Hong Kong Reimagines New Year's Eve with Tech, Hope, and Air Supply

HONG KONG – December 29, 2025 – As the world prepares to welcome 2026, Hong Kong is making a bold statement by reimagining its signature New Year's Eve celebration. The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) has announced that the traditional Victoria Harbour fireworks will be replaced by a spectacular music and light show in the heart of the city, an event designed to broadcast a message of “New Hopes, New Beginnings” to a global audience.

Moving from the waterfront to the Chater Road Pedestrian Precinct in Central, the celebration will be headlined by the internationally acclaimed soft-rock duo Air Supply, joined by popular local artists Jay Fung and Cloud Wan. This strategic pivot is more than just a change of venue; it represents a calculated effort to reposition Hong Kong as a dynamic, innovative, and welcoming destination on the world stage.

A Strategic Push for Global Tourism

This revamped countdown is a cornerstone of the HKTB’s broader strategy to reinvigorate the city's tourism sector. After a period of recovery, Hong Kong's visitor numbers are showing robust growth. The city welcomed 44.5 million international visitors in 2024, and the first 11 months of 2025 have already surpassed that figure with approximately 45 million arrivals. While Mainland China remains the largest source market, a significant 44.4% surge in non-Mainland visitors in 2024, with continued growth in 2025, signals a successful diversification of its tourism base. Key markets from South and Southeast Asia, such as the Philippines, along with Taiwan and the USA, are becoming increasingly vital.

The New Year's Eve event is engineered to capitalize on this momentum. By featuring a globally recognized act like Air Supply, the HKTB aims to capture international media attention and attract tourists seeking a unique holiday experience. The theme of “New Hopes, New Beginnings” is a deliberate message of optimism, intended to resonate with both residents and prospective visitors, projecting an image of a city that is forward-looking and full of energy.

This initiative aligns with a key HKTB priority: leveraging major cultural events to enhance Hong Kong’s global image. As the Asia-Pacific tourism market is projected to grow, with travelers increasingly seeking authentic cultural experiences, Hong Kong’s new celebration format is a direct appeal to this evolving demographic. It is a multi-million-dollar marketing campaign wrapped in a public celebration, designed to drive hotel bookings, retail spending, and economic activity across the board.

A Tech-Infused Spectacle Reimagines Tradition

In place of the familiar pyrotechnics over the harbour, the city will unveil a high-tech, immersive experience. Eight iconic landmarks in Central will be transformed into giant, synchronized countdown clocks, bathed in a choreographed light show. This “bold rethink,” as it's being described, shifts the focus from a single explosive moment to an ambient, multi-sensory spectacle that envelops the city's core.

This technological sophistication extends to the event's accessibility. Recognizing that the global audience for New Year’s celebrations is immense, the HKTB is ensuring worldwide reach. The entire event will be broadcast live on the HKTB’s official website and social media channels. A dedicated satellite feed will also be available for international media outlets, ensuring that images of Hong Kong's vibrant celebration are seen in homes from London to Los Angeles. For those in the city but not in the immediate vicinity, dedicated live broadcast zones with large LED screens will be set up in Chater Garden and Edinburgh Place.

This approach mirrors a global trend where cities like Dubai use synchronized drone shows and laser displays to complement their fireworks. By moving in this direction, Hong Kong is not just modernizing its celebration but also creating a more sustainable and digitally shareable event. The light show offers endless possibilities for creative expression and is less susceptible to weather disruptions, presenting a new template for future urban festivities.

Uniting Cultures with a Universal Message

At the heart of the event is a carefully curated lineup designed to bridge cultures and generations. Air Supply, celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2025, brings a powerful dose of nostalgia and a catalogue of timeless hits that have a devoted global following. Their continued touring success demonstrates their cross-generational appeal, making them a powerful draw for an international audience.

Pairing them with Cantopop stars Jay Fung and Cloud Wan is a strategic move to ground the event in local culture. These “renowned local artists” ensure that the celebration resonates deeply with Hong Kong residents, creating a shared experience for everyone present. The inclusion of a children's choir and the Hong Kong Police Band further emphasizes a sense of community and collective participation. This blend of international rock legends and local heroes embodies the city's identity as a place where East meets West.

The event’s theme aims to tap into the universal sentiment of renewal that accompanies the new year. It’s an invitation for a collective moment of reflection and optimism, fostering a sense of unity in a city that has navigated significant changes. By creating an atmosphere of shared joy, the HKTB hopes the event will leave a lasting positive impression that transcends the night itself.

Navigating a Competitive Global Stage

Hong Kong's decision to innovate comes as competition among global cities for New Year's Eve tourism intensifies. Sydney continues to set the standard with its breathtaking fireworks over the Harbour Bridge, while Dubai is known for its over-the-top extravagance at the Burj Khalifa, and New York’s Times Square Ball Drop remains an iconic pilgrimage for millions.

The cancellation of the Victoria Harbour fireworks has not been without local debate. Some in the retail sector have voiced concerns that the absence of the iconic pyrotechnics could dampen the festive atmosphere and impact sales. However, the HKTB is positioning the new format not as a downgrade, but as a sophisticated evolution. Instead of competing on the size of its fireworks, Hong Kong is choosing to compete on the elegance and meaning of its celebration.

By offering a unique blend of live music, immersive technology, and a heartfelt message of hope, Hong Kong is carving out a distinct niche for itself. It is a wager that today's travelers are looking for more than just a momentary spectacle; they are seeking memorable experiences. As the lights dance across the Central skyline on December 31st, Hong Kong will not just be counting down to 2026—it will be broadcasting its vision for the future.