Hong Kong’s annual Chinese New Year night parade will usher in the Year of the Horse with a vibrant display of floats and international performances, organisers said on Tuesday.

The event, organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, will begin at 8pm on February 17 at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza.

The procession will along Canton Road, Haiphong Road and Nathan Road, concluding at the Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel and Towers.

Under the theme “Everywhere a Wish,” this year’s festivities will include 12 floats highlighting unique aspects of the city and 46 performing troupes from around the world, such as Italy, France, and Canada.

Notable new participants include McDonald’s Hong Kong, whose float is inspired by the 1980s interior of its Sha Tin restaurant.

Also making its debut is the Hong Kong Brand Toy Association float, featuring local intellectual properties like LABUBU and Molly to showcase the city’s creative culture.

Additionally, the newly introduced Lam Tsuen Wishing Square float will become a mobile “Glowing Wishing Tree,” bringing to life Hong Kong’s traditional village prayer customs and festive spirit.

Andrew Yeung, general manager of event and product development at the Tourism Board, said he expects an audience of 100,000, half of whom will be visitors.

"We inject new elements every year to our parade and also our events as well," he said.

"I'm sure that we can attract tourists from overseas and we are working with our overseas office to bring this message out and draw more visitors to Hong Kong."

Yeung added that this year holds special significance with the inclusion of the new Kai Tak Sports Park as a secondary venue.

Some of the floats will be displayed there from the second day of Chinese New Year.

"I think this will attract more visitors to that area because it's more accessible," he said.

For those unable to attend in person, Yeung said the parade will also be broadcast on television and online.