End of year public holiday impact questions

Question

Will be in Hong Kong in late December. Wondering what I should keep in mind when planning my itinerary around the 25 December, 26 December and 1 January public holidays? Do popular tourists places/cafes/restaurants/shops close down? Also, would places like Disneyland be extra busy or quieter on a public holiday? For example in Japan, on 1 January lots of places including cafes, restaurants and tourist attractions are closed on 1 Jan and often for some days around this date - is it the same in Hong Kong for any of the public holidays I mentioned?

Thanks :)

Answer

Visiting Hong Kong around the end-of-year public holidays—25 December (Christmas Day), 26 December (Boxing Day), and 1 January (New Year’s Day)—is generally quite convenient, but there are a few key things to keep in mind.

Firstly, most major tourist attractions, shopping areas, and restaurants remain open during these holidays. Unlike in Japan, where many places shut down, Hong Kong’s retail, dining, and tourist sectors largely operate as usual, especially in areas frequented by tourists.

However, there are some effects you should anticipate:

Higher Crowds: Popular attractions like Hong Kong Disneyland, Ocean Park, Victoria Peak, and Avenue of Stars tend to be busier than usual. Expect queues for rides, tram services, and restaurants.
Shopping Areas: Major shopping districts such as Tsim Sha Tsui, Causeway Bay, and Mong Kok will be crowded. Retailers often have special promotions, so it can be a good opportunity for shopping but with limited seating in cafés and restaurants.
Transport: Public transport (MTR, buses, ferries) operates normally but may be packed during peak sightseeing hours. Plan extra travel time if moving between tourist spots.

Specific considerations for each holiday:

25 December (Christmas Day): Most attractions and restaurants are open. Some local smaller eateries or government offices may be closed.
26 December (Boxing Day): Not an official public holiday in Hong Kong, but many shops continue Christmas sales. Major attractions remain open.
1 January (New Year’s Day): Almost all tourist spots, shops, and restaurants are open. Expect higher visitor numbers at viewpoints and festive events.

Additional tips:

Book tickets for Disneyland or Ocean Park in advance to avoid long lines.
For popular restaurants, especially those with views or special Christmas/New Year menus, consider making reservations early.
Street markets like Ladies Market and Temple Street Night Market operate normally but will be busy with both locals and tourists.
Public events such as New Year fireworks at Victoria Harbour can be extremely crowded; arrive early if you plan to watch.

Overall, Hong Kong during late December and early January is lively and festive rather than shut down. With some planning to avoid peak crowds and pre-booking key activities, you should be able to enjoy most attractions without major disruptions.

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