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Hong Kong’s biggest Lunar New Year celebration is making its spectacular return this month, commandeering the streets of Tsim Sha Tsui for a Year of the Horse extravaganza like no other! Organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade 2026 will take place on Tuesday, February 17 – the first day of Lunar New Year – featuring a programme of stunning floats and performances under the theme ‘Best Fortune World Party’. Here’s what to expect from the event:
When and where is the Chinese New Year Night Parade?
Mark your calendars – the Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade will happen on Tuesday, February 17, from 9pm to 9.45pm. Tsim Sha Tsui will be blocked off for the occasion to accommodate the route of the floats and performances. We anticipate onlookers will gather in Tsim Sha Tsui well before the event begins to secure a good, free-of-charge spot for viewing the Chinese New Year Night Parade, and luckily, there will be entertainment to keep them occupied – pre-parade performances start at 6pm to drum up excitement, and will include lion and dragon dances, magic, and acrobatic rope skipping.
What kind of floats will be at the Chinese New Year Night Parade?
Major sponsors and participating event partners will be launching 12 different floats to wow the crowd. Cathay is poised to celebrate Lunar New Year and its 80th anniversary with an aircraft-themed display; the Hong Kong Jockey Club will lean into the synergy between its equine heritage and this year’s matching Chinese zodiac animal for a moving installation featuring auspicious symbolism with horses; Ocean Park Hong Kong will showcase its animals ambassadors and exciting attractions; and Hong Kong Disneyland Resort’s 20th anniversary will be lovingly commemorated with a festive Disney-themed presentation, in addition to many other jazzed-up floats.
McDonald’s Hong Kong will also mark its 50th anniversary with nostalgia, joining in the festivities with a train design inspired by its iconic 1980s restaurants. Lam Tsuen Wishing Square will bring a mobile interpretation of its famous Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree to the Chinese New Year Night Parade, and viral characters like Labubu and Molly will make an appearance too, thanks to the Hong Kong Brand Toy Association float.
What else can I see at the Chinese New Year Night Parade?
Live performances make up an equally important part of the programme. For the Year of the Horse, 16 performing teams from mainland China and around the world will converge in Hong Kong to take part in the Chinese New Year Night Parade. As a matter of fact, 13 of them will be making their Hong Kong debut. Look forward to the ornate masks and costumes of the dancers of Bacolod City Masskara Festival from the Philippines, the traditional flag performance presented by Italy’s Bandierai degli Uffizi, the humorous Emoji Parade from Turkey, Cromosauro’s larger-than-life mechanic dinosaur choreography, a marching band performance from The Bluecoats, Egypt’s Tannoura Dance Group with their vibrant dancing inspired by Sufi folklore, cheerleading from The Manly Seabirds from Australia, acrobatic skating by Trio Skating Nistorov, and so much more.
What is the Chinese New Year Night Parade route in Tsim Sha Tsui?
Hong Kong Cultural Centre will serve as the starting point for the Chinese New Year Night Parade. Floats and performers will proceed along Canton Road, Haiphong Road, and Nathan Road, before coming to a finish at Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel and Towers. It’s expected that the procession will reach Canton Road at around 8.30pm, Nathan Road at approximately 9pm, and Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel and Towers at 9.45pm.
Best places to watch the Chinese New Year Night Parade
Spectators will have two options to see the Chinese New Year Night Parade in person: show up early and hope for the best along free-of-charge viewing spots on Canton Road, Haiphong Road, and Nathan Road, or shell out for the spectator stand at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Seating is split into Area A ($600 per person), Area B ($550 per person, with some partial-view seats), and Area C ($450 per person, near the viewing deck).
You can purchase your tickets from the Hong Kong Tourism Board Kowloon Visitor Centre at the Star Ferry Pier in Tsim Sha Tsui starting from Saturday, February 7, at 8am. If all else fails, the TVB Jade channel is broadcasting the event from 8pm to 9.45pm.
What if I miss the Chinese New Year Night Parade?
If you happen to miss the actual procession on February 17, there’s still a way to ooh and aah at the floats! From February 18 to March 3, some of the mobile installations will pop up in various places across town, including Ocean Park Hong Kong, Lam Tsuen, Sha Tin Racecourse, Victoria Park, and Kai Tak Sports Park (until February 26). On February 18 and 19, the global performers will put on a show at Kai Tak Sports Park, bringing their moves to shopping malls and other attractions.
How do I get there?
The MTR will be your best bet, as there will be road closures before and after the Chinese New Year Night Parade. Alight at Tsim Sha Tsui Station or Tsim Sha Tsui East Station. If you’re making your way from Hong Kong Island, take the Star Ferry from Central or Wan Chai.
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