Preparing for Chinese New Year 2026 is the perfect moment to refresh routines, reconnect with loved ones and celebrate abundance. Whether you are planning your reunion dinner, refining skincare and beauty rituals, exploring Chinese New Year makeup, or stocking up on festive essentials, this comprehensive guide has everything you need to welcome the Year of the Horse in style.
When Is Chinese New Year in 2026?
Chinese New Year 2026 begins on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, marking the first day of the lunar new year.
Preparations start weeks in advance. Many households undertake a thorough clean before the new year to symbolically sweep away misfortune, then avoid sweeping on the first day to prevent good luck from being swept out. Families shop for new clothes, refresh personal care staples, plan reunion dinners and stock up on gifts and festive treats.
Understanding the Year of the Horse
2026 is the Year of the Horse, a zodiac sign associated with energy, confidence, independence and a spirited drive to succeed. Horses are perceived as sociable and hardworking, with a love of freedom and an optimistic outlook. This energetic influence often inspires people to set bold goals, embrace travel and commit to fresh routines in health and wellness.
The zodiac subtly shapes customs, from decorative themes to gift choices. Expect horse motifs in décor, along with red and gold palettes symbolising luck and prosperity, and auspicious greetings that reflect momentum and vitality. Gifts that channel the Horse’s qualities are popular, such as fitness accessories, revitalising skincare or productivity tools to set a positive tone for the year ahead.
With a focus on motivation and progress, the Year of the Horse is an ideal time to refresh your self-care regimen, reorganise your home and adopt routines that enhance wellbeing. Balanced nutrition, consistent skincare and mindful rest help sustain the Horse’s dynamic pace.
Must-Have Essentials for a Festive Chinese New Year
Get celebration-ready with curated essentials that support your home, health and appearance throughout the festive period. Preparing for Chinese New Year 2026 is easier when you know which categories to prioritise.
Skincare and beauty favourites include hydrating cleansers, brightening serums and lightweight moisturisers to keep skin fresh in Singapore’s humidity. Sheet masks infused with hyaluronic acid or vitamin C deliver instant radiance before visits and photos. Remember a broad-spectrum sunscreen for daytime visiting, and use a gentle exfoliator once or twice a week to refine texture and glow.
Chinese New Year makeup should focus on longevity and comfort. A breathable, semi-matte foundation or BB cream evens tone without heaviness. Smudge-resistant eyeliner, volumising mascara and a neutral eyeshadow palette create a polished look that lasts through reunion dinners. Opt for transfer-resistant lip colours in festive reds or rosy nudes, and set everything with a fine setting mist for wear that withstands humid conditions.
Health supplements may help sustain energy during busy celebrations. Consider vitamin C and zinc for immune support, B-complex for natural energy, and omega-3 for heart and brain health. Probiotics support digestion when indulging in rich foods, and magnesium may assist with restful sleep.
For gifting, limited-edition sets, beauty minis and wellness bundles are practical and thoughtful. Festive collections often sell quickly, so stock up early to secure popular picks.
Celebrating Chinese New Year in Singapore
Singapore comes alive with colour and tradition during Chinese New Year. Expect vibrant street light-ups, lion and dragon dances, and weekend markets brimming with snacks and decorative items. Families reunite for dinner on the eve and visit relatives with mandarin oranges and well wishes.
Local customs include giving red packets, known as hongbao, often with auspicious messages, and exchanging pairs of mandarin oranges to symbolise prosperity. Many households display spring couplets and adorn entrances with red decorations to invite good fortune. Visiting Chinatown’s New Year bazaar is a popular tradition, and communities frequently organise lohei—tossing yusheng together—to usher in abundance.
Festive dishes and treats range from yusheng (Prosperity Toss salad) to pen cai (a layered pot of delicacies), along with pineapple tarts, bak kwa, love letters and kueh lapis. Pair these with tea or herbal drinks for balance.
How to Prepare Your Home for Chinese New Year 2026
A clean, organised home sets the tone for a fresh start. Aim to complete major cleaning before the new year begins: dust high surfaces, wash curtains, clear out wardrobes and streamline storage. Declutter by category and donate items in good condition. After the clean, avoid sweeping or taking out rubbish on the first day to symbolically retain good luck.
Create a festive atmosphere with decorations that highlight the Year of the Horse. Use red and gold accents, paper cuttings, lanterns, couplets with auspicious sayings and horse motifs. Fresh blooms such as peonies, pussy willows and orchids add colour and vitality. Arrange mandarin oranges in pairs at entrances and dining areas, and prepare an elegant centrepiece for reunion dinners.
Stock up on essentials to keep your home guest-ready:
- Household cleaning supplies for pre-festive deep cleans
- Hand soaps and sanitisers at entryways and bathrooms
- Tissues and paper products
- Fragrance diffusers, room sprays and scented candles
Plan your shopping list early. Prioritise everyday necessities, add festive extras such as sheet masks for self-care nights, makeup for photo-ready looks and supplements to keep energy levels stable. Use click-and-collect or delivery for convenience, and take advantage of seasonal promotions to stretch your budget.
Smart Skincare and Beauty Routine for the Festive Season
With more social gatherings and photo moments, a streamlined routine helps you look polished without overcomplicating your day.
- Morning skincare: cleanse, apply a brightening serum, hydrate with a lightweight moisturiser, finish with broad-spectrum SPF.
- Pre-event boost: apply a hydrating or brightening sheet mask 20–30 minutes before makeup.
- Makeup essentials: choose lasting formulas; set with powder in the T-zone and a fine mist for longevity.
- On-the-go touch-ups: carry blotting papers, a mini setting spray and your lip colour for quick refreshes.
- Night-time recovery: double cleanse to remove makeup, use a gentle exfoliator 1–2 times a week, and apply a nourishing serum and night cream.
For Chinese New Year’s Eve, keep complexion fresh, eyes defined yet comfortable, and lips in a festive shade that resists transfer. Planning your Chinese New Year makeup for new year 2026 helps you stay ready for spontaneous visits and group selfies.
Wellness Tips to Stay Energised
Busy celebrations can be tiring. Keep wellbeing front and centre with simple habits and supportive products that fit seamlessly into your schedule of activities on Chinese New Year.
- Hydration: Hydrate regularly; herbal teas can balance richer foods.
- Balanced plates: Pair indulgent dishes with vegetables, fruits and lean proteins.
- Digestive support: Take probiotics and digestive enzymes if needed.
- Restful sleep: Magnesium or calming teas may assist with winding down.
- Active breaks: Short walks or light stretches counter long sitting and help circulation.
Alternate visits with rest, keep snacks handy, and maintain good sleep hygiene in the nights leading up to Chinese New Year’s Eve. This approach sustains energy for reunions, markets and community events throughout the 15-day period.
Festive Gifting Ideas
Thoughtful, practical gifts are always appreciated during Chinese New Year. Explore:
- Limited-edition beauty sets and minis for easy gifting
- Skincare duos featuring serums and masks for radiance
- Wellness bundles with vitamins, teas and relaxation aids
- Home fragrance sets to uplift living spaces
Wrap gifts in red or gold for auspicious flair and include a greeting card with well wishes for prosperity and health. If you enjoy Chinese New Year makeup, small palettes or lip sets can be tasteful additions to gift bags, especially for loved ones who appreciate beauty.
Planning Your Reunion Dinner
Create a menu that balances tradition and convenience, and prepare components ahead where possible. As you are preparing for Chinese New Year 2026, confirm dietary needs, plan course timing and allocate serving duties to keep the evening relaxed.
- Menu ideas: yusheng for a symbolic start, a nourishing soup, a mix of seafood and vegetable dishes, and a simple dessert.
- Make-ahead tips: pre-chop vegetables, marinate proteins, and arrange platters prior to guests arriving.
- Comfort items: keep tissues, hand sanitisers and digestive aids easily accessible.
On Chinese New Year’s Eve, aim to finish all major cleaning and prep before guests arrive. Set aside a quiet corner with water, tea and light snacks for children and older relatives to rest between courses.
Timeline: Preparing for Chinese New Year 2026
| When | Tasks | Essentials |
| 3–4 weeks before |
Declutter, plan menus, create gift lists, check skincare and makeup inventory | Cleaning supplies, storage organisers, skincare basics, lasting makeup |
| 2 weeks before |
Deep clean, order festive platters, buy decorations and flowers | Household cleaners, hand soaps, room sprays, lanterns and couplets (from décor retailers), sheet masks |
| 1 week before |
Pre-prep cooking, wrap gifts, assemble guest toiletries | Travel-size toiletries, tissues, sanitisers |
| Chinese New Year’s Eve | Final tidy, set the table, display oranges, complete reunion dinner prep | Fragrance diffusers, scented candles, makeup setting spray |
| Day 1–2 | Host and visit; avoid sweeping to retain good luck; stay hydrated and energised | SPF, blotting papers, probiotics, vitamin C, B-complex |
| Days 3–15 |
Attend community events, pace activities, prioritise rest | Omega-3, magnesium, herbal teas, replenishment of personal care |
This timeline provides a structured approach to preparing for Chinese New Year 2026. Use it as a guide to organise shopping, home care and Chinese New Year makeup planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which date is Chinese New Year 2026? The first day falls on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, with celebrations lasting for 15 days.
What zodiac sign governs 2026? 2026 is the Year of the Horse, associated with energy, confidence and progress.
When should I start preparing? Begin two to three weeks before the new year. Complete major cleaning before the eve, shop for personal care and gifts early, and plan reunion menus in advance.
What are auspicious colours and décor for 2026? Red and gold remain timeless symbols of luck and prosperity. Incorporate horse motifs, spring couplets and fresh flowers such as peonies and orchids.
Are there any customs to observe regarding cleaning? Yes. Clean thoroughly before the new year, then avoid sweeping and taking out rubbish on the first day to retain good luck.
How should I approach Chinese New Year makeup? Opt for lasting, breathable formulas with smudge-resistant eye products and transfer-resistant lip colours. A semi-matte base and setting mist help makeup last through activities on Chinese New Year.
What activities on Chinese New Year are popular in Singapore? Visiting relatives, exchanging mandarin oranges, giving hongbao, enjoying street light-ups and performances, and participating in lohei are common activities on Chinese New Year.