A Guide to Cultural Festivals in Hong Kong in 2025

Hong Kong is a city recognised for its dynamic cultural variety, a place where tradition and modernity coexist together. Throughout the year, the city holds a number of events that reflect its rich heritage and multicultural influences. These activities are not only a delight for tourists but also allow families the chance to experience Hong Kong’s vibrant culture together. 

As a school that fosters cultural awareness, we urge our pupils and their families to immerse themselves in these local customs. Here, we give a guide to some of the most anticipated cultural events in Hong Kong for 2025, along with ideas on how families may join and make the most of these festivities.

Chinese New Year (29 January 2025) 

Arguably the most significant event in Hong Kong, Chinese New Year is a stunning celebration packed with colour, tradition, and pleasure. The year 2025 commemorates the Year of the Snake, and the city will come alive with lion dances, parades, and fireworks. 

What to Expect: Families may enjoy spectacular displays of red lanterns, traditional performances, and flower marketplaces. The fireworks show over Victoria Harbour is a must-see attraction. Family Tips: Dress in red, a colour considered to bring good luck, and prepare lai see (red envelopes) to exchange at parties. Visiting the flower markets in Victoria Park is also a fantastic opportunity to spend time with youngsters while learning about local customs.

Spring Lantern Festival (12 February 2025)

Often considered the Chinese counterpart of Valentine’s Day, the Spring Lantern Festival marks the conclusion of the New Year festivities. It is a visual feast, with lantern displays lighting parks and public areas. 

What to Expect: The celebration displays beautiful lanterns portraying animals, flowers, and themes from mythology. Traditional sweet glutinous rice balls, tang yuan, are a culinary highlight. 

Family Tips: Visit Victoria Park or the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza for some of the most amazing lantern displays. Encourage children to study the tales behind the lantern designs, improving their cultural knowledge. 

Ching Ming Festival (4 April 2025) 

Known as Tomb-Sweeping Day, the Ching Ming Festival is a time for families to commemorate their ancestors by visiting gravesites and presenting offerings. This introspective custom presents a good chance to explore the value of family and history with children.

What to Expect: Families clean ancestral graves, burn joss paper, and bring gifts of food and flowers. It’s a modest event but extremely important. 

Family Tips: For expatriate families, this holiday gives an opportunity to observe and respect local customs. While participation may not be compulsory, visiting cultural locations during this season may help children realise the value of family bonds in Chinese culture. 

Cheung Chau Bun Festival (3-6 May 2025) 

This quirky and lively event takes place on Cheung Chau Island and is one of Hong Kong’s most unusual events. It blends Taoist ceremonies with bright parades and a world-famous bun-scrambling competition. 

What to Expect: Towering bamboo constructions wrapped in steamed buns are the focus of this event. The Piu Sik Parade comprises children attired as deities and historical characters hoisted on poles, resulting in a fascinating floating effect. 

Family Tips: Arrive early to ensure a decent viewing area, since the island gets rather busy. Sampling the carefully baked buns is a delightful experience for children.

Tuen Ng Festival (Dragon Boat Festival, 31 May 2025) 

The Tuen Ng Festival is an energetic event with dragon boat racing and the traditional dish, zongzi (sticky rice dumplings). It honours the life and death of Qu Yuan, an ancient Chinese poet and patriot. 

What to Expect: Dragon boat races take place in several locales, with Stanley and Victoria Harbour being the most popular sites. The races are dynamic and thrilling, bringing crowds from around the city. 

Family Tips: Consider viewing the races from a less congested area if visiting with small children. Participating in a zongzi-making session is an excellent opportunity for families to participate with the festival’s customs. 

Mid-Autumn Festival (6 October 2025) 

One of the most beautiful events in Hong Kong, the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrates the harvest moon with lantern displays, mooncakes, and family reunions. 

What to Expect: Highlights include moon-viewing, burning colourful lanterns, and eating mooncakes. The Tai Hang Fire Dragon Dance is another engaging custom, featuring a 67-metre-long dragon coated in flaming incense sticks. Family Tips: Visit parks like Victoria Park or Kowloon Walled City Park for lantern carnivals. Share tales of the Moon Goddess Chang’e with children to connect them to the tradition underlying the event.

Chung Yeung Festival (29 October 2025) 

Similar to the Ching Ming Festival, Chung Yeung is a time to pay reverence to ancestors. It also commemorates an ancient tradition involving hill climbing to escape misfortune. Many families utilise this chance to walk Hong Kong’s picturesque trails. 

What to Expect: Families typically visit ancestral graves and spend the day hiking or enjoying outdoor sports. 

Family Tips: Explore hikes such as Dragon’s Back or the Peak.  Hiking as a family not only ties into the festival’s customs but also gives an opportunity to explore Hong Kong’s natural beauty. 

Winter Solstice Festival (22 December 2025) 

The Winter Solstice Festival is an opportunity for family gatherings, distinguished by rich dinners and traditional cuisine. It’s regarded as one of the most important occasions in the Chinese calendar. 

What to Expect: Families join together to share a lunch with dumplings, sticky rice balls, and other festive delicacies. The celebration symbolises peace and cooperation. 

Family Tips: Prepare a family meal at home, encouraging children to join in making traditional foods. Use this as a chance to emphasise the significance of togetherness and gratitude.

Embracing Cultural Festivals as a Learning Opportunity 

Cultural festivals are a cornerstone of Hong Kong society, providing families and children precious opportunities to connect with local customs. At Harrow Hong Kong, we encourage families to regard these occasions not only as celebrations but as immersive learning opportunities. 

Practical Advice for Families

Plan Ahead: Many of these events draw large crowds. Arrive early or try coming at off-peak hours for a more enjoyable experience. 

Dress Comfortably: Festivals can involve walking or standing for lengthy periods, so comfortable footwear and weather-appropriate clothing are necessary. 

Engage with the Community: Speaking with locals or taking guided tours may give extra insights into the history and importance of each event. 

Enjoying Hong Kong Festivals 

Hong Kong’s cultural festivals are much more than bright exhibitions; they are windows into the city’s character, reflecting its rich history and lively diversity. For families, these activities provide an unprecedented opportunity to unite, learn, and make precious memories. 

As a school deeply rooted in our community, we believe that learning and embracing local customs enhances the lives of pupils. By interacting with these events, families not only acquire a greater understanding of Hong Kong’s culture but also enhance their connection to this amazing city.