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Top places to ring in the Lunar New Year

Vivid, exciting, and full of fun, the Lunar New Year is also known as the Spring Festival and runs for two weeks between January and February. To kick off 2026, the Year of the Horse, big parades will be held at the start of the festival while lantern and fireworks spectacles form a dazzling finalé. Although China is at the heart of the celebrations, the Lunar New Year is hugely important across Asia, bringing communities together in recognition of a shared culture. Check out five of the best places to join the Chinese New Year 2026 festivities, from Singapore and Vietnam to South Korea and beyond. 

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1. Singapore

Singapore’s Lunar New Year celebrations are among the most animated in Asia. A highlight is the Chingay Parade – a spectacular showcase of creativity infusing the streets with colour and energy. In 2026, the concepts of unity and renewal reflect the dynamic spirit of the Year of the Horse, brought to life through lion dances, acrobatics, live music and radiant floats.

Across the city, festive markets serve seasonal street food, families exchange red packets known as ang bao, and neighbourhoods glow with lanterns creating a vibrant ambience from day to night.

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2. Malaysia

Lunar New Year 2026 in Malaysia begins on 17 February and unfolds over 15 vibrant days of celebration. Kuala Lumpur, Penang and other cities come alive with parades, lion dances, fireworks and family gatherings.

In Penang, the historic streets of George Town are beautifully adorned, while Petaling Street in Kuala Lumpur has a buzzing atmosphere that’s second to none. Street food takes centre stage, with treats such as nian gao – sticky rice cakes – signifying success and affluence.

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3. Vietnam

Tết is Vietnam’s most significant celebration, marking the Lunar New Year with dramatic fireworks throughout the country. Hanoi’s midnight display over Hoan Kiem Lake is among the most impressive, and accompanied by music and light shows.

All through the festivities, lion dances and lively parades fill the streets of Ho Chi Minh City. Homes are decorated with flowers and lanterns symbolising prosperity, the first guest of the year are welcomed (believed to bring good fortune), and families exchange red envelopes. 

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4. Taiwan

The start of the Lunar New Year 2026 in Taiwan is 17 February. In the capital, Taipei, traditional markets like the one in Dihua Street overflow with decorations, gifts and delicacies including dumplings and rice cakes.

Across the island, fireworks illuminate the night sky while lion dancers perform in cities such as Taichung and Kaohsiung. Celebrations culminate in the Lantern Festival, with the Pingxi Sky Lantern Festival seeing thousands of gleaming lanterns released into the sky.

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5. South Korea

Seollal, South Korea’s Lunar New Year, is one of the country’s most meaningful celebrations. It’s a time to embrace heritage, with many locals wearing hanbok (South Korea’s national dress) and gathering with family to share seasonal dishes and play traditional games.

In Seoul, historic palaces host captivating performances featuring lantern displays, music and dance representing  Korea’s culture. The festivities conclude with evening events that brighten up the city with joy and laughter.