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When Is Chinese New Year 2026 (and What Zodiac Animal Are You)

January 1, 2026106

Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or the Spring Festival, will begin on February 17, 2026, marking the start of the Year of the Fire Horse.

Around one-quarter of the world’s population is expected to celebrate the holiday. Across China and much of Asia, millions of people will travel to reunite with family, creating one of the largest annual human migrations.

Until February 16, 2026, the zodiac year remains the Year of the Snake. The Fire Horse year will run from February 17, 2026, to February 5, 2027.

Why the Date Changes Every Year

Chinese New Year does not follow the Western calendar. It begins on the new moon, which falls between late January and mid-February. In 2026, the new moon appears on February 17, setting the festival’s start date.

The celebration lasts 16 days and ends with the Lantern Festival on March 3, 2026, which will also feature a total lunar eclipse, sometimes called a “blood moon.”

A Rare Astronomical Coincidence

The Year of the Fire Horse begins and ends with annular solar eclipses, also known as “ring of fire” eclipses. The first will occur over Antarctica in 2026, and the second will be visible in parts of South America and West Africa in 2027.

How the Chinese Zodiac Works

The Chinese zodiac, known as Sheng Xiao, follows a 12-year cycle, with each year represented by an animal. The cycle starts with the Rat. Each year is also linked to one of five elements—wood, fire, earth, metal, and water—forming a 60-year cycle.

The last Year of the Fire Horse was in 1966, making 2026 the first return of this combination in 60 years.

How to Know Your Zodiac Animal

Because Chinese New Year starts on different dates each year, people born in January or February should check the exact new moon date of their birth year. Online Chinese zodiac calculators are the easiest way to confirm your sign.