In 2026, Chinese New Year falls on Tuesday, February 17. This marks the beginning of the Year of the Fire Horse. The holiday is determined by the lunar calendar, usually falling between late January and mid-February. While the official public holiday typically lasts for seven days, traditional celebrations continue for 15 days, ending with the Lantern Festival on March 3, 2026.

Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the beginning of a new year based on the lunisolar calendar. It is a time of "renewal" and "fresh starts," where families gather to sweep away the ill fortune of the previous year and welcome luck and prosperity. For many, it's the most important social and gift giving holiday of the year, often celebrated with a feast and sharing gifts that symbolise prosperity and health for the year ahead.

Over 2 billion people celebrate this holiday worldwide. While it’s a major event in China (Chunjie), it is also a central tradition in Vietnam (Tết), Korea (Seollal), and Singapore. Beyond Asia, you’ll find massive celebrations in cities across the US, Canada, Australia, and Europe, where the tradition of hosting large festive dinners is a highlight of the winter season.

The festival is important because it centers on family reunion and honoring ancestors. Historically, it celebrated the end of winter and the hope for a successful harvest. Today, it is a time to: Strengthen Bonds: The "Reunion Dinner" on New Year's Eve is the most sacred meal of the year. Manifest Luck: Rituals are performed to ensure wealth (fú) and health. Exchange Gifts: It is a time for generosity, where giving premium wine sets or spirits is a popular way to show respect to elders and business partners.

The Power of Red: Red is the color of luck. From red lanterns to red envelopes (Hongbao) filled with money, the color is used to invite joy and ward off negativity.

• The Reunion Feast: Tables are packed with symbolic dishes like steamed fish (for abundance), dumplings (representing gold ingots), and long noodles (for a long life).
• Festive Toasts: A modern Lunar New Year tradition involves sharing a bottle of fine red wine. Since red is the lucky color of the festival, a premium red blend or a vintage Cabernet has become a staple at the dinner table.
• Year of the Horse: In 2026, many will celebrate with horse-themed art and decor, representing the strength and energy associated with the Fire Horse zodiac.

In many Asian cultures, red is the color of luck, energy, and prosperity. Gifting a bottle of red wine is a modern way to wish someone a "red-hot" year ahead. At Laithwaites, we see a big move toward premium reds during this season. A high quality Cabernet Sauvignon or a Shiraz blend, especially those with elegant red or gold labels, makes a prestigious gift for hosts or business partners, symbolizing your wishes for their success in the Year of the Horse.

Sending a gift with Laithwaites is a simple way to stay connected with family in other states. You can order a curated gift set or a mixed case and have it delivered directly to their door. We deliver across NSW, VIC, QLD, SA, WA, and TAS. For most metro areas like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, delivery usually takes 1 to 5 business days, but we suggest allowing up to 10 days for regional areas or Western Australia to ensure your gift arrives before the New Year celebrations begin.