
Planning a trip around Hong Kong’s public holidays can make your travel smoother and more enjoyable. Public holidays often mean busier crowds, higher ticket prices, and the closure of some attractions and restaurants.
Still, these days also bring out Hong Kong’s best side as the city will be full of colorful festivals, rich traditions, and local celebrations. Knowing when these holidays fall helps you plan ahead, avoid surprises, and even join in the festive spirit.
Hong Kong Public Holidays 2026 Overview🎉

Date | Holiday | Days Off | What It’s About | Travel Tip |
Jan 1 (Thu) | New Year’s Day 🎆 | 1 day | Welcoming the start of a new year | Busy shopping areas and Victoria Harbour spots |
Feb 17–19 | Lunar New Year 🧧 | 3 days | Biggest traditional celebration with family visits and lion dances | Many shops close, transport gets packed |
Apr 3 (Fri) | Ching Ming Festival 🪦 | 1 day | Families visit ancestors’ graves | Cemeteries and nearby roads crowded |
Apr 17–18 | Good Friday ✝️ | 2 days | Christian holiday with church services | Quiet atmosphere, some businesses closed |
Apr 20 (Mon) | Easter Monday 🐣 | 1 day | Day after Easter Sunday | Families go for picnics and day trips |
May 1 (Fri) | Labour Day 🛠️ | 1 day | Celebration of workers | Possible parades and public events |
May 6 (Wed) | Buddha’s Birthday 🪷 | 1 day | Honours the birth of Buddha | Temples busy with offerings and lanterns |
Jun 20 (Sat) | Dragon Boat Festival 🐉 | 1 day | Boat races and eating rice dumplings | Crowded harbors and waterfronts |
Jul 1 (Wed) | HKSAR Establishment Day 🇭🇰 | 1 day | Commemorates Hong Kong’s return to China | Ceremonies and public gatherings |
Oct 1 (Thu) | National Day 🇨🇳 | 1 day | Celebrates China’s national day | Fireworks over Victoria Harbour |
Oct 6 (Tue) | Day After Mid-Autumn Festival 🌕 | 1 day | Rest day following lantern celebrations | Public transport may be busy |
Oct 28 (Wed) | Chung Yeung Festival 🏞️ | 1 day | Families hike and visit ancestors’ graves | Crowded hiking trails and parks |
Dec 25 (Fri) | Christmas Day 🎄 | 1 day | Festive celebrations and decorations everywhere | Malls and attractions packed |
Dec 26 (Sat) | Boxing Day 🎁 | 1 day | Holiday shopping and relaxation | Great time for sales and festive markets |
Hong Kong Public Holidays 2026 Calendar🗓️

Make the most of your 2026 with this Hong Kong Public Holiday calendar. It’s your quick guide to every key holiday, helping you plan long weekends, short getaways, or relaxing staycations with ease. With a little preparation, you can enjoy the best of Hong Kong’s festivals, culture, and city life, all at your own pace. ✨

Travelling in Hong Kong During Public Holidays✈️

Hong Kong is full of energy all year round but public holidays bring extra excitement and extra crowds. With a little planning, you can still enjoy the city’s festive charm and avoid the usual travel stress. Here’s what to expect during major holidays in 2026:
✅ High Transport Demand
Flights, trains, and ferries get booked out quickly, especially during Lunar New Year and the Dragon Boat Festival. Local transport such as MTR, buses, and taxis can be packed too. Ride-hailing fares may rise during peak hours, so plan your travel early or take advantage of Hong Kong’s reliable public transport system.
✅ Rising Accommodation Costs
Hotel prices go up during long weekends and festival periods. Popular areas like Tsim Sha Tsui, Central, and Mong Kok can sell out fast, especially during Christmas or Golden Week. For lower prices, stay in quieter districts like Sham Shui Po or near the New Territories so you have easy access to the MTR.
✅ Closures and Limited Services
Many government offices, banks, and some shops close on major holidays such as Lunar New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival, and Christmas. Some attractions may shorten their hours, so it’s best to double-check before visiting. Smaller restaurants, especially family-run ones, might take a few days off during Lunar New Year.
✅ Crowded Tourist Spots
Popular places like Victoria Peak, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Wong Tai Sin Temple become busier during holidays. Festivals bring colorful parades, fireworks, and lively events, but also heavy crowds. For a calmer experience, visit early in the morning or explore lesser-known gems like Cheung Chau or Lamma Island.
💡 Smart Travel Tips
- Book your flights and hotels early, especially for big holidays like Lunar New Year and Golden Week.
- Use flexible travel dates to find better deals and skip the busiest days.
- Try traveling on the holiday morning itself when crowds are thinner.
- Check attraction hours and closures in advance to avoid surprises.
- Visit peaceful islands or parks if you need a break from the festive buzz.
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🎆 Major Holidays and Cultural Highlights in Hong Kong

🧧 Lunar New Year (February)
The biggest and most colorful holiday in Hong Kong. Streets fill with red lanterns, flower markets, and lion dances. Families gather for reunion dinners and temple visits to pray for luck. Fireworks and parades light up the city.
🐉 Dragon Boat Festival (June)
A lively festival where long dragon boats race across the water to the beat of drums. The smell of sticky rice dumplings, called zongzi, fills the air. The energy and noise around the harbors make this a thrilling sight.
🌕 Mid-Autumn Festival (September/October)
Families gather to admire the bright full moon and enjoy sweet mooncakes. Lanterns light up parks, streets, and waterfronts, creating a warm and festive glow.
🕌 Cheung Chau Bun Festival (May)
Held on the small island of Cheung Chau, this festival is one of a kind. Locals build tall towers covered in buns and race to grab them at midnight. Parades, drumming, and street snacks make it an unforgettable experience.
🎄 Christmas (December)
Hong Kong transforms into a sparkling city filled with Christmas trees, light shows, and festive music. Shopping malls, hotels, and restaurants all join in with decorations and special menus.
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Closures & Disruptions to Expect During Holidays in Hong Kong 🚗

🚆 Transport Demand
During major holidays like Lunar New Year and Dragon Boat Festival, flights and train tickets sell out quickly. Last minute bookings can be hard to find, and prices rise fast. Ride-hailing apps such as Uber and local taxis are often in high demand, which means longer waits and higher fares. Public transport like the MTR and buses also get crowded, especially around Central, Tsim Sha Tsui, and popular attractions. Plan early, travel light, and avoid peak hours whenever possible.
🏨 Accommodation Prices
Hotels in busy areas such as Central, Tsim Sha Tsui, and near Victoria Harbour can see big price jumps during long weekends and festival periods. Rooms in popular spots like Cheung Chau during the Bun Festival are often sold out weeks in advance. To save money, look for stays in less touristy districts such as Sham Shui Po or Quarry Bay, but check the MTR routes to ensure easy access to the city’s main areas. Booking early is the best way to secure both comfort and good rates.
⛔ Closures and Reduced Services
Many government offices, banks, and smaller shops close on major public holidays such as Mid-Autumn Festival, Lunar New Year, and Christmas. Tourist attractions may shorten their opening hours or pause operations for a day. In local neighborhoods, smaller eateries and family-run stores often take a short break for festive celebrations. Always check official websites or Google Maps updates before visiting.
👥 Tourism Surges
Popular attractions like Victoria Peak, Hong Kong Disneyland, and Wong Tai Sin Temple are busier than usual during public holidays. Festivals bring in parades, lion dances, and fireworks that attract large crowds. For a smoother experience, visit early in the day or explore on weekdays between holidays. If you prefer a quiet day, head to places like Tai O, Lamma Island, or Sai Kung to enjoy a slower pace and local charm.
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🗓️ Travel Smart Around Public Holidays in Hong Kong

✈️ Book flights, trains, and hotels at least four to six weeks ahead to secure better prices and avoid full bookings.
🕒 Try to travel early in the morning, late in the evening, or on the holiday itself to skip the peak rush.
📲 Use local apps like MTR Mobile or Citymapper for transport updates and the fastest routes.
🏨 Stay near major attractions to save travel time, especially during crowded festival days.
🌿 Visit quieter spots like Sai Kung, Lamma Island, or Tai O for a more relaxing experience.
🗓️ Keep your plans flexible. Changing your trip by a day or two can make travel cheaper and easier.
🌆Plan Your Trip To Hong Kong!

Traveling during Hong Kong’s public holidays is one of the best ways to see the city’s traditions and celebrations up close. Streets fill with colors, music, and festive energy, from the glowing lanterns of Mid-Autumn Festival to the drumbeats of the Dragon Boat races. Just remember, crowds are part of the fun but planning ahead with Trip.com helps you enjoy it all without stress.
FAQs about Hong Kong Guide
Are restaurants and cafes open during Hong Kong’s public holidays?
Yes, most restaurants, cafes, and chain stores stay open, especially in busy areas like Central, Causeway Bay, and Tsim Sha Tsui.Can I use public transport passes like the Octopus Card during holidays?
Absolutely. The Octopus Card works as normal for the MTR, buses, trams, and ferries even on public holidays. Top-up machines and convenience stores like 7-Eleven remain open.Are tourist attractions more expensive during public holidays?
Most attraction prices stay the same, but ticket availability can be limited due to heavy demand.Is it easy to find taxis or ride-hailing services during holidays?
Taxis are available but can be harder to catch during big events or fireworks nights. Apps like HKTaxi and Uber help, but expect longer wait times and higher fares during peak hours.



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