Macao in lights
Macao’s annual light art festival is back! Stunning installations, light projections, interactive art and spectacular performances bring the city to life after dark. Organised by the Macao Government Tourism Office, this year’s edition of Light Up Macao will illuminate three major districts – Nam Van, the Northern district and ZAPE. One of the highlights of the festival is “Macao Odyssey: The Story Unfolds” – a 3D mapping projection cast across the façade of the Macao Grand Prix Museum.
Festival | Runs daily now through January 11 | 6pm to 10pm | Multiple locations | Free admission | Further details at https://lum.macaotourism.gov.mo
Market with flair
Taipa Market, set in the heart of Taipa Village, has evolved into something much more than just a neighbourhood market for fresh produce. It now features a new gastronomy, cultural and creative zone designed to attract visitors as well as locals. The new space offers a diverse mix of delicacies, specialty coffee and cultural products. The inviting dining areas encourage people to stay longer, completely reshaping the traditional wet market experience and revitalising the market atmosphere.
F&B | Open daily | 7am to 7pm | Free admission
Sailing spectacle
Elite sailors from around the world will be competing in the 2026 Macao International Regatta. A key highlight is the “Macao Match Cup”, which will once again serve as the opening world championship event of the World Match Racing Tour. This year’s regatta is expected to attract more than 200 sailors from various countries. The Macao Match Cup will take place in the waters off the Macao Science Center, giving spectators spectacular views to the thrilling competition.
Sports | January 14 to 18 | Free admission | Further details at www.macaoregatta.com
Devotion, Filipino-style
The Sinulog Festival, one of the Philippines’ most lively celebrations, has found a home in Macao. The original event takes place each year on the third Sunday of January in Cebu City, honouring the Santo Niño – the child Jesus. The large Filipino community has brought this colourful festival to Macao, preserving the rich traditions and vibrancy of the annual event. The highlight is a colourful parade with dancing, music and elaborate costumes. The event serves as a celebration of faith, culture and community, uniting Filipinos across Macao.
Parade | January 18 | 3pm | Praça da Amizade (starting point) | Free admission
Mozart magic
The Macao Orchestra is celebrating the 270th anniversary of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s birth with a “Tribute to Mozart” Series, a three-day programme featuring a variety of masterpieces by the Austrian composer. The series highlights Mozart’s musical genius, his enduring legacy and the timeless beauty of his work. Guest violinists Akiko Suwanai and Svetlin Roussev will perform Mozart’s complete set of violin concertos. The orchestra will also present Symphony No. 40 – an “essential classic” of the orchestral repertoire – and Symphony No. 42, ‘Jupiter’, the composer’s final symphony.
Music | January 23 to 25 | 8pm | St. Dominic’s Church and Cathedral | MOP150
Ink, paint and creativity
The Annual Exhibition of Macao Visual Arts is a key platform to celebrate the richness and diversity of Macao’s creative scene. The exhibition, organised by the Cultural Affairs Bureau, alternates each year between two categories: Chinese Painting and Calligraphy and Western Media. This year focuses on Chinese art forms. A total of 61 works have been selected for display – Chinese-style paintings, calligraphy, seal carvings, and experimental ink art. Of these, 10 have been awarded Outstanding Artworks Awards, recognising excellence and innovation.
Exhibition | Now through January 8 | 10am to 7pm | Tap Seac Gallery | Free admission