The second day of Lunar New Year 2025
Date: January 30, 2025 (Thursday)
Country: Hong Kong Public Holidays
Description
The second day of Lunar New Year in Hong Kong is the second public holiday in the New Year period. It continues the season of celebration that follows the lunar calendar and marks an important civic break.
It falls on the second day of the first lunar month. Because the lunar calendar moves, the exact date changes each year, usually landing between late January and mid February according to the Gregorian calendar.
This day means time to focus on family and community. It is a moment for people to visit one another, offer good wishes, and spend time reconnecting after the start of the lunar year.
The holiday is significant because it helps to reinforce family bonds and social ties. It also symbolizes hope and renewal for the coming year, carrying cultural meaning across generations.
As a public holiday in Hong Kong, the second day highlights the citys strong cultural links to Chinese traditions and shows how communal life pauses to honor shared values and future hopes.
Traditions
On the second day of Lunar New Year in Hong Kong many married daughters visit their parents. Families gather for warm reunions, give red envelopes to children, and exchange good wishes. The mood is lively and full of laughter.
People visit temples to pray for luck and light incense. Some households make offerings at the family altar for ancestors. Firecrackers and loud greetings are common to chase away bad luck and welcome joy.
Foods include turnip cake, steamed fish, dumplings, and sweet rice desserts. Citrus fruits and sweets are shared to symbolize good fortune. Bright red clothing and festive decorations keep the day colorful and hopeful.
Travel Tips
Expect many crowds, changes to public transport, and some government offices closed. Tourist attractions and shops may still open but book tickets early. Check MTR and ferry schedules, use an Octopus card, and allow extra travel time.
Look up official event schedules for parades or fireworks and plan around road closures. Keep valuables close, wear comfortable shoes, bring water, and follow police directions. Join public events respectfully, take photos, and enjoy sights safely by planning and staying patient.