Chinese New Year 2026 Singapore-Dates, Public Holidays & Best Days to Gather

Chinese New Year 2026 in Singapore falls in February, bringing two public holidays and plenty of opportunities for reunion dinners, family visits and festive gatherings. Whether you’re planning a celebration at home or organising a get-together for colleagues, here’s a simple guide to the official dates, public holidays and the best days to gather during Chinese New Year 2026 in Singapore.

When Is Chinese New Year 2026 in Singapore?

In 2026, Chinese New Year falls on Tuesday, 17 February 2026.
It marks the start of the Year of the Horse in the Lunar calendar.

Celebrations traditionally begin on Chinese New Year’s Eve, with reunion dinners shared among family members, and continue for up to 15 days, ending with Chap Goh Mei.

Chinese New Year 2026 Public Holidays in Singapore

In Singapore, the first two days of Chinese New Year are gazetted public holidays.

For 2026, the public holidays fall on:

• Tuesday, 17 February 2026

• Wednesday, 18 February 2026

With the holidays landing mid-week, many families and workplaces may choose to take additional leave to enjoy a longer festive break.

Best Days to Gather During Chinese New Year 2026

Choosing the right day to gather can make celebrations more relaxed, especially during the busy festive period.

Best Day for Reunion Dinners

Monday, 16 February 2026 (Chinese New Year’s Eve) is traditionally the most important night of the year for families. This is when loved ones come together for a reunion dinner, either at home or with pre-arranged festive meals.

Best Days for Family Visiting

The first and second day of Chinese New Year (17–18 February 2026) are the most popular days for visiting relatives and close friends. Homes tend to be busiest during this time, with full schedules and back-to-back visits.

For those who prefer a slightly calmer pace, gatherings from Thursday, 19 February 2026 onwards are often less hectic and easier to coordinate.

Best Days for Office & Team Celebrations

Many companies choose to celebrate Chinese New Year before the holidays, typically during the week of 10–13 February 2026, with office lunches, lo hei sessions and team meals.

Post-holiday gatherings from 19–20 February 2026 are also popular, especially when teams are back in the office and schedules are more settled.

When Should You Start Planning for Chinese New Year 2026?

Chinese New Year is one of Singapore’s busiest festive seasons, especially when it comes to food orders and group gatherings.

As a general guide:

• Home reunion dinners are best planned three to four weeks in advance

• Office celebrations usually require two to three weeks’ notice

• Last-minute gatherings may still be possible, but options tend to be more limited

To save time and reduce stress, many households and offices opt for festive sets, mini buffets or bento-style meals, allowing everyone to focus on celebrating rather than cooking.

Planning a Chinese New Year Gathering?

Whether it’s a family reunion dinner, a lo hei session with colleagues, or a festive office lunch, planning ahead helps make celebrations smoother and more enjoyable.

Many Singapore families and workplaces now rely on pre-arranged festive meals during Chinese New Year so they can spend more quality time together without the rush.

Want an easy way to plan your feast? Browse Chinese New Year Catering Menus 2026 on FoodLine for reunion sets, mini buffets and festive bentos.