Just when you were giving up on those New Year’s resolutions, you have another chance. The Chinese New Year is fast-approaching – and honestly, a little mid-February reset is something we could probably all use.
To make matters more interesting, this New Year comes with some brand new energy to harness – pun intended, because this will be the Year of the Fire Horse.
The Chinese New Year is determined not by our Gregorian calendar, but by the phases of the moon. Each year, the Chinese New Year, or Lunar New Year, falls on the New Moon that falls between 21 January and 20 February.
In Chinese culture, the New Year celebrations can last up to 15 days and usually involve symbolic cleaning rituals and the famous Dragon dance.
Here’s a guide to celebrating the Chinese New Year and ushering in the Year of the Fire Horse.
When is Chinese New Year?
The Chinese New Year typically falls on the second New Moon in the Gregorian calendar – typically between 21 January and 20 February. This year that New Moon is set to rise on 17 February. This New Moon is thought to roughly coincide with the beginning of spring. So, after the previous year ends with winter, the new year begins with themes of renewal, rejuvenation and recreation.
How long does Lunar New Year last?
The Chinese New Year celebrations typically last for 15 days, from the New Moon until the Full Moon, which, this year, falls on 3 March.
What is the zodiac animal for 2026?
Every year is associated with one of the 12 Chinese zodiac animals: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.
After a year of snake energy (think lots of shedding and conniving), we are now entering the Year of the Fire Horse.
As our resident astrologer Emma Howarth notes, the transition to the Year of the Fire Horse comes with a New Moon in Aquarius this year – and it will have a powerful impact on each and every star sign, bringing a new period of “independence, confidence, energy and dynamism” from the horse and some added “intensity, motivation and passion” thanks to the fire element. In other words, think of this as the year you get s*** done.
How is Lunar New Year celebrated?
The Lunar New Year is tied to rebirth and renewal, and traditional celebrations tend to reflect these themes. Cleaning rituals such as “sweeping away bad fortune” are common.