Written by Holly Booth
Since 1983, the Tsim Sha Tsui East Festive Illuminations have lit up Victoria Harbour. This is one of Hong Kong’s most dazzling seasonal spectacles.
What happens?
This event is all about lights and classic harbourfront magic.
Organised annually by the Tsim Sha Tsui East Property Developers Association, the event has become a world‑class nighttime attraction. It provides a stunning backdrop for holiday celebrations.
Highlights
For 2025-2026, the three footbridges along Mody Road have been adorned with festive decorations themed around a giant Ferris wheel and a conveyor belt of gifts. At the same time, a large‑scale light installation will debut, featuing countless shimmering lights that form a radiant dome.
As the celebrations continue, the display will shift into Chinese New Year mode with 2026 bringing striking depictions of lanterns and horses.
The season also features the Chinese New Year Night Parade, which kicks off the festivities with a procession of floats, dragons, and international performance troupes along the harbourfront.
Schedule
- Christmas lights: December 13, 2025 to January 1, 2026
- Chinese New Year lights: February 2, 2026 to March 3, 2026
- Regular hours: 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Extended hours: On Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, 1st day of New Year, Chinese New Year’s Eve, and 1st day of Chinese New Year.
- Chinese New Year Night Parade 17 February, 2026. 6 p.m. to 9.45 p.m.
How to get there
The main displays are located along East Tsim Sha Tsui (TST), overlooking Victoria Harbour. The lights can also be enjoyed from the Central harbourfront or take the Star Ferry over to TST to enjoy them that way.
Pro tip: Find out what else there is to do around TST after you’ve had your fill of the lights.
