Do shops and attractions close on public holidays in Hong Kong?
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08:34 2025/05/09
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Business Hours of Hong Kong Shops and Attractions During Public Holidays
1. Types of Public Holidays
Hong Kong’s public holidays combine Chinese and Western cultural characteristics, including:
- Statutory holidays: such as New Year's Day (January 1), Labor Day (May 1), National Day (October 1), and the Establishment Day of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (July 1), etc.
- Traditional Chinese festivals: Spring Festival (the first three days of the lunar calendar), Qingming Festival, Dragon Boat Festival, Mid-Autumn Festival, Chongyang Festival, etc.
- Western festivals: Christmas (December 25-26) and Easter (some institutions or companies take holidays).
2. Business Hours of Stores
- Large Malls and Chain Stores:
Such as Harbour City, Times Square, SOGO Department Store, Mannings, Watsons, etc., which usually operate as usual during public holidays, and some may extend their business hours (especially during shopping peak seasons like Christmas and Spring Festival).
- Local Small Shops:
Some traditional shops (such as market stalls, long-established restaurants) may close for 1-3 days during traditional festivals like Spring Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival. It is recommended to confirm by phone in advance.
- Convenience Stores and Supermarkets:
Chains like 7-Eleven, Wellcome, and ParknShop are open all year round, but their operating hours on the first day of the lunar New Year may be shortened.
3. Opening Status of Tourist Attractions
- Main Attractions:
Disneyland, Ocean Park, Victoria Peak, Ngong Ping 360, Star Ferry, etc., are open all year round, but their opening hours may be adjusted during public holidays (such as closing earlier or extending operating hours).
Exceptional cases: Disney’s "Lunar New Year Special Events" may lead to temporary adjustments of some facilities.
- Museums and Cultural Venues:
The Hong Kong Palace Museum, Hong Kong Science Museum, Space Museum, etc., are usually open as usual, but specific times should refer to the official website announcements (for example, they might close for half a day on the first day of the lunar New Year).
- Temples and Historical Buildings:
Wong Tai Sin Temple, Tin Hau Temples, etc., are crowded but normally open during traditional festivals (Spring Festival, Buddha's Birthday), but the worship process may be adjusted due to activities.
4. Precautions and Pitfall Avoidance Guide
- Confirm Information in Advance:
It is recommended to check real-time opening hours through the attraction's official website, official app, or telephone inquiry to avoid itinerary disruptions due to temporary adjustments.
- Transportation and Crowds:
Attractions and commercial areas are extremely crowded during public holidays (especially during Spring Festival and National Day Golden Week). The subway and buses may extend operating hours, but more waiting time needs to be reserved.
- Dining Arrangements:
Popular restaurants (such as Tim Ho Wan, Lan Fong Yuen) may be fully booked in advance. It is recommended to use OpenRice (a local restaurant reservation platform in Hong Kong) to make reservations in advance.
5. Recommended Activities During Public Holidays
- Spring Festival: Victoria Harbor fireworks display, flower car parade, New Year's Market.
- Christmas: Central Statue Square light decorations, Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront light show.
- National Day: Victoria Harbor fireworks performance, flag-raising ceremony at the Golden Bauhinia Square.