Lunar New Year 2026: Year of the Horse dates & guide

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Lunar New Year 2026: Year of the Horse Traditions, Dates and Celebrations

Lunar New Year 2026 begins on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 and marks the start of the Year of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac. The 15-day celebration runs until the Lantern Festival on March 3, 2026, and is celebrated throughout China, Vietnam, Korea, Singapore, and in Chinese communities internationally. To understand the magnitude of this event, consider that more than 1.5 billion people participate in Lunar New Year festivities, a phenomenon comparable to half the population of Europe being on the move. This staggering number illustrates the global significance and reach of this traditional celebration.

The Horse is the seventh animal in the 12‑year zodiac cycle and represents energy, freedom, ambition and advancement. If you are planning to join the festivities or simply want to understand what this year holds, this guide covers the key dates, traditions, zodiac knowledge and day‑by‑day celebration tips for the Lunar New Year 2026.

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What is Lunar New Year and why is it celebrated?

Lunar New Year is a festival based on the lunisolar calendar, which tracks the moon’s phases alongside the solar year. Unlike the fixed January 1 date on the Gregorian calendar, the Lunar New Year falls on a different date each year, typically between late January and mid‑February.

Key reasons behind the celebration

• Symbol of renewal: The new moon signals a fresh lunar cycle and a chance to set intentions for the months ahead.
• Family reunion: Lunar New Year is the most important time for families to gather, share meals and honour ancestors.
• Zodiac significance: Each year is linked to one of 12 animals. The Horse governs 2026, bringing themes of action, optimism and spirited progress.

Countries that observe Lunar New Year include China (Spring Festival), Vietnam (Tết), Korea (Seollal), Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. Global diaspora communities also celebrate in cities such as Sydney, London, San Francisco, and Toronto.

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Key dates for the Lunar New Year 2026

Preparation timeline

• Two weeks before: Deep‑clean your home to sweep away bad luck and make room for new energy.
• One week before: Shop for decorations, new clothes, gifts and ingredients for festive dishes.
• Day before: Finish all cleaning (sweeping is forbidden on New Year’s Day), decorate with red banners and prepare reunion dinner ingredients.

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The Year of the Horse 2026: what does it mean?

The Horse is the seventh sign in the Chinese zodiac and is associated with the Earthly Branch 午 (wǔ) and the hours of 11 am to 1 pm. In Chinese culture, the Horse symbolises speed, vitality, steadfastness and the spirit to chase ambitious goals.

Horse zodiac personality traits

• Energetic and adventurous: Horses thrive on movement, travel and new experiences.
• Independent and confident: They prefer to lead rather than follow and trust their instincts.
• Sociable and warm: Horses enjoy being around people and can lift the mood of any gathering.
• Impatient at times: Their desire for quick results can lead to frustration when progress stalls.

What the Year of the Horse 2026 means for everyone

• Career and business: A year to take courageous steps, launch projects and pursue promotions. Momentum favours those who act decisively. Reflect on this: Which stalled project could gallop forward if you act this February? Fostering introspection can lead to practical and individualised strategies.
• Relationships: Expect lively social calendars and opportunities to meet new people. Existing relationships benefit from spontaneity and shared adventures.
• Health and well-being: Physical activity is highlighted. Outdoor sports, running and travel align with Horse energy.
• Finances: Gains are possible, but impulsive spending can undo progress. Balance ambition with practical planning.

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Horse zodiac compatibility

Understanding how the Horse interacts with other zodiac signs can guide relationship and business decisions in 2026.

Most compatible signs

Least compatible signs

Neutral compatibility

Dragon, Snake, Rabbit, Monkey and Pig have moderate compatibility with the Horse. Success depends on mutual effort and willingness to compromise.

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Lunar New Year traditions to observe in 2026

1. Spring cleaning

Before the new year arrives, families thoroughly clean their homes to remove stagnant energy and bad luck. Once New Year’s Day begins, sweeping and taking out rubbish is avoided so you do not accidentally discard good fortune.

2. Red decorations

Red is the colour of luck and prosperity in Chinese culture. Homes and businesses display red lanterns, door couplets (chunlian), paper cuttings and banners with auspicious phrases like “福” (fú, blessing) and “春” (chūn, spring).

3. Reunion dinner

On Lunar New Year’s Eve, families gather for the most important meal of the year. Traditional dishes carry symbolic meanings:

• Whole fish: Abundance and surplus (the word for fish, 鱼 yú, sounds like 余, meaning “surplus”).
• Dumplings (jiaozi): Wealth, as their shape resembles ancient gold ingots.
• Spring rolls: Prosperity and new beginnings.
• Sticky rice cake (nian gao): Progress and rising fortunes (gao sounds like “tall” or “high”).
• Longevity noodles: Long life, served uncut.

4. Red envelopes (hongbao)

Elders and married couples give red envelopes filled with money to children, unmarried adults and sometimes employees. The cash amount is usually an even number, and the digit 8 is favoured because it sounds like “prosperity” in Cantonese.

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5. Fireworks and firecrackers

Loud noises are believed to scare away evil spirits and the mythical beast Nian. In many cities, firework displays light up the sky at midnight on New Year’s Eve and continue throughout the festival period.

6. Lion and dragon dances

Troupes perform lion and dragon dances to bring good luck to homes and businesses. The rhythmic drums and cymbals, combined with the colourful costumes, are highlights of parades and community events.

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How to celebrate the 15 days of Lunar New Year 2026

Day 1: New Year’s Day (February 17, 2026)

• Wear new clothes, preferably in red or bright colours.
• Greet family and friends with “Gong Xi Fa Cai” or “Xin Nian Kuai Le.”
• Avoid using knives, scissors or brooms to prevent cutting off good luck.
• Eat a vegetarian breakfast in some traditions to promote peace.

Day 2: Married daughters visit parents (February 18, 2026)

• Married women return to their parents’ home with their husbands and children.
• Gifts such as oranges, sweets and red envelopes are exchanged.
• Maintain harmony and avoid arguments.

Day 3: Day of the Rat / Day to stay home (February 19, 2026)

• Traditionally considered an unlucky day for visiting.
• Families stay home, rest and avoid hosting guests.
• Burn incense and paper offerings to appease spirits.

Day 4: Welcome the Kitchen God (February 20, 2026)

• The Kitchen God returns from heaven after reporting on the household.
• Prepare offerings of food and incense.
• Many businesses reopen on this day.

Day 5: Welcome the God of Wealth (February 21, 2026)

• Wake early to set off firecrackers and welcome Caishen, the God of Wealth.
• Eat dumplings to attract prosperity.
• Display images or statues of Caishen in homes and shops.

Day 6: Send off the God of Poverty (February 22, 2026)

• Discard old clothes, rubbish and items that symbolise poverty.
• Visit friends and exchange blessings for the year ahead.

Day 7: Renri — Everyone’s Birthday (February 23, 2026)

• Celebrate the “common birthday” of all humans.
• Eat longevity noodles and seven‑vegetable soup (yusheng in some regions).
• Reflect on personal goals and resolutions.

Day 8: Family dinner before the Jade Emperor’s birthday (February 24, 2026)

• Gather for a quiet family meal.
• Prepare offerings for the following day’s prayers.

Day 9: Jade Emperor’s Birthday (February 25, 2026)

• Hokkien communities celebrate with midnight prayers and offerings.
• Burn incense, candles and joss paper at temples or home altars.
• Offer sugarcane, fruits and other symbolic foods.

Days 10–12: Feasting and socialising (February 26–28, 2026)

• Continue visiting relatives, friends and colleagues.
• Attend community events, parades and cultural performances.
• Play traditional games like mahjong and cards.

Day 13: Detox and rest (March 1, 2026)

• Eat light, simple meals to recover from days of feasting.
• Clean and organise the home.
• Prepare lanterns for the upcoming Lantern Festival.

Day 14: Lantern preparation day (March 2, 2026)

• Families make or buy lanterns for the final celebration.
• Write wishes on lanterns before lighting them.
• Attend evening lantern displays in parks and temples.

Day 15: Lantern Festival (March 3, 2026)

• Release lanterns into the sky or float them on water.
• Eat tangyuan (sweet glutinous rice balls) to symbolise family unity.
• Watch dragon dances, fireworks and cultural performances.
• This day also has romantic significance, similar to Valentine’s Day in some regions.

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Zodiac signs that benefit most in the Year of the Horse 2026

Favoured signs

1. Tiger (2022, 2010, 1998, 1986): Natural allies with the Horse. Expect career breakthroughs and exciting travel opportunities.
2. Sheep/Goat (2015, 2003, 1991, 1979): Strong relationship luck and creative inspiration.
3. Dog (2018, 2006, 1994, 1982): Financial stability and deepening personal bonds.

Signs that should proceed with caution

1. Rat (2020, 2008, 1996, 1984): Potential conflicts and misunderstandings. Focus on clear communication.
2. Ox (2021, 2009, 1997, 1985): Pace yourself; avoid burnout from trying to keep up with Horse energy.
3. Horse (2014, 2002, 1990, 1978): Your zodiac year (本命年 běn mìng nián) requires extra care. Wear red underwear or accessories for protection.

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10 facts about Lunar New Year 2026

1. Lunar New Year 2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse (丙午), combining Horse energy with the Fire element for extra passion and drive.
2. The last Year of the Horse was 2014; the next will be 2038.
3. Over 1.5 billion people worldwide observe the Lunar New Year, making it the largest annual human migration.
4. In China, the official public holiday typically lasts 7 days, though celebrations continue for 15.
5. The colour red dominates because legend says it scared away the monster Nian.
6. Lunar New Year is called Spring Festival (春节 Chūn Jié) in Mandarin, Tết Nguyên Đán in Vietnamese and Seollal (설날) in Korean.
7. Fireworks were invented in China and have been part of New Year celebrations for over 1,000 years.
8. The reunion dinner on New Year’s Eve is called 年夜饭 (nián yè fàn) and is considered the most important meal of the year.
9. In Singapore and Malaysia, the tossing-salad ritual Lo Hei (撈起) is a highlight, where diners toss ingredients high into the air for prosperity.
10. Digital red envelopes sent via WeChat and Alipay have become a modern tradition, with billions exchanged each year.

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Key symbols of Lunar New Year 2026

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Practical tips for celebrating Lunar New Year 2026

Do’s

• Wear red or bright colours on New Year’s Day to attract luck.
• Give red envelopes with even amounts of money (avoid the number 4).
• Display fresh flowers like orchids, plum blossoms or kumquat plants.
• Use positive language and avoid words related to death, sickness or bad luck.
• Pay off debts before the new year to start fresh.
• Stock up on food so you do not need to shop on New Year’s Day.

Don’ts

• Don’t sweep or clean on New Year’s Day—you may sweep away good fortune.
• Don’t use sharp objects like knives or scissors, as they can cut off luck.
• Don’t wear black or white clothing, as these colours are associated with mourning.
• Don’t break dishes or glass—if you do, say “岁岁平安” (suì suì píng ān, meaning “peace year after year”) to counteract the bad omen.
• Don’t argue or cry during the festival period.
• Don’t give gifts in sets of four (the number sounds like “death” in Chinese).

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Lunar New Year greetings for 2026

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Where to celebrate the Lunar New Year 2026

Asia

• Beijing, China: Temple fairs, fireworks at the Forbidden City and traditional performances.
• Hong Kong: Victoria Harbour fireworks, flower markets and the famous night parade.
• Singapore: Chinatown light-up, River Hongbao festival and Chingay Parade.
• Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: Nguyễn Huệ Flower Street and family-focused Tết celebrations.
• Seoul, Korea: Folk villages, ancestral rites and traditional Seollal games.

Global celebrations

• Sydney, Australia: Lunar Lanes in Chinatown, dragon boat races and fireworks over Darling Harbour.
• San Francisco, USA: One of the largest parades outside Asia, featuring elaborate floats and the famous Golden Dragon.
• London, UK: Trafalgar Square performances and Chinatown festivities.
• Vancouver, Canada: Parade through Chinatown and cultural exhibitions.

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FAQs about Lunar New Year 2026

When is Lunar New Year 2026?

Lunar New Year 2026 falls on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. The celebration runs for 15 days, ending with the Lantern Festival on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

What animal is 2026 in the Chinese zodiac?

2026 is the Year of the Horse, the seventh animal in the 12-year zodiac cycle. Specifically, it is the Year of the Fire Horse (丙午).

What are the lucky colours for the Year of the Horse 2026?

Lucky colours for the Horse in 2026 include red, purple and green. These colours are believed to enhance the Horse’s natural energy and attract good fortune.

What are the lucky numbers for the Year of the Horse?

Is 2026 a good year for the Horse zodiac?

2026 is a Ben Ming Nian (本命年) or zodiac birth year for Horses, which traditionally requires extra caution. Wearing red undergarments or accessories is believed to ward off bad luck during your zodiac year.

How do I say Happy Lunar New Year in Chinese?

You can say “Xīn Nián Kuài Lè” (新年快乐) for “Happy New Year” or “Gōng Xǐ Fā Cái” (恭喜发财) to wish someone prosperity.

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Conclusion

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More Lunar New Year resources

• Chinese New Year wishes
• Chinese New Year quotes
• Chinese New Year emoji meanings
• Korean New Year wishes (Seollal)
• Happy Birthday in Chinese
• Lunar New year dates 2026