Lunar New Year 2026 begins on February 17, ushering in the Year of the Fire Horse and launching the 15-day Spring Festival. Marking the first new moon of the lunar calendar, the holiday is widely celebrated across China and Chinese communities worldwide, with traditions rooted in family, symbolism, and renewal.
The Fire Horse appears only once every 60 years. In the Chinese zodiac cycle, each year pairs one of 12 animals with one of five elements. In 2026, the heavenly stem “Bing” aligns with the earthly branch “Wu,” creating a year associated with passion, independence, and forward momentum. Many see it as a time charged with drive and bold energy.
Preparations begin days before New Year’s Day. Homes are thoroughly cleaned to sweep away lingering bad luck, red banners are hung to invite good fortune, and festive cakes are made to symbolize growth in the year ahead. Lunar New Year’s Eve, February 16, centers on a reunion dinner featuring symbolic dishes such as fish for surplus and dumplings shaped like gold ingots for prosperity.
The celebration continues through visits with family and friends, red envelopes filled with money for children and unmarried relatives, and temple trips to offer prayers for the year ahead. It concludes on March 3 with the Lantern Festival, when glowing displays mark the first full moon of the lunar year and signal the close of the holiday season.