the lives of multiple residents.

Despite this major change, the HKTB is confident that the revised celebration will still captivate revellers and offer a unique experience for both tourists and locals. The focus of this year’s festivities will be a three-minute live music and light show staged at Chater Road, located in the heart of Hong Kong’s bustling Central district.

The Light Show: A New Way to Ring in the New Year

At midnight on New Year’s Eve, the faces of eight iconic landmarks in Central will light up in a spectacular fashion, as they transform into giant countdown clocks. Among the participating landmarks are the Court of Final Appeal, HSBC headquarters, and several other prominent buildings. The light show, themed “New Hopes, New Beginnings,” will count down to the arrival of 2026, with the clocks ticking 20 seconds before midnight.

The light and music show promises to provide a new form of celebration for visitors, as it features high-tech visual effects and an uplifting soundtrack, creating a dynamic and engaging atmosphere. The HKTB hopes that this alternative to the fireworks display will evoke the same sense of excitement and anticipation among revellers, while still maintaining the festive spirit that Hong Kong is known for.

Atmosphere Over Fireworks: What Tourists Are Seeking

Mason Hung, the event and product development lead adviser at the Hong Kong Tourism Board, expressed confidence that the lack of fireworks would not diminish the appeal of the city’s New Year’s Eve celebrations. According to Hung, feedback from visitors, particularly those from mainland China, suggests that the overall ambiance of the city is what matters most, rather than one specific element like fireworks.

“We don’t anticipate too much impact without the fireworks,” Hung said. “Based on recent feedback, most visitors are looking for the vibrant city atmosphere, the lights, the sounds, and the energy of Hong Kong, rather than one particular feature of the celebration.”

This insight into the preferences of tourists underscores a broader trend in travel, where visitors are increasingly seeking immersive, dynamic environments that provide an authentic experience. For Hong Kong, this means that despite the absence of the traditional fireworks, the overall celebratory atmosphere, with its light displays, live music, and festive crowds, will be enough to draw in visitors.

Road Closures and Preparations for the Event

To ensure safety and manage crowds, the Hong Kong police and tourism authorities will implement phased road closures in and around the Central area, including Chater Road. The road closures will begin at 6:00 pm on New Year’s Eve, allowing time to prepare for the influx of people who will gather to watch the event.

In addition to Chater Road, the popular nightlife area of Lan Kwai Fong will also experience road closures starting at 2:00 pm on New Year’s Eve. Lan Kwai Fong is a well-known hotspot for New Year’s Eve revelry, attracting locals and tourists alike with its lively bars, restaurants, and festive atmosphere. The closure of these roads will ensure that revellers can enjoy the celebrations safely and comfortably, while traffic disruptions are minimized.

Alternate New Year’s Eve Destinations in Hong Kong

While the main New Year’s Eve event will take place in Central, there are other venues across Hong Kong where visitors can join in the celebrations. Hong Kong Disneyland, a family-friendly destination, will host its own special New Year’s Eve event, offering a more magical atmosphere for those looking to celebrate with their loved ones.

Additionally, the West Kowloon Cultural District will feature a range of artistic performances and events, providing a cultural twist to the city’s New Year celebrations. These locations, among others, give tourists plenty of options to experience Hong Kong’s unique blend of modern entertainment and cultural heritage during the holiday season.

The Impact on Hong Kong’s Tourism and Local Economy

The cancellation of the fireworks display is undoubtedly a shift in tradition, but the Hong Kong Tourism Board is optimistic that this change will not negatively impact the city’s tourism industry. Instead, the new approach to the celebrations reflects the city’s resilience and creativity in adapting to current circumstances.

Many tourists travel to Hong Kong specifically to experience the city’s New Year celebrations, and the mix of live music, light shows, and festive events is expected to continue attracting both international visitors and locals. The event will likely have a positive impact on the local economy, especially in the hospitality and retail sectors, as hotels, restaurants, and shops will benefit from the influx of visitors during the holiday season.

In addition to the large crowds expected to gather in Central and other event locations, the road closures and planned activities will encourage tourism spending in various sectors, providing an economic boost for local businesses.

Looking Ahead: Hong Kong’s Future as a Premier Destination

With its dynamic cityscape, diversity, and hosting of world-class events, Hong Kong remains one of the favourite tourist spots across the globe. The Tourism Board has definitely made concerted efforts to change and develop their new year celebrations, even without fireworks, which goes to show their dedication to offering a great experience for visitors across the globe.