Detailed below is information which visitors may find helpful in relation to events, tourist attractions, public transport, shopping, museums, public libraries, leisure venues and postal services during the Chinese New Year period.


CHINESE NEW YEAR EVENTS

Chinese New Year Celebrations in Hong Kong for the Year of the Dragon run from 17th January to 6th February 2012.

Special events include FLOWER MARKETS in Victoria Park, Causeway Bay and Fa Hui Park, Mongkok which operate from 17th January to 22nd January from noon to midnight each day and until the early hours of Lunar New Year's Day, 23rd January.

On Chinese New Year's Day, 23rd January, the famous CATHAY PACIFIC INTERNATIONAL CHINESE NEW YEAR NIGHT PARADE takes place through the streets of Tsim Sha Tsui, starting at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza at 8pm and passing Star Ferry Pier Bus Terminus then travelling along Canton Road, Haiphong Road, Nathan Road and Salisbury Road before finishing at Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers at 9-30pm. The parade is the seventeenth, and the fourteenth sponsored by Cathay Pacific. The parade features 12 elaborately decorated themed floats, 12 international performing groups and 11 local performing groups. Entertainment includes multicultural international performances include cheerleaders, costumed characters, traditional cultural performances, dances, marching bands & music troupes, local dragon and lion dancers, dance troupes and costumed characters. Prior to the parade, starting from 6-30pm, spectators along the route will be entertained a line-up of performers, including jugglers, dancers, cosplayers and a marching band.



There will be four entertainment zones, Zones 1 & 2 at Hong Kong Cultural Centre Pizza, Zone 3 at Sun Arcade, Canton Road and Zone 4, at the junction of Nathan Road and Middle Road next to Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel & Towers.

Viewing along the parade route is free and paid seating is also available in spectator stands at Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza, Canton Road and Nathan Road. Approximately 3,300 seats are available in the spectator stands. Tickets, priced at HK$350, HK$300, HK$220 and HK$180, are on sale on a first-come, first-served basis (maximum 10 tickets per person)  from Hong Kong Tourism Board Visitor Centre at Star Ferry Pier Concourse, Tsim Sha Tsui from 8am on Saturday 14th January 2012. HKTB Visitor Centre is open from 8am to 8pm daily. UPDATE - TICKETS SOLD OUT 14 JAN 2012

Spectator stands open at 7pm.



Following the parade, the floats will be put on display at various locations until 6th February and on 24th and 25th January there will be performances by international groups in conjunction with the display.




HONG KONG WELL-WISHING FESTIVAL takes place during 23rd January to 6th February at Lam Tsuen near Tai Po in the New Territories. This is the location of the famous Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees where visitors can make a wish and enjoy the festivities. Events include a Year of the Dragon Float Exhibition and International Performances, Food Carnival, Wishing Lanterns Lighting Ceremony. A shuttle bus service from Tai Wo MTR Station to Lam Tsuen Wishing Square on 23rd, 24th, 25th, 28th and 29th January and 5th February. For details of all events see;

http://www.lamtsuen.com/wellwishingposter.jpg

On 24th January at 8pm the spectacular 2012 LUNAR NEW YEAR FIREWORKS DISPLAY takes place at Victoria Harbour between Wan Chai and Tsim Sha Tsui. This year's display is expected to be watched by about 500,000 spectators, during which a total of 39,898 firing shells will be discharged in the display from four barges in a 23-minute extravaganza consisting of eight scenes. Highlights of the fireworks display will include "8"s in red, green and blue with gold willow rings and "Gold Yuanbao" in the first scene, "Arrival of the God of Fortune", while colourful fireworks of smiling faces and chrysanthemums symbolising the energy of the Hong Kong people will be seen in the second scene, "Joy to All". The fourth scene, "The Dragon in Flight", will use movements of fireworks from left to right and from right to left above Victoria Harbour to symbolise dragon movements and also cultural and friendship exchange between the East and the West. The fireworks display will reach its climax in the last scene, "Lung-lung Sound the Firecrackers", with fast and rhythmic firing of shells in gorgeous colours for 50 seconds to wish Hong Kong all the best in the coming year.

Suitable viewing points are Tsim Sha Tsui, Hung Hom Bypass, Central District, Wan Chai, Mid-Levels and Causeway Bay. Spectators can tune to Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) Radio Four (FM 97.6 - 98.9) for synchronised music during the display.



On 25th January, the third day of Chinese New Year racing fans can try and get the new year off to a prosperous start amidst the frenetic atmosphere of CHINESE NEW YEAR RACE DAY at Shatin Racecourse, where an attendance of about 100,000 is expected. Admission is from 10-30am and the first race starts at 12-30pm. Bona-fide tourists can obtain a Tourist Badge for HK$100 allowing entry to the Hong Kong Jockey Club Members' Enclosure. Entertainment includes a spectacular opening variety show in the parade ring with performances by popular local TV stars, a Fortune Tips Forum with a fung shui master and lion and dragon dance performances. A "Fortune Horse pen" will be given free to all spectators on entry to the racecourse. For more details see;

http://special.hkjc.com/promo/en/2012-cny/cny12-oncourse.asp


SYMPHONY OF LIGHTS - On 22nd and 23rd January, the nightly light and sound show "A Symphony of Light" will take place as usual at 8pm. However there will be no background music or narration in the area outside Hong Kong Cultural Centre and Hong Kong Museum of Art in view of rehearsals for the Chinese New Year Night Parade taking place on 22nd January and the parade itself on 23rd January. Background music and narration will continue to be broadcast at the Avenue of Stars and in the area around Golden Bauhinia Square at Wan Chai. On 24th January, "A Symphony of Light" will take place as usual at 8pm whilst the Lunar New Year Fireworks Display, which also commences at 8pm, takes place but there will be no Symphony of Light background music or narration. There will, however, be live background music related to the fireworks display.

HONG KONG DISNEYLAND Chinese New Year celebrations from 13th January until 5th February include;

Rhythm of Life: Dragon Procession three times daily where performers, each holding unique puppets, dance to produce a magnificent tableau that transforms before specatators eyes. Fish, waves and clouds representing the elements of ocean, land and sky, all combine to join in the rhythm of life as the procession makes its way down Main Street U.S.A.

Lucky Trail: At each of the trail's eight scenic spots, visitors can celebrate and take photos with Disney characters, who will each be wishing visitors luck in their own unique way. The final and luckiest spot of all along the trail is at the castle forecourt – the Dragon Lantern centerpiece.

Disney Characters in Chinese New Year Dress: Mickey and Minnie Mouse and friends will be dressed up in brand-new Chinese New Year costumes, and meeting and greeting visitors throughout the Park. Making special appearances during the Year of the Dragon Celebration will be Mushu from Mulan. Visitors who enjoy drawing can visit the Animation Academy to display and hone their talent by learning how to draw Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck in their Chinese New Year costumes. Starting from the first day (23rd January) of the Chinese New Year, visitors will receive Lai See (red packets) containing chocolate gold coins as they arrive at the Park.

For full details see;

http://park.hongkongdisneyland.com/hkdl/html/ChineseNewYear/en_US/index.html#/product

From 17th January to 6th February MADAME TUSSAUD'S HONG KONG will be decorated with gold-laden papercut dragons, peddler drums and Chinese knotting, signifying good fortune and prosperity.

NGONG PING 360 has a "360 Year of the Dragon Pass" promotion from 1st January 2012 until 6th February 2012 which includes unlimited rides in a Standard Cabin until 9th February 2013 and Fast-lane ticket redemption;

http://www.np360.com.hk/html/eng/visitor/promotion_detail.asp?id=101


Other tourist attractions including Peak Tower, Peak Tram, Ocean Park and temples remain open and may operate extended hours. Public parks and gardens remain open. At Wong Tai Sin Temple where large crowds of worshippers are expected a queuing and one-way "tidal flow" system will be implemented for much of the holiday period.


PUBLIC TRANSPORT AND TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS

Public transport generally (MTR, buses, trams, ferries) operates to public holiday timetables, providing a greater frequency of service than on normal weekdays on many routes although as few services are suspended or frequencies reduced. Extensive road closures and traffic diversions take place on 23rd and 24th January 2012, affecting public transport on Hong Kong Island and Kowloon for the Chinese New Year Night Parade and Lunar New Year Fireworks Display. Special traffic and transport arrangements also apply in the vicinity of Mongkok and Victoria Park flower markets, Wong Tai Sin Temple and Che Kung Temple at Sha Tin, and at Lam Tsuen (wishing trees), near Tai Po, where large crowds are expected.

All MTR lines (except Disneyland Resort Line) and certain Light Rail routes will operate overnight on Lunar New Year’s Eve (22nd/23rd January 2012). As Saturdays prior to Chinese New Year (CNY) are usually very busy for shopping and pre-CNY gatherings, services on the Tsuen Wan and Kwun Tong lines are being stepped up on
14th and 21st January at lunch and dinner time. In addition, on Friday 20th January, the afternoon peak service will commence earlier at 3pm on the Tsuen Wan, Kwun Tong,
Island and Tseung Kwan O lines. MTR train service will also be strengthened for the traditional CNY fireworks display on the second night of the Lunar New Year (24th January). Passengers are advised to use Octopus cards when travelling on the MTR during the CNY holidays. Single Journey Ticket users are advised to purchase two tickets at their originating station, keeping one ticket for their return journey to avoid long queues.

Other traffic/transport arrangements;

Lunar New Year Fairs (Victoria Park, Cheung Sha Wan, Fa Hui Park, Kwun Tong, Wong Tai Sin, Tsuen Wan, Yuen Long) - 17th to 23rd January;

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201201/17/P201201170345.htm

Mongkok Flower Market - 18th to 23rd January;

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201201/17/P201201170355.htm

Lam Tsuen - 23rd January to 6th February;

http://www.td.gov.hk/en/traffic_notices/index_id_28653.html

Che Kung Festival, Sha Tin (Che Kung Temple) - 24th & 25th January;

http://www.td.gov.hk/en/traffic_notices/index_id_28619.html


Chinese New Year Night Parade - Kowloon (Tsim Sha Tsui) - 23rd January;

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201201/18/P201201180419.htm


Lunar New Year Fireworks Display - Kowloon (Tsim Sha Tsui) and Hong Kong Island (Central & Wanchai) - 24th January;

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201201/18/P201201180527.htm


Further details of special public transport arrangements for the Lunar New Year period will be published here when announced.



CROSS-BOUNDARY PASSENGER TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS

An estimated 7.27 million passengers will pass through Hong Kong's land, sea and air control points during the Lunar New Year festive period (21st January 2012 to 29th January 2012). An increase of about 8 per cent over the corresponding holiday period last year is expected. As 22nd to 28th January is the Mainland’s Lunar New Year Golden Week holiday period, cross-boundary traffic is expected to be heavy.

About 2.43 million passengers, representing an average of about 270,000 each day, will pass through Lo Wu control point, the busiest control point. For outbound traffic, the busiest day at Lo Wu control point is expected to fall on 21st January, with about 179,000 passengers leaving Hong Kong. Inbound traffic will be heavy on 25th January, with about 195,000 people arriving in Hong Kong.

Passenger traffic at the Shenzhen Bay control point, the Lok Ma Chau control point and the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line control point will also be heavy, with forecast daily averages of 86,000, 95,000 and 101,000 passengers respectively.

To ensure there is sufficient capacity to meet service demand and further improve the quality of the immigration clearance service, the Immigration Department has opened the e-Channel service to more visitors. Eligible Mainland visitors may enroll for the e-Channel service free of charge at Enrollment Offices located at control points with effect from 5th December 2011. With effect from 3rd January 2012, Mainland frequent visitors, foreign frequent visitors and Macao permanent residents who have successfully enrolled can perform self-service immigration clearance at the Lo Wu and Lok Ma Chau Spur Line control points.

To cope with the anticipated heavy traffic, the Immigration Department has minimised the number of control point staff taking leave and will operate extra counters and kiosks to perform immigration clearance during the festive period. Additional security guards will be deployed to provide crowd management support.

To enhance co-operation and co-ordination, the Immigration Department, the Police, the Customs and Excise Department and the MTR Corporation will set up a joint command centre at Lo Wu control point. All parties concerned will closely monitor traffic conditions and take action to ensure smooth passenger flow.

To avoid congestion and a longer waiting time for immigration clearance than usual, the Immigration Department advises all cross-boundary passengers to plan in advance and make their journeys during the less busy periods in the late morning or the early afternoon, and to keep track of radio and TV broadcasts on traffic conditions at various control points. The expected busy times at land boundary control points are available on the website of the Immigration Department at www.immd.gov.hk. In addition, information on public transport services to and from various control points is available on the Transport Department website at www.td.gov.hk. The Immigration Department will upload daily passenger statistics for the above festive periods on its website for public reference.

The department reminds cross-boundary passengers to take their identity cards and valid travel documents when they travel to the Mainland. Hong Kong residents should check the validity of their Home Visit Permits, in particular residents under the age of 18 whose Home Visit Permits are valid for three years from the date of issue. Hong Kong residents holding a Document of Identity for Visa Purposes and other non-permanent residents must take their valid smart identity card as well as their Document of Identity for Visa Purposes or valid travel document.

Those in the process of having their identity cards replaced who are holding an acknowledgement receipt, or children under 11 years old who hold Hong Kong identity cards, should carry a valid travel document or Re-entry Permit.

There are 391 e-Channels installed at various control points available for use by Hong Kong residents, enrolled Mainland and foreign frequent visitors as well as Macau permanent residents to perform self-service immigration clearance. Re-enrollment is required for enrolled passengers who have received a new identity card so that they can continue using the Express e-Channel.

Hong Kong residents who require assistance while travelling outside Hong Kong can call the Hong Kong Immigration Department's 24-hour hotline at (852) 1868.



TEMPLES

Large numbers of worshippers are expected at temples throughout the territory during the Lunar New Year Period. At two of the busiest temples, Wong Tai Sin Temple and Che Kung Temple special crowd control and traffic measures will be implemented. At Wong Tai Sin a "one-way tidal flow" system will operate for worshippers. Details of these special arrangements can be found here;


Wong Tai Sin Temple;

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201201/21/P201201200181.htm 

Che Kung Temple;

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201201/19/P201201190204.htm



SHOPPING

Shopping malls, department stores and major store remain open throughout the period. Some malls, including Times Square, will operate extended shopping hours on the first two days of Chinese New Year and all major shopping malls have festive decorations. Many small local shops close on Chinese New Year's Day and some close on the following two days. Convenience stores and supermarkets remain open as usual. Most street markets remain open.


MUSEUMS

Museums close on Chinese New Year's Day and most also close for the following one or two days. Provisional details of opening hours are:

January 22nd (Lunar New Year's Eve): Apart from Sheung Yiu Folk Museum which will close at 4pm, all other museums - the Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong Museum of History, Hong Kong Heritage Museum, Hong Kong Science Museum, Hong Kong Space Museum, Dr Sun Yat-sen Museum, Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence, Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware, Lei Cheng Uk Han Tomb Museum, Law Uk Folk Museum, Hong Kong Railway Museum, Sam Tung Uk Museum, Fireboat Alexander Grantham Exhibition Gallery, Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre, Ping Shan Tang Clan Gallery cum Heritage Trail Visitors Centre, Hong Kong Film Archive and the Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre - will close at 5pm.

All museums and the Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre will be closed on January 23rd and 24th (the first two days of the Lunar New Year).

On January 25th (the third day of the Lunar New Year), the Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong Museum of History, Hong Kong Heritage Museum, Hong Kong Science Museum, Hong Kong Space Museum, Dr Sun Yat-sen Museum, Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence, Fireboat Alexander Grantham Exhibition Gallery, Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre, Ping Shan Tang Clan Gallery cum Heritage Trail Visitors Centre and the Hong Kong Film Archive will open as usual. However, the Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware, Lei Cheng Uk Han Tomb Museum, Law Uk Folk Museum, Hong Kong Railway Museum, Sam Tung Uk Museum, Sheung Yiu Folk Museum and the Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre will remain closed.


PUBLIC LIBRARIES

On 22nd January, Lunar New Year's Eve, all public libraries will operate normal Sunday opening hours except Hong Kong Central Library, which will close at 5pm.

All public libraries will be closed during the Lunar New Year public holidays from Monday 23rd January to Wednesday 25th January.

From Thursday 26th January, normal library opening hours will apply.

A list of public libraries and their normal opening hours can be found here;

http://www.hkpl.gov.hk/english/locat_hour/locat_hour_loh/locat_hour_loh.html



POSTAL SERVICES (full details to be confirmed)

From 23rd January to 25th January, all post offices will be closed with the following exceptions;

The General Post Office at Connaught Place, Central and Airport Post Office will be open on January 24th to 26th to provide a full range of counter services. Business hours of the Airport Post Office and General Post Office during the holidays are from 8am to 5pm and 9am to 5pm respectively.

On January 24th and 26th, one mail collection daily will be arranged from all street posting boxes, except those located on the outlying islands and in remote areas. No mail delivery service will be provided. On January 23rd, the first day of the Lunar New Year, one collection will be made from the posting boxes of the General Post Office, International Mail Centre Post Office, Kowloon Central Post Office and Tsim Sha Tsui Post Office.



PUBLIC PARKS AND PLAYGROUNDS

All Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) parks and playgrounds will remain open during the Lunar New Year holiday period (January 23rd to 25th). Leisure Link Internet and telephone reservation services will also operate as usual throughout the holidays.



SPORTS CENTRES, SWIMMING POOLS, WATER SPORTS CENTRES AND OTHER GOVERNMENT SPORTS FACILITIES

Sports centres, various fee-charging land-based facilities, swimming pools and water sports centres will be closed from 23rd to 25th January inclusive except that, for public convenience, some some sports centres, turf pitches, squash courts, tennis courts, the archery range at Ngau Chi Wan Park, bowling greens at Island East Sports Centre, as well as Tuen Mun Recreation and Sports Centre will reopen on the third day of the Lunar New Year (25th January). Details of facilities which will open on 25th January can be found here;

http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/lunar_new_year_open_hr.php

Services at gazetted beaches will be suspended from 23rd to 25th January inclusive.

Stadia, including Hong Kong Stadium, and all sports grounds will be closed from 23rd to 25th January inclusive, unless advance bookings have been made.

Holiday camps will be closed during 23rd to 25th January inclusive, and lodging will not be provided on Lunar New Year's Eve (22nd January).

Leisure Link booking offices at various venues will not operate when the venues are closed. For venues scheduled to reopen on the third day of the Lunar New Year, their Leisure Link booking offices will also resume operation from the same day.




GOVERNMENT LEISURE VENUES

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department operates special opening hours for its cultural venues and URBTIX outlets during the Lunar New Year holidays.

22nd January (Lunar New Year's Eve)
---------------------------------

Queen Elizabeth Stadium and its URBTIX outlet will open as usual.

Hong Kong Coliseum, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Hong Kong City Hall, Sai Wan Ho Civic Centre, Sheung Wan Civic Centre, Ko Shan Theatre, Ngau Chi Wan Civic Centre, Sha Tin Town Hall, Yuen Long Theatre, Tai Po Civic Centre, North District Town Hall, Kwai Tsing Theatre, Tsuen Wan Town Hall and Tuen Mun Town Hall and their URBTIX outlets will close at 5.30pm.

Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza will be partially closed for a rehearsal of the Chinese New Year Night Parade.

The URBTIX outlet at Youth Square will open as usual. The outlet at Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre will close at 4pm, the outlets at all Tom Lee branches will close at 6.30pm, and the outlets at AsiaWorld-Expo, HKICC Lee Shau Kee School of Creativity, Happy Sound Music Ltd Mong Kok Branch and Hong Kong Arts Centre will be closed.

23rd January (1st day of Lunar New Year)
--------------------------------------

Queen Elizabeth Stadium and its URBTIX outlet will open as usual.

Hong Kong Coliseum, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Hong Kong City Hall, Sai Wan Ho Civic Centre, Sheung Wan Civic Centre, Ko Shan Theatre, Ngau Chi Wan Civic Centre, Sha Tin Town Hall, Yuen Long Theatre, Tai Po Civic Centre, North District Town Hall, Kwai Tsing Theatre, Tsuen Wan Town Hall and Tuen Mun Town Hall will be closed for the day.

Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza will be closed from noon for a rehearsal and performance of the Chinese New Year Night Parade.

URBTIX outlets at all Tom Lee branches, AsiaWorld-Expo, HKICC Lee Shau Kee School of Creativity, Happy Sound Music Ltd Mong Kok Branch, Hong Kong Arts Centre, Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre and Youth Square will be closed.

24th January (2nd day of Lunar New Year)
--------------------------------------

Queen Elizabeth Stadium and Hong Kong City Hall Low Block and their URBTIX outlets will open as usual. Hong Kong City Hall High Block will be closed for the day.

Hong Kong Cultural Centre and Ngau Chi Wan Civic Centre will open from 2pm to 11pm and their URBTIX outlets will open from 2pm to 9.30pm and 2pm to 8pm respectively.

Other venues will be closed.

URBTIX outlets at all Tom Lee branches, AsiaWorld-Expo, HKICC Lee Shau Kee School of Creativity, Happy Sound Music Ltd Mong Kok Branch, Hong Kong Arts Centre, Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre and Youth Square will be closed.

25th January (3rd day of Lunar New Year)
--------------------------------------

Hong Kong Coliseum, Queen Elizabeth Stadium, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Hong Kong City Hall Low Block, Ngau Chi Wan Civic Centre and their URBTIX outlets will open as usual. Hong Kong City Hall High Block will be closed for the day.

Tsuen Wan Town Hall will open from 2pm to 11pm and Tuen Mun Town Hall will open from 2pm to 10pm and their URBTIX outlets will open from 2pm to 9.30pm

Other venues will be closed.

URBTIX outlets at all Tom Lee branches and Youth Square will open as usual while the outlets at AsiaWorld-Expo, HKICC Lee Shau Kee School of Creativity, Happy Sound Music Ltd Mong Kok Branch, Hong Kong Arts Centre and Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre will be closed.

26th January (4th day of Lunar New Year)
--------------------------------------

The cultural venues of the LCSD and their URBTIX outlets will resume normal opening hours.

URBTIX outlets at all Tom Lee branches, AsiaWorld-Expo, HKICC Lee Shau Kee School of Creativity, Happy Sound Music Ltd Mong Kok Branch, Hong Kong Arts Centre, Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre and Youth Square will open as usual.



URBTIX Internet booking website www.urbtix.hk will maintain normal service, and both the telephone booking hotline (852) 2111 5999 and the enquiry hotline (852) 2734 9009 will maintain normal service from 10am to 8pm daily throughout the holiday period from 22nd to 26th January.