Where to celebrate Lunar New Year in Asia in 2026: The best festivals to travel for

What is it? Hoi An’s Lunar New Year celebrations offer a gentler take on Tết, unfolding across the lantern-lit streets of its UNESCO-listed Old Town. Don’t come expecting a mega parade, though. It’s mostly a series of cultural rituals and community-led festivities that blend seamlessly into daily life.

Why go? This is Tết at a human scale. Lunar New Year’s Eve sees the Old Town glow with floating lantern releases along the Hoai River, low-altitude fireworks, Lion-Dragon dances, Bai Choi folk singing and the Sac Bua blessing procession. While you’re there, infuse more depth and texture to your visit by heading to craft-village festivals like the Kim Bong Carpentry Ancestors’ Ceremony and Tra Que’s Cau Bong Festival

Dates: February 16, 2026
Location: Hoi An Ancient Town

What is it? Hong Kong’s biggest Lunar New Year spectacle, the Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade marks the official start of the festive season with a high-energy procession through Tsim Sha Tsui. The parade is held on the first night of the Year of the Horse, featuring elaborate floats inspired by the zodiac animal, paired with street performances and dance troupes from Hong Kong, Mainland China and around the world.

Why go? Travellers who want their Lunar New Year celebrations loud, colourful and theatrical should book a flight to Hong Kong, ASAP. The action begins from 6pm with street performances warming up the crowds before the main parade rolls out at nightfall. Expect drum beats echoing off skyscrapers, international performers bringing their own cultural flair, and massive floats gliding past one of the city’s most iconic backdrops.

Dates: February 17 2026, 8pm-9:45pm
Location: Parade starting at Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza in Tsim Sha Tsui.

What is it? For a Lunar New Year celebration that feels deeply local, Guangzhou’s Spring Festival Flower Markets offer a more immersive way to ring in the new year. These pop-up markets are a centuries-old tradition, transforming neighbourhoods across the city into colourful hubs filled with blooming flowers, kumquat trees, festive décor and New Year trinkets. Wander through the stalls in the days leading up to Lunar New Year, with the biggest buzz building on New Year’s Eve.

Why go? Think peonies, orchids and chrysanthemums alongside lucky charms, snacks and spinning windmills, plus street food stalls and cultural performances woven into the mix. In 2026, Guangzhou is going bigger than ever, with 11 major flower markets and over 2,600 stalls citywide. One standout is the new 13-day waterfront flower market at Canton Tower Square, which adds skyline views to the festive atmosphere.

Dates: February 4 to 16, 2026 (peak on Lunar New Year’s Eve

Location: Multiple locations across Guangzhou; key market at Canton Tower Square, Haizhu District

What is it? In South Korea, Lunar New Year is celebrated as Seollal, and there’s no better place to see it unfold than the city’s palaces, especially Gyeongbokgung Palace. During the holiday, the Joseon-era complex opens its grand courtyards for traditional folk games like yutnori and jegichagi, royal court music, and cultural performances, with locals turning up in full hanbok to mark the occasion.

Why go? It’s one of Seoul’s most visually striking Seollal experiences. Expect ceremonial rituals, samulnori drumming, families performing sebae (New Year bows), and rare photo ops inside the throne hall and palace gardens. Admission is free during the holiday period, making it both meaningful and accessible. Pair it with a stroll to Namsangol Hanok Village for craft demos and tteokguk tastings while the city slows to a festive hush.

Dates: February 16 to 18, 2026
Location: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Jongno-gu district

What is it? Often flying under the radar, Penang’s Lunar New Year celebrations are among Malaysia’s most atmospheric. And, they centre around Kek Lok Si Temple. Each year,the country’s largest Buddhist temple hosts its annual Chinese New Year Lighting Ceremony, transforming the entire hilltop complex into a glowing spectacle of lanterns, neon and LED lights. Fireworks also punctuate the celebrations during the peak days of Chinese New Year. 

Why go? If you want Lunar New Year drama without the mega-city crush, pin this down. The lighting ceremony is visually jaw-dropping, especially after dark when fireworks crackle above the temple and the giant Kuan Yin statue glows over Air Itam. Arrive after sunset, linger for the fireworks, and take in sweeping views over George Town lit up for the new year. 

Dates: From February throughout CNY, 7pm-12am
Location: Kek Lok Si Temple, Air Itam, Penang