The Hong Kong Tourism Board prepares to celebrate the Year of the Dog with a line-up of festivities and events, including a fireworks show, a world-renowned parade, pop-up flower markets and food festivals.

“Chinese New Year is one of the best times of year to visit Hong Kong,” said Bill Flora, U.S. director, Hong Kong Tourism Board. “The energetic and festive ambiance of the city is unmatched as Hong Kong ushers in the Year of the Dog with some of the most exciting festivals and events that can be found anywhere in the world.”

The celebration kicks off Feb. 16 with the International Chinese New Year Parade, a world-class spectacle with local and international performers and elaborate floats running along Tsim Sha Tsui’s main streets.

The three-week celebration starts off with a bang, literally, in the form of a spectacular pyrotechnic display over Victoria Harbour. The Hong Kong Chinese New Year Fireworks show takes place Feb. 17 at 20:00. The best vantage points are the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront and Central Harbourfront.

The Sha Tin Racecourse is the site of popular annual races; starting Feb. 18 and running throughout the month, the Central Harbourfront transforms into the Grand European Carnival featuring rides, food, games and more.

Here are a couple other notable events and New Year-themed experiences taking place in February:

• The celebration of famed military-commander-turned-deity, Che Tung, at the Che Kung Temple, Feb. 17
• Pop-up flower markets in Victoria Park and Mongkok, selling traditional New Year decorations, souvenirs, food items and flowers
• The Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees, located in Lam Tsuen Village in Tai Po, draw crowds during the Chinese New Year for their reputation of bringing good fortune.