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Chinese New Year 2026 Begins Feb. 17, Marking the Year of the Horse

Following the lunar calendar, some guides identify 2026 as a Fire Horse year.

Overview

  • Multiple outlets publish practical guides confirming a Tuesday, February 17, 2026 start to the Spring Festival celebrated across East and Southeast Asia and in global Chinese communities.
  • The date aligns with the lunisolar system, which shifts the New Year each year based on the new moon between late January and mid-February.
  • Reporters note 2026 as the Year of the Horse, the seventh sign in the 12‑animal cycle, with some coverage specifying the Fire element.
  • Common customs include deep home cleaning beforehand, red and gold decorations, family reunion dinners on New Year’s Eve, and giving red envelopes with money.
  • Coverage describes several weeks of festivities often cited as a 15‑day observance, while one guide lists the zodiac year running until February 5, 2027.