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Summary:
The 2026 Victoria Harbour New Year’s Eve fireworks show is just around the corner, and it’s expected to draw hundreds of thousands of people to both sides of the harbor. To avoid the 8-hour long “spot-saving” ordeal and the chaos of the crowd dispersing, taking a sightseeing boat or yacht is currently the best value and most comfortable option. This article will give an in-depth look at the pros and cons of popular land viewing spots like Tsim Sha Tsui, Wan Chai, and West Kowloon. It will also provide a detailed guide on how to book Holimood’s 2026 New Year’s Eve fireworks boat tickets.
照片：維多利亞港往年新年煙火秀－從水上觀賞最為壯觀。
2026 New Year’s Eve Countdown — Got Your Spot Picked Out Yet?
Actually, every December 31st, people in Hong Kong face the same tough choice: they want to feel the excitement of the live countdown but really hate how packed it gets along the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront—like being pressed chest to back. I remember last year a friend brought a picnic mat as early as 3 PM just to save a good spot on the Avenue of Stars. But then they couldn’t even use the bathroom (because if they left, they’d lose their spot) and couldn’t get food deliveries either. That whole experience of counting down hungry and needing to pee? Definitely not something they want to repeat.
To help everyone welcome the New Year in style, we’ve put together a list of 4 popular countdown spots to help you avoid the crowds and hassle.
Land Battle: The Tough Showdown of Popular Viewing Spots
1. Tsim Sha Tsui Waterfront / Avenue of Stars: Closest but Most Crowded
- View Rating: ★★★★★ (Right in the heart of the action, the fireworks feel like they’re exploding right overhead)
- Comfort: ★ ☆☆☆☆ (Super packed, and one of the main spots where police shut down roads)
- Drawbacks: This spot is a ‘hotly contested battleground.’ Usually, crowd control starts around 4 PM, and once you’re in, it’s hard to leave. The worst part is the lack of nearby restrooms, and when the event ends, the MTR stations often have one-way crowd flow controls, making the trip home feel endless.
2. Wan Chai Golden Bauhinia Square / Central Waterfront: Wide Views but Easy to Get Blocked
- Landscape index: ★★★★ ☆(Wide open views with a full panorama of the fireworks)
- Comfort: ★★ ☆☆☆(Still crowded, but a bit better than Tsim Sha Tsui)
- Drawbacks: Although there’s more space, many buildings and construction barriers along the waterfront can block your view. Plus, with lots of events happening at the Central Waterfront, the crowds can still get pretty dense.
3. West Kowloon Cultural District: Picnic-Friendly Lawn, But Off to the Side
- Landscape index: ★★★ ☆☆ (Side view — about half the wow factor)
- Comfort: ★★★ ☆☆ (The lawn is more comfortable, great for families)
- Drawbacks: The view is off to the side, so you don’t get the full immersive feeling of the fireworks exploding right over Victoria Harbour. Plus, West Kowloon’s transportation options are a bit farther away, meaning a long walk to reach Kowloon Station or Austin Station after the show.
On the Water: Victoria Harbour Center (The Winner) — Why Being on a Boat Is the Way to Go
If you’re wondering, ‘Where can I avoid lines, have a seat, grab some food, use a bathroom, and get the best view?’ The answer’s simple: on a boat.
- Landscape index: ★★★★★+ (No blind spots—full 360-degree views)
- Comfort: ★★★★★(Private space with exclusive food and drinks)
On the boat, the captain will park it right at the best viewing spot just outside the restricted area in the middle of Victoria Harbour. You can sip champagne, feel the sea breeze, and watch the fireworks launch right in front of you with zero obstructions. Best of all, while thousands of people onshore are still stuck in long lines trying to get to the subway, you’ll be comfortably enjoying dessert on the boat.
3 Biggest Myths About Watching Fireworks from a Yacht
As someone who’s been in the yacht rental business for years, I often hear people misunderstand what a New Year’s Eve yacht party is really like. So, let me clear things up:
- Myth #1: “You have to charter the whole boat, and it costs tens of thousands of dollars?”
Wrong! Platforms like Holimood offer “scatter tickets,” so you can buy just one or two tickets and share the boat with others. It’s even cheaper than a fancy hotel buffet. - Myth #2: “The boat rocks a lot—will I get seasick?”
Actually, the waters inside Victoria Harbour are pretty calm, and the boats used for fireworks viewing are usually mid-to-large Western-style yachts or spacious sightseeing vessels that are very stable. Unless there’s extreme weather, hardly anyone gets seasick in the harbor. - Myth #3: “Scatter tickets don’t include food—you have to bring your own?”
Most New Year’s Eve fireworks boat tickets actually include a buffet dinner or light snacks, plus unlimited drinks. It’s all designed to give guests a complete festive experience.
The Best Choice: Holimood 2026 New Year’s Eve Fireworks Shared Boat Tickets
For couples, small families, or groups of friends who don’t want to charter a whole boat, we especially recommend these shared ticket options. This isn’t just any sightseeing boat—it’s a full-on party experience out on the water.
🚢 【New Year’s Eve Countdown】2026 Victoria Harbour Fireworks Night|Free Dinner at Sea & Buffet Drinks
This ticket has been a “sell-out favorite” every year. It perfectly solves the two biggest New Year’s Eve problems: expensive dinners and lack of good viewing spots.
Product Highlights:
- No Group Needed: Book from just 1 person—no need to round up 30 friends to charter a whole boat.
- Includes a Hearty Dinner: While dinner at Tsim Sha Tsui’s waterfront restaurants can easily start at $1,500 per person, this ticket includes a buffet dinner on board, offering great value for your money.
- Unlimited Drinks: Includes free-flow beer and soda to keep the countdown vibe going—toast your way into 2026 with a little buzz
- “Prime Spot: Experienced captains park the boat in safe, perfect locations so you can enjoy the fireworks up close.
👉 Check the remaining ferry tickets & reservations now
Why Is This a Better Deal Than a Waterfront Restaurant?
A lot of people think about booking a waterfront restaurant in Tsim Sha Tsui. But the truth is, the “window seats” with a view of the fireworks usually cost extra and are often fully booked months in advance. On a yacht, you get a moving “360-degree window seat”—no glass in between. You can actually hear the fireworks explode and feel the festive atmosphere up close.
Comparison Summary: Land Viewing vs. Waterfront Restaurants vs. Holimood Fireworks Boats
To make it easier to pick, here’s a handy comparison chart:
| Compare items | Tsim Sha Tsui/Wan Chai Waterfront | Upscale Waterfront Restaurant | Holimood Fireworks Boat |
|---|---|---|---|
| per capita budget | Free (but you’ll still spend on transportation and food) | HK$1,500 – HK$3,000+ | HK$800 – HK$1,300 (depending on vessel type) |
| Crowding | Extremely crowded (close to people) | Comfortable (but limited by seat) | Comfort (with space for activities) |
| Dining | None (You need to bring your own food) | Gourmet Dinner | Buffet Dinner + Unlimited Drinks |
| Toilet convenience | Extremely difficult (long queues at public toilets) | convenience | Convenient (toilets on board) |
| Best crowd | Young people with good stamina | Couples with a high budget | Couples, families, and friends gatherings |
Conclusion: Ring in 2026 in the Most Elegant Way
2026 only comes around once. Instead of standing in the cold for 8 hours, why not choose a way that makes both you and your loved ones happy? Holimood’s fireworks shared boat tickets don’t just give you a VIP spot to watch the show—they offer a full experience with dinner, a party vibe, and stunning views.
⚠️ Important Booking Tip: Based on past years, New Year’s Eve shared boat tickets usually sell out by late December. If you don’t want to miss out, we recommend clicking the link below to secure your spot now.
👉 More Options: If you’re in a bigger group (20 or more), you might want to consider chartering the whole boat for a more private celebration space.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: When is the usual cutoff date to book 2026 New Year’s Eve fireworks boat tickets?
A: Although tickets technically sell until they’re gone, popular boats—especially dinner-included yachts—usually sell out by mid-December. The later you book, the fewer options you’ll have, and prices might go up.
Q: Taking kids to watch the fireworks: Is it better to go on a boat or stay by the waterfront?
A: Definitely recommend going on a boat! The waterfront gets super crowded, and kids can easily get jostled or even lost. Plus, using the restroom there is a real hassle. On the boat, the space is more contained and safe, so parents can relax. Kids get a seat, food, and generally have a much better time.
Q: Where does the boat park during the fireworks show?
A: The captain will anchor just outside the official restricted zone—usually around the waters between Hung Hom and Wan Chai—based on the Marine Department’s closures that night. This is the closest spot officially allowed near where the fireworks are launched.
