Chinese New Year... also commonly called Lunar New Year or Spring Festival... marks the start of a new year on the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar. It’s celebrated by Chinese communities worldwide and is connected to a whole season of family traditions, food and symbolism that runs from New Year’s Eve through the Lantern Festival on the 15th day.
For 2026, Lunar New Year begins Tuesday, February 17, 2026 and it welcomes the Year of the Horse... specifically the Year of the Fire Horse.
Why It’s Called “Lunar” (Even Though It’s Lunisolar)
In English you’ll hear “Lunar New Year,” but the traditional Chinese calendar is lunisolar... it tracks months by the moon while also staying aligned with seasons. That’s why the date changes each year, typically falling between late January and mid/late February.
In China, it’s often called the Spring Festival because it symbolizes the end of winter and the beginning of spring (even if it still feels like winter outside).
What People Celebrate
At its heart, Lunar New Year is about...
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- Family reunion (often the biggest meal of the year)
- Wishing good fortune and starting fresh
- Honoring ancestors and traditions
- Welcoming a new zodiac year
The Traditions You’ll See (and What They Mean)
Cleaning & “New Year Prep”
Many families clean and decorate before the holiday... symbolically “clearing out” the old year and making room for luck.
Red Envelopes
Red envelopes (often with money inside) are traditionally given as a blessing... especially to children. Red is strongly associated with good fortune and protection.
Lanterns & Lights
Lanterns and bright decorations show up throughout the season and culminate with the Lantern Festival. They’re tied to celebration, hop and community togetherness.
Lion & Dragon Dances
You’ll often see lion/dragon dances at festivals... especially in community celebrations... because they’re believed to bring luck and drive away bad energy.
What “Year of the Horse” Means
The Chinese zodiac cycles through 12 animals. In 2026, it’s the Horse, with the Fire element often associated with boldness and momentum. (People enjoy this as cultural symbolism... some take it seriously, some just for fun.)
Easy Ways to Celebrate in Madison
You don’t need a huge festival plan to join in respectfully...
Do a “red + gold” dinner night
Pick dumplings, noodles, fried rice or hot pot-style soup and make it a cozy theme meal.
Try a simple lantern craft
Paper lanterns (or even string lights) make it festive fast.
Give “red envelopes” as kindness notes
For kids... a small amount or even a handwritten “good luck” note inside.
Watch a parade or festival livestream
Big city celebrations often stream lion dances, fireworks and performances.
Learn the zodiac animals together
Fun for kids and a great dinner-table conversation starter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it “Chinese New Year” or “Lunar New Year”?
Both are used. “Chinese New Year” refers to the Chinese calendar holiday... “Lunar New Year” is sometimes used more broadly because other cultures celebrate new year festivals around the lunar calendar too.
How long does it last?
The main festival season traditionally runs 15 days, ending with the Lantern Festival.
When is Lunar New Year 2026?
February 17, 2026 (Tuesday).
Chinese New Year is one of those celebrations that’s both beautiful and practical... gather your people, eat well, clean your space and start fresh... with lots of color and meaning along the way. Whether you mark it with a full dinner spread or just a red envelope and a lantern on the counter, it’s a wonderful way to add a little warmth to winter in Madison.
Sources
Smithsonian
Wikipedia
IndiaTimes
Museum of Anthropology
