Lunar New Year Party Guide (2026)

By Lisa Anderson · October 3, 2026

Celebrating the Year of the Horse

The 2026 Lunar New Year falls on February 17, welcoming the Year of the Horse. Whether hosting a family dinner or a community celebration, this guide covers the essentials.

Traditional Decorations

Red lanterns: Hang pairs at the entrance for good fortune
Chunlian spring couplets: Red banners with gold calligraphy on doorframes
Paper cuttings: Intricate designs in red paper on windows
Kumquat trees: Symbolize wealth and prosperity

Essential Foods

Dumplings (Jiaozi)

Shaped like ancient gold ingots, dumplings symbolize wealth. Host a dumpling-making party as an activity. Hide a coin in one dumpling for extra luck.

Long Noodles (Changshou Mian)

Uncut noodles represent longevity. Serve them unbroken as the longer the noodle, the longer the life.

Nian Gao (Sticky Rice Cake)

Sweet sticky rice cake symbolizes reaching higher each year. Can be pan-fried or steamed.

Party Activities

Red envelope or hongbao exchange with chocolate coins
Lion dance performance by booking a local troupe
Calligraphy station for writing spring couplets
Mahjong or card games for family bonding