Chinese New Year, beginning on February 17 and running until March 3, is one of the most important and widely celebrated periods in the Chinese calendar. Also known as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, the occasion marks the start of a new year based on the lunar calendar and typically falls between January and February.

Across China, homes, streets, and restaurants are decorated in vibrant red, a color symbolizing luck and prosperity, while millions travel long distances to reunite with family. For the global Chinese diaspora, the festival remains a deeply meaningful time for gatherings, home-cooked meals, reflection, and reconnection.

Traditions and symbolism

A defining custom of the celebration is the gifting of red envelopes filled with money. Traditionally given by elders to children, these envelopes symbolize blessings and good fortune for the year ahead. Fireworks and firecrackers also play a central role, believed to ward off bad luck and welcome prosperity.

Each Lunar New Year is associated with one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig rotating on a 12-year cycle.

Year of the Horse

People born in the Year of the Horse are often described as energetic, independent, and confident, with a strong love of freedom and adventure. When paired with the fire element, these qualities are believed to intensify, highlighting passion, leadership, and bold decision-making, though sometimes accompanied by impatience or restlessness.

The zodiac remains deeply woven into Chinese agricultural history and philosophical traditions. Even today, older generations may ask about someone’s zodiac sign instead of their age. Astrology, fortune-telling, and zodiac compatibility continue to influence conversations around relationships, business, and life decisions in China and Taiwan.

Historically, marriages were arranged with prosperity and harmony in mind, and zodiac compatibility was considered crucial. Pairings such as the spirited horse with the gentle goat, or the clever monkey with the steady dragon, are traditionally seen as favorable due to complementary traits.

In modern times, attitudes vary. Some consult fortunes seriously, especially for financial or business decisions, while others see the zodiac as a cultural tradition similar to Western horoscopes, meaningful, symbolic, and entertaining.

Zodiac traits at a glance

• Horse: energetic, active, independent

• Rat: quick-witted, resourceful, charming

• Ox: diligent, dependable, determined

• Tiger: brave, confident, unpredictable

• Rabbit: gentle, elegant, considerate

• Dragon: confident, charismatic, ambitious

• Snake: wise, intuitive, enigmatic

• Goat: calm, gentle, sympathetic

• Monkey: clever, curious, playful

• Rooster: observant, hardworking, proud

• Dog: loyal, honest, protective

• Pig: generous, tolerant, comfort-seeking

Chinese New Year celebrations in the UAE

The UAE is marking the occasion with cultural events, festive dining, and large-scale experiences across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Ras Al Khaimah.

In Dubai

Expo City Dubai
The Happy Chinese New Year Parade will feature themed market zones, regional cuisine, traditional crafts and live performances including music by the Jilin Folk Orchestra.
February 8; 10am–10pm; free

Mall of the Emirates
A three-day celebration of contemporary Chinese culture in collaboration with Jing Daily, including designer trunk shows, panel discussions, and a live Huangmei opera performance titled The Heavenly Match.
Thursday to Saturday, 10am–midnight, free

Dragon Mart
Visitors can take part in calligraphy, lantern-making, and decorative knot workshops, alongside lion dance and fan dance performances. The popular Wishing Tree invites guests to tie written wishes to its branches.
Until February 17; free

Motiongate Dubai
Kung Fu Panda-themed activities, character appearances, and live performances, plus a buy-three-get-one-free ticket offer.
February 17–March 3; tickets from Dh295

Ain Dubai
The world’s tallest observation wheel is offering themed high tea or pastry box experiences with skyline views.
Until February 24: Dh195 adults, Dh155 children

Burj Al Arab
The hotel will illuminate with Year of the Horse projections, alongside themed dining and art installations.
February 16–20; free viewing

Hakkasan Dubai
A nine-course tasting menu featuring symbolic dishes such as the fortune money bag, Peking duck, and a Golden Stallion dessert, plus a lion dance and DJ on opening night.
February 16–March 3; Dh738 per person

In Abu Dhabi

Brooklyn Chop House, Emirates Palace
New York-style sharing menu with salmon yusheng, xiao long bao, and glutinous rice balls.
February 16–26; Dh380 per person

Episodes – The Mandarin Cake Shop
Golden Blessing cake made with black sesame and yuzu.
February 16–21; from Dh36

Vendome, Emirates Palace
Lunar New Year buffet with expanded Chinese dishes and live dragon dance performances.
February 16–21; from Dh318 per person

Hakkasan Abu Dhabi
Curated Cantonese set menu including wok-fried lobster and Golden Stallion dessert.
February 16–March 3; Dh598 per person

In Ras Al Khaimah

Al Marjan Island
A large-scale fireworks display produced by China’s Jeeton Fireworks Group, featuring zodiac-inspired visuals. Public viewing will be available near Al Hamra.

From centuries-old zodiac traditions to contemporary celebrations across the UAE, Chinese New Year continues to blend heritage, symbolism, and modern festivity, uniting communities in a shared wish for prosperity, health, and happiness in the year ahead.