Hong Kong’s Symphony of Lights ends on 18 November after 22 years, with added fireworks. Here is what replaces it
Hong Kong’s final Symphony of Lights show set for 18 November
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Hong Kong’s final Symphony of Lights show is set for Wednesday 18 November 2026, ending a 22-year run over Victoria Harbour. Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) chairman Peter Lam announced on 10 November that the finale will carry added fireworks.
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The show began in January 2004 and Guinness World Records recognised it in 2005 as the “world’s largest permanent light and sound show”. It has been lighting up more than 40 buildings on both sides of the harbour each evening and lasts about 10 minutes.
When is the Symphony of Lights final show?
The final show falls on 18 November, the same day Hong Kong WinterFest opens. WinterFest runs until 5 January. The show is staged nightly at 8 pm, according to the Tourism Commission, and the Tourism Board said the final performance will begin at 8 pm.
Where can you watch it?
The show is free to watch and needs no ticket, according to the Tourism Commission. Its listed viewing spots are the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront outside the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, the Avenue of Stars and the promenade at Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai.
The show is suspended if Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 3 or above or a Red or Black Rainstorm Warning is issued at or after 3pm on the day, even if the signal is lifted before 8 pm. It can also be suspended in emergencies without prior notice. Reports of the announcement did not mention special crowd arrangements for the final night.
Why is the show ending?
The government has framed it as a change of format. Tourism secretary Rosanna Law said in February that tying light shows to festivals and events could encourage repeat visits, and that the new shows would be more flexible than the harbour show.
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Financial secretary Paul Chan said in the 2026-27 Budget in February that the Tourism Board would launch a new show themed on light festivals across various locations. Media reports citing unnamed sources said the board has shifted its focus to event driven tourism and that keeping a nightly show involved substantial ongoing costs.
What replaces the Symphony of Lights?
Lam said other light and projection shows will roll out gradually next year. Chan has said the show will give way to “light festivals across various locations at different times of the year”.
Before then, WinterFest brings three Winter Wonderland displays to Central, Tsim Sha Tsui and Causeway Bay, although the Causeway Bay programme starts later, on 25 November. The New Year’s Eve countdown will also end with fireworks over Victoria Harbour.
