Chinese New Year 2026: When is Lunar New Year? Know Date and Significance

Chinese New Year is one of the most significant festival which is celebrated with great grandeur in China. The festival is also celebrated as spring festival and Lunar New year. The festival holds a great religious and cultural significance in Chinese tradition.

This is the perfect time for ethnic festivities, new beginning, celebration, fresh start and family get together. This day marks the start of Lunar New Year. This year, Chinese Lunar New Year is going to be celebrated on February 17, 2026.

When is Lunar New Year 2026?

Chinese New Year is going to be celebrated on February 17, 2026 with great grandeur and enthusiasm in China. The festival date varies every year because it is totally based on the Lunar calendar.

The festivities starts from Lunar New Year - Feb 17 and it will culminate on March 3, 2026 on Lantern festival.

The year of Fire Horse 2026:

One of the twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac is associated with each Lunar Year. According to the Chinese astrology, the year 2026 is the year of fire Horse and 2038 will be the next Year of the Horse. Horse year represents confidence, responsibility, speed, energy, intelligence, strength and impatient.

History of Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year started 3,000 years ago. The day marks the beginning of spring season and end of winter season.

The festival was founded on Chinese mythology and history, and it has grown into a magnificent event over time.

How Chinese New Year 2026 is celebrated?

Chinese New Year holds aa great religious, spiritual and cultural importance. Celebrating Chinese new year is one of the greatest ways to enjoy the Chinese traditions and rituals. Although, the festival is celebrated observed globally, but the Lunar New Year is primarily observed in Asian nations like China.

Fireworks are a common feature of New Year's celebrations. In addition, people celebrate by decorating with red, preparing elaborate meals, stuffing red envelopes with cash, and spending time with loved ones.

Let's check out the below mentioned ways to celebrate Chinese Lunar New Year 2026:

Incorporating Red Color

Red is the main color that people incorporate in decorating their home, light red lanterns as red color is associated with luck and happiness in Chinese culture.

Cuisine

They prepare rice cakes, dumplings, spring rolls and sea food as these foods are the symbol of prosperity.

Family Reunion

This is the time for family get together so they invite relatives, family members, and loved ones to celebrate the festival.

Hongbao Envelopes

Giving Hongbao envelopes during this festival is believed to be the main ritual to express the feelings and blessings. They fill it with cash and give to their family members and friends.

Dance of Lions and Dragons

People participate in cultural programmes and parades that feature spirited dragon and lion dances. These dances are believed to bring good fortune and ward off evil spirits.