Chief Executive John Lee

Hello, Hong Kong! Hello, friends from different parts of the world!

Welcome to the annual Hong Kong International Chinese New Year Night Parade, on this, the first fabulous day of the Chinese New Year - the Year of the Snake.

There is no better way, anywhere on earth, to welcome in the New Year than by following - and revelling in - Hong Kong's magnificent Chinese New Year Night Parade.

This year's celebration is led by 55 performing groups and floats from 14 countries and regions. Here in the world city of Hong Kong, to dance, sing and perform, skip, juggle, cheerlead and otherwise amaze and delight you, on this most auspicious of days.

And the Night Parade is just the start of our New Year's festivities. Tomorrow night, a 23-minute fireworks display will light up our world-renowned Victoria Harbour. Our sky will be filled with auspicious symbols, as well as adorable pandas - showcasing Hong Kong's giant panda family, now counting six and readying for their first full public appearance at the same time in mid-February.

And, alongside the horses at Chinese New Year Raceday, in Sha Tin on January 31, you will want to catch the lions - and lion dancers - on show, part of a fun-filled day at the track.

The Night Parade floats you see tonight, together with some of our performers, will find their way to Lam Tsuen, from tomorrow night, for the Hong Kong Well-wishing Festival. This year, the floats are on display there until February 13.

Only in Hong Kong, the world's East-meets-West centre for cultural exchange - and day-and-night entertainment. All around town, you will be greeted by the magnificent spectacle of our festivities, and the warm hospitality of the people of Hong Kong, as we share the joy of the New Year with all of you.

I wish you all a happy, healthy and eventful Year of the Snake. Kung Hei Fat Choi! Thank you and enjoy the evening.

Chief Executive John Lee gave these remarks at the 2025 International Chinese New Year Night Parade on January 29.