Despite being primarily rooted in religion and tradition, Hong Kong festivals offer vibrant celebrations filled with dance, color, noise, and incense, inviting visitors to partake in the festivities.

Chinese festivals follow the lunar calendar and do not have fixed dates. Thus, they cycle throughout the year, typically occurring within a specific thirty-day timeframe. The following list focuses solely on the major Chinese festivals celebrated in Hong Kong, excluding any Western celebrations.

February/March: Chinese New Year

In accordance with the ancient Chinese calendar, Chinese New Year in Hong Kong initiates three exhilarating days of celebration, although the entire festive period spans a full fifteen days.

The opening of Chinese New Year is marked by a spectacular fireworks show over Victoria Harbor and a traditional parade. The city comes to a standstill for three days as families often travel back to mainland China to celebrate with loved ones. Visitors may find themselves joining in the festivities—make sure to bring appropriate gifts!

The Spring Lantern Festival takes place on the final day of the Chinese New Year. Colorful lanterns illuminate the streets, and couples celebrate what is essentially the Chinese version of Valentine’s Day, though in a more family-oriented style.

April/May: Spring has Sprung

The Ching Ming Festival marks the start of spring and is characterized by families paying respects to their ancestors by cleaning their graves and leaving offerings. This poignant observance creates a striking scene with the burning of incense and joss sticks alongside various offerings, including local favorites like takeaway rice and pork.

• Ching Ming Festival Dates:
  • 2018-2019: April 5 – 7
  • 2020: April 4 – 6
  • 2021: April 3 – 5

The Tin Hau Festival, celebrated to honor the goddess of the sea and protector of fishermen, sees numerous boats adorned with decorations traveling to Tin Hau temples while seeking blessings for the year ahead.

• Tin Hau Festival Dates:
  • 2019: April 27
  • 2020: April 15
  • 2021: May 4
  • 2022: April 23

Excitement reaches its peak at the Cheung Chau Bun Festival, highlighted by the riveting bun tower climbing competition. This lively celebration on Cheung Chau Island draws large crowds eager to participate in the festivities.

• Cheung Chau Bun Festival Dates:
  • 2019: May 9-13
  • 2020: April 27-May 1
  • 2021: May 16-20
  • 2022: May 5-9

Although it is a public holiday, Lord Buddha’s birthday is one of the quieter celebrations, where Buddha statues are paraded from their monasteries to receive their annual cleansing, providing a unique experience for observers.

• Buddha’s Birthday Dates:
  • 2019: May 12
  • 2020: April 30
  • 2021: May 19
  • 2022: May 8

June-August: Simmering Summer

As the summer heat intensifies in Hong Kong, the festival season evolves into something both refreshing and unusual.

The Hong Kong Dragon Boat Carnival is often regarded as the most thrilling festival of the year. A vibrant spectacle reminiscent of the Oxford and Cambridge boat races, dragon boat crews aggressively compete over three days.

• In 2018, the Dragon Boat Festival will take place from June 22 to 24.

The Hungry Ghost Festival provides a somewhat eerie experience reminiscent of Halloween; during the seventh month on the lunar calendar, locals believe that spirits return to the earthly realm, leading families to burn fake money known as Hell Bank Notes and offerings for the ghosts.

• Hungry Ghost Festival Dates:
  • 2018: August 25
  • 2019: August 15
  • 2020: September 2
  • 2021: August 22
  • 2022: August 12

September-October: Have a Great Fall

With autumn rains settling over Hong Kong, locals usher in the season with memorable traditional festivals.

The Mid-Autumn Festival, recognized as Hong Kong’s largest celebration after Chinese New Year, commemorates historical events and features vibrant lantern displays, dragon dances, and the indulgence in mooncakes.

• Mid-Autumn Festival Dates:
  • 2018: September 24
  • 2019: September 13
  • 2020: October 1
  • 2021: September 21
  • 2022: September 10

The Chung Yeung Festival, often dubbed the “hiking holiday,” is rooted in folk tales. During this October festival, locals seek higher ground to commemorate ancestry and burn offerings, embracing both cultural traditions and scenic views.

• Chung Yeung Festival Dates:
  • 2018: October 17
  • 2019: October 7
  • 2020: October 25
  • 2021: October 14
  • 2022: October 4