While the U.S. marks Presidents’ Day, Lunar New Year begins for millions of Chinese Americans

In the United States, it’s one of our annual holidays today, Presidents’ Day, which celebrates the dozens of American presidents we’ve had over the centuries. But on the other side of the world, an even larger holiday is kicking off: Chinese New Year. Here’s what you need to know about the festival and its importance to the millions of Chinese Americans in the United States.

What is Chinese New Year?

Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year or, in China, the Spring Festival, is an annual holiday that marks the beginning of the new lunar year. Unlike many Western holidays, the lunar new year does not have a fixed date. Instead, it typically falls on the full moon closest to Spring. 

But the Lunar New Year is just the beginning of the festivities in China. It kicks off the beginning of the Spring Festival, which continues for the first week of the new year. Given the cultural importance of the holiday period, hundreds of millions of Chinese travel each year to be with their families and loved ones, making it the world’s largest annual migration event.

As Reuters notes, the Lunar New Year travel period officially began on February 2 and will run for 40 days. During this time, Chinese officials estimate that 9.5 billion domestic trips will be made related to the holiday period. That’s nearly half a billion more trips than last year.

When is Chinese New Year?

This year, the Lunar New Year falls on Tuesday, February 17 in China. But, as with the Gregorian New Year on January 1, celebrants hold festivities the night before, leading up to midnight.

In this way, Lunar New Year’s Eve falls on Monday, February 16 in China, just as New Year’s Eve is celebrated on December 31 in the West.

However, because China is 13 to 18 hours ahead of America, both Lunar New Year’s Eve and Lunar New Year’s Day in China fall on Monday, February 16, in the United States. However, many who celebrate the festivities in America often stick with the local time zone midnight divide.

What’s the significance of the horse?

Each new Lunar New Year is represented by one of 12 animals. The animals correspond to the Chinese Zodiac.

This year, for the Lunar New Year that commenses on February 17, is the Year of the Horse. The horse represents hard work, bravery, and resilience, according to the Smithsonian. 

Are businesses closed on Chinese New Year or Chinese New Year’s Eve in America?

In most years, usually not. While millions of Americans celebrate the Chinese New Year, it’s not an official federal or state holiday. However, as Lunar New Year’s Eve 2026 falls on today, the same day as Presidents’ Day 2026 in America, the same businesses and institutions that are closed for Presidents’ Day will also be closed on Chinese New Year’s Eve.

Fast Company has a rundown of the businesses and government offices that are closed on Presidents’ Day.

Where can I celebrate Chinese New Year?

Millions of Americans celebrate the Chinese New Year every year. As with the Gregorian New Year, many choose to celebrate it in their homes with their families. 

However, public Chinese New Year celebration events are held all over America as well. If you’ve got a Chinatown in your area, it’s worth popping by to see what festivities are being held.