The Lunar New Year 2026 begins on Tuesday (February 17, 2026), marking the start of the Year of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac. Also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, the celebration lasts 15-16 days and ends in early March with the Lantern Festival.
Celebrated by hundreds of millions around the world, the festival focuses on renewal, family reunions, prosperity and cultural traditions passed down through the centuries.
When is the Lunar New Year 2026?
Start date: February 17, 2026
Public holiday (China): First 7 days (February 17-February 23, 2026)
Lantern Festival: March 3, 2026 (15th day of the lunar year)
Duration of the festival: up to 16 days
The date changes every year because it follows the Chinese lunar calendar, starting with the first new moon of the lunar year.
Although often called a 15-day festival, the celebrations can last up to 16 days depending on the lunar calendar. However, only the first week is usually recognized as an official public holiday in China.
What is Lunar New Year?
The Lunar New Year marks the beginning of a new zodiac cycle. Although this holiday is most associated with China, it is celebrated throughout Asia and around the world.
This is observed in countries including:
Although customs vary, common themes include honoring ancestors, wishing for prosperity, and welcoming new beginnings.
2026 Chinese Zodiac: Year of the Fire Horse
The Chinese zodiac follows a 12-year cycle. In 2026, the cycle brings the Horse, specifically the Red Horse.
The horse is the seventh animal in the order of the zodiac. According to legend, the order was determined by the Great Race organized by the Jade Emperor. The Snake is said to have spooked the horse at the finish line, securing sixth place and pushing the horse into seventh place.
What does the Fire Horse represent?
-Passion and determination
– Independence and charisma
Feng Shui beliefs suggest that 2026 will be a dynamic year – ideal for pursuing long-term goals and ambitious plans.
What are people born in the year of the horse like?
Those born in years of the Horse are often described as:
– Adventurous and confident
However, 2026 is also the Ben Ming Nian (Zodiac Birth Year) for Horses. This year is traditionally believed to bring challenges due to a clash with Tai Sui, the God of the Age.
To avoid bad luck, people born in the Year of the Horse are encouraged to wear red clothing or accessories throughout the year – especially red underwear, socks or bracelets.
Key traditions of the Lunar New Year
1. Red ornaments
Homes are decorated with red lanterns, banners and paper cutouts. Red symbolizes luck, good fortune and protection from evil spirits.
2. Cleaning before the New Year
Families thoroughly clean their homes before the New Year to sweep away bad luck and make room for happiness.
3. Dinner for family gatherings
New Year’s Eve offers elaborate meals with symbolic dishes such as:
Rice Cakes (Growth and Success)
4. Firecrackers and the legend of Nian
A central tradition is the lighting of firecrackers, which has its roots in the legend of the Nian, a mythical beast said to terrorize villages every New Year’s Eve.
The villagers discovered that Nian was afraid of the color red and loud noises. Hanging red ornaments and setting off firecrackers drove the monster away—traditions that continue to this day as symbols of protection and renewal.
Lantern Festival: The Grand Finale
The celebrations will end on March 3, 2026 with the Festival of Lanterns, which takes place on the first full moon of the lunar year.
Colorful lanterns light up the streets and houses
Lanterns symbolize hope and unity
Historically used as light sources, today lanterns serve decorative and cultural purposes.
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