Traditional culture in plain words
Lunar New Year's Eve (除夕)
The last night of the lunar year: families share the reunion dinner and keep vigil to welcome the new year.
At a glance
How the festivals began
New Year's Eve is the last day of the twelfth lunar month. It is often called the 30th night of the month, and in some years the 29th. For example, it falls on 16 February 2026, 5 February 2027 and 25 January 2028.
On this night the whole family gathers for the reunion dinner, sharing time together. Afterwards many keep vigil (守歲), staying up until midnight to see the old year out and the new year in. Elders give lucky money in red packets to the young, as a token of care and good wishes.
Traditional customs
Fish is often served at the reunion dinner. In Chinese, the word for fish sounds like the word for 'surplus'. This expresses the traditional wish 'surplus every year' (年年有餘). After dinner, families in southern China, Hong Kong and Macau often visit the New Year flower fair and bring blossoms home. In Taiwan and Singapore, many also enjoy browsing the flower markets. Families then wait for midnight and greet the new year together.
Festival dates are converted from the lunar calendar and are for reference only. Customs vary a little from place to place. For temple and community events, please follow the organisers' announcements.