The Lunar New Year, also known as Spring Festival in China, Seollal in Korea, and Tết in Vietnam, is one of East Asia’s most significant celebrations. Unlike the fixed date of January 1st in the Gregorian calendar, the Lunar New Year falls on different dates each year, typically between January 21st and February 20th.
Upcoming Lunar New Year Dates
| Year | Lunar New Year Date | Animal Zodiac |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | February 17 | Horse |
| 2027 | February 6 | Goat/Sheep |
| 2028 | January 26 | Monkey |
| 2029 | February 13 | Rooster |
| 2030 | February 3 | Dog |
| 2031 | January 23 | Pig |
| 2032 | February 11 | Rat |
| 2033 | January 31 | Ox |
| 2034 | February 19 | Tiger |
| 2035 | February 8 | Rabbit |
| 2036 | January 28 | Dragon |
| 2037 | February 15 | Snake |
| 2038 | February 4 | Horse |
| 2039 | January 24 | Goat/Sheep |
| 2040 | February 12 | Monkey |
| 2041 | February 1 | Rooster |
| 2042 | January 22 | Dog |
| 2043 | February 10 | Pig |
| 2044 | January 30 | Rat |
| 2045 | February 17 | Ox |
When is Lunar New Year?
The traditional lunar calendar used across East Asia is based on the cycles of the moon and the sun. Each lunar month begins with the new moon, with the full moon occurring in the middle of the month. A typical lunar year contains 12 months, with each month lasting 29 or 30 days.
However, since 12 lunar months (approximately 354 days) is shorter than a solar year (365.25 days), an extra month is added every few years. This “leap month” ensures that the lunar calendar stays relatively aligned with the solar seasons.
Calculating Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year begins on the first day of the first lunar month. Specifically, it falls on the new moon that occurs between January 21 and February 20 on the Gregorian calendar. The exact date changes each year due to the lunar-solar calibration.
Regional Celebrations: How Lunar New Year Differs Across East Asia
China (Spring Festival – 春节)
Duration: 16 days officially (from New Year’s Eve to the Lantern Festival)
Key traditions:
- Family reunion dinner on New Year’s Eve
- Red envelopes (hongbao) containing money given to children
- Setting off fireworks and firecrackers
- Lion and dragon dances
- Temple fairs and markets
The Chinese celebration places strong emphasis on family reunions, with the world’s largest annual human migration occurring as people travel home for the holiday. Each day of the 16-day festival has specific customs and activities.
Korea (Seollal – 설날)
Duration: 3 days officially (the day before, the day of, and the day after)
Key traditions:
- Sebae – formal bow to elders to receive blessings and money
- Wearing traditional hanbok clothing
- Preparing and eating tteokguk (rice cake soup)
- Ancestral memorial ceremonies (charye)
- Traditional games like yutnori (board game) and kite flying
Korean celebrations emphasize respect for ancestors and elders, with formal ceremonies and family activities taking center stage.
Vietnam (Tết Nguyên Đán)
Duration: 7 days officially
Key traditions:
- Cleaning and decorating homes before the holiday
- Ancestral altars with offerings
- Buying peach blossoms or kumquat trees for the home
- Giving li xi (red envelopes) to children
- First-foot tradition (xông đất) – first person to enter house brings luck
Vietnamese celebrations combine Chinese influences with distinct local traditions, including specific food preparations like bánh chưng (sticky rice cake).
Japan (Shōgatsu – 正月)
Modern Japan officially adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1873 and celebrates New Year on January 1st. However, many traditional Japanese New Year customs have historical roots in the lunar calendar.
Key traditions:
- Visiting shrines and temples (hatsumōde)
- Sending New Year’s cards (nengajō)
- Special food preparations (osechi-ryōri)
- Giving money to children (otoshidama)
Cultural Significance & Symbolism
Note: While Lunar New Year follows similar themes across East Asia, customs, traditions, and observances vary significantly by country, region, and even family.
Common Themes Across East Asia
Despite regional differences, several themes remain consistent across Lunar New Year celebrations:
- Family Reunions: The holiday prioritizes gathering with family
- Respect for Ancestors: Ceremonies honoring deceased family members
- Good Fortune: Activities and decorations to attract luck for the coming year
- Renewal and Fresh Starts: Cleaning, settling debts, and resolving conflicts
Symbolic Colors and Decorations
- Red: The predominant color, symbolizing luck, happiness, and prosperity
- Gold: Represents wealth and fortune
- Specific Plants: Plum blossoms, bamboo, kumquat trees, and specific flowers vary by region but all symbolize growth and prosperity
- Lanterns: Illuminate the path to a bright future
- Door Couplets: Poetic phrases wishing good fortune, typically written on red paper
Celebrating Lunar New Year Outside East Asia
Many cities worldwide host Lunar New Year celebrations, particularly in areas with significant East Asian communities. Major celebrations occur in:
- San Francisco, USA (one of the largest outside Asia)
- London, UK (with celebrations centered in Chinatown and Trafalgar Square)
- Sydney, Australia (featuring large lantern festivals)
- Vancouver, Canada (with a prominent parade and cultural activities)
- Paris, France (celebrating with performances and food festivals)
FAQ About Lunar New Year
When is Lunar New Year 2026?
Lunar New Year in 2026 falls on February 17, 2026. This will mark the beginning of the Year of the Horse according to the Chinese zodiac.
When is Lunar New Year 2027?
Lunar New Year in 2027 will be celebrated on February 6, 2027. This date marks the start of the Year of the Goat/Sheep in the Chinese zodiac cycle.
What should I say to wish someone a Happy Lunar New Year?
- In Mandarin Chinese: “Xīn Nián Kuài Lè” (新年快乐) or “Gōng Xǐ Fā Cái” (恭喜发财)
- In Korean: “Saehae Bok Mani Badeuseyo” (새해 복 많이 받으세요)
- In Vietnamese: “Chúc Mừng Năm Mới”
Do all Asian countries celebrate Lunar New Year?
No. While East and Southeast Asian countries with historical Chinese cultural influence observe it (China, Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, Malaysia, etc.), many other Asian countries follow different calendar systems. For example, Thailand celebrates Songkran in April, while countries like India and Sri Lanka have their own new year celebrations at different times based on their traditional calendars.
Related Resources
To help with your Lunar New Year planning and celebrations, check out these useful date calculation tools:
- Weeks From Today Calculator – Calculate exactly how many weeks remain until upcoming Lunar New Year celebrations
- Days From Today Calculator – Find the precise number of days until Lunar New Year
- Day of Week Calculator – Determine which day of the week Lunar New Year falls on in future years
- Date Format Converter – Convert Lunar New Year dates between different international formats
These tools can assist with event planning, travel arrangements, or business scheduling around Lunar New Year periods.