Published on
January 10, 2026
Hong Kong is gearing up to welcome the Year of the Horse with one of the world’s most vibrant and exciting Chinese New Year celebrations. Set to take place on February 17, the first day of the Chinese New Year, the Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade will transform Hong Kong into a glittering carnival of lights, music, and festive spirit. This year’s celebrations promise an unparalleled festive experience, filled with cultural performances, dazzling floats, and family-friendly activities.
A Night of Dazzling Floats and Global Performances
The festivities will kick off with a pre-parade street party that will set the tone for the dazzling procession of floats and performances from around the globe. The parade will start from the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, traveling through major roads in Tsim Sha Tsui, including Canton Road, Haiphong Road, and Nathan Road. Beginning at 8 PM on February 17, the parade will feature the theme “BEST FORTUNE. WORLD PARTY.”, celebrating the energetic spirit of the horse. The horse, a symbol of strength, vitality, progress, and success in Chinese culture, will take centre stage in this year’s celebrations.
The 2026 parade will be a night-long celebration, showcasing a spectacular lineup of themed floats designed to bring in the best luck for the year. Several float sponsors will mark important milestones, including Cathay Airways, which is celebrating its 80th anniversary, Hong Kong Disneyland’s 20th anniversary, and McDonald’s Hong Kong, which will debut a float in honour of its 50th anniversary. These special milestone celebrations will add extra excitement to the parade, doubling the surprises for the audience.
A particularly exciting addition to the parade will be the first-ever float from the Hong Kong Brand Toy Association, which will bring beloved intellectual property characters to the festivities. Ocean Park Hong Kong will also be showcasing their adorable Panda Friends to spread New Year blessings to families and friends. Meanwhile, the Hong Kong Jockey Club will spotlight the zodiac year with shimmering horse installations, wishing prosperity to all.
Innovative and Traditional Performances from Around the World
Beyond the stunning floats, the parade will feature a dynamic range of performances from different corners of the world, reinforcing Hong Kong’s reputation as an international festival city. France’s FierS à Cheval will set the tone with illuminated horse tableaux, capturing the spirit of the Year of the Horse. Other exhilarating performances will include the precision of the Xi’an Acrobatic Troupe from China, the comic acrobat duo Les Vitaminés from Canada, and the debut of Australia’s Manly Seabirds cheer performers. These lively and high-energy performances will bring a sparkling touch to the parade route.
The parade will also celebrate Hong Kong’s unique East-Meets-West culture, as it honours tradition while embracing innovation. One of the highlights will be the mesmerizing Luminous Dragon Dance by the Chinese Martial Arts Dragon and Lion Dance Association of Hong Kong. This dance will make its way along the parade route, alongside Italy’s Cromosauro, a giant dinosaur skeleton adorned with vibrant, colourful fabrics. This fusion of cultures promises to create a truly captivating spectacle.
Citywide Festivities for Best Fortune in the Year of the Horse
In addition to the main parade, Hong Kong will be bursting with festivities, offering visitors numerous reasons to explore the city and soak up the celebratory atmosphere. Leading up to the Chinese New Year, from February 11 to 17, visitors can immerse themselves in the festive spirit at the Lunar New Year Fairs, also known as Chinese New Year flower markets. These markets will fill parks and community hubs with seasonal flowers, symbolic decorations, and a joyful atmosphere. Notable markets to visit include those at Victoria Park in Causeway Bay and Fa Hui Park in Mong Kok, where visitors can experience the vibrant ambience of the season.
As the Year of the Horse begins, the Year of the Horse Raceday on February 19 will be an event not to miss. Sha Tin Racecourse will come alive with thrilling horse racing, entertainment, and festive excitement, offering visitors a chance to boost their luck while enjoying a day of sports and entertainment.
The Hong Kong Well-Wishing Festival and Spiritual Celebrations
For those seeking to connect with the spirit of the season, the Hong Kong Well-Wishing Festival will take place from February 17 to March 3 in Lam Tsuen. Visitors can write their wishes on joss paper attached to an orange and toss it up to the wishing tree, with the belief that if the wishes cling to the tree, they will come true. Those looking for spiritual experiences can visit some of Hong Kong’s many historic temples, including Wong Tai Sin Temple, Che Kung Temple, and Kwun Yum Temples, to pray for fortune, love, prosperity, and success in the Year of the Horse.
An Inviting, Optimistic, and Energetic Celebration
With its captivating parade, luminous performances, and citywide celebrations, Hong Kong promises a Chinese New Year filled with joy, energy, and optimism. This Year of the Horse, visitors are invited to embrace the vibrant energy and festive spirit that permeates every corner of Hong Kong. From the spectacular floats to the exhilarating performances, every moment of Hong Kong’s Chinese New Year celebrations promises to be filled with excitement and joy.
