The Lantern Festival, also known as Yuanxiao Festival (元宵節), falls on the 15th day of the first lunar month in 2026, bringing Chinese New Year celebrations to a close. In Hong Kong, people go out at night for lantern displays and riddles, then gather with family to enjoy Yuanxiao (元宵) – sweet glutinous rice balls. The festival symbolizes reunion, peace and good fortune for the year ahead.
This year in Hong Kong, the Lantern Festival is marked by the annual Chinese New Year Lantern Display (春節彩燈展) at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza. The free show runs from Feb. 12 to March 15, 2026, with lanterns lit nightly from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m, drawing crowds to Tsim Sha Tsui for glowing installations and lantern riddles. Traditionally round, many lanterns are also crafted into the year’s Chinese zodiac animal. Traditionally round, many lanterns are also crafted into the year’s Chinese zodiac animal. The event extends the festive season while showcasing Hong Kong’s traditional crafts.
The lantern display highlights Hong Kong’s Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). It turns traditional lantern-making and paper craft into large-scale installations. Organised by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD), the works feature auspicious motifs such as horses, bats and lions. “This year’s lanterns feel like they include more zodiac elements than before,” said Ms Tang, a Hong Kong resident.
Two veteran paper-craft masters lead the showcase. Mo Cheuk-kei’s “Spirited Horse and ICH Bring you the New Year Blessings” centres on a horse, with bat and lion imagery. Hui Ka-hung’s “Leaping into Spring, Galloping to Success” adds Hong Kong touches, including a cheongsam and a Chinese candy box, alongside symbols of wealth and prosperity.
Beyond the lanterns, the festival is also about food and family. People gather to eat yuanxiao, sweet glutinous rice balls. “My strongest Lantern Festival memory is eating yuanxiao with my family,” said Ms Liu, a tourist from Shanghai. Common fillings include sesame, red bean and peanut. Their round shape is a symbol of togetherness.
From lanterns to yuanxiao, Hong Kong ends the Chinese New Year season with a night out, and carries the spirit on reunion for the year ahead.