Hong Kong Reimagines New Year with Music, Light, and Hope for 2026

HONG KONG – December 29, 2025

As the world prepares to welcome 2026, Hong Kong is set to redefine its iconic New Year's Eve celebration. In a significant departure from tradition, the city will trade its world-famous Victoria Harbour fireworks for an innovative fusion of live music and immersive light at the heart of its Central district. The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has announced a brand-new countdown event at the Chater Road Pedestrian Precinct, themed “New Hopes, New Beginnings,” designed to broadcast a message of positivity and resilience to a global audience.

The shift in format comes during a year of strong tourism recovery for the city, but also carries a poignant, bittersweet undertone. Following a tragic fire in November that led to the cancellation of the traditional fireworks display, the city has pivoted to a celebration that emphasizes community, artistic expression, and a collective look toward a brighter future.

A New Spectacle for a New Era

This New Year's Eve, the focus shifts from the harbour to the streets of Central, which will transform into a vibrant stage for a multi-sensory experience. From 11:30 pm, the Chater Road Pedestrian Precinct will pulse with energy, hosting a lineup that bridges international stardom with local talent.

Headlining the night is the legendary soft-rock duo Air Supply. The performance is a milestone for the Australian group, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a world tour. Their timeless classics are expected to resonate with a diverse, multi-generational audience gathered to ring in the new year. They will be joined by two of Hong Kong’s most dynamic contemporary artists: Jay Fung, the Hong Kong-Canadian singer-songwriter known for his blend of Cantopop and Western styles, and Cloud Wan, a rising star celebrated for her emotive voice since her breakout on the talent show King Maker III. The program will be rounded out by performances from a children’s choir and the Hong Kong Police Band, creating a truly inclusive atmosphere.

Instead of pyrotechnics, the city’s famous skyline will become the canvas. The walls of eight iconic buildings in Central, including the HSBC Headquarters and the Court of Final Appeal, will participate in an Immersive Light Show. As midnight approaches, these architectural landmarks will display a giant synchronized countdown clock, building anticipation before erupting into a three-minute light performance choreographed to the theme of “New Hopes, New Beginnings.” This technological spectacle aims to offer a new kind of visual wonder, sending blessings to the crowds on-site and viewers around the world.

A Global Invitation Amidst Tourism Rebound

The reimagined countdown is a cornerstone of Hong Kong's strategy to reaffirm its status as a premier global destination. The city has witnessed a remarkable tourism rebound in 2025, welcoming an estimated 50 million visitors and achieving the second-highest ranking for international arrivals in the Euromonitor International Top 100 City Destinations Index. The festive season has seen hotel occupancy rates soar to around 90 percent, with room rates climbing 10 to 15 percent, signaling strong visitor confidence.

To capitalize on this momentum, the HKTB is ensuring the celebration reaches far beyond the city's borders. The entire event, from the musical performances to the midnight light show, will be broadcast live on the Discover Hong Kong website and its official YouTube and Facebook channels. Furthermore, a dedicated satellite feed will make the spectacle available to broadcasters across the Americas and globally, allowing millions to partake in Hong Kong's unique welcome to 2026.

This centralized event is complemented by a host of other festivities across the territory. HKTB’s one-stop website guides visitors to various countdown activities, including a special concert in the West Kowloon Cultural District and the “New Year’s Eve Countdown Party Moment” at Hong Kong Disneyland. This city-wide approach ensures that both locals and the influx of international visitors can find a celebration that suits their taste, further boosting the festive economy.

The Power of Partnership and Place

The transformation of Central into a festive hub is the result of a significant partnership between the HKTB and Hongkong Land, a key supporter of the "Winter Wonderland in Central" event. This collaboration has turned the business district into a sprawling holiday attraction throughout the season, seamlessly integrating with the New Year's Eve climax.

Since mid-November, Statue Square Garden has been home to a Christmas Town, complete with a towering 20-meter Christmas tree and a bustling market. Chater Road itself has been reimagined as a "Starlight Boulevard," with cascading lights creating a magical corridor for pedestrians. The partnership revives a historical legacy, as Chater Road was the site of the city's first major festive lighting display back in 1965, bringing a sense of nostalgia and continuity to the modern celebration.

Hongkong Land's involvement extends to the light show, with its landmark properties serving as key canvases for the projections. This public-private synergy demonstrates a unified commitment to revitalizing the urban core and creating world-class experiences that draw people into the heart of the city, reinforcing the district's role as a cultural and social center, not just a financial one.

'New Hopes, New Beginnings': A City's Message

More than just a party, the 2026 countdown is imbued with deep symbolic meaning. The theme, “New Hopes, New Beginnings,” is not merely a festive slogan but a deliberate message from a city that has navigated profound challenges. By choosing to focus on light, music, and shared human experience, Hong Kong is projecting an image of resilience and forward-looking optimism.

The absence of the familiar fireworks, while a consequence of recent tragedy, has opened the door for innovation and a more intimate, grounded form of celebration. The event’s focus on a pedestrianized zone encourages people to gather and connect, while the blend of international and local performers speaks to Hong Kong’s identity as a place where cultures meet. The light show, painting new images on old facades, symbolizes a city ready to write its next chapter.

As the final seconds of 2025 are projected onto the skyscrapers of Central and the first notes of the New Year ring out, the celebration will be a testament to Hong Kong's enduring spirit. It represents a collective moment to reflect, to remember, and to embrace the promise of a new year with hope and unity.