About Chinese New Year (Spring Festival)
Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the most important traditional holiday in China, marking the beginning of the lunar new year. It is celebrated to honor deities and ancestors, as well as to welcome the new year with hopes for prosperity and good fortune.
Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) is a public holiday in China. In 2026, it falls on Tuesday, February 17. In the local language, this holiday is known as "春节". This holiday does not fall on the same date every year — its date varies annually.
This is a national holiday, observed throughout all of China. Most businesses, government offices, and schools are closed on this day.
Traditions & Customs
In China, families gather for a reunion dinner on New Year's Eve, featuring traditional dishes such as dumplings and fish, symbolizing wealth and abundance. The celebration includes setting off fireworks, giving red envelopes with money, and decorating homes with red lanterns and couplets to ward off evil spirits and invite good luck.
Did You Know?
The Chinese New Year celebration lasts for 15 days, culminating in the Lantern Festival, where people release lanterns into the sky and enjoy various festivities.
Holiday Details
| Holiday Name | Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) |
| Local Name | 春节 |
| Date | Tuesday, February 17, 2026 |
| Country |  China |
| Type | Public |
| Scope | National — observed throughout the country |
| Fixed Date | No — date varies annually |
Holiday Greeting
"新年快乐 (Xīnnián kuàilè)"
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the red envelopes given during Chinese New Year?
Red envelopes, known as 'hongbao', are given as gifts containing money, symbolizing good luck and prosperity. They are typically exchanged among family members and friends, especially to children and younger relatives.
How do the Chinese celebrate the Lantern Festival?
The Lantern Festival marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations, where people light and release lanterns into the sky. It is also a time for family gatherings, enjoying sweet rice dumplings, and participating in various cultural performances.
What are some traditional foods eaten during Chinese New Year?
Traditional foods during Chinese New Year include dumplings, which symbolize wealth, and fish, representing surplus and prosperity. Other popular dishes include rice cakes and spring rolls, each carrying auspicious meanings.
When is Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) 2026 in China?
Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) 2026 in China falls on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
Is Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) a public holiday in China?
Yes, Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) is a public holiday in China. It is observed nationwide.
Is Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) on the same date every year?
Chinese New Year (Spring Festival) does not have a fixed date and varies from year to year.