Lunar New Year Fair (Temple Fairs)

About

Hong Kong's Lunar New Year Temple Fairs transform temples and parks into vibrant celebrations filled with traditional games, festive decorations, and the infectious energy of Chinese New Year. Kids will be mesmerized by lion dances, can try their hand at carnival-style games to win prizes, and experience authentic cultural traditions in a family-friendly festival atmosphere. These colorful fairs offer an immersive introduction to Chinese culture that's both educational and tremendously fun for children of all ages.

What to Expect

Families can expect bustling outdoor fairs with rows of stalls selling traditional toys, festive decorations, and lucky charms. The air fills with the sounds of drums and cymbals from lion dance performances, while children can participate in traditional games like ring toss, dart throwing, and fishing games to win small prizes. Expect crowds especially in evenings, red and gold decorations everywhere, fortune tellers, calligraphy artists, and the delicious aroma of street food. Wong Tai Sin Temple fair is particularly elaborate, while neighborhood temple fairs offer more intimate experiences. The atmosphere is joyful and family-oriented, though it can get quite crowded during peak times.

Highlights for Kids

• Watching spectacular lion and dragon dances with acrobatic performers and thundering drums
• Playing traditional carnival games to win prizes like stuffed toys and light-up novelties
• Seeing fortune sticks shaken and interpreted at temples, and watching skilled calligraphers create New Year blessings
• Browsing stalls filled with traditional toys, festive windmills, and colorful decorations
• Experiencing the authentic local celebration with Hong Kong families in full festive spirit

Pro Tips for Families

1. Bring small denominations of Hong Kong dollars (HK$10 and HK$20 notes) for games and small purchases, as stallholders often don't have change for large bills
2. Visit smaller neighborhood temple fairs for a less crowded experience than Wong Tai Sin Temple, which is the largest and most popular
3. Dress kids in red or bright colors to match the festive spirit, and prepare for cool weather (typically 15-20°C/59-68°F) with layers
4. Download a translation app or learn basic Cantonese phrases like 'Gung Hei Fat Choy' (Happy New Year) as many stall operators speak limited English, though younger vendors often know more

Best Time to Visit

Visit mid-morning (10am-12pm) to avoid peak evening crowds while still experiencing the lively atmosphere, especially if traveling with younger children who may be overwhelmed. The fairs run throughout Lunar New Year period (typically late January to mid-February), with New Year's Eve and the first three days being most crowded but also most festive. Weekday mornings during the fair period offer the best balance of atmosphere and manageable crowds for families. Evening visits (after 6pm) are most vibrant with performances but significantly more crowded.

Food & Drinks

Food stalls offer traditional Lunar New Year snacks like turnip cakes, sweet rice balls (tang yuan), candied fruits, and roasted chestnuts alongside kid-friendly options like fish balls, egg waffles, and fresh fruit skewers. Many treats are on sticks making them easy for kids to eat while walking. Vegetarian options are widely available due to temple proximity. Bottled drinks and fresh sugarcane juice are sold throughout. Budget HK$50-100 (US$6-13) per child for snacks and treats. Note that food hygiene standards are generally high but choose busy stalls with high turnover for freshest options.

Parking & Access

Most temple fairs are accessible via Hong Kong's excellent MTR subway system, which is the easiest option for international visitors (purchase an Octopus card for seamless travel). Wong Tai Sin Temple has its own MTR station (Wong Tai Sin, Kwun Tong Line). Parking near popular temples is extremely limited and not recommended. Stroller accessibility varies—larger temples have paved areas but expect crowds that make strollers challenging; baby carriers are more practical. Most locations involve some stairs and uneven surfaces. Download the MTR Mobile app for easy navigation, and temples are well-signposted in English.