Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival (see also § Names), is a festival that celebrates the beginning of a new year on the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar. Marking the end of winter and the beginning of spring, this festival takes place from Chinese New Year’s Eve, the evening preceding the first day of the year, to the Lantern Festival, held on the 15th day of the year.
In 2026, the Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) begins on Tuesday, February 17, marking the start of the Year of the Fire Horse, and concludes with the Lantern Festival on Tuesday, March 3, 2026. This 15-day celebration period includes a, official holiday break in China, typically from February 15 to 23, 2026.
Key Details for the Period (Feb 17 – Mar 3, 2026):
- New Year’s Day: Feb 17, 2026 (Year of the Fire Horse).
- Lantern Festival: March 3, 2026.
- Official Holiday: Feb 15–23, 2026 (9 days, with Feb 14 and 28 as potential working days).
- Sign: Year of the Horse, Element: Fire.
Cultural Significance
The period from Feb 17 to March 3 marks a major 15-day celebration focused on family reunions, traditional meals, wearing red for good luck, and giving red envelopes (hongbao). The celebration, known as the Spring Festival, is the most significant holiday in China.
The period from Feb 17 to March 3 marks a major 15-day celebration focused on family reunions, traditional meals, wearing red for good luck, and giving red envelopes (hongbao). The celebration, known as the Spring Festival, is the most significant holiday in China.
