Chinese New Year is a new year that begins with the moon. It is also called “Chinese Calendar New Year” or “Lunar New Year.” It is the first day of the Chinese calendar, and the date varies from year to year in the Gregorian calendar. The exact date falls between January 21 and February 19 each year, and is the date of the second moon after the winter solstice, when the sun is in the constellation Aquarius.
The Chinese calendar, which is governed by the moon, begins each month on the first day of a new moon. The astronomical alignment that signals this new moon is observed at the Purple Mountain Observatory in Nanjing, China.
Chinese New Year is celebrated in China, but also in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau. In China, there are seven days of vacation, but the celebrations last between two weeks and a month. And, of course, Chinese New Year is celebrated wherever Chinese people have settled during multiple diasporas. In Montreal’s Chinatown, the Lunar New Year will be celebrated in grand style this year from February 17 to March 3.
The Year of the Horse
The Lunar New Year marks the beginning of the Year of the Fire Horse. The Horse, the seventh sign of Chinese astrology, is a symbol of independence, passion, and vitality—so far, so good. The element of fire, as one might imagine, is associated with an intense year, based on action rather than reflection. Make of that what you will, but the lunar year will be hot, hot, hot. It will end on February 5, 2027.
Chinese New Year celebrations in Montreal in 2026
In Chinatown
On the weekend of February 21 and 22, the Lunar New Year will be celebrated with lion dances, activities, traditional costumes, and decorations that are truly a sight to behold.
On Saturday, there will be cultural performances, music, calligraphy, and games.
On Sunday, visitors can watch the traditional lion dances, which are performed every year for the Lunar New Year in costumes that replicate the animal’s shimmering fur and are danced to bring good luck.
Where? Montreal’s Chinatown
When? Saturday, February 21, 2026 / Sunday, February 22, 2026
At Place des Arts
@mtlphoenixart
On February 15, there will be a unique gala at Théâtre Wilfrid-Pelletier at 7:30 p.m. to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Canada’s Phoenix artistic troupe will perform a moving creation blending traditions and contemporary multicultural expressions on the theme of “Home.”
Where? Théâtre Wilfrid-Pelletier, at Place des Arts
When? February 15, 2026, at 7:30 p.m.
How? Tickets are between $48 and $158, and you can reserve them here!
At the Quartier des Spectacles
@elsadanceschool
On February 1, there will be a Chinese New Year Gala to celebrate the Year of the Horse. The gala is presented by artists from Elsa’s Dance School, one of the most important dance schools in Montreal’s Asian community.
Where? Salle Pierre-Mercure / Centre Pierre-Péladeau, in the Quartier des Spectacles
When? Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 7 p.m.
How? Click here to reserve your spot!
At Osmo x Marusan
@osmo_x_marusan
ACantonese disco night tocelebrate the Year of the Horse is happening at one of our favorite music cafés in Montreal on February 28.
Where? Café OSMO x MARUSAN, 51 Sherbrooke Street West
When? February 28, 2026, from 9 p.m. until late
How? Details are on the @osmo_x_marusan Instagram account.
Happy Lunar New Year!