The 15-day Chinese New Year celebration always ends with a bang—literally. On the final night, families gather under glowing lanterns, eat sweet rice balls, and in some places, toss mandarin oranges into the sea. March 3, 2026 marks that closing chapter: Chap Goh Mei, the Lantern Festival, and the moment the Year of the Horse officially winds down.

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Start Date: February 17, 2026 ·
Duration: 15 days ·
End Date: March 3, 2026 ·
Zodiac Animal: Horse ·
China Holidays: Feb 16–23, 2026

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • Exact event schedules for KL and Malacca
  • Whether Singapore holds a public countdown
  • Participant numbers for regional events
3Timeline signal
  • Western Han dynasty: Lantern Festival originated (206 BC–AD 25) (Wikipedia)
  • Feb 12, 2025: Chap Goh Mei 2025 (Wikipedia)
  • March 3, 2026: Chap Goh Mei 2026 (Wikipedia)
4What’s next
  • Families return to normal routines after March 3
  • Decorations removed and work resumes
  • Auspicious dates for restart: Feb 21, 23, or 25, 2026

The table below consolidates the essential dates, designations, and status information for CNY 2026.

Detail Value
CNY 2026 Start February 17
Duration 15 days
Last Day March 3, 2026
Year Animal Horse (Fire Horse)
China Public Holidays Feb 16–23, 2026
Chap Goh Mei Meaning “Fifteenth night” in Hokkien
Penang Event Hours 5 pm to 11 pm
Malaysia Holiday Status Not a public holiday

When is the 15th day of CNY 2026?

The 15th and final day of Chinese New Year 2026 falls on March 3, 2026. This date marks the Lantern Festival (Yuan Xiao Jie) across China and Chap Goh Mei in Malaysia and Singapore. The lunar calendar places this celebration on the 15th day of the first lunar month, always coinciding with the full moon.

Chinese New Year itself begins on February 17, 2026, making the total celebration span 15 days from start to finish. The Chinese government designates public holidays from February 16–23, 2026, though the broader cultural observance extends until March 3.

Chinese New Year 2026 Dates

  • CNY Day 1: February 17, 2026
  • Public holidays in China: February 16–23, 2026
  • Final day (15th): March 3, 2026

Public Holiday Schedule

While the official public holiday period in mainland China runs from February 16–23, many businesses and institutions extend their closures through the full 15-day period. International companies with Chinese operations typically follow the mainland holiday schedule but may adjust based on regional norms.

What to watch

Chap Goh Mei is not a public holiday in Malaysia, so those planning trips or events should verify venue hours and transportation schedules in advance.

What is the 15th Day of Chinese New Year?

The 15th day of Chinese New Year is known as the Lantern Festival or Yuan Xiao Jie in Mandarin Chinese. In Hokkien-speaking communities—particularly Malaysia and Singapore—it is called Chap Goh Mei, which translates to “fifteenth night” (chap = ten, goh = five, mei = night).

This festival dates back to the Western Han dynasty, approximately 206 BC–AD 25, when it originated as a celebration honoring the heavens and the return of light after winter’s darkest days. The full moon on this night symbolizes completeness and a bright beginning.

Lantern Festival Traditions

  • Admiring lanterns under the full moon
  • Eating Tang Yuan (sweet glutinous rice balls)
  • Lion dances, dragon dances, and riddle games
  • Stilt walking performances in some regions

Yuan Xiao Jie Customs

The name Yuan Xiao Jie comes from the traditional rice dumpling called Yuan Xiao, which families prepare and share during the celebration. These round balls symbolize family unity and represent the wish for a harmonious, sweet year ahead.

Is Chap Goh Mei the Last Day of CNY?

Yes, Chap Goh Mei is indeed the last day of Chinese New Year celebrations. The festival falls on the 15th day of the first lunar month, marking the official conclusion of the 15-day CNY period that began on February 17, 2026.

The tradition is particularly significant in Hokkien-dominated areas such as Penang, Johor, and parts of Sarawak in Malaysia, as well as among overseas Chinese communities with Hokkien heritage.

Chap Goh Mei in Malaysia and Singapore

In Malaysia, Chap Goh Mei is celebrated with particular enthusiasm in Penang, where the Esplanade (Padang Kota Lama) hosts one of the country’s largest celebrations. Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, and Johor Bahru also hold events featuring temple visits, cultural performances, and the traditional orange-tossing ritual.

The paradox

The romantic tradition of tossing oranges into rivers or seas—historically a matchmaking ritual for single women—continues today largely as entertainment rather than serious matchmaking, showing how tradition evolves without losing its symbolic weight.

What Do Chinese Do on the Last Day of CNY?

The final day of Chinese New Year brings families together for reunion dinners, lantern viewing, and rituals meant to close the festive period before returning to normal routines. The evening centers on community celebration mixed with intimate family moments.

Family Gatherings and Lanterns

  • Family reunion dinners with prosperity-themed dishes
  • Admiring lanterns under the full moon
  • Lighting fireworks before dinner for good luck
  • Visiting temples for blessings

Food and Rituals

Traditional reunion dinners feature fish (for abundance), shrimp (for happiness), and vegetables (for longevity). Tang Yuan—sweet glutinous rice balls—are served as the signature dish of the evening, symbolizing family unity and a smooth year ahead. Restaurant dinners with prosperity-themed menus also feature in modern celebrations, offering convenience without sacrificing symbolism.

Families light fireworks before their evening meals to ward off evil spirits and invite good fortune. After dinner, many venture out to public spaces to view illuminated lanterns and participate in community celebrations.

Post-CNY, families return to their normal routines. Decorations are removed, and life resumes its regular pace in the Year of the Fire Horse.

Regional note

In Penang, the Esplanade celebration runs from 5 pm to 11 pm and includes the Dondang Sayang Parade, orange tossing, lion dances, and fireworks—a full evening of festivities for the closing night.

Auspicious Dates to Start Work After CNY 2026

Many businesses and workers look to the lunar calendar to select an auspicious date for resuming work after the Chinese New Year period. Several dates in late February and early March 2026 are considered favorable for commencement.

February 21, 2026 ( ) is often cited as an early auspicious date, while February 23, 2026 ( , Renri/”Human Day”) and February 25, 2026 ( ) are also frequently recommended for business openings and new ventures.

Feng Shui Recommendations

  • February 21, 2026 (Day 4 of CNY)
  • February 23, 2026 (Renri—”Human Day”)
  • February 25, 2026 (Day 9, Tian Ze birthday)

Calendar for February 2026

February 17 marks the start of CNY (Day 1), with the public holiday period extending through February 23 in mainland China. Many workers and businesses choose to take additional days off through the Chap Goh Mei celebration on March 3 before returning to full operations.

The upshot

While March 3 marks the cultural end of CNY, the practical return to work varies significantly by region and industry. Those following Feng Shui recommendations have several favorable dates to choose from.

Timeline of CNY 2026

The table below maps the key milestones from the final days of the previous lunar month through the end of the 15-day celebration period.

Date Event
February 11, 2026 24th day of last lunar month: Festive cakes preparation
February 16–23, 2026 Official public holidays in China
February 17, 2026 CNY Day 1: New Year begins (Year of the Horse)
March 3, 2026 Day 15: Lantern Festival, Chap Goh Mei, end of celebrations

The timeline shows how the official mainland holiday window (February 16–23) sits within the broader 15-day cultural observance that closes on March 3.

What People Say About Chap Goh Mei

Chap Goh Mei is an enduring celebration that brings communities together, reinforcing values of unity, resilience and shared heritage.

— Sarawak Tribune

The Lantern Festival, or Yuan Xiao Jie, is celebrated on the 15th day of the first lunar month during the full moon. The festival originated in the Western Han dynasty (206 BC–AD 25).

— Wikipedia

Both sources emphasize the centuries-deep roots and the community-building function that keeps the festival relevant in modern Malaysian and Singaporean contexts.

What to Take Away

The last day of Chinese New Year 2026 on March 3 represents a unique convergence of traditions. The Lantern Festival (Yuan Xiao Jie) carries centuries of history from Han dynasty China, while Chap Goh Mei reflects the distinct cultural flavor of Hokkien communities across Malaysia and Singapore. Whether families gather for reunion dinners, admire lanterns under the full moon, or toss mandarin oranges into the sea, the evening marks both an ending and a beginning.

Bottom line: March 3, 2026 closes the Year of the Horse with lantern displays, Tang Yuan, and community celebrations. Families in Malaysia should note that Chap Goh Mei is not a public holiday—plan transportation and venue visits accordingly. For those following Feng Shui, auspicious work restart dates include February 21, 23, and 25.

Related reading: restaurant dinners with prosperity-themed menus · Authentic Malaysian Coffee Guide

Additional sources

zalora.com.ph, my.trip.com

In Singapore, families prepare for the Year of the Horse by reserving UOB CNY 2026 new notes through bank ATMs ahead of Lantern Festival customs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

The questions below address the most common queries about the final day of CNY 2026 and the Lantern Festival.

How long does CNY 2026 last?

CNY 2026 lasts 15 days, from February 17 to March 3, 2026. The official public holiday period in mainland China runs from February 16–23.

Is CNY 14 or 15 days?

Chinese New Year is 15 days long. The 15th day (Chap Goh Mei/Lantern Festival) marks the official end of the celebration.

How long is China off for Chinese New Year?

The official public holiday period in mainland China spans February 16–23, 2026, typically combining several weekend days to create a 7-day holiday period.

What are the 15 days of Chinese New Year 2026 holiday?

The 15 days run from February 17 (CNY Day 1) through March 3 (Day 15/Lantern Festival). Each day has traditional activities, with the final three days being the most significant for family gatherings and farewell rituals.

Why is 2026 a lucky year?

2026 is the Year of the Horse, specifically the Fire Horse. In Chinese astrology, Horse years are associated with energy, ambition, and progress, making them generally favorable for new ventures and career advancement.

What events occur on the last day of CNY 2026?

On March 3, 2026, communities hold lantern displays, reunion dinners with Tang Yuan, temple visits, lion dances, fireworks, and the traditional orange-tossing ritual in Penang and other Malaysian cities.

What is the Chinese calendar for last day of CNY 2026?

The last day of CNY 2026 falls on the 15th day of the first lunar month of the Year of the Fire Horse. In the Chinese sexagenary cycle, this corresponds to the Lantern Festival, or Yuan Xiao Jie.