Each year, Hong Kong has about 17 public holidays. Hong Kong was once a British colony, so it has some Western holidays in addition to holidays more or less matching most of China's official holidays. These are legal holidays, so banks, libraries, schools, and government offices close.
When you are traveling in Hong Kong, it is useful to be aware of the holiday schedule. Stores or markets may close or reduce hours on these days, and public transportation generally follows a different holiday schedule.
The legal holiday schedule is announced for each year by the Hong Kong government. We've compiled the dates for 2024 for your convenience.
Hong Kong's Public Holiday Schedule for 2024
| Holiday Name | 2024 Date | 2024 Festival Event |
|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | Jan. 1 | Hong Kong WinterFest |
| Lunar New Year's Day | Jan. 22 | Chinese New Year Parade International Performance Night and Chinese New Year Flower Markets in Macau and Hong Kong |
| The second day of Lunar New Year | Jan. 23 | Chinese New Year Fireworks |
| The third day of Lunar New Year | Jan. 24 | Celebrated with horse races |
| Ching Ming Festival | Apr. 5 | Tomb Sweeping Day |
| Good Friday | Apr. 7 | |
| The day following Good Friday | Apr. 8 | |
| Easter Monday | Apr. 10 | |
| Labour Day | May. 1 | |
| Tuen Ng Festival | Jun. 14 | Hong Kong Dragon Boat Festival |
| Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day | July. 1 | |
| Mid-Autumn Festival | Sep. 24 | |
| National Day | Oct. 1 | |
| Chung Yeung Festival | Oct. 23 | |
| Christmas Day | Dec. 25 | |
| The first weekday after Christmas Day | Dec. 26 |
If any of these holidays fall on a Sunday or another holiday, employees might be entitled to a day off on the weekday following.
Hong Kong Weekends and Unofficial Holidays
Chinese New Year decorationsWeekends: Generally, Hong Kong people do not work on Sundays, and some companies, stores, business offices, and government buildings and offices close early or don't open at all on Saturday.
Unofficial holidays: Companies and government facilities may close early or not open on Chinese New Year's Eve, Winter Solstice, Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve.
Travelers note: During the weekends and holidays, the tourist areas of Hong Kong are more crowded than during the weekdays and workdays. So you might want to plan your outings to the popular tourist places with this in mind.
Hong Kong Festivals
Christmas Carolers
Most of the Hong Kong holidays are associated with festivities and events that are tourist popular. Both Western holidays such as Christmas and Chinese festivals such as the Spring Festival holiday are Hong Kong festivals associated with traditional decorations, events, customs and festivities.
You might want to schedule your trip to Hong Kong to coincide with festivals times to enjoy them.
But be aware that the festivals and holidays pose their own problems and complications for tourists such as the big crowds of Chinese tourists who come during the May 1 (April 29 to May 3), National Day (Sep. 30 to Oct. 6), and Spring Festival holidays (officially 7 days) when big crowds come to Hong Kong.
In this regards, it is good to be aware of the China's official holidays and information about how and when to travel to avoid the crowds in China that is also applicable for wise Hong Kong travel as well.
For the latter information, see 8 Mistakes That Will Put You in a Sea of Chinese Tourists.
Travel in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is an exciting city.See China Highlights' customizable Hong Kong tours to celebrate the Hong Kong's festivals. If you are interested in touring China during festivals in China, see China Festival Tours.
- Half-Day Hong Kong Island Tour — You will admire the ultimate view of Hong Kong Island's renowned skyline and explore a floating fishing village at Aberdeen.
- One-Day Lantau Island Tour — This tour combines breathtaking natural beauty and fascinating Buddhist culture.
- 4-Day Hong Kong Family Tour — Disneyland Park and the highlights of Hong Kong and Victoria Harbour
The above are sample tours. Please feel free to let us know your interests and requirements so that we can customize a tour for you.