Hong Kong's New Year fireworks have been officially cancelled, and for the first time, the countdown to Chater Road in Central has been held!

On 17 December, the Hong Kong Tourism Board formally announced significant adjustments to its New Year celebrations: the traditional fireworks display over Victoria Harbour on 31 December will be cancelled. Instead, a ‘New Year Countdown’ event will be held in the pedestrian precinct of Chater Road, Central. Further details will be released in due course.

On the same day, news of extended border crossing hours at Shenzhen-Hong Kong ports was confirmed. Huanggang Port and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Port will maintain 24-hour operations, offering significant convenience for mainland travellers to and from Hong Kong. These two measures collectively inject renewed anticipation into the upcoming New Year holiday period.

As a signature New Year's Eve event in Hong Kong, the Victoria Harbour fireworks display has long been a core attraction drawing global visitors to celebrate the New Year in the city. Its cancellation has drawn widespread attention. While the HKTB's decision to relocate the celebrations to Chater Road alters the traditional format, the venue's location in Hong Kong's central business district – with its comprehensive commercial amenities and convenient transport links – holds promise for creating a new interactive and atmospheric New Year's Eve experience. Industry analysts suggest this adjustment may stem from considerations including event safety management and cost control. Simultaneously, it aims to stimulate New Year's Eve spending in Central through commercial district collaboration, boosting consumption in surrounding dining and retail sectors.

Complementing these event adjustments is the enhanced facilitation of border crossings at Shenzhen-Hong Kong ports. The Huanggang Port and Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Port, both confirmed for extended clearance hours, serve as vital transport hubs for mainland-Hong Kong travel. The continuation of 24-hour operations removes time constraints, allowing mainland visitors to participate in Hong Kong's New Year celebrations without return-time concerns, while also facilitating short-term business and family visits across the border. Data indicates that previous port facilitation measures have already significantly boosted cross-border travel frequency. The extended clearance period during this New Year period is expected to further stimulate growth in mainland visitors travelling to Hong Kong for the celebrations.

Many tourists are now seeking further details regarding the Central New Year countdown event, including participation methods, on-site arrangements, and surrounding traffic management. The Hong Kong Tourism Board stated it will announce the full event plan promptly while coordinating with relevant departments to ensure on-site order maintenance and transport arrangements. As the New Year holiday approaches, Hong Kong's commercial districts have commenced preparations for promotional activities, linking with the countdown celebrations to foster a festive shopping atmosphere. It is anticipated that this dual boost from the schedule adjustment and enhanced border facilitation will deliver a robust performance for the New Year economy.