In 2026 the Lunar New Year, or Chinese New Year marks a transition from the year of the Wood Snake to the Year of the Fire Horse

Today (February 17), several Asian countries celebrate the beginning of the Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year. The 15-day festival begins on the first new moon of the lunar calendar cycle and ends 15 days later with the first full moon.

Lunar New Year 2026, the Year of the Horse, begins on Feb. 17. What to know about its traditions, how long it lasts and why the date changes annually.

Chinese New Year 2026, also known as the Lunar New Year, marks the beginning of a new year according to the traditional Chinese lunar calendar. The upcoming year of the Fire Horse begins on 17 February and continues until 5 February 2027,