2025 Macau Fireworks Display Contest & Firecracker Zones: Schedule & Best Viewing Spots

Post date: 2025-06-13 | Categories: Macao Travel

Macau Fireworks events are plentiful, but the most prominent is the Macau International Fireworks Display Contest, held annually from early September to early October during the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day period. Other fireworks displays light up the sky during Lunar New Year, Macau Handover Anniversary, and New Year’s Eve. For those who want to experience more than just watching, Macau also offers designated firecracker zones during the Lunar New Year, where visitors can set off their own fireworks and firecrackers.

Table of Contents

1. 2025 Macau International Fireworks Display Contest Schedule
2. Best Spots to Watch Macau Fireworks
- 1. Around Macau Tower
- 2. Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre
- 3. Nam Van • Yat Yuen Canalside
- 4. Sá Gomes Avenue
- 5. Macau Science Centre to Kun Iam Statue
- 6. Avenida da República
- 7. Bishop’s Hill Lookout
- 8. Taipa’s Avenida Marginal do Oceano
- 9. Taipa’s Small Taipa Hill Lookout
- 10. Zhuhai’s Wanzai and Hengqin
- 11. Fireworks from Hotels
- 12. Fireworks from the Sea
3. Lunar New Year Firecracker Zones

2025 Macau International Fireworks Display Contest Schedule

The annual “Macau International Fireworks Display Contest,” held from early September to early October, is one of Macau’s most anticipated events. First launched in 1990, the 2025 edition will mark its 36th year. However, due to cancellations in 2020, 2021, and 2022 because of the pandemic, 2025 will technically be the 33rd edition.

The contest typically spans five days, with two displays each night (around 9:00 PM and 9:40 PM), featuring 10 teams from different countries or regions. The final display usually falls on October 1 (National Day) or the following weekend. In 2025, the Mid-Autumn Festival is on Monday, October 6, so the last display may likely be scheduled for that day.

The exact dates for the 2025 contest have not yet been announced, but based on past schedules, it is expected to begin on September 6, with displays on September 6, 13, 20, October 1, and 6.

Each display lasts approximately 20 minutes. Below are the 2024 contest dates for reference:

September 14 (Saturday);
September 15 (Sunday);
September 21 (Saturday);
October 1 (Tuesday, National Day);
October 6 (Sunday).

Note: The original schedule for 2024 included September 7, but due to a typhoon, the displays by Russia and France were postponed to September 15.

The 2024 contest featured teams from Russia, France, Canada, Thailand, Spain, the Philippines, China, Italy, Japan, and Portugal. Below is the schedule of participating teams and their performance times:

2024 Macau International Fireworks Display Contest Participants and Schedule

Official promotional video:

Reference:

> Official Website of Macau International Fireworks Display Contest

Related Travel Products

During the fireworks season, many Macau businesses offer special packages. For example, Macau Tower provides buffet dinners with fireworks views, while ferry companies organize sea cruises for a unique viewing experience.

Here are some recommended products:

【Dinner with Fireworks】Macau Tower 360° Revolving Restaurant Buffet Dinner
【Fireworks from Macau Tower】Macau Tower Observation Deck Ticket (Includes a Drink)
【Fireworks from the Sky】Macau Tower Skywalk
【Fireworks by Bus】Open-Top Sightseeing Bus Tour
【Fireworks at Sea】Cotai Water Jet Sea Cruise
【Fireworks at Sea】TurboJet Sea Cruise

Best Spots to Watch Macau Fireworks

The fireworks are launched from barges on the Nam Van Lake near Macau Tower. Essentially, anywhere with a view of the tower offers a fireworks spectacle. Below are 12 recommended viewing locations, each offering unique perspectives.

1. Macau Tower Area

The fireworks for the Macau International Fireworks Display Contest are launched from boats anchored in the sea opposite the Macau Tower. Therefore, the open seaside area near the tower (along the观光塔街) is the primary and best viewing spot, offering a震撼 experience as the fireworks explode overhead.

In previous years, during the fireworks display, the open area near Macau Tower hosted the “Fireworks Carnival,” featuring various food stalls that added to the lively atmosphere. However, this year, the “Fireworks Carnival” will be relocated to the Macau Science Center Seawall.

The grassy area in front of the Legislative Assembly across the road from the tower was also a popular spot for locals to watch the fireworks. Families would often spread out mats and sit together, creating a vibe reminiscent of Japanese fireworks festivals. Unfortunately, this area has now been developed into buildings, and those nostalgic moments are gone.

↓ Below are three photos from previous years, taken on the grassy area in front of the Legislative Assembly, for a trip down memory lane. ↓

Transportation:

To reach Macau Tower, you can take buses 5AX, 9A, 18, 18B, 23, 26, or 32, and alight at the “Macau Tower” or “Macau Tower/Tunnel” stops. Note that bus stop locations may be temporarily adjusted during the fireworks display. If walking, it’s about 1,300 meters (a 15-minute walk) from Nam Van’s New Yaohan or MGM to the tower.

2. Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre

The Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre, located by the lakeside near the Legislative Assembly, is not far from Macau Tower and offers an unobstructed view of the fireworks. If the tower area is too crowded, this is a great alternative.

Transportation:

To get to the Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre, take buses 6B, 9, 9A, 18, 18B, 23, or 32, and alight at the “Avenida Panorâmica do Lago Nam Van” stop. Walking from Nam Van’s New Yaohan takes about 700 meters (10–12 minutes).

3. Nam Van • Yat Yuen Lakeside

Nam Van • Yat Yuen Lakeside, located between New Yaohan and the Nam Van Lake Nautical Centre, offers a clear view of the fireworks as there are no tall buildings blocking the line of sight to the tower.

Transportation:

To reach Yat Yuen Lakeside, take buses 6B, 9, 9A, 18, 18B, 23, 28B, or 32, and alight at the “Praça de Jorge Álvares” stop. It’s only about 200 meters from New Yaohan and 500–700 meters from Senado Square or Hotel Lisboa.

4. Wynn Hotel and One Central’s Lakeside Promenade (Avenida de Sagres)

On the eastern side of Nam Van Lake, between Wynn Macau and One Central (near MGM and Mandarin Oriental), lies Avenida de Sagres, a pedestrian-only promenade that faces the tower across the lake with no obstructions, making it another ideal spot for fireworks viewing.

The advantage of Avenida de Sagres is its proximity to hotels and casinos like Wynn, MGM, Grand Lisboa, and StarWorld, making it convenient for tourists. It’s also close to Praça de Ferreira do Amaral, easily accessible by bus or car.

Transportation:

To get to Avenida de Sagres, take any bus that terminates at or passes through Praça de Ferreira do Amaral (too many to list here). From there, walk through the underground pedestrian tunnel near the old Lisboa Hotel toward Wynn Macau, then head toward MGM. Alternatively, take the casino shuttle buses to Wynn Macau or MGM.

5. Macau Science Center to Kun Iam Statue

The areas around the Macau Science Center, Kun Iam Statue, and the Kun Iam Statue Seaside Leisure Area also offer views of the tower and the fireworks-launching boats. This is a great option for those driving, as there are large underground parking lots nearby. However, the distance may dampen the sound and impact of the fireworks.

This year, the “Fireworks Carnival” will be held at the Macau Science Center Seawall from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM on fireworks display days, featuring various food stalls.

Transportation:

To reach the Macau Science Center, take buses 3A, 3AX, 5X, 8, 10A, 12, or 17S, and alight at the “Centro Cultural” or “Macau Science Center” stops.

6. Avenida da República (Sai Van)

Avenida da República in Sai Van offers an unobstructed view of the fireworks across Sai Van Lake, making it another excellent viewing spot.

Transportation:

To get to Avenida da República, take buses 6B, 9, 16, 16S, or 28B, and alight at the “Avenida da República” or “Sai Van” stops.

7. Bishop Hill (Penha Hill) Lookout

For a panoramic high-angle view of the fireworks, the Chapel of Our Lady of Penha and the adjacent Penha Hill Lookout on Bishop Hill are ideal. However, the narrow roads mean buses don’t go directly to the chapel, and the closest stop is about 300 meters away, involving a steep 10–15 minute walk. Also, the chapel closes at 5:00 PM, so the lookout is the only option for evening fireworks.

↓ Below are two photos of fireworks viewed from the Penha Hill Lookout (zoomed in). ↓

Macau fireworks viewed from Penha Hill Lookout

Transportation:

To reach the Penha Hill Lookout, take buses 9 or 16, alight at the “Rua de S. Francisco” stop, walk about 100 meters, then turn right onto Calcada da Penha and continue uphill for about 200 meters. See the Google Street View below:

8. Avenida dos Oceanos (Taipa)

Avenida dos Oceanos in Taipa, opposite Macau Tower, and the Taipa Seaside Leisure Area offer clear views of the fireworks. However, the distance may reduce the auditory impact.

↓ Below are five photos of fireworks viewed from Avenida dos Oceanos. ↓

Macau fireworks viewed from Avenida dos Oceanos

For a closer view, head to the area under the Sai Van Bridge in the Taipa Seaside Leisure Area, which is the closest spot in Taipa to the fireworks launch site.

Transportation:

To reach Avenida dos Oceanos, take buses 26, 52, 71, 73, or MT4, and alight at the “Ponte de Sai Van/Avenida dos Oceanos” or “Jardim do Oceano/Rosário” stops. Alternatively, take buses 15, 34, or 35, alight at the “Jardim do Oceano/Miramar” stop, and walk about 2 minutes toward the seaside.

9. Taipa Small Taipa Hill Lookout

The Small Taipa Hill Lookout, facing the Governor Nobre de Carvalho Bridge, offers a elevated panoramic view of the fireworks. However, the distance may mute the sound.

Transportation:

To reach the Small Taipa Hill Lookout, take buses 11, 21A, 22, 25, 25B, 26A, 28A, 30X, 33, 35, 36, 50, 50B, MT1, MT2, or MT5, alight at the “Rotunda de Carlos da Maia” stop, and take the elevator next to the bus stop to the lookout.

10. Zhuhai’s Wanzai and Hengqin

The Macau fireworks can also be seen from Zhuhai’s Wanzai and Hengqin areas facing Macau Tower. Below are photos taken from high-rises in Hengqin, and the video at the end of this article was also filmed from Hengqin.

11. Viewing Fireworks from Hotels

For a crowd-free experience, the best spots are residences and hotels facing Macau Tower. If you’re a tourist, splurging on a hotel room with a fireworks view is a great option.

The top hotel choices are the three by Nam Van Lake: Mandarin Oriental Macau, Wynn Macau, and YOHO Treasure Island Hotel, whose lake-facing rooms offer stunning views. YOHO’s pool is also a great spot for fireworks viewing.

Other options include Riviera Hotel Macau on Bishop Hill, and Regency Art Hotel and Altira Macau in Taipa. These are more affordable but may lack the luxury of newer hotels.

In addition to Macau hotels, the St. Regis Zhuhai and Sheraton Zhuhai Hotel, located along the Wan Chai waterfront in Zhuhai and facing the Macau Tower, are also ideal for viewing the Macau fireworks.

12. Viewing Fireworks from the Sea

In 2024, Cotai Water Jet launched a special cruise experience called the “Macau Fireworks Cruise,” allowing passengers to watch the fireworks from the sea. The cruise departs from Taipa Ferry Terminal at 8:30 PM on each International Fireworks Competition day, sails to the waters opposite the Macau Tower for fireworks viewing, and then returns to Taipa Ferry Terminal. The entire journey takes approximately 70 minutes, with tickets priced at MOP 200 for adults and MOP 180 for children.

In addition to purchasing tickets at Cotai Water Jet ticketing counters or their official website, you can also book through Klook. Using these Klook promo codes, you can save at least $10 per ticket.

Below is a video of past Macau International Fireworks Competition performances:

Lunar New Year Firecracker Zones

During Lunar New Year, Macau designates firecracker zones where visitors can purchase and set off fireworks. In 2025, the zones will operate from January 28 (New Year’s Eve) to February 2 (Fifth Day of Lunar New Year).

Locations:

Macau Peninsula: Near Macau Tower on Avenida Sun Yat-Sen.
Taipa: Along Avenida Almirante Marques Esparteiro.

2025 Macau Firecracker and Firework Zones

There are two firecracker and firework zones, located on Macau Peninsula and Taipa respectively. The Macau Peninsula zone is situated at the reclaimed land near Macau Tower along Avenida Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, while the Taipa zone is located at the seaside along Estrada Almirante Marques Esparteiro.

(1) Location and Transportation of Macau Firecracker and Firework Zone

The firecracker and firework zone on Macau Peninsula is located on the reclaimed land along Avenida Dr. Sun Yat-Sen near the waterfront in the southern part of the peninsula. It is close to Macau Tower, the Legislative Assembly, the Forum for Economic and Trade Co-operation between China and Portuguese-speaking Countries, Mandarin Oriental Macau, and MGM Macau. The Macau Peninsula zone is larger, with more stalls selling firecrackers and fireworks. Due to its location on the peninsula, it attracts more visitors, especially tourists.

2025 Macau Firecracker and Firework Zone Location

The Macau Peninsula firecracker and firework zone covers a large area, with six stalls selling fireworks and firecrackers this year. (Note: The following images are from previous years.)

The ignition area is separate from the sales area. After purchasing your desired firecrackers and fireworks from the sales area, you can proceed to the ignition area to enjoy them.

Even if you don’t participate, watching others can be just as enjoyable.

Many people who win at casinos come to the firecracker and firework zone to set off large fireworks and firecrackers to celebrate, creating a spectacle that rivals official firework displays.

There is no bus stop directly outside the Macau Peninsula firecracker and firework zone. If you take the bus, you will need to get off at nearby stops and walk the rest of the way. Here are the bus stops near the Macau Peninsula zone:

M178 Largo da Assembleia Legislativa – Buses 9A, 23, and 32 stop here, approximately 500 meters from the zone.
M177 Macau Tower – Buses 9A, 18, 18B, 23, 26, 32, 60, and 65 stop here, approximately 700 meters from the zone.
M268 Largo 24 de Junho – Buses 7, 29, 50, 50B, 60, MT1, MT2, N1A, and N2 stop here, approximately 1,000 meters from the zone.
M262 Avenida 24 de Junho / Porto – Buses 3A, 7, 8, 12, 23, 29, 39, 50, 50B, 60, 65, and MT1 stop here, approximately 1,100 meters from the zone.

Additionally, to facilitate the departure of visitors after the festivities, free shuttle buses will be available from 11:00 PM to 1:00 AM (extended to 2:00 AM on the first day of the Lunar New Year), transporting passengers to Praça Ferreira Amaral for connections to other bus routes.

The Largo da Assembleia Legislativa bus stop is the closest to the firecracker and firework zone. If you are coming from Qingmao Port, Toi San, Border Gate, Horta e Costa, Tap Seac, or Grand Lisboa, you can take bus 9A. If you are coming from Ilha Verde, Est. do Repouso, Flora Garden, Golden Lotus Square, or Grand Lisboa, you can take bus 23. If you are coming from Fai Chi Kei, Toi San, Horta e Costa, Macau Ferry Terminal, Golden Lotus Square, or Grand Lisboa, you can take bus 32.

If your starting point is not served by the above buses, you can first take another bus to Praça Ferreira Amaral and then transfer to buses 9A, 23, or 32 to reach Largo da Assembleia Legislativa.

Macau Tower is a major bus stop in the area, with more routes stopping there. Many people choose to alight at Macau Tower and walk to the firecracker and firework zone. Although the distance from Macau Tower to the zone is slightly longer than from Largo da Assembleia Legislativa, the difference is only about 100 to 200 meters. Taking a shortcut can make the distance nearly the same.

Here is the walking route from Macau Tower to the Macau firecracker and firework zone. (Note: The following images are from previous years; the path may differ this year but should be easier to navigate.)

Macau Tower Bus Stop

After alighting, walk toward the seaside sports field.

Walking from Macau Tower to Macau Firecracker Zone

Walking from Macau Tower to Macau Firework Zone

Continue straight when you see the barricades. This shortcut is not an official path, but it leads directly to the firecracker and firework zone. If you prefer not to take the shortcut, you can use the official route, which is only about 100 meters longer.

Walking from Macau Tower to Macau Firecracker and Firework Zone

If you are coming from the Zona Nova de Aterros do Porto Exterior, MGM, or Wynn Macau, you can walk along Nam Van Lake toward Macau Tower.

Walking from Zona Nova de Aterros do Porto Exterior to Macau Firecracker and Firework Zone

Walking from MGM to Macau Firecracker and Firework Zone

Walking from Wynn Macau to Macau Firecracker and Firework Zone

Although the walk from Zona Nova de Aterros do Porto Exterior, Wynn, or MGM to the firecracker zone is slightly longer, the advantage is that you can enjoy Macau’s night views along the way.

As you approach the firecracker zone, you will notice the air becoming hazy with smoke. Cross the road, and you will arrive at the firecracker and firework zone.

Here are walking routes from different locations to the Macau firecracker and firework zone:

View walking routes to Macau Firecracker and Firework Zone on a larger map

(2) Location and Transportation of Taipa Firecracker and Firework Zone

The Taipa firecracker and firework zone is located on the seaside land along Estrada Almirante Marques Esparteiro, near Regency Art Hotel and Altira Macau. There are two bus stops outside the zone, just a 2-minute walk away, making transportation more convenient than the Macau Peninsula zone. However, the Taipa zone is smaller in scale.

2025 Taipa Firecracker and Firework Zone Location

Here are the bus stops near the Taipa firecracker and firework zone:

T403 Est. Almirante Marques Esparteiro / Regency Art (toward Taipa and Coloane) – Buses 21A, 22, 25, 25AX, 25B, 26A, 28A, 33, 39, 50, 50B, and H3 stop here, approximately 300 meters from the zone.
T300 Est. Almirante Marques Esparteiro / Loo Lim Iok (toward Macau Peninsula) – Buses 11, 21A, 22, 25, 25B, 26A, 28A, 33, 39, 50, 50B, and H3 stop here, approximately 200 meters from the zone.