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Hong Kong culture
OpinionHong Kong Opinion
Luisa Tam

My Hong Kong | Hong Kong used to be the Halloween hub of Asia. What the city can do to reclaim its crown

Tokyo, Shanghai and Seoul have emerged as top Halloween party spots in Asia. But Hong Kong could set itself apart again – by looking inward

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Halloween revellers celebrate in Lan Kwai Fong, Hong Kong. The city, traditionally at the forefront of Halloween in Asia, should leverage its local culture to make the event bigger than ever, Luisa Tam says. Photo: Nora Tam

Halloween has become a significant revenue generator in Hong Kong, thanks in part to the widespread, family-friendly celebrations held in the city. It also serves as a prelude to the Christmas holiday season.

The spooky celebration was not widely observed in Hong Kong until around three decades ago, when prominent Hong Kong businessman Allan Zeman established a small Halloween gathering in Lan Kwai Fong, in the city’s Central neighbourhood.

This initiative helped transform the area into the city’s premier entertainment district and established the foundation for what has become one of the most anticipated celebrations in the region.

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Over the years, these Halloween parties have drawn expatriates and locals alike, significantly boosting the revenues of nightlife establishments.

Revellers celebrate in Lan Kwai Fong, Hong Kong, during Halloween 2024. Photo: Eugene Lee
Revellers celebrate in Lan Kwai Fong, Hong Kong, during Halloween 2024. Photo: Eugene Lee

However, while Hong Kong was once at the forefront of Halloween celebrations in Asia, it now finds itself competing with cities such as Tokyo, Seoul and Shanghai, which have developed their own unique Halloween traditions.

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