Chinese New Year 2026
Year of the Red Fire Horse
Discover this engaging guide to the Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival. Dive into the vibrant traditions, meanings, and festivities of this holiday, with a spotlight on what’s in store for 2026.
The Year 2026: Fire Horse
In 2026, Chinese New Year lands on February 17th, marking the Year of the Fire Horse. The Chinese zodiac features 12 animals, each symbolizing distinct traits. Click below to explore the zodiac and discover the qualities and years linked to each animal.
Horse
Fire Element
Lively, smart, and spirited. Horses are friendly, upbeat, and skilled talkers, yet may sometimes be restless.
2026, 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978...
Core Traditions & Symbolism
The festival brims with traditions to say goodbye to the old year and invite luck and success into the new one. This part highlights key customs, from festive foods to vibrant decorations.
Decorations
Homes are adorned with red lanterns, paper cuttings, and couplets bearing lucky phrases. The color red dominates, symbolizing joy, prosperity, and protection from evil.
Red Envelopes (Hongbao)
Married couples and elders give red envelopes containing money to children and unmarried adults. This tradition is not about the amount of money but about passing on good luck and blessings for the year ahead.
Cleaning & Prepping
The house is thoroughly cleaned before the New Year to clear out past bad luck. Cleaning tools are then stored to ensure good luck stays in the new year.
Symbolism in Food
The 15-Day Celebration
The Chinese New Year spans 15 days, each rich with unique traditions and festivities. Explore the interactive timeline below to follow the journey from the Reunion Dinner on New Year's Eve to the vibrant Lantern Festival on the last day.