Timeline
February 14, 2026 — February 19, 2026
World
Timeline: How Hong Kong Celebrated the Year of the Horse Over Lunar New Year 2026
This timeline tracks Hong Kong's Lunar New Year celebrations for 2026's Year of the Horse from February 14-19. The story chronicles the massive travel surge, festive events, visitor influx, and economic impact as the city balanced outbound tourism by residents with inbound mainland Chinese visitors. A timeline helps visualize the progression from pre-holiday preparations through the peak celebration days.
10 events · 5 days · 30 source articles
Sat, Feb 14, 2026
Major
Hongkongers Begin Mass Exodus for 9-Day Lunar New Year Break
On Valentine's Day and the eve of the Lunar New Year period, Hong Kong International Airport and cross-border stations filled with residents departing for holidays across Asia. Many took advantage of a nine-day break combining weekends with public holidays. Long queues formed at check-in counters as the Year of the Horse preparations began.
Sun, Feb 15, 2026
Major
Hong Kong Reports Strong Tourism Growth, Expects 1.43 Million Mainland Visitors
Financial Secretary Paul Chan announced Hong Kong had welcomed 7.23 million visitors in early 2026, up 9.6% year-over-year. Officials projected 1.43 million mainland Chinese visitors during the holiday, a 6% increase from 2025. The mainland holiday period officially began, running from February 15-23, while Hong Kong's local holiday would span February 17-19.
Mon, Feb 16, 2026
Moderate
Travel Data Shows 1.4 Million Outbound Trips in Three Days Before Holiday
Immigration Department data revealed Hongkongers made nearly 1.4 million outbound trips from February 13-15, a 21.6% increase from the previous year. Inbound journeys rose 5% to over 550,000. Chief Executive John Lee released a Lunar New Year message urging Hong Kong to 'move with agility and steadiness' like the horse zodiac symbol.
Tue, Feb 17, 2026
Major
Year of the Horse Officially Begins with Global Celebrations
The Lunar New Year officially arrived as hundreds of millions across Asia and around the world celebrated the Year of the Fire Horse. China expected record 9.5 billion passenger trips during the 40-day Spring Festival period. Festivities included prayers, fireworks, temple visits, and cultural performances from Beijing to Moscow to Buenos Aires. Feng shui masters warned of excessive 'fire energy' requiring caution.
Tue, Feb 17, 2026
Major
Visitor Surge Hits Hong Kong on First Day of Lunar New Year
Over 1.7 million Hongkongers had made outbound trips from February 13-16, while 663,139 visitors arrived, with more than 530,000 from mainland China—a 7.1% increase from 2025. On Lunar New Year's Eve alone, the city welcomed 111,757 visitors. Crowds filled the airport and cross-border terminals, with many citing Hong Kong's festive atmosphere, food, and mild weather as reasons for visiting.
Tue, Feb 17, 2026
Moderate
Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade Draws Packed Crowds
Tens of thousands packed Tsim Sha Tsui streets for Hong Kong's annual Lunar New Year night parade, which began at 8pm. The procession featured 12 floats and performers from over 60 countries, including Cathay Pacific aircraft displays and Hong Kong Jockey Club horse floats. Many spectators arrived hours early to secure prime viewing spots along Canton Road and Nathan Road.
Wed, Feb 18, 2026
Moderate
Second Day Shows 10% Increase in Visitor Arrivals
Immigration data showed 153,383 visitors arrived on the first official day of Lunar New Year (Tuesday), a 10.4% increase from the previous year. Over 120,000 came from mainland China. Total inbound trips over the first two days reached 265,140, marking a 7.8% rise. Crowds continued flocking to hiking trails and border checkpoints.
Wed, Feb 18, 2026
Major
HK$19 Million Fireworks Display Lights Up Victoria Harbour
Tens of thousands gathered on both sides of Victoria Harbour for a 23-minute fireworks spectacular sponsored by the Hong Kong Jockey Club. The display, themed 'Prosperity Gallops Across Hong Kong,' featured 31,888 pyrotechnic shells stretching 850 meters across the harbour. Chief Executive John Lee addressed crowds about the spirit of 'thousands of horses galloping forward.' Some mainland visitors indicated they would leave immediately after the show.
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
Major
Hotels and Restaurants Report Robust Business Despite Outbound Travel Surge
Hong Kong's tourism sector reported brisk trade during the holiday, with hotels and tourist-area restaurants seeing strong performance. However, data from February 13-18 revealed 2.5 million outbound trips by residents versus 1 million incoming tourist arrivals, representing an 11% increase in outbound travel and highlighting the city's increasingly visitor-driven festival economy. Industry leaders attributed some mainland tourist growth to worsening China-Japan relations.
Thu, Feb 19, 2026
Moderate
Third Day Sees Continued Crowds Despite Net Outflow of Residents
Popular destinations including The Peak, Che Kung Temple, and Sai Kung's High Island Reservoir saw crowds building from 10am onward on the third day of celebrations. Wait times at major attractions like Ngong Ping 360, The Peak Tram, and the Central Observation Wheel exceeded one hour by mid-afternoon. Around 500 Guangdong motorists participated in the southbound vehicle travel scheme, driving into Hong Kong for sightseeing and shopping.
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