As Hong Kong prepares to welcome 2026, the iconic Lan Kwai Fong nightlife district is rolling out aggressive discounts, with many bars and restaurants slashing prices to levels not seen since before the COVID-19 pandemic in a bid to boost business amid cautious consumer sentiment.
Anthea Cheung, director of the Lan Kwai Fong Association, said operators are being generous with promotions to draw crowds for the New Year’s Eve countdown.
“Some restaurants and bars are offering countdown party packages at lower prices than before the pandemic, with extra discounts, in the hope of attracting more customers and increasing their business,” Cheung told an RTHK radio programme.
Despite weaker overall spending sentiment, venues in the bustling Central district are forging ahead with elaborate festivities. Many countdown events will feature local and international DJs, and reservations for these hosted gatherings have reached 80% to 90% capacity, Cheung added.
The push comes as Hong Kong’s traditional New Year’s Eve fireworks display over Victoria Harbour has been canceled this year, replaced by a musical performance and light show in the Chater Road pedestrian zone in Central. Landmark buildings, including the HSBC headquarters and the Court of Final Appeal, will illuminate as giant countdown clocks at midnight.
Timothy Chui, executive director of the Hong Kong Tourism Association, expressed optimism about the appeal of the Central celebrations.
“I believe the New Year’s Eve countdown events in Central will be very appealing,” Chui said on the same programme. With mainland China beginning a three-day public holiday starting January 1, 2026, he anticipates a surge of visitors arriving in Hong Kong from late afternoon into the evening, many of whom will contribute to fully booked hotels.
The government has coordinated extended operating hours at several border control points to accommodate the expected influx, including overnight services at some crossings, in response to the holiday alignment and the series of countdown events.
Lan Kwai Fong itself will see road closures beginning at 2 p.m. on December 31, transforming the narrow streets into a major open-air party hub that traditionally draws throngs of locals, expats, and tourists for all-night revelry.
Operators hope the combination of deep discounts, live entertainment, and the city’s vibrant atmosphere will help revive post-pandemic crowds and provide a strong finish to the year.
