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, symbolism, and festivities of this cherished holiday, with a spotlight on what lies ahead in 2026.
The Year 2026: Fire Horse
In 2026, Chinese New Year lands on February 17th, marking the Year of the Fire Horse. The zodiac features 12 animals, each symbolizing unique traits. Click below on any animal to uncover its characteristics and corresponding years.
Horse
Fire Element
Lively, clever, and spirited. Horses are friendly, upbeat, and natural talkers, though they may be restless.
2026, 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978...
Core Traditions & Symbolism
The festival brims with traditions designed to say goodbye to the old year while inviting luck and prosperity for 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 prevails, symbolizing joy, fortune, 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 remove past bad luck, and all cleaning tools are stored to prevent sweeping away good luck afterward.
Symbolism in Food
The 15-Day Celebration
The Chinese New Year is a 15-day festival, each day rich with unique traditions. Explore the interactive timeline below to follow the journey from the Reunion Dinner on New Year's Eve to the Lantern Festival finale.