The New Year's holiday is upon us! If you're still deciding where to welcome 2026 in Shenzhen, look no further. From traditional cultural experiences and bustling street festivals to dazzling light shows and pet-friendly parties, the city offers a spectacular array of celebrations. Here's a curated roundup of must-see events to match every mood.
Dongmen Pedestrian Street
A 12-day extravaganza blending traditional Chinese style with anime and gaming culture is taking place at Dongmen until Jan. 3, 2026. Enjoy Hanfu parades, live bands, creative markets, flash mobs, and street dance. Here is a paradise for fashion lovers and social media photo hunters.
Photo from WeChat official account "罗湖发布"
Venue: Dongmen Pedestrian Street, Luohu District (罗湖区东门步行街)
Metro: Line 1 or 3 to Laojie Station (老街站), Exit A/F
OCT Harbor
OCT Harbor is hosting a "Honor of Kings" themed lantern festival during the New Year period. Highlights include a 14-meter-high Nyuwa lantern, a themed lantern of the game character Wang Zhaojun, an 11-meter-long giant Kun lantern, and a VR experience. Live singing performances are held every Friday to Sunday from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Halo Plaza.
Photo from WeChat official account "南山通"
Dates: Through March 3, 2026
Venue: OCT Harbor, Nanshan District (南山区欢乐海岸)
Metro: Line 9 to Shenzhen Bay Park Station (深圳湾公园站), Exit E
Window of the World
The theme park is presenting the "Shining New Year Season" celebration until March 6, 2026. Highlights include artificial snowfall at the carousel square, fireworks, beautiful Alpine "ice rose" displays, glittering star-tree photo installations, carnival games, and live music parties.
Photo from WeChat official account "深台第一站"
Tip: Check the park schedule for daily performance times.
Venue: Window of the World, Nanshan District (南山区深圳世界之窗)
Metro: Line 1 or 2 to Window of the World Station (世界之窗站), Exit H2
Happy Valley
The amusement park transforms into a winter wonderland with five themed zones, from Nordic fairy tales to classic Chinese pavilions in winter attire. Enjoy special performances, roaming NPCs, sporadic snowfall, parades, and EDM parties. This year, a pet-friendly event allows visitors to bring their furry friends to enjoy select rides and special interactive spaces.
Photo from WeChat official account "深圳欢乐谷"
Dates: Until Feb. 1, 2026 (extended hours until 11 p.m. from Dec. 31 to Jan. 3, 2026)
Venue: Shenzhen Happy Valley, Nanshan District (南山区深圳欢乐谷)
Metro: Line 1 or 2 to Window of the World Station (世界之窗站), Exit A
Chocolate festival
The Shenzhen 2nd Chocolate Carnival offers free entry with no registration required. Free samples are available from all vendors, featuring over 30 specialty chocolates from across China and Italy.
Photo from WeChat official account "深圳欢乐谷"
Time: 11 a.m-8 p.m., through Jan. 2, 2026
Venue: Haide Plaza, Coastal City, Nanshan District (南山区海岸城海德广场)
Metro: Line 2, 11 or 13 to Houhai Station (后海站), Exit D1
Gankeng Ancient Town
Dubbed Shenzhen's "Great Tang Never-Sleep City," this scenic area dazzles with lanterns, oil-paper umbrellas, and traditional architecture illuminated at night. Look out for thrilling performances like "datiehua" (iron molten flower) and fire pot shows.
Photo from WeChat official account "深圳近期活动展览"
Venue: Gankeng Ancient Town, Longgang District (龙岗区甘坑古镇)
Metro: Line 10 to Gankeng Station (甘坑站), Exit B; then a 10-minute walk
