Lunar New Year (also sometimes called Chinese New Year or Spring Festival) is celebrated in many countries whose new year begins with the lunar calendar’s first full moon. This year, the celebrations will run from February 17 to March 3, 2026 (the Lantern Festival). It’s celebrated with bright colors, red envelopes, lanterns, and delicious food.
With Chinese New Year events and ideas for in-home celebrations, families can ring in the Year of the Horse with good luck, peace, and hope.
2026 Chinese New Year Events in Chicagoland
How the Lunar New Year is Celebrated
While traditions vary from country to country and family to family, Lunar New Year activities often include:
- Putting up decorations. Red is the main color of the festival. Families may decorate the house with lanterns, or use calligraphy, poetry, and plants to express hopes for happiness and prosperity.
- Eating reunion dinner with family. What holiday would be complete without a feast? The reunion dinner is an important custom for the family to be together. The reunion dinner is known as the most important family dinner of the year. Check out these ideas for food and drinks!
- Giving red envelopes and other gifts. Adults give kids lucky red envelopes with money for good wishes in the new year.
Is there a Lunar New Year celebration we may have missed? Please share in the comments! If you’re on the lookout for more fun things to do with your family, we’ve got you covered at Kidlist.
