On December 31, 2025, Hong Kong is set to celebrate the arrival of the New Year with a vibrant countdown event at the Chater Road Pedestrian Precinct in Central. This year’s festivities will feature a fresh format that combines live musical performances and stunning immersive light displays. Highlighting the event will be internationally acclaimed duo Air Supply, performing a selection of their classic hits, alongside local talents Jay Fung and Cloud Wan. Additionally, a children’s choir and the Hong Kong Police Band will contribute to the festive atmosphere, building excitement as midnight approaches.
The centerpiece of the countdown will be an Immersive Light Show that will project a giant countdown clock and festive visuals across the façades of eight iconic buildings. This will be capped off with a three-minute light sequence themed “New Hope, New Beginnings,” aimed at spreading goodwill to both attendees and audiences around the globe as the city welcomes 2026.
In a departure from tradition, there will be no New Year’s Eve fireworks this year, following the tragic fire at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, which has cast a shadow over the celebrations. The Hong Kong Tourism Board has confirmed that the countdown will run from 11:30 PM on December 31 to 12:10 AM on January 1, using music and light to foster a sense of positivity and community spirit during this reflective time.
The event will be widely accessible, with live broadcasts available through various platforms, including the HKTB’s website and social media channels, as well as local broadcasters and streaming services. Large outdoor screens in Chater Garden and Edinburgh Place will relay the countdown, and projections at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui will enhance the festive vibes. The glass façade of the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai will also serve as a backdrop for the countdown clock, inviting residents and visitors to join in the celebration.
To accommodate the anticipated crowds, special traffic and transport arrangements will be in place, and the public is encouraged to stay updated through government notices. In addition to the main countdown event, citywide celebrations will be held, including Hong Kong Disneyland’s “New Year Countdown Moment” and the inaugural countdown concert at the West Kowloon Cultural District. Full listings of these activities will be available on the HKTB website, helping residents and tourists alike to plan their evening as Hong Kong steps into the new year with hope and anticipation.