Celebrating Chinese New Year 2026

Hosting a Chinese New Year party for the Year of the Horse is a vibrant, joyful way to celebrate new beginnings. The horse represents energy, freedom, and success — so your 2026 celebration should be full of motion, colour, and good fortune.

Whether you’re planning a family dinner or a festive get-together, here’s your complete guide to hosting an elegant and culturally rich Lunar New Year event.

Plus at the bottom of the post are some free invitation for you to print out.

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Invitations & Theme Ideas

Start by setting the tone with beautiful, personalised invitations featuring horses, lanterns, or golden calligraphy.

Theme Colours:
Use red and gold for prosperity, with accents of royal blue or silver to represent the horse’s strength and grace.

Shop personalised Year of the Horse invitations on Zazzle — digital or print options available.

Browse Lunar New Year invitation templates on Etsy

🏮 Decorations & Ambience

Colour Palette & Symbols

Red, gold, and silver remain the key festive colors. Incorporate horse motifs in tableware, wall décor, or paper cuttings.

Lanterns & Banners

Hang red lanterns and banners with the Chinese character 福 (Fu) for good fortune. Add paper horses or “galloping into success” banners for a modern twist.

Table Settings

  • Red tablecloths with gold placemats

  • Horse-themed centrepieces or mini lanterns

  • Chinese knot ornaments or origami horses for added detail

🥢 Food & Drinks for Chinese New Year 2026

🍜 Traditional Dishes

Offer a mix of classic dishes symbolising prosperity and good luck:

  • Dumplings for wealth

  • Noodles for longevity

  • Whole fish for abundance

  • Spring rolls for success

🍊 Lucky Foods & Sweets

Include oranges, tangerines, and sesame balls for extra fortune.

Tea Station or Signature Drinks

Set up a tea corner featuring jasmine, oolong, or chrysanthemum tea.
Add a mocktail like “Golden Horse Sparkler” (sparkling lemonade + orange slices).

Don't forget the paper plates!

Lunar New Year Table Runner

180 Pcs Chinese New Year Party Supplies

🎁 Party Favours & Guest Gifts

🧧 Red Envelopes (Hongbao)

Fill envelopes with chocolate coins, lucky charms, or small bills for good fortune.

Souvenirs & Keepsakes

Give guests a small horse figurine, fan, or mini lantern as a keepsake.

Photo Booth & Entertainment

Backdrop Ideas

Create a photo backdrop with red and gold fabric, hanging lanterns, and paper horses.

Music & Games

Play traditional Chinese music or upbeat instrumentals for atmosphere.
Include simple games like Chopstick Relay or Guess the Zodiac Animal.

Dress Code & Style

Encourage guests to wear traditional Chinese attire such as cheongsams or qipaos, or modern outfits in red, gold, and silver.
Accessories with jade jewellery, fans, or embroidered scarves for authenticity.

🏮 Send Good Luck Wishes

If friends can’t attend, send them Year of the Horse postcards or greeting cards wishing them good fortune and happiness for 2026.

Celebrate with Energy & Joy

The Year of the Horse (2026) represents enthusiasm, movement, and strength. Hosting a Chinese New Year celebration filled with colour, flavour, and meaning is the perfect way to start the year galloping toward success!

Free Chinese New Year 2026 Invitations

Cute Year of the Horse invitation with smiling cartoon horse and red lanterns

Get you free Invitations here, plus a bonus PNG.