Tradition, Style, and Modern Elegance Intertwined

As Singapore prepares to celebrate Chinese New Year 2026, the city once again transforms into a living canvas of colour, culture, and connection. Red lanterns glow along familiar streets, reunion dinners fill homes with laughter, and traditions passed down through generations take on renewed meaning. This year, the Year of the Fire Horse carries themes of passion, transformation, and resilience, a timely reminder to face new beginnings with confidence and grace.

Chinese New Year, or Lunar New Year, is more than a festive holiday. It is a reflective pause, a moment to honour heritage, reconnect with loved ones, and welcome prosperity into the year ahead. Whether you’re planning a reunion feast, exploring Singapore’s cultural hotspots, or putting together a meaningful festive outfit, the season invites celebration in many forms.

When Is Chinese New Year 2026?

Each day of Chinese New Year 2026 carries its own symbolism and customs, creating a meaningful rhythm of celebration from New Year’s Eve on Feb 16 to the Lantern Festival on Mar 3. Here’s a guide to the traditions:

February 16 — New Year’s Eve (除夕 Chúxì):The most important evening of the year. Families gather for the reunion dinner, honour ancestors, and stay up past midnight to welcome the Year of the Fire Horse.

February 17 — Day 1 (初一 Chūyī): New Year’s Day: A day for visiting immediate family, exchanging greetings, giving red packets, and paying respects at ancestral graves.

February 18 — Day 2 (初二 Chū’èr): In-Law’s Day (迎婿日 / 开年): Married daughters return to their parents’ home, accompanied by their husbands and children—a tradition symbolising harmony between families.

February 19 — Day 3 (初三 Chūsān): Day of the Rat (鼠日): Considered an inauspicious day for visits. Many choose to stay home, rest, enjoy games, and spend quiet time with close family.

February 20 — Day 4 (初四 Chūsì): Day of the Sheep (羊日): An auspicious day associated with good fortune. Many visit temples, offer prayers, or seek blessings for the year ahead.

February 21 — Day 5 (初五 Chūwǔ): Break Five (破五): Taboos from earlier days may be lifted. It’s also a popular day for opening businesses, resuming activities, and welcoming renewed prosperity.

February 22 — Day 6 (初六 Chūliù): Day of the Horse (马日): Believed to be ideal for clearing out old or unwanted items—symbolically “sending away the bad” and starting fresh. Also a common day to resume work.

February 23 — Day 7 (初七 Chūqī): Day of Mankind (人日): According to tradition, this is the day humans were created. Many spend time outdoors, appreciate nature, and enjoy a peaceful break from festivities.

February 24 — Day 8 (初八 Chūbā): Day of the Grain (谷日节): Good weather on this day is said to predict a fruitful harvest. Families may gather for a second mini reunion dinner.

February 25 — Day 9 (初九 Chūjiǔ): Providence Health / Jade Emperor’s Birthday (天公生): A major day for Taoist worship. Many offer incense, give offerings, and light firecrackers to honour the Jade Emperor.

February 26 — Day 10 (初十 Chūshí): Stone Festival (石头节): Celebrated as the birthday of the “stone god.” Rituals mirror those of the previous day, with offerings made to ensure stability and good foundations.

February 27 — Day 11 (初十一 Chūshíyī): Son-in-Law Day (子婿日): A day when fathers host and treat their sons-in-law, celebrating family ties and goodwill.

February 28 – March 2 — Days 12–14 (初十二 – 初十四): Lantern Festival Preparations: Families prepare for the upcoming Lantern Festival by cooking special foods, crafting lanterns, and completing final celebrations.

March 3 — Day 15 (初十五 Chūshíwǔ): Lantern Festival (元宵节): The grand finale of Chinese New Year. Lanterns illuminate the night, children solve lantern riddles, and dragon dances fill the streets—a joyful close to the season.

Preparation: Breathing New Life Into Tradition

Declutter and Refresh Your Space

Pre-CNY cleaning is more than a chore—it symbolises clearing away misfortune and making room for fresh blessings. Refresh your home with pieces from our Home Collection, or explore Deborah McKellar’s Talking Textiles, where modern artistry meets heritage motifs. Her work adds a unique, contemporary twist to traditional festive décor.

Dressing the Part: Redefining Festive Elegance

During Chinese New Year, fashion becomes symbolic—red for joy and protection, gold for prosperity, and thoughtful details that honour cultural roots.

This year, elevate your wardrobe with our CNY 2026 Collection. Discover flowy dresses with effortless elegance, refined modern silhouettes perfect for a sustainable wardrobe, and artisan-crafted styles that balance tradition with contemporary charm.

💡 Featured Favourite: July Dress Lakeside — made from cotton fabric featuring a smocked yoke, cap sleeves and a very flattering flair.

15 Days of Festivity: A Journey Through Tradition

Each day of Chinese New Year carries its own significance, weaving together centuries-old customs with moments of joy:

Day 1: Welcome the gods of heaven and earth.
Day 2: Reunite with loved ones.
Day 3: Reflect at home—this day is considered unlucky for visits.
Days 4-7: Revel in family feasts and gatherings.
Day 8: Pray for prosperity and success.
Day 9: Honor the Jade Emperor.
Days 10-12: Savor culinary delights with friends and family.
Day 13: Restore balance with light vegetarian meals.
Day 14: Prepare for the Lantern Festival.
Day 15: End the celebrations with lanterns and riddles under the night sky.

A Feast for the Senses: CNY Culinary Delights

Food takes centre stage during Chinese New Year, with each dish steeped in symbolism:

Dumplings: Resembling ancient ingots, they symbolise wealth and prosperity.
Noodles: Their uncut length signifies longevity.
Tangyuan: Glutinous rice balls that embody family unity.
Niangao: Sticky rice cakes believed to bring progress.
Spring Rolls: Golden in hue, these snacks promise fortune.

Hosting a gathering? Pair these dishes with our handmade ceramics to elevate your table setting. Crafted with care, these pieces seamlessly blend functionality and artistry.

Celebrate in Style with Canvas & Weaves

As you prepare for Chinese New Year 2026, we’re here to help you celebrate with intention and style.

Shop Online: Explore our CNY 2026 Collection for sustainable, fashion-forward pieces.
Elevate Your Gatherings: Add artistry to your home with our ceramics collection or Deborah McKellar’s textile prints.
Express Delivery: Need something last-minute? Enjoy next-day delivery across Singapore.
Visit Us: We’re open Thursdays to Saturdays, 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM, at 318 Tanglin Road, 01-32 Phoenix Park.

Chinese New Year is more than a festival—it’s a celebration of culture, connection, and renewal. As the Year of the Fire Horse unfolds, embrace the season with elegance, optimism, and meaningful traditions.

Xīnnián Kuàilè, Gōngxǐ Fācái!

As you prepare for Chinese New Year 2026, we’re here to help you bring together tradition and modernity effortlessly.

Shop Online: Explore our CNY 2026 Collection for sustainable, fashion-forward pieces.
Elevate Your Gatherings: Add a touch of artistry with our ceramics collection or the exquisite work of Deborah McKellar.
Express Delivery: Need something last minute? Enjoy next-day shipping across Singapore.
Visit Us: We’re open from Thursdays to Saturdays, 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM, at 318 Tanglin Road, 01-32 Phoenix Park.