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As we welcome the 2026 New Year countdown, both sides of Victoria Harbour offer exciting experiences. Whether you want to soak up the lively atmosphere with thousands cheering by the waterfront or enjoy the refined elegance of a scenic restaurant, you’re sure to make great memories. If you prefer to avoid the crowds and enjoy an unobstructed 360-degree fireworks show under the stars, a “yacht countdown” is a premium choice that balances comfort and value. This article gives an objective look at five top ways to watch the fireworks, including their unique features and budget breakdowns, helping you find the perfect celebration plan for you. 🎆
In recent years, with the upgrading of consumption patterns, everyone has begun to pursue a “sense of experience”. Rather than going to “watch fireworks”, it is better to find a reason to spend a quality evening with important people. This is why the demand for yacht parties and restaurants with views has increased exponentially in recent years.
An In-Depth Comparison of the 5 Best Ways to Watch Hong Kong’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks
To make it easy for everyone to understand, I’ve put together a detailed comparison of the 5 most popular ways to watch.
Compare the summary table
| How to watch | Budget per Capita (HKD) | Landscape view | Comfort | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tsim Sha Tsui/Wan Chai Waterfront | gratis | Partially obscured/crowded | ⭐ (Very low, it takes a long time to stand) | Students,People with good stamina and Those on a tight budget |
| Victoria Harbour View Restaurant | $1,500 – $3,000+ | Fixed viewing angle (affected by glass reflection) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Couples, business banquets |
| Staycation at Seaview Hotel | $5,000+ | Depending on the floor and angle | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Families, privacy-seekers |
| Star Ferry (Special Service) | $300 – $600 | Dynamic vision (but stuffier in the cabin) | ⭐⭐ | Those who want to experience nostalgia |
| Holimood New Year’s Eve yacht | $6,80 – $1,500 | 360-degree unobstructed (under fireworks) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐（Self-serve dining is offered on the boat） | Gathering with friends and pursuing the ultimate in vision |
1. Seaside crowded seats: Free is the most expensive
This is the most traditional way to celebrate. The biggest advantage, of course, is that it’s free and the live atmosphere is super lively. But the downside is pretty clear: you’ll need to claim your spot by the afternoon. If you’re with kids or older family members, I strongly recommend avoiding this option. Once the roads are closed off, it’s tough to get around, and going to the bathroom becomes almost impossible.
@环球探秘者_ from Xiaohongshu.
@一粒小黄豆 （还想见邓紫棋版_ from Xiaohongshu.
2. Victoria Harbour View Restaurants: Glass Is Your Biggest Challenge
Lots of restaurants advertise “fireworks views,” but the number of seats with a real view is pretty limited. Plus, the biggest downside to watching indoors is the glare from the glass. When the fireworks light up outside and the indoor lights are on, your photos usually end up showing your own reflection more than the fireworks. On top of that, New Year’s Eve meal packages tend to be overpriced, so the value isn’t great.
3. Holimood New Year’s Eve Yacht: The awe of standing beneath the fireworks
Imagine the boat anchored right at the edge of the Victoria Harbour restricted zone, with fireworks bursting overhead. The visual and sound impact is something you just can’t get from the shore. Check out our article Hong Kong New Year’s Eve Fireworks Yacht Guide for more details about the experience.
🌟Top 5 Unique Perks of Holimood’s NYE Fireworks Yacht
- Immersive Visual Feast: The captain will steer the boat to the best viewing spot, giving you an unobstructed wide view ranging from 180 to 360 degrees.
- 100% Guaranteed Group: Many open bookings worry about last-minute cancellations. Holimood’s New Year’s group tour is “guaranteed to run,” so you can plan your trip with confidence—no need to worry about being left hanging.
- All-in-One Convenience: The ticket price usually includes a fancy catered dinner and unlimited drinks. Enjoy delicious food while feeling the sea breeze—that’s the good life.
- Private and Comfortable Experience: The yacht has two levels with plenty of space and privacy, so you can move around freely. This is super important—there’s a clean bathroom on board! Compared to waiting in long lines for portable toilets onshore, the yacht’s restroom is way more comfortable. Plus, the cabin is nicely temperature-controlled and has couches, so you can rest when you’re tired.
- Guided by a Pro: New Year’s Eve docks can get really chaotic. A professional guide will contact you ahead of time with clear meeting spots and lead everyone on board in an organized way, so you don’t get lost in the crowd.
👉 3 Common Misconceptions About Yacht New Year’s Eve Countdowns
As someone with over 10 years in the yacht industry, I want to clear up some common misconceptions about celebrating New Year’s on a yacht—so you don’t miss out on a great experience.
Myth #1: Yachts Are Just for Wealthy People
Correction: Renting an entire yacht used to cost tens of thousands, which was definitely expensive. But now Holimood offers a “per head” ticket option. You can buy just one or two tickets, and the price is about the same as dining at a fancy restaurant—or even cheaper—while still enjoying a luxury-level experience.
Myth #2: Winter Boating Is Cold and Makes You Seasick
Correction: Victoria Harbour is an inner harbor, so the waves are really small. Unless there’s a typhoon—which is almost impossible in winter—the boat stays very stable, and very few people get seasick. As for the temperature, modern Western-style yachts and large Chinese-style yachts both have indoor areas. You can eat inside and only step out on deck to watch the fireworks, so there’s nothing to worry about.
Myth #3: It’s Fine to Book a Yacht Right Before New Year’s
Correction: This is the biggest misconception! New Year’s Eve yacht trips are the most in-demand all year. By late November, about 80% of spots are already booked. By the end of December, tickets are super hard to get, and prices usually go up because of high demand. So yes, “early bird” prices are definitely real.
Summary & Recommendations: How Should You Choose?
Based on the above analysis, the suggestions are as follows:
- If you want to experience the bustling crowd, head to the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront. It takes some stamina, but it’s definitely a youthful experience.
- If you have the budget and want to give your partner an unforgettable proposal or anniversary experience, or if you’re bringing the whole family and want to avoid the hassle, Holimood’s New Year’s Eve yacht is definitely the top choice. It takes care of the biggest headaches—crowds, bathroom access, and food—while giving you the best views.
🎆 2026 Victoria Harbour Fireworks Night|Free Dinner at Sea & Buffet Drinks
Don’t want to miss this once-a-year event? There are still a few early bird spots left!
Includes: Victoria Harbour cruise, buffet dinner on board, unlimited drinks, and a professional guide.
*Please note: As New Year’s Eve gets closer, prices may go up or tickets could sell out.
Frequently Asked Questions FAQ
Q1: Is celebrating New Year’s Eve on a yacht kid-friendly?
It’s totally suitable. Compared to the crowded waterfront where kids can easily get lost or squished, a yacht is an enclosed space, so it’s much safer for little ones to move around inside. Plus, there are bathrooms and food on board, which solves some of the biggest headaches for parents. *Kids under 3 need to be supervised by a parent at all times.
Q2: Where is the usual meeting point for New Year’s Eve yacht trips?
Most Holimood New Year’s Eve yachts board at Kwun Tong, North Point, or Central piers, depending on traffic restrictions that day. Our guide will let you know the most convenient meeting spot before departure, helping you avoid the main road closures around Tsim Sha Tsui.
Q3: What happens if the weather is bad or it rains on the day?
As long as there’s no No. 3 typhoon signal or black rainstorm warning, the fireworks usually go on as planned. Most of our yachts have indoor areas, so even if it rains, you can enjoy your meal inside and then step out onto a covered deck to watch the fireworks. It won’t spoil the fun at all.
Q4: Besides New Year’s Eve, what other yacht activities do you recommend?
Besides New Year’s Eve, Christmas or any regular evening are great for yacht parties too. You can check out our Hong Kong yacht charter guide to learn more about how to enjoy boat parties.
