Hong Kong officially kicks off its highly anticipated Lunar New Year countdown with the launch of 14 expansive flower markets and festive fairs operating across the territory from February 11 to February 17, 2026. These vibrant, week-long bazaars, managed by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD), transform parks and playgrounds into central hubs for sourcing traditional auspicious plants, decorations, and seasonal treats, marking the essential preparation period before the arrival of the Year of the Horse. The markets offer residents and visitors alike an intensive dose of pre-festive culture, combining commerce with community spirit across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, and the New Territories.
Victoria Park Dominates Festive Offerings
As is tradition, the largest concentration of vendors and visitors will converge upon Victoria Park in Causeway Bay. This year, the flagship market boasts 400 stalls, offering an encyclopedic range of New Year’s essentials, from potted tangerine trees symbolizing wealth to delicate seasonal blooms like orchids and peach blossoms, alongside toys, handicrafts, and numerous festive gadgets.
A significant new addition to the Victoria Park experience is the heightened focus on culinary excellence. Beyond customary Lunar New Year snacks, the park features specialized food collaborations, highlighted by the “Red Hot Chef” stall. This initiative, supported by HSBC, brings star Korean chef Anh Sung-jae to curate a selection of over 20 festive delicacies contributed by several of Hong Kong’s most beloved local restaurants, elevating the food court experience for market-goers.
Market hours are structured to accommodate the late-night rush, particularly in the lead-up to Chinese New Year’s Eve. While initial days (Feb 11–12) run until midnight, the markets extend to 1 am between Feb 13 and 15. Critically, to facilitate final purchases, most large markets, including Victoria Park, will remain open continuously from 8 am on February 16 until 7 am the following morning.
Navigating Crowd Levels and Regional Alternatives
With 14 locations dispersed across all major districts, residents have ample alternatives to the intense crowds often seen at Victoria Park. The FEHD has established a real-time crowding status page to assist shoppers in avoiding peak congestion. This online resource updates every five minutes, allowing the public to gauge current attendance levels at their intended destination—a useful tool for planning visits during less busy hours.
In Kowloon, Fa Hui Park in Mong Kok serves as a key regional counterpart, attracting a slightly more local demographic. Although smaller with 129 stalls, it maintains the traditional mix of flowers, plants, and street food. Other notable Kowloon markets include Kowloon Recreation Ground (89 stalls) and To Kwa Wan Recreation Ground (37 stalls).
The New Territories also offer numerous large-scale options:
- Tung Tau Industrial Area Playground, Yuen Long (158 stalls)
- Sha Tsui Road Playground, Tsuen Wan (126 stalls)
- Yuen Wo Playground, Sha Tin (75 stalls)
Even remote areas like Tung Chung will host the preparations, with Tat Tung Road Garden accommodating 23 stalls until dawn on New Year’s Day.
An Essential Cultural Tradition
The annual flower markets remain a bedrock of Hong Kong’s cultural identity, serving as the primary commercial and social engine for pre-festive excitement. The tradition emphasizes acquiring plants that symbolize good fortune, prosperity, and longevity—essential components of home preparation for the new lunar cycle.
The continuation of these large-scale fairs underscores the city’s commitment to preserving cultural rituals while ensuring public safety and accessibility. With diverse options available throughout the city, visitors are encouraged to participate in this quintessential tradition, soak in the distinctive festive atmosphere, and secure the necessary elements to ensure a prosperous beginning to the Year of the Horse.
