As we step into 2026, Central held a New Year’s Eve countdown event on the 31st with the theme “New Hope, New Beginning.” The event featured performances by numerous singers and a light show, attracting many citizens and tourists to witness and capture the festive atmosphere on-site.
In addition, despite the absence of a New Year’s fireworks show at the Tsim Sha Tsui Star Ferry Pier this year due to the fire at Hong Lok Yuen in Tai Po, it still drew a large crowd of citizens and visitors gathering to welcome the arrival of 2026.
Our reporters interviewed several citizens and tourists at the scene in Tsim Sha Tsui. Everyone expressed high hopes for the new year, with wishes revolving around health, family, and economic recovery. There were also heartfelt condolences expressed for the residents affected by the Hong Lok Yuen fire, hoping that they can “look forward and stay strong.”
The area around the Star Ferry Pier was bustling with people, many capturing the view of Victoria Harbour. Mr. Leung, a citizen, expressed his only wish for the new year was to have a job and good health. He advised the fire victims to look ahead because the past is already set, urging them to adopt a positive outlook.
Mr. Wong hoped for a prosperous and smooth business year ahead for Hong Kong, emphasizing the importance of social stability. He also encouraged the victims of the fire to stay optimistic and live in the present.
Mr. Cheung wished for a peaceful and harmonious family in the new year, extending his concerns to the victims of Hong Lok Yuen, urging them to overcome the difficult times and look forward. He stressed the importance of letting go of negativity as life goes on, facing reality and looking ahead. He also expressed hope for the government to promptly disclose the cause of the fire, providing peace for the deceased and solace for their families.
A sixth-grade student, Ms. Lam, hoped for good health and academic progress in the upcoming year. She also wished her grandmother a long life. Ms. Lam hoped for the emotional recovery and rebuilding of the homes of the Hong Lok Yuen fire victims, hoping they find a brighter path forward.
Miki from Malaysia spent her first New Year abroad in Hong Kong. She wished for the good health of her entire family and a better life in the upcoming year, also expressing a wish for world peace. Describing her experience celebrating New Year in Hong Kong, Miki said she felt extremely happy and found it very special. She mentioned that Hong Kong gathered many Chinese people, creating a joyful atmosphere she had not experienced before, thoroughly enjoying the vibes there. Miki was also saddened by the Hong Lok Yuen fire incident, expressing deep compassion for the victims and hoping they find the courage to persevere through the tough times.
Miss Yang from mainland China and her friends expressed wishes for good health, happiness, and joy every day in the new year. Miss Jiang from Shenzhen mentioned her wish to be happy every day and praised the beauty of Hong Kong. Regarding the recent Hong Lok Yuen fire, she mentioned feeling deeply saddened when watching the related news and encouraged the victims to stay strong.
Mr. Liu from Tianjin visited Hong Kong for travel purposes. When asked about his New Year’s wishes, he expressed hopes for everyone to fare better and personally wished for self-improvement year after year. Mr. Liu conveyed his condolences to the victims of the Hong Lok Yuen fire, calling for everyone to stay strong together.
Miss Yang from Shanghai hoped for everyone’s safety and health as well as continuous prosperity in the upcoming year, extending New Year wishes for success and wealth in her own endeavors.
Mr. Zheng, Miss Fang, and Miss Wong from Zhuhai visited Hong Kong for the first time. They hoped for continuous improvement in quality living for everyone, with happiness and good health for the people, prosperity for the country, and flourishing conditions for Hong Kong. Though they were not very familiar with the details of the Hong Lok Yuen fire incident, having only seen reports in newspapers, they all sent comforting messages to the affected fire victims, hoping for their smooth passage through the difficult times ahead.
The New Year’s Eve countdown event in Central on the 31st featured performances by several singers, including the international group Air Supply, local singer William Feng, and Cloud Ho, along with a light show. The exteriors of the eight landmarks in Central featured giant countdown clocks and light patterns, including the Bank of China Tower, the HSBC Headquarters, the Court of Final Appeal Building, the High Block of Hong Kong City Hall, the Hong Kong Club Building, the HSBC Main Building, the Prince’s Building, and the Standard Chartered Bank Building, followed by a three-minute light show. However, this year’s fireworks display was canceled.