Lunar New Year 2026 Celebrates the Red Fire Horse

Lunar New Year 2026, also known as Chinese New Year, is a significant cultural celebration across Asia and in communities worldwide.

According to the Chinese zodiac, this year's festivities begin on February 17, 2026, marking the start of the Year of the Red Fire Horse, which occurs once every 60 years. In Chinese tradition, the horse is a potent emblem of strength, swiftness, boundless freedom, and unyielding perseverance.

The UK's TravelHealthPro recently stated celebrations typically last for 16 days and culminate in the Lantern Festival on March 3, 2026. Public holidays during this period draw massive crowds for family reunions and traditional events.

Analysts expect approximately 9.5 billion trips in 2026.

For example, in Houston, Texas's Asiatown, the Festival celebrates both the Lunar New Year and the beauty of the city's vast cultural diversity. In 2026, the Festival will also launch a series of exciting Asian Heritage seasonal programs that highlight the culinary delights, artistic wonders, and ancient traditions of Asian cultures.

This time of year also coincides with the world's busiest travel season, as millions travel domestically and internationally, resulting in crowded transportation hubs, public spaces, and attractions.

While the holiday fosters joy and cultural exchange, health authorities caution about the increased risks of infectious diseases and other hazards associated with large gatherings.

Historical patterns indicate similar concerns in previous years.

For example, detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5) persisted in birds, with occasional human cases reported across Asia and beyond into late 2025. Visiting wet markets featuring live birds and animals can increase exposure risks in certain regions.

In Southeast China and Hong Kong, chikungunya cases accelerated in late 2025.

Health professionals advise travelers to check destination-specific resources and consult local infectious disease experts if they experience symptoms upon returning.

As of February 2026, the UK Health Security Agency says there are no widespread mandatory travel vaccination requirements for most international visitors entering Lunar New Year destinations, such as mainland China, Hong Kong, or other Asian countries.

The only vaccine with an official entry requirement in China is the Yellow Fever vaccine (YF-VAX, Stamaril), which is required for travelers coming from high-risk areas.

However, it is not required for direct travel from low-risk areas, such as the US, the UK, or most of Europe.

When departing from the US to China in 2026, travel vaccine clinics offer Yellow Fever vaccination services in most cities.