Here's why Hong Kong cancelled its New Year fireworks
Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour was atypically dark on New Year's Eve as the city government decided to call off the traditional pyrotechnic display after November's deadly apartment blaze.
Instead of the fireworks show that normally draws thousands of local and foreign tourists to the iconic spot every New Year's Eve, the Hong Kong Tourism Board organized a music and lights show. According to the Associated Press, soft rock duo Air Supply and other performers delivered a musical extravaganza. Adding to the revelry, eight landmarks around the district lit up their facades with gigantic countdown clocks, three minutes to midnight.
The territory's secretary for culture, sports, and tourism, Rosanna Law, said the lack of fireworks would affect the customer flow of some hotels and restaurants. However, both locals and tourists were understanding of the decision, with some saying that having no fireworks did not influence their experience of Hong Kong.
By early Wednesday evening, crowds were already in place by the stage at Central to get the best vantage point for the mini concert.
The deadly blaze
On Nov. 26, 2025, a fire broke out in an apartment complex in Wang Fuk Court within the Tai Po District. The complex had been undergoing a months-long renovation, with several of the high-rise buildings covered by netting and bamboo scaffolding. Authorities surmised it was the substandard netting and foam boards covering some windows that spread the fire quickly.
By Dec. 22, the Hong Kong Free Press reported the death toll from the blaze to have reached 161. At least one Filipino was among the fatality count, as confirmed by the Philippine Consulate General in Hong Kong.
The apartment blaze is Hong Kong's most catastrophic fire since 1948.
