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There may not be a New Year’s Eve fireworks display this year, but Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour will still be lit up with a spectacular light show. Read on for the best viewing spots…
The Hong Kong Tourism Board has announced that there will be no fireworks display in Hong Kong this New Year’s Eve. Instead, the city will usher in 2023 with a 10-minute display featuring a special edition of the multimedia light and sound show “A Symphony of Lights” that will combine pyrotechnic effects set off from the rooftops of prime buildings on Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. You can expect ships from Star Ferry’s fleet to also take part in the light show.
There will also be a special performance by Chinese pianist Niu Niu, local taiko drumming group Gekko Taiko and the Hong Kong Rope Skipping Club, available to watch only through the live-stream. During the last 30 seconds of 2022, a large countdown clock will be projected onto the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre.
This is the fourth year in a row that the city’s New Year’s Eve fireworks show has been cancelled. If you’re not up for the crowds (we hear ya!), the best viewing spot may just be the most convenient: your living room. The light show will be fully broadcast live on free local TV channels, as well as HKTB’s website and social media platforms.
New Year’s Eve Countdown Light Show
When: Saturday, 31 December, Midnight
Where: Victoria Harbour
Where To Watch The New Year’s Eve Countdown Light Show
Kowloon Side:
- Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade – the perfect spot to nab a great photo, this will be one of the busiest areas as the (arguably) best views of the New Year’s Eve light show can be seen here!
- Avenue of the Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui – watch the light show amongst “stars” from this quintessential Hong Kong landmark. Expect crowds.
- West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade – with its easy access from Kowloon MTR Station/Elements Mall, this makes for a night out a much simpler one.
- Harbour City Rooftop Car Park – is a great option as you can head over early, do a spot of shopping, nab an early dinner then head up to catch the view!
- Kowloon Peak (Fei Ngo Shan) – for the more adventurous, this is a great vantage point that also adds a spot of hiking and exercise! Night hike, anyone?
- Sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck – watch the light show from the 100th floor of the tallest building in Hong Kong
- Aqualuna Harbour Cruise – Wine and dine on the river as you watch the display, but book soon – spots sell out fast!
Hong Kong Island Side:
- ifc Mall – head upstairs to ifc’s rooftop to catch the views… there is a public free-seating area and you can head over early to grab a burger and cheesy chips from Shake Shack.
- The Peak – no doubt the Peak will have one of the best views on the island, it will also be quite packed. Make sure to go early to grab a spot on one of the many viewing areas.
- Certain parts of Bowen Drive (just past the intersection of Bowen Road and Bowen Drive) and Braemar Hill also offer great views.
- Central Ferry Pier – a great place to view the light show which is why it will also be very popular. Go early and save your spot!
Tips For Watching The New Year’s Eve Countdown Light Show
- Get there early – We know you know this, but note that once spots reach a max capacity the police will close them off. So leave earlier than you think you need to #earlybirdgetstheworm.
- Expect mega crowds – Literally, thousands upon thousands of people will be jostling for a spot.
- Plan your route – There will be road closures and other traffic arrangements – plus some MTR exits are often closed. So be prepared to take a detour to your destination… think of it as the scenic route!
- Keep an eye on your stuff! – With such crowds, you’ll want to keep a tight grip on your valuables
Read More: Things To Do In Hong Kong – Best Events & Weekend Activities For Your Diary This December
Main image courtesy of YiuCheung via Getty, image 1 courtesy of EarnestTse via Getty.
