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Chinese New Year Guide

Chinese New Year is a major family and cultural festival whose date changes each year. In 2027, New Year’s Day falls on February 6. Celebrations often extend for many days and may include regional customs that are not shared everywhere.

February 6, 2027China and Chinese communities worldwideLunisolar cultural festivalReading time: 6 min

What is Chinese New Year?

What is Chinese New Year?

Chinese New Year is a major family and cultural festival whose date changes each year. In 2027, New Year’s Day falls on February 6. Celebrations often extend for many days and may include regional customs that are not shared everywhere.

Chinese New Year is the opening festival of the traditional Chinese lunisolar year. It is also called Spring Festival, and its customs connect family reunion, respect for ancestors, good fortune and a fresh beginning.

Why it matters

Why Chinese New Year matters

The festival matters because it is a time for reunion, honoring family ties and welcoming a new cycle. It also carries regional foodways, arts and community traditions across a global Chinese diaspora.

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Today

How Chinese New Year is celebrated today

People may clean and decorate homes, travel for reunion, share a New Year’s Eve meal, give red envelopes, visit relatives, watch performances and join lion or dragon dances. The exact customs and foods differ by region and family.

GatheringPeople may clean and decorate homes, travel for reunion, share a New Year’s Eve meal, give red envelopes, visit relatives, watch performances and join lion or dragon dances. The exact customs and foods differ by region and family.
Family customsHouseholds adapt the celebration to local and personal traditions.
Community lifePublic events and shared participation vary by region.
Food and symbolsMeals, colors and objects reflect local customs and family meaning.
Public eventsParades, worship, performances or markets may shape public observance.
Personal meaningPeople choose religious, cultural, family or quieter ways to take part.

Key facts

Chinese New Year facts

  • Chinese New Year follows a lunisolar calendar.
  • The festival is also known as Spring Festival.
  • Family reunion meals are central in many households.
  • Red envelopes are associated with good wishes and prosperity.
  • Celebrations often continue beyond New Year’s Day.

Questions

Chinese New Year FAQ

When is Chinese New Year?

The date changes each year. Chinese New Year begins on February 6 in 2027.

Is Chinese New Year the same as Lunar New Year?

Chinese New Year is one specific lunisolar new-year observance; other communities celebrate Lunar New Year with their own customs.

What are common traditions?

Reunion meals, red envelopes, home cleaning, visits, decorations, performances and good-luck customs are common.

Planning ahead?

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