Chinese New Year 2026
(新年快乐) Xīn nián kuài lè” (Shin-Nyen-Kwhy-Luh)
Happy New Year!
Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, begins on Tuesday, 17th February 2026 and ends with a Lantern Festival on 3rd March 2026. The holiday begins on the date of the second new moon after the winter solstice each December. This year, the second new moon occurs simultaneously with both a rare “ring of fire” annular solar eclipse and the first sighting of the Ramadan crescent moon, making it one of the most important celestial and cultural days of the year. It is one of the most important holidays in the Chinese calendar and was placed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list in 2024.
The Chinese New Year marks the beginning of the Year of the Fire Horse, which was last seen in 1966. The Chinese Zodiac consists of twelve animals and five elements – wood, fire, earth, metal and water – so each animal-element coupling occurs only once every 60 years. Following on from the Year of the Wood Snake, the Year of the Fire Horse begins on 17th February 2026, and will end on 5th February 2027, when the Year of the Fire Goat begins.
The Year of the Fire Horse
The Year of the Fire Horse is considered to be one of the most potent fusions in the Chinese Zodiac cycle, combining two very powerful symbols in the calendar.
The symbol of fire represents energy and rushfulness, and the horse symbol represents vitality, speed, passion, hard work, bravery and resilience. Joining both of these symbols gives a powerful combination of vitality, passion, speed and courage.
However, it has been said that each Chinese zodiac animal has both positive and negative traits. For the horse, negative traits include being volatile, restless, impulsive and difficult to manage.
During this Year of the Fire Horse, people are encouraged not to hesitate when making decisions and to embrace the traits of the horse. This is a year which rewards boldness, courage and dedication, and penalises indecision, hesitation or apathy.
Chinese New Year Celebrations.
Traditions focus on seeing out the old year and welcoming in the luck and prosperity of a new year.
Chinese New Year origins are steeped in legend. Thousands of years ago, a monster named Nian (“Year”) attacked villagers at the beginning of each new year. The monster feared loud noises, bright lights, and the colour red, so villagers used these to chase the beast away.
Red signifies prosperity and energy, which ward off evil spirits and negativity. Red lanterns are hung in the streets, and red couplets are pasted on doors. Celebrations include visiting family members, feasting, and respecting ancestors. Money is often gifted in red envelopes for good fortune. Celebrations include firecrackers, fireworks and watching lion and dragon dances. Some customs include cleaning the house and eating symbolic foods.
Many businesses close their doors for a week’s holiday during the celebrations. Hotels and large retail outlets stay open and are often busier than normal. School holidays last for four weeks and many migrant workers leave their factory and construction jobs for weeks to return home.
So, however you choose to celebrate, enjoy the Chinese New Year, and remember – fortune favours the brave – this might just be your lucky year!
Links
Read more about New Year Traditions in our post New Year Traditions From Around The World
Find more resources at Library Search
By Sharon McMichael
Image by Jason Leung Unsplash
