When Is Chinese New Year 2026? Date, Zodiac and What to Expect

Introduction: Why the date matters

Chinese New Year is the most important traditional festival for millions of people across East and Southeast Asia and for Chinese communities worldwide. Knowing when Chinese New Year 2026 falls is useful for planning travel, workplace leave, family gatherings and cultural events. The festival marks the start of the lunar new year and sets the tone for a season of celebration, travel and traditional observances.

Main details: Date, weekday and zodiac

Chinese New Year 2026 falls on Tuesday 17 February 2026. This date marks the first day of the lunar calendar in 2026 and begins the Year of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac cycle. The timing of Chinese New Year varies each year because it follows the lunisolar calendar; the new year always begins on the new moon that occurs between 21 January and 20 February.

How the date is determined

The festival starts on the new moon that signals the beginning of the first lunar month. Because lunar months are shorter than solar months, the date shifts each year. Leap months are inserted periodically in the lunisolar calendar, which is why the festival can fall on various dates across late January and February.

Customs, travel and public holidays

Traditional observances include family reunions, special meals, giving red envelopes (hongbao), lion and dragon dances, fireworks and home decorations. Celebrations commonly continue for about 15 days, culminating in the Lantern Festival. In mainland China, the Spring Festival is typically accompanied by a week-long public holiday, and there is a large seasonal migration known as chunyun as people travel to be with family. Overseas communities also host parades, cultural performances and temple events, so the date is important for organisers and attendees.

Conclusion: What readers should know

In summary, when is Chinese New Year 2026? It is on Tuesday 17 February 2026, ushering in the Year of the Horse. Whether you are planning travel, attending cultural events or observing family traditions, marking this date now helps with practical arrangements and ensures you can participate in the season’s festivities. Expect heightened travel demand and many community events in the days around the date.