Hong Kong rings in 2026 without fireworks after deadliest blaze in decades

People celebrate the start of 2026 in Hong Kong (Chan Long Hei/AP)

Hong Kong has marked the start of 2026 without fireworks over Victoria Harbour after a massive fire in November killed at least 161 people.

The city’s tourism board instead hosted a music show on Wednesday night featuring soft rock duo Air Supply and other singers in Central, a business district that also is home to the famous nightlife hub Lan Kwai Fong.