Hong Kong swaps fireworks for light show to ring in 2026

Hong Kong welcomed the start of 2026 with an immersive light show and countdown in the city’s Central district, replacing the traditional New Year’s Eve fireworks over Victoria Harbour.

The government canceled the annual fireworks display following a deadly fire in Tai Po in November and introduced an alternative event aimed at spreading “positive energy.”

The celebration, themed “New Hopes, New Beginnings,” featured live music alongside a spectacular light show. The façades of eight landmark buildings in Central were transformed into giant countdown clocks, each illuminated by three-minute light displays to ring in the new year.

-Production: Mussab Al-Khairalla, Joyce Zhou/Reuters