At a Glance
- Hong Kong opens 2026 New Year without fireworks after a November blaze that claimed 161 lives.
- City replaces pyrotechnics with a music show and countdown clocks.
- The fire at Wang Fuk Court is the worst Hong Kong blaze since 1948.
- Why it matters: Residents, tourists, and businesses feel the shift in celebration and economic impact.
In a surprising shift from tradition, Hong Kong bid farewell to fireworks this New Year, opting instead for a music show and light display as the city mourns a November blaze that claimed 161 lives.
New Year Celebration Without Fireworks
Fireworks have long been the centerpiece of Hong Kong’s New Year celebrations, drawing crowds along Victoria Harbour. This year the city’s tourism board hosted a music show featuring soft-rock duo Air Supply and other singers in Central, while the facades of eight landmarks became giant countdown clocks that projected a three-minute light show at midnight.
- Music show featuring Air Supply
- Countdown clocks on landmark facades
- Three-minute light show at midnight
Impact on Hospitality and Visitors
Rosanna Law, the secretary for culture, sports and tourism, acknowledged that the absence of fireworks would affect some hotel and restaurant businesses.
Tourist Annie Wang said:
> “I had planned to watch the fireworks but I understand the decision; it is heart-wrenching.”
Guangzhou teacher Wang Miao said:
> “I feel pity at missing the pyrotechnics, but it will not change my experience in Hong Kong.”
- Hotel and restaurant businesses may see reduced patronage
- Tourists express understanding and sorrow
- Visitor experience remains largely unchanged
The November Fire and Its Aftermath
The fire broke out at Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po’s northern suburbs during a month-long renovation. Buildings were covered by bamboo scaffolding and green netting, and authorities cited substandard netting and foam boards on windows as factors that accelerated the blaze. Thousands of residents were displaced to transitional homes, hotels and youth hostels, while the death toll reached 161.
Fireworks trace back to China in the second century B.C., when bamboo stalks were discovered to explode when set on fire. The first documented firework, the Chinese firecracker, was created by monk Li Tian during the Tang dynasty (618-907 C.E.).
Key Takeaways
- Hong Kong celebrated the 2026 New Year without fireworks for the first time in decades.
- The city adapted with music, countdown clocks, and a light show to honor the November tragedy.
- The November blaze remains the city’s worst fire since 1948, affecting thousands of residents and businesses.
As Hong Kong navigates a quieter New Year, the city’s adaptation underscores the lasting impact of the tragic fire on its cultural traditions and economy.
