As Hong Kong prepares to welcome the Year of the Horse in 2026, the city comes alive with the vibrant spectacle of lion dances, a cherished tradition that symbolizes good fortune, prosperity, and the warding off of evil spirits. These captivating performances are not only an integral part of Chinese New Year celebrations but also offer a fantastic, family-friendly activity that won’t cost you a dime.
From bustling shopping malls to historic streets, lion dances bring color, excitement, and cultural richness to every city corner. The rhythmic beats of drums and cymbals accompany the acrobatic lions as they leap and twirl, creating an unforgettable experience for spectators of all ages.
Whether you’re a local or a visitor, witnessing these awe-inspiring displays is a must-do during the Lunar New Year festivities. Read on to discover some of the best spots across Hong Kong where you and your family can enjoy these mesmerizing performances and immerse yourselves in the joyous atmosphere of Chinese New Year 2026!
The Peninsula Hong Kong is renowned for hosting one of the city's most spectacular lion dance performances. On February 17, 2026, at 9:00 am, the first day of the Chinese New Year, the hotel will present an awe-inspiring show featuring nine lions and one dragon. The awakening ritual begins at 9:30 a.m. in the hotel forecourt, after which the dance will continue through the lobby and other areas of the hotel.
The Peninsula, Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, https://www.peninsula.com/
From January 29 to March 15, 2026, Lee Tung Avenue will transform into a festive wonderland, with over 800 lanterns illuminating the 200-meter tree-lined pedestrian walkway. During the first four days of the Lunar New Year, visitors can enjoy traditional lion dance performances (dates and timings to be confirmed). The venue will also host a grand Dragon and Lion Dance Spectacular, offering a truly immersive cultural experience. Click here for more.
Lee Tung Avenue, 200 Queen's Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, https://www.leetungavenue.com.hk/en/happenings/
Celebrate the Year of the Horse at Ngong Ping Village with vibrant lion dance performances and festive activities! From February 17 to 22, 2026, a professional lion dance troupe will perform at 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm daily in front of the Pavilion, with an earlier performance at 11:45 am on February 21. Guests can also meet the God of Fortune during these times, adding blessings and good fortune to their visit.
Don’t miss the stunning themed installations, including the "Golden Steed Welcomes the Chinese New Year" at Stupa Square and the "Success at the Gallop" Fortune Wheel Photo Spot. Visitors can also take advantage of the “Double The Ride” offer, which provides two round-trip cable car rides for the price of one, valid until March 31, 2026 (excluding February 17–19). Guests who redeem the offer will also receive lucky charms or Year of the Horse ornaments while supplies last. Enjoy a festive day filled with blessings, fun photo spots, and traditional New Year cheer!
Ngong Ping Village, Lantau, Hong Kong, https://www.np360.com.hk/en
From January 17 to February 16, 2025, Hong Kong Disneyland will celebrate the Year of the Snake with its Magical Year After Year Chinese New Year Celebration. While not specifically a lion dance, visitors can enjoy the brand-new ‘Mickey and Friends Year of the Snake Processional’ featuring God of Fortune Goofy, Mulan, and Mickey in festive outfits. The kids will love it!
Hong Kong Disneyland, Lantau, Hong Kong, https://www.hongkongdisneyland.com/entertainment/mickey-friends-processional/
For an unforgettable lion dance experience in Hong Kong, head to the AIA Carnival at the Henderson Land Community Arena from February 17 to 22, 2026. Daily lion dance performances at 3:30 PM will feature the traditional “Cai Qing” ceremony, believed to bring blessings and ward off bad luck. Set against the stunning harbourfront, the carnival offers a vibrant cultural atmosphere with hands-on workshops, including Chinese calligraphy for personalized Fai Chun and origami sessions to craft good luck charms. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to welcome the Year of the Horse with festive energy and traditional artistry!
AIA Carnival, 9 Lung Wo Road, Central, Hong Kong, https://www.aiacarnival.com/
The Island Shangri-La is renowned for its spectacular seasonal celebrations and will host a series of special Chinese New Year experiences for 2026. Kick off the festivities with a traditional lion dance, Cai Qing, and eye-dotting ceremony on February 18, 2026, from 11:00 am to 11:45 am in the main lobby and hotel driveway, bringing good luck and fortune for the new year.
On February 17, 2026 (the first day of Chinese New Year), enjoy an adorable Kids Lion Dance performed by talented children aged 8-12, featuring four vibrant lions, from 3:00 pm to 3:15 pm in the main lobby.
Adding to the festivities, the God of Wealth will stroll through the hotel from February 17 to 19, 2026, sharing lucky red packets and blessings with guests from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm across the main lobby and dining outlets. Don’t miss these joyful traditions to usher in prosperity and good fortune for the Year of the Horse!
Island Shangri-La, Supreme Court Road, Admiralty, Hong Kong, https://www.shangri-la.com/
Head to Hotel ICON in Tsim Sha Tsui this Chinese New Year for a vibrant and creative festive celebration! Kick off the Year of the Horse with an exciting lion dance on February 17, 2026, at 9:00 am in the hotel lobby and main entrance. From February 18 to 20, enjoy traditional activities including writing spring couplets (Fai Chun) for good fortune, crafting dough figurines, and making auspicious Chinese knots, available from 12:00 noon to 3:00 pm in the lobby. Embrace tradition and creativity this Lunar New Year—activities are first-come, first-served!
Celebrate the Lunar New Year in style at the Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong, on February 17, 2026, with a dazzling lion dance performance. Starting in the Main Lobby, the vibrant procession will spread blessings of prosperity, good fortune, and festive cheer throughout the hotel and its restaurants. Kick off the Year of the Horse with this joyful tradition!
Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, 5 Connaught Road, Central, Hong Kong, https://www.mandarinoriental.com/en/hong-kong/victoria-harbour/chinese-new-year
Celebrate the Year of the Horse with spectacular lion dance performances at Kai Tak Sports Park on February 25, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM. Experience the energy and tradition of Chinese New Year as vibrant lion and dragon dances, along with a lively lion parade, spread blessings and good fortune throughout the park. And that’s not all—Kai Tak Sports Park is packed with festive activities, including dazzling parade floats, live performances, and bustling markets, making it the perfect family-friendly destination this Lunar New Year!
Pair your Chinese New Year meal with a spectacular lion dance in the picturesque setting of The Repulse Bay! On February 17, 2026, enjoy a festive semi-buffet brunch featuring auspicious dishes while traditional lion dances bring blessings and festive cheer to this iconic venue. And there’s so much more to explore! From bespoke qipao fittings and cultural salons to themed afternoon teas and photography tours inspired by Eileen Chang, The Repulse Bay’s “In the Mood for Qipao” program offers a stylish and immersive way to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
The Repulse Bay, 109 Repulse Bay Rd, Repulse Bay, Hong Kong, +852 2292 2888, info@therepulsebay.com, https://www.therepulsebay.com/en/eileen-chang-the-repulse-bay-exhibition
Kick off the Year of the Horse in style at Ocean Park’s Lunar Fiesta 2026, happening from February 17 to March 22! Don’t miss the Luck of Lions Dance Performance and Roaring Dragon Dance Performance, with the opening day featuring a stunning spectacle of eight lions and a majestic dragon on the lagoon platform. Keep an eye out for surprise appearances by the God of Fortune, spreading blessings of prosperity and joy. There’s plenty more to enjoy, from festive photo opportunities at the Whirl-a-Wish Panda Garden to themed dining experiences and charming souvenirs. Wrap up your visit with Ocean Park’s dazzling float at the 2026 Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade—a perfect way to celebrate the Lunar New Year!
Ocean Park, 180 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Aberdeen, Hong Kong, +852 39232323, https://www.oceanpark.com.hk/en/press-release/ocean-park-lunar-fiesta-2026-kick-year-of-horse-in-style-with-an-opening-performance
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