Lunar New Year 2026 ushers in Year of the Fire Horse

Friday 30 January 2026 - 16:10

By: Dakir Madiha

Lunar New Year 2026 ushers in Year of the Fire Horse

Cities worldwide kick off celebrations for the Year of the Fire Horse as Lunar New Year 2026 begins officially on January 28, with festivities spanning Southeast Asia, Europe, and North America over the coming weeks. The Fire Horse, last seen in 1966, returns after 60 years, promising astrologers a time of transformation, ambition, and momentum. In Chinese tradition, the Horse embodies energy, freedom, and forward drive, amplified by the Fire element's intensity and passion.

Europe embraces Year of the Fire Horse

Dublin gears up for a nine-day citywide festival from February 14 to 22, featuring workshops, art exhibitions, live performances, film screenings, and community gatherings. Highlights include a Lunar New Year banquet at Ka Shing restaurant on February 12 hosted by RTÉ TV chef Eva Pau, plus a Lunar Carnival on Drury Street with lion and dragon dances.

Paris neighborhoods host vibrant events. Belleville lights up with lanterns on February 21 and 22, offering free cultural happenings like lion dances, music, kids' workshops, and Asian street food markets. Huatian Chinagora in Alfortville starts earlier with fireworks on February 16 and lion dances on February 17, both open to the public. London's festivities peak February 21 and 22 at Trafalgar Square and Chinatown, hosting Europe's largest Chinese lion and dragon parade. Woolwich Works hosts a Lunar New Year fair February 7 and 8 with over 90 food and craft stalls.

Asia-Pacific festivities set attendance records

Singapore's River Hongbao, marking its 40th year, revives Lunar New Year fireworks at Gardens by the Bay from February 15 to 18, alongside nighttime shows and giant lantern displays. Chinatown street lighting begins January 30, with lion dance competitions February 7 and 8.

Sydney's events run February 17 to 27, with limited-edition banquet menus, cultural workshops, and major community celebrations. The Hills Shire closes Castle Hill Main Street on February 28 for what organizers call the region's biggest Lunar New Year event yet, featuring authentic Asian cuisine, traditional lion dances, and a finale fireworks display.

North America celebrations underway

Disneyland California Adventure's 31-day Lunar New Year event runs through February 22, including Mulan's Lunar New Year Procession and Asian marketplace eats. San Francisco's Chinatown hosts neighborhood parties during Super Bowl LX week, culminating in the Chinese New Year Parade on March 7. Anna Hu, president of the Hills Chinese Association, stressed the cultural weight: "The Year of the Horse symbolizes success and good fortune, making it especially meaningful to celebrate together."