Hong Kong Lunar New Year Fairs 2024: Crowds, Sales & Closing Times
Hong Kong’s Victoria Park buzzed with activity late into the night on February 16th, as residents flocked to the annual Lunar Latest Year fair, with many vendors reporting a surge in sales, up approximately 30 percent compared to last year. The fair, which concluded at 7:00 AM on February 10th, saw a significant increase in foot traffic, with over 1.9 million visitors in the first five days – a rise of nearly 20 percent year-on-year, according to officials.
The heightened demand extended into the late hours of the Lunar New Year’s eve, with crowds lingering to take advantage of last-minute discounts. Merchants offering traditional New Year goods reported brisk business, with many selling out of popular items. “This year’s business is good, both people and wealth are flourishing, and business has increased by 30 percent,” one vendor told the Wenhui Po newspaper.
Environment and Ecology Bureau Secretary, Tse Kai-yin, visited the fair on February 16th, noting the enthusiastic atmosphere and strong consumer confidence. “The atmosphere and arrangements this year are even better than last year, and both stall owners and citizens have felt the strong festive atmosphere,” Tse said. He also highlighted the competitive bidding process for stalls this year, with total proceeds increasing by 32 percent compared to previous years.
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) established 14 Lunar New Year fairs across Hong Kong, all remaining open throughout the night. Alongside the commercial activity, the FEHD coordinated efforts to manage waste and promote environmental sustainability. The department arranged for the collection of unsold flowers and potted plants from vendors, donating them to over 225 hospitals and care homes. Recycling initiatives were also in place, with materials like bamboo, wood pallets, metal, plastic, paper, and foam packaging collected for processing at recycling facilities.
Cleaning crews, numbering approximately 230, worked overnight on February 10th to clear the fairgrounds, with Secretary Tse and FEHD Director Yang Bik-yuen visiting to express their gratitude and distribute chocolates to the workers. The FEHD also deployed volunteer teams to collect flowers for donation, supporting both environmental efforts and charitable organizations.
The Victoria Park fair featured designated “photo opportunity” spots, including a “cleaning dragon” installation, alongside traditional activities like lion dances and souvenir giveaways, all aimed at enhancing the festive experience for visitors. The FEHD also arranged for festive music to be played throughout the fairgrounds.