Chinese New Year 2026

Learn about Chinese New Year 2026 in Singapore, including its date, history, significance, observances, activities, and long weekend.

Chinese New Year

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 Public Holiday

This is a public holiday. Most schools, banks, and government offices may be closed.

Overview

Chinese New Year is one of Singapore's major cultural festivals and a two-day public holiday. Families welcome a new lunar year through reunion meals, visits, red decorations, gifts, temple worship, and public celebrations.

Also known as: Lunar New Year; Spring Festival
Observed by: Singapore
Type: Public Holiday
Celebrations: Reunion dinners, Red packets, Temple visits, Lion dances
2026 Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Explore the day

A closer look at Chinese New Year

Lunar New Year in Singapore Chinese New Year begins with the first day of the traditional Chinese lunar calendar. Singapore's Chinese community brought diverse customs from southern China and Southeast Asia. This major cultural festival, which is a two-day public holiday, draws on centuries of regional family, religious, and seasonal traditions to form a prominent part of the multicultural calendar. Read the history Traditional Customs and Observances Families welcome the lunar year through reunion dinners on New Year's Eve. People visit relatives to exchange greetings and red packets with children and unmarried younger family members. Observances may include praying at temples or home altars, following customs connected to specific dialect or religious communities, and participating in lion and dragon dances. See the traditions Festive Activities and Markets Visitors can explore festive markets featuring seasonal foods, flowers, decorations, and gifts. Public celebrations include the Chinatown light-up, seasonal lights, and community performances held across the city. During the festive period, people also engage in family visits and watch lion dances at various community and commercial locations throughout Singapore. Explore ideas

Related Holidays

View all holidays in February

Common questions

Chinese New Year FAQ

Clear answers about the date, meaning, and observance.

When is Chinese New Year in 2026?

Chinese New Year in 2026 is Tuesday, February 17, 2026.

Are Chinese New Year and Lunar New Year the same?

Chinese New Year is a Lunar New Year tradition; Lunar New Year is a broader term that also includes other cultures' new-year festivals.

Why does the date change?

The festival follows the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar rather than a fixed Gregorian date.

How many public-holiday days are there in Singapore?

Singapore observes the first two days of Chinese New Year as public holidays.

How is Chinese New Year celebrated in Singapore?

Families hold reunion meals and visits, exchange red packets, pray, enjoy festive foods, and attend public markets and performances.