When is Lunar New Year 2026: Everything to know about the year of the Horse, Chinese tradition and festivities

Giddy up — the Year of the Horse is almost here.

Lunar New Year 2026 falls on February 17, marking the first new moon of the lunar calendar and kicking off the 15-day Spring Festival celebrated in China and across Asia and in communities worldwide. It’s an enormous date on the cultural calendar — a time for family, fireworks, food and fresh starts.

If you’ve ever wondered why everything turns red, why fireworks are non-negotiable, or what the Year of the Horse actually means, this is your complete Lunar New Year guide for 2026.

Why 2026 is the year of the Horse?

The Chinese zodiac operates on a 12-year cycle, with each year represented by an animal: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.

In 2026, the spotlight falls on the Horse.

Your zodiac sign is determined by your birth year, meaning babies born from February 17, 2026, onwards will be Horses. Those born in the previous lunar year were Snakes, and in 2027, the zodiac moves to the Goat.

But it doesn’t stop at animals.

Each zodiac year is paired with one of five elements — wood, fire, earth, metal or water — aligned with yin or yang energy. This year pairs the heavenly stem “Bing” (big sun) with the earthly branch “Wu” (Horse), creating the Year of the Fire Horse, CNN revealed.

In traditional belief systems, each zodiac sign’s luck for the year ahead depends on the positioning of Tai Sui, celestial deities associated with the movement of Jupiter. Followers may visit temples to seek blessings and guidance based on what the stars suggest for their zodiac animal.

The Legend of Nian: Why red and fireworks matter

If Lunar New Year feels loud and vividly red, there’s a reason.

According to folklore, a fierce underwater creature named Nian would rise every New Year’s Eve to terrorise villages. One year, a mysterious old man stayed behind and discovered that Nian feared loud noises and the colour red.

He hung red banners, wore red clothing and set off firecrackers — and Nian fled.

The tradition stuck.

To this day, red lanterns, red envelopes and red clothing dominate Lunar New Year celebrations. Firecrackers and fireworks are believed to scare away bad luck and invite prosperity. The louder the bang, the brighter the fortune.

New Year’s Eve: The reunion dinner

At the heart of Lunar New Year is one central ritual: the reunion dinner.

Families travel long distances to gather around round tables, often across multiple generations. The scale of travel in China and across Asia during this period is enormous, and it’s one of the largest annual human migrations on earth.

The food is symbolic as much as it is delicious:

• Fish represent surplus and abundance

• Dumplings symbolise wealth

• Nian Gao (sticky rice cake) signifies rising success

• Spring rolls hint at prosperity

Many families tune into the annual CCTV New Year Gala, a televised variety show of music, dance and acrobatics that runs until midnight.

When the clock strikes twelve, fireworks erupt across cities and villages alike.

Red envelopes and staying up late

After dinner comes one of the most anticipated traditions: Red envelopes, or “lucky money”.

Parents gift children money in red packets, wishing them good health, growth and success in the year ahead. The red colour is key as it symbolises luck and protection.

Another custom is shousui, meaning “to keep watch over the year.” Traditionally, families would stay awake all night. Today, most remain up until midnight, greeting the new year with fireworks before turning in.

Lunar New Year Day: February 17, 2026

The first day of the lunar year sets the tone.

Families put on new clothes and exchange greetings of “gongxi”, which means congratulations or best wishes. Younger family members visit elders to wish them health and longevity.

In modern times, New Year greetings often arrive digitally too and can be sent via text message or even digital red envelopes sent on apps like WeChat.

Firecrackers continue throughout the first three days in many areas. It’s believed that louder fireworks bring better luck for business and farming in the year ahead.

Lion and dragon dances bring colour and spectacle, particularly in Hong Kong and Macau, while parks and temple fairs host traditional performances and festive markets.

Day 2: Wealth and family visits

On the second day of the Lunar New Year, married daughters traditionally return to their parents’ homes with gifts and red envelopes.

Many people also make offerings to the God of Wealth, hoping to attract prosperity in the year ahead.

Days 3 to 7: Visits, superstitions and no sweeping

From days three to seven, families visit relatives and friends to extend New Year greetings.

There are a few superstitions woven into this stretch of the celebration. Some believe the third day is inauspicious for going out, while sweeping the house during the first two days is avoided — cleaning is thought to sweep away newly gathered good luck.

Day 8: Back to work

By February 24, 2026, which is the eighth day, many return to work. Eight is considered China’s luckiest number, so reopening businesses on this day is seen as especially auspicious.

Day 15: The Lantern Festival

The Spring Festival concludes on March 3, 2026 with the Lantern Festival.

Glowing lanterns light up the night sky, and in some places are released onto rivers or lakes. It marks the symbolic end of the Lunar New Year celebrations.

Lunar New Year around the world

While rooted in China, the Lunar New Year is celebrated across East Asia and in Chinatowns globally. Often referred to as Spring Festival, it blends mythology, astrology, family reunion and community celebration.

In 2026, as the Horse gallops in, expect red lanterns, crackling fireworks, and tables piled high with symbolic dishes.

Whether you’re following zodiac forecasts or simply embracing the spectacle, Lunar New Year remains a powerful reminder of renewal, family and hope.