If you're planning to ring in 2026 in Hong Kong, get ready for an exciting celebration with a massive influx of visitors, especially from the Mainland as New Year's Day kicks off a three-day holiday there.

This year, the traditional New Year's Eve fireworks display has been replaced with an alternative countdown event. The Hong Kong Tourism Board will announce full details soon, so keep an eye out for a fresh way to welcome the New Year with locals and fellow travelers.

To handle the expected crowds, the government is stepping up preparations:

**Border Control Points (BCPs): **Discussions with Shenzhen authorities are underway to extend operating hours on New Year's Eve (details coming soon). The Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge and Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang ports will run 24 hours as usual.

Public Transport Boosts: Most MTR lines will operate overnight on December 31. The East Rail Line will extend services to Lo Wu Station, and special buses will connect Sheung Shui Station to the 24-hour Lok Ma Chau port after Lo Wu services end.

Monitoring & Safety: An interdepartmental command center will operate from Dec 31 to Jan 4 to monitor borders in real-time, coordinate with Mainland authorities, and deploy extra staff if needed. Emergency centers for security and transport will also run 24/7.

Popular spots like Sai Kung's High Island Reservoir East Dam may see heavy tourist traffic, with extra police for crowd control and enhanced minibus services.

Hong Kong is fully geared up to welcome you safely and smoothly – enjoy the festivities!