Hong Kong is set to host the highly anticipated Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade 2026 as its signature Lunar New Year celebration makes a vibrant return to the streets of Tsim Sha Tsui. Organized by the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB), the spectacle will unfold on Tuesday, February 17, marking the first day of the Year of the Horse. Under the theme “Best Fortune World Party,” the event promises a dynamic display of elaborately designed floats and diverse international performing groups, commencing at 9:00 PM along a secured route stretching from the Hong Kong Cultural Centre.
Parade Revitalizes Tsim Sha Tsui Festivities
The annual night parade is considered the pinnacle of the city’s holiday celebrations, attracting thousands of spectators both locally and internationally. The 2026 iteration, celebrating the Year of the Horse, aligns perfectly with the event’s historic association with grand, auspicious energy.
The official procession time is scheduled from 9:00 PM to 9:45 PM. However, the excitement will begin much earlier, with vibrant pre-parade street performances starting at 6:00 PM throughout the Tsim Sha Tsui route. These preliminary acts—which include traditional lion and dragon dances, magic shows, and acrobatic rope skipping—are designed to entertain crowds gathering to secure prime, complimentary viewing spots. Due to the scale of the event, significant road closures will be implemented in Tsim Sha Tsui before and after the parade, making the MTR (Tsim Sha Tsui or Tsim Sha Tsui East Stations) and the Star Ferry the recommended transit options.
Showcase of Local Giants and Global Talent
This year’s parade will feature 12 bespoke floats sponsored by major corporations and partner organizations, each vying to capture the spirit of the new year and their own significant milestones.
Key Float Highlights Include:
- Cathay: Celebrating its 80th anniversary with an aircraft-themed float.
- The Hong Kong Jockey Club: Tapping into the Year of the Horse zodiac with an installation focusing on equine symbolism and good fortune.
- Hong Kong Disneyland Resort: Commemorating its 20th anniversary with a festive Disney-themed display.
- McDonald’s Hong Kong: Marking its 50th year with a nostalgic train design inspired by its 1980s restaurant aesthetic.
Adding to the local flavor, the Lam Tsuen Wishing Square will present a mobile rendition of its iconic Wishing Tree, alongside a float from the Hong Kong Brand Toy Association featuring popular viral characters like Labubu and Molly.
Equally central to the program is the impressive line-up of global performing artists. Sixteen international and Mainland Chinese troupes will converge in Hong Kong for the parade, with 13 teams making their debut appearance. Spectators can anticipate diverse cultural showcases, including the elaborate masks of the Bacolod City Masskara Festival from the Philippines, the traditional flag performance by Italy’s Bandierai degli Uffizi, the vibrant Sufi-inspired Tannoura Dance Group from Egypt, and the visually arresting mechanical dinosaur choreography by Cromosauro.
Securing Your Viewing Spot
The parade begins at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre and traverses along Canton Road, Haiphong Road, and Nathan Road, concluding near the Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel and Towers. The procession is expected to reach Nathan Road around 9:00 PM.
Spectators have two primary options for observation:
- Free Public Viewing: Early arrival is essential to secure spots along Canton Road, Haiphong Road, and Nathan Road.
- Ticketed Seating: Limited seating is available at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre spectator stands. Tickets, priced between HK$450 and HK$600 depending on location (Area A, B, or C), can be purchased starting Saturday, February 7, at 8:00 AM from the HKTB Visitor Centre at the Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier.
For those unable to attend in person, the entire parade will be broadcast live on the TVB Jade channel from 8:00 PM to 9:45 PM.
Following the main event, the festive spirit continues. Selected floats will be temporarily relocated to various public spaces across Hong Kong—including Ocean Park, Sha Tin Racecourse, and Kai Tak Sports Park—from February 18 until March 3. Additionally, many of the international performing teams will conduct public exhibitions at shopping malls and attractions, including Kai Tak Sports Park, on February 18 and 19, allowing more residents and visitors to experience their unique cultural acts. This extended showcase ensures the celebratory atmosphere of the Lunar New Year extends well beyond the single night of the parade.
