Lunar New Year 2026 Date: When 10+ Countries Celebrate

Lunar New Year Dates 2026: When Do China, Korea, Vietnam, Tibet & 10+ Countries Celebrate?

If you’re wondering when Lunar New Year 2026 falls, mark your calendar for February 17, 2026. This date marks the beginning of the Year of the Fire Horse across most of Asia and celebrates one of the world’s most significant cultural holidays. Over two billion people throughout several countries will welcome this auspicious occasion with unique traditions, delicious foods, and cheerful celebrations.

Whether you’re planning to travel during this period, sending Chinese New Year wishes to loved ones, or merely curious about how different cultures celebrate, this complete guide covers everything you need to know about Lunar New Year 2026.

Quick Answer: When is Lunar New Year 2026?

Lunar New Year 2026 begins on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, marking the start of the Year of the Horse according to the Chinese zodiac. The variation in celebration dates across countries is due to differences in traditional calendars and local practices. For instance, Tibetan celebrations often start a day later due to distinct astronomical calculations. Here's when some countries will celebrate:

The celebrations typically extend for 15 days, culminating in the Lantern Festival on March 3, 2026. If you’re interested in learning about Lantern Festival traditions, the final day features stunning lantern displays and marks the official end of New Year festivities.

Why Do Lunar New Year Dates Change Every Year?

Unlike the fixed Gregorian calendar we use daily, the Lunar New Year follows a lunisolar calendar based on the moon’s phases and the sun’s position. This ancient timekeeping system means that the Lunar New Year can fall anywhere between January 21 and February 21 each year.

The date is specifically set as the second new moon after the winter solstice. This is why you’ll notice the celebration date shifts by about 10-12 days annually. For 2027, the Lunar New Year will arrive earlier on February 6, while in 2028, it will fall on January 26.

Chinese New Year 2026: The Grandest Celebration

Date: February 17, 2026 (Tuesday)

Public Holiday: February 15-23, 2026 (8 days)

Zodiac: Year of the Fire Horse

Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is the most important traditional holiday in China. With over 1.4 billion people celebrating, it’s the world’s largest annual human migration as families travel across the country to reunite. Imagine the busy train stations, abundant with vibrant red banners overhead, the air laden with the aromas of festive foods, and the distant crackle of fireworks resounding through the night. These sights, sounds, and scents form a sensory fabric that brings the joy and excitement of the celebration to life.

Key Traditions:

Reunion Dinner (年夜饭): The night before New Year’s Day, families gather for an elaborate feast featuring symbolic dishes like whole fish (representing abundance) and dumplings (symbolizing wealth).

Red Envelopes (红包): Elders give monetary gifts to children and unmarried adults in red envelopes, symbolizing good luck and warding off evil spirits.

Fireworks and Firecrackers: These loud celebrations originated from the legend of the Nian monster—a mythical beast scared away by loud noises and the color red.

Temple Visits: Many Chinese visit temples on the first day to pray for prosperity and good fortune in the coming year.

Looking for the perfect greeting? Our collection of Chinese New Year Mandarin quotes includes over 150 traditional sayings to share with loved ones.

Korean New Year 2026: Seollal (설날)

Date: February 17, 2026 (Tuesday)

Public Holiday: February 16-18, 2026 (3 days)

Korean Name: 설날 (Seollal)

Seollal is one of South Korea’s most significant holidays, when millions of Koreans return to their hometowns for family reunions. The three-day celebration is a time to honor ancestors and welcome the new year through traditional customs. Will you join the exodus of travelers to the busy countryside, or will you take comfort in Seoul's quieter city core? This determination not only affects your travel plans but also forms your experience of Seollal.

Unique Korean Traditions:

Sebae (세배): Children perform a deep traditional bow to their elders and receive words of wisdom along with money.

Tteokguk (떡국): Eating this rice cake soup on New Year’s morning symbolizes gaining another year of age and beginning fresh. Koreans say “eating tteokguk” means “becoming one year older.”

Hanbok Wearing: Many families dress in colorful traditional Korean clothing (hanbok) for ancestral rites and family photos.

Traditional Games: Families play folk games like yutnori (윷놀이), a board game using wooden sticks, and jegichagi, a shuttlecock kicking game.

Travel Alert: If you’re planning to visit Korea during Seollal, book transportation well in advance. The KTX trains and highways experience massive congestion as the entire nation travels simultaneously.

Vietnamese New Year 2026: Tết Nguyên Đán

Date: February 17, 2026 (Tuesday)

Public Holiday: Approximately February 14-22, 2026 (9 days)

Vietnamese Name: Tết (short for Tết Nguyên Đán)

Tết is Vietnam’s most important and longest holiday celebration. The Vietnamese prepare for weeks in advance, cleaning homes, settling debts, and preparing special foods. Paying debts before Tết is far more than a practical task; it represents the intention to start the new year free from the burdens of the past, supporting a sense of social harmony and individual integrity. This cultural tradition stresses the importance of beginning anew with a clean slate and promotes closer connections among community members. For heartfelt greetings, explore our Vietnamese New Year wishes with both traditional and modern messages.

Essential Tết Traditions:

Giao Thừa (交時): The sacred moment when the old year transitions to the new year, families gather at home for prayers and offerings.

Bánh Chưng and Bánh Tét: These traditional square and cylindrical sticky rice cakes represent Earth and are labor-intensive to prepare, often taking 12 hours to cook.

Mai and Kumquat Trees: Vietnamese homes display flowering apricot branches (mai) in the south and peach blossoms (đào) in the north, representing prosperity.

First Footer (Xông Đất): The first person to enter a home on New Year’s Day is believed to influence the family’s fortune for the entire year, so hosts carefully select an auspicious first visitor.

Lì Xì (Red Envelopes): Similar to Chinese hongbao, Vietnamese children and elders receive lucky money in red envelopes.

Tibetan New Year 2026: Losar (ལོ་གསར)

Date: February 18, 2026 (Wednesday)

Duration: 15 days of celebration (major festivities Feb 18-20)

Tibetan Name: ལོ་གསར་ (Losar - “Lo” means year, “Sar” means new)

Losar is like a spiritual reset button for Tibetan Buddhists, holding immense meaning across Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, and the Himalayan regions of India. Unlike the Chinese New Year, Losar celebrates its unique spiritual and traditional dimension by marking the new year one day later due to different astronomical calculations in the Tibetan calendar.

Pre-Festival Cleaning (Gutor): In the days before Losar, Tibetans perform thorough house cleaning to remove negative energy. On the 29th day of the last month, families eat a special noodle soup called guthuk with hidden items that reveal fortunes.

First Day - Family Day: Tibetans rise before dawn, dress in their finest traditional costumes (chuba), and make offerings at household shrines. This day is reserved for immediate family only.

Second Day - Social Visits: Friends, neighbors, and extended family exchange visits, share traditional foods, and offer blessings. The greeting “Tashi Delek” (good luck) is heard everywhere.

Third Day - Religious Ceremonies: The community gathers at monasteries and holy sites such as the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple for prayer flag raising and incense offerings.

Special Foods: Khapse (deep-fried pastries), butter tea (po cha), and chang (barley beer) are essential Losar treats. Families also prepare droma (sweet rice with dried fruits).

Auspicious Note: 2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse in Tibetan astrology (year 2153 in the Tibetan calendar). According to Tibetan Buddhist belief, making pilgrimages during the Horse year—especially to sacred Mount Kailash—carries 13 times the spiritual merit of other years.

Other Countries Celebrating Lunar New Year 2026

Singapore's

Chinese New Year is a spectacular multicultural celebration featuring the famous Chingay Parade, one of Asia's largest street performances. Picture colorful floats that move through the night like dazzling ships, adorned with gleaming lights, each narrating an energetic story of cultural heritage and modern creativity.

 The air murmurs amid excitement as the crowd cheers for acrobats and dancers who perform with natural ease. River Hongbao at Marina Bay showcases massive lantern displays and carnival festivities. The fragrances of satay and sweet kueh from nearby hawker stalls linger in the air, heightening the festive ambiance. Chinatown transforms into a glittering wonderland with street bazaars, lion dances, and the iconic light-up decorations along Eu Tong Sen Street.

Malaysia

Malaysian Chinese celebrate with open houses where friends of all ethnicities are welcomed to enjoy traditional foods. The “Lou Sang” or Yu Sheng (prosperity toss) is a highlight—diners toss colorful raw fish salad high into the air while shouting auspicious phrases. Discover more about this tradition in our guide to Lo Hei sayings.

Indonesia

Known as Imlek or Cap Go Meh, Indonesian Chinese New Year celebrations have experienced a cultural revival. Jakarta’s Chinatown (Glodok) hosts dragon dances, and major cities organize lantern festivals and cultural performances.

Philippines

The Philippines has one of Southeast Asia’s oldest Chinatowns in Manila (Binondo), where magnificent celebrations include dragon and lion dances, temple visits, and the famous Binondo Food Wok featuring traditional Chinese-Filipino delicacies.

Thailand

Bangkok’s Yaowarat Road (Chinatown) becomes a pedestrian-only celebration zone with red lanterns, cultural performances, and street food vendors supplying both Thai and Chinese cuisines. Many Thai-Chinese also visit shrines for blessing ceremonies.

Year of the Fire Horse 2026: What to Expect

2026 is specifically the Year of the Fire Horse (Bǐng Wǔ 丙午), combining the Fire element with the Horse animal. This combination occurs only once every 60 years.

Horse Zodiac Characteristics:

Positive Traits: Energetic, warm-hearted, enthusiastic, independent, free-spirited, confident
Element Influence: Fire adds passion, dynamism, and transformative energy
Lucky Colors: Yellow, green, purple, orange
Lucky Numbers: 2, 3, 7
Lucky Directions: Southwest, south

Career & Finance Predictions:

The Fire Horse year typically brings dynamic energy favorable for entrepreneurship, career changes, and bold initiatives. It’s considered an excellent time for starting new ventures, though impetuous decisions should be avoided.

Relationships:

Fire Horse years are passionate and exciting for relationships, but also possibly volatile. Open communication and patience are essential.

Horse Year Compatibility:

Most Compatible: Tiger, Sheep, Rabbit
Least Compatible: Rat, Ox, Horse (with itself)

Universal Lunar New Year Traditions

Shared Lunar New Year Customs Despite cultural differences, several traditions appear across most Lunar New Year celebrations. These shared customs highlight the universal motifs of family, prosperity, and new beginnings that unite diverse cultures. Here are some key elements: 

The Color Red Red symbolizes good fortune, joy, and protection against evil spirits throughout Asian cultures. Homes, businesses, and streets are decorated with red lanterns, couplets, and banners.

Family Reunions Lunar New Year is fundamentally about family. It is the most important time for families to gather, regardless of distance or difficulty.

Cleaning Rituals Pre-New Year cleaning symbolizes sweeping away bad luck and making room for good fortune. However, cleaning is forbidden on New Year's Day itself to avoid sweeping away newly arrived luck.

Special Foods Every culture has symbolic foods: Chinese: Dumplings (wealth), fish (abundance), nian gao (progress) Korean: Tteokguk (longevity), jeon (prosperity) Vietnamese: Bánh chưng (gratitude to ancestors) Tibetan: Khapse (happiness), droma (abundance)

Monetary Gifts Red envelopes containing money are given across cultures, though the customs differ: China: Hongbao (红包), Korea: Sebaedon (세뱃돈), Vietnam: Lì xì (lì xì), Malaysia/Singapore: Angpow.

Planning Your 2026 Lunar New Year Celebration

Whether you’re celebrating at home or traveling, here’s how to make the most of Lunar New Year 2026:

If You’re Traveling:

Book Early: Transportation and accommodations fill up months in advance. Many businesses close during the holiday period.

Respect Local Customs: Learn basic greetings in the local language. The iconic phrase Gong Xi Fa Cai works across Chinese-speaking regions.

Expect Closures: Many shops, restaurants, and attractions close for 3-7 days around the actual holiday.

Festival Activities: Research special events such as lantern festivals, parades, and temple fairs in your destination.

If You’re Celebrating at Home:

Send Greetings Early: Browse our collection of Chinese New Year wishes images to share on social media or send to friends.

Learn the Culture: Understanding the symbolism behind traditions makes celebrations more meaningful. For example, the number 8 is extremely lucky because it sounds like “prosper” in Chinese.

Try Traditional Recipes: Cooking symbolic foods connects you toward centuries of tradition.

Decorate with Meaning: Red lanterns, paper cuttings, and couplets add authentic festive atmosphere.

Lunar New Year in the Modern World

Today’s Lunar New Year celebrations beautifully blend ancient traditions with modern customs. Social media has changed how people share greetings, with digital red envelopes (e-hongbao) becoming increasingly popular in China through WeChat and Alipay. In 2025 alone, over 820 million electronic red envelopes were sent through these platforms, emphasizing a significant shift toward digital traditions during the festivities.

Many diaspora groups worldwide organize Lunar New Year festivities, making it a truly global celebration. Cities like London, New York, Sydney, and Vancouver host elaborate parades and cultural fairs that attract both Asian communities and curious visitors.

For professionals working internationally, understanding Lunar New Year customs demonstrates cultural awareness and respect. Many multinational companies now acknowledge the holiday, and it’s increasingly common to exchange greetings with colleagues and business partners.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When is Lunar New Year 2026?

Lunar New Year 2026 falls on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Most countries celebrating will observe public holidays between February 16-23, though the exact duration varies by country.

2. What animal is 2026 in the Chinese zodiac?

2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse (丙午 Bǐng Wǔ). The Horse is the seventh animal in the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle, and the Fire element adds passion, energy, and transmutative qualities to this year.

3. How many countries celebrate Lunar New Year?

At least 15 countries and territories officially observe Lunar New Year as a public holiday, including China, Vietnam, South Korea, North Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines, Brunei, Tibet, Mongolia, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and parts of India (Sikkim). Additionally, diaspora communities celebrate worldwide.

4. What’s the difference between Chinese New Year and Lunar New Year?

“Chinese New Year” specifically refers to China’s Spring Festival, while “Lunar New Year” is the inclusive term that acknowledges that many Asian cultures celebrate this holiday with their own unique traditions. Vietnam calls it Tết, Korea calls it Seollal, and Tibet calls it Losar—all following lunar calendars but with distinct customs.

5. Why is the Tibetan New Year on a different date?

Tibetan Losar typically falls one day after the Chinese New Year because the Tibetan calendar uses different astronomical calculations and astrological considerations. In 2026, while the Chinese New Year is February 17, Losar is February 18.

6. Can I travel to Asia during the Lunar New Year?

Yes, but plan carefully. Book transportation and accommodations months in advance as prices surge and availability plummets. Expect many businesses to close for 3-7 days. On the positive side, you’ll witness spectacular cultural celebrations, temple fairs, and festive atmospheres.

7. Is it appropriate to say “Happy Chinese New Year” to Koreans or Vietnamese?

It’s more culturally sensitive to use “Happy Lunar New Year” or the culture-specific greeting. For Koreans, say “새해 복 많이 받으세요” (Saehae bok mani badeuseyo). For Vietnamese, say “Chúc Mừng Năm Mới.” For general greetings across all cultures, “Happy Lunar New Year” is appropriate and inclusive.

8. What should I avoid doing during Lunar New Year?

• No cleaning or sweeping on New Year’s Day (sweeps away good luck)
• Avoid wearing black or white (colors associated with mourning)
• Don’t use sharp objects like scissors or knives (cuts off fortune)
• Avoid crying or arguing (sets a negative tone for the year)
• Don’t break dishes (symbolizes broken family relationships)

9. When does the Year of the Horse end?

The Fire Horse year continues until February 5, 2027, when the Year of the Goat begins. Each zodiac year lasts approximately 354-355 days based on the lunar calendar.

10. What’s the significance of red envelopes?

Red envelopes (hongbao/angpow/lì xì) contain money given as gifts during the Lunar New Year. The red color symbolizes good luck and wards off evil spirits. The money represents sharing prosperity and blessings. Traditionally, married couples give to children and unmarried adults, while younger generations give to elders.

Dos and Don’ts for the Lunar New Year 2026

Do:

Don’t:

✗ Gift clocks (sounds like “attending a funeral” in Chinese)
✗ Give gifts in sets of four (number four sounds like “death”)
✗ Open red envelopes in front of the giver
✗ Return empty containers when visiting (bring small gifts)
✗ Wash hair on New Year’s Day (washes away luck)
✗ Eat all the fish (leave some to represent surplus)

The Evolution of Lunar New Year Celebrations

Ancient Origins:

Lunar New Year traditions date back over 3,500 years to China’s Shang Dynasty. The festival originally marked the end of winter and the beginning of the spring planting season, rendering it essential for agricultural societies.

The Nian Legend:

According to mythology, a fierce beast called Nian (年) terrorized villages every winter. Villagers discovered that Nian feared three things: the color red, fire, and loud noises. This legend explains why red decorations, fireworks, and firecrackers remain central to celebrations.

Modern Adaptations:

Today’s celebrations combine tradition with technology. Digital red envelopes, virtual family gatherings, and live-streamed temple ceremonies have become common, especially after the pandemic normalized online celebrations.

Environmental sensitivity is also changing traditions. Many cities now restrict fireworks to reduce air pollution, replacing them with drone shows and laser displays while continuing the spectacular visual experience.

Preparing for the Lunar New Year: A Week-by-Week Guide

4 Weeks Before (Mid-January 2026):

• Book travel and accommodations
• Order decorations and festival supplies
• Plan a menu for the reunion dinner
• Purchase or prepare red envelopes

2 Weeks Before (Early February 2026):

• Deep clean your home thoroughly.
• Shop for new clothes
• Settle outstanding debts and obligations.
• Send greeting cards to distant relatives.

1 Week Before (February 10-16, 2026):

• Buy fresh flowers and plants.
• Purchase food ingredients
• Decorate your home with red couplets and lanterns.
• Prepare red envelopes with fresh bills.
• Finalize travel arrangements

New Year’s Eve (February 16, 2026):

• Prepare elaborate reunion dinner
• Stay up late to “guard the year” (守岁)
• Watch New Year television galas
• Set off fireworks at midnight

New Year’s Day (February 17, 2026):

• Dress in new clothes
• Visit family elders first
• Exchange greetings and red envelopes
• Enjoy festive meals
• Avoid cleaning, sharp objects, and negative words

Following Days (February 18-March 3, 2026):

• Continue visiting friends and relatives
• Attend community celebrations and temple fairs
• Participate in traditional games and activities
• Conclude with Lantern Festival on March 3

Final Thoughts: Embracing Lunar New Year 2026

As we approach Lunar New Year 2026, stop to appreciate the incredible cultural richness these celebrations represent. Whether you’re Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Tibetan, or simply an admirer of Asian cultures, Lunar New Year offers meaningful teachings about family unity, cultural tradition, and hope for renewal.

The Year of the Fire Horse promises powerful energy, enthusiasm, and opportunities for transformation. It’s an ideal time to set ambitious goals, strengthen relationships, and embrace positive changes in your life.

If you’re celebrating for the first time, approach the traditions with openness and respect. Ask questions, learn the meanings behind customs, and appreciate the deep symbolism contained within every ritual. For those with long family traditions, consider how you can preserve these customs while updating them for modern life.

Most importantly, remember that at its heart, Lunar New Year celebrates what matters most: family, gratitude, and hope. Within our fast-paced, digitally connected world, these timeless values deserve the grand celebration they receive each year across Asia and beyond.

Wishing you and your loved ones a prosperous, healthy, and joyous Year of the Fire Horse!