What is Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year marks the start of the new year in the traditional Chinese calendar and is widely known as the Spring Festival. It’s a time for family reunions, community celebrations, and rituals connected to good fortune for the year ahead.
When is Chinese New Year 2026?
In 2026, Chinese New Year falls on February 17. Preparations often begin weeks before, so late January and early February are typically filled with planning, cleaning, shopping, and food prep.
How long does the celebration last?
The Spring Festival is traditionally associated with a 15-day celebration that ends with the Lantern Festival. In 2026, the Lantern Festival falls on March 3.
Classic traditions you’ll see across the world
Home cleaning before New Year is common, connected to the idea of clearing out lingering bad luck and welcoming a fresh start.
Family reunion dinner is a central moment, often held on New Year’s Eve, with dishes chosen for symbolism and shared abundance.
Public celebrations can include lion and dragon dances, fireworks, parades, and lantern displays, depending on city and local customs.
Red envelopes (hongbao): the gift that carries a wish
Giving red envelopes with money is a well-known tradition, especially from elders or married couples to younger family members. The red color is associated with luck and prosperity, and the gesture is about goodwill for the year ahead.
Food with meaning: what’s often served
Specific dishes vary by region and family, but symbolic food is a recurring theme. Britannica notes special foods during the holiday period, and the Lantern Festival is linked to sweet rice-ball traditions (often associated with unity).
2026 is the Year of the Horse: what it represents
The Horse is one of the 12 zodiac animals, and 2026 begins the Year of the Horse on February 17.
In zodiac symbolism, Horse energy is often linked to movement, independence, sociability, and momentum. Many people use the theme as a cultural “compass” for setting intentions: act with courage, keep your pace, and build steady progress rather than overthinking the first step.
Fire Horse: why 2026 is seen as extra “charged”
Zodiac years can also pair with one of five elements, creating a 60-year cycle. 2026 is widely described as a Fire Horse year, and it’s the first Fire Horse since 1966.
The fire pairing is often interpreted as more drive and intensity, which many people translate into themes like bold starts, higher tempo, and strong personal direction. Treat these ideas as tradition and symbolism rather than fact.
