One of Hong Kong’s most important and beloved holidays is the Lunar New Year. In accordance with the animals of the Chinese zodiac, each year is symbolized by one of those animals. For the holiday, much of the city is decked out in bedazzling lights. New Year’s celebrations extend well beyond one day. A weeklong Chinese New Year Fiesta and colorfully clad dancers perform dragon and lion dances in the streets, hotel lobbies and malls. Traditionally, small, red envelopes (lai see) with money are given as gifts for luck. Flower displays are everywhere and flower markets spring up around the city. The flower markets sell flowers and plants that have special significance in their culture. Restaurants and stores have flowers on display that bring good luck and immortality.

Hong Kong’s Lunar New Year celebration is compromised of several events of which the parade is the biggest. Televised to millions and seen live by hundreds of thousands, the parade is now taking place in the evening making the light displays all the more vivid.

The upcoming celebration (2010) is for the Year of the Tiger. Dragons and lions play such a large role in Chinese culture that they are well represented in the parade regardless of the zodiac animal being celebrated. Lively dancers wearing heads representing giant lions perform as long dragons snake through the air as they are held up and manipulated by the more than 20 people needed to enchant the massive throng of parade watchers.

Hong Kong’s incredible Victoria Harbor waterfront serves as a backdrop for the parade route. Lavishly decorated, colorful floats, street entertainers, dancers and international performers entertain and amaze the crowed along the route. Music is an integral part of Chinese celebrations and the parade is no exception. The air is filled with songs from several marching bands and colorful costumes dazzle the spectators.

The night after the Chinese New Year Parade, an absolutely incredible fireworks display lights up the evening sky over Victoria Harbor to welcome the incoming year. Spectators vie for prime viewing positions along the waterfront or watch from one of the many boats that cruise around the harbor. Sha Tin racetrack hosts an impressive horseracing event on day three of the celebration.

Depending on when the first day of the lunar New Year starts, the celebrations can begin as early as January 21 and run to as late as February 19. Officially lasting fifteen days, in Hong Kong the main parts of the celebration is held over three days with the parade leading it off on February 14, 2010. Bleacher seating costs HK180 – HK300 however standing along the parade route is free.

With everything that Hong Kong has to offer, the perfect time to arrive is in time to participate in the Lunar New Year celebration. The fusion of East and West, old and new create unforgettable memories for those that immerse themselves in the sights, sounds and customs of this vibrant city.

Designed along the line of Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, this promenade was developed into this attraction at a staggering cost of $40 million Hong Kong dollars by a company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, New World Development Company Limited. Although the promenade itself was constructed in 1982, the Avenue of Stars component was unveiled to the public in 2004. During the ceremonies, the Avenue was handed over to the government to be used as public space.

During the day, the promenade provides impressive views of Victoria Harbor. In the evening, it is a popular place to see spectacular A Symphony of Lights display. With the addition of the Avenue of Stars, there is also an opportunity to glimpse the human stars of Hong Kong.

As you enter the promenade from Salisbury Garden, There is a towering 4.5-meter high replica of the Hong Kong Film Awards winner’s statuette. Hong Kong’s cinematic history spanning 100 years is revealed on nine bright red pillars as well as a Bruce Lee life-size statue are set along the 440-meters promenade.

As a tribute to those that have made significant contributions to territory’s filmmaking, there are decorative concrete plaques inset in the bricks of the promenade. The majority of the plaques honor deceased contributors and therefore just the name is inscribed. Plaques honoring those that are alive often feature an autograph and handprints.

The first year saw 73 people inducted and the list keeps growing. Such notables as Jackie Chan, the late Bruce Lee, and John Woo all have stars along the promenade. Take a stroll among the stars and, who knows; you might see a celebrity doing the same.