Lunar New Year 2026 is here with the beginning of the Year of the Horse, as the first new moon of the lunar calendar occurs on 17 February 2026.

This is considered one of the biggest dates of the year for Asian countries who use the lunar calendar, and festivities will take place in communities across the globe.

The scenes are no different in Edinburgh, with several events across the city to mark the occasion including dances, markets and limited-time offers and collections from shops, restaurants and even a football team.

What is Lunar New Year?

Lunar New Year is the beginning of a new year according to lunar calendars. The UK’s standard calendar is the Gregorian calendar which is a solar calendar – meaning our year is based on the Earth’s orbit around the sun which. in turn, means our new year falls on 1 January.

In China, Japan and other countries however, the lunar or lunisolar calendar is the norm. The former tracks the date based on phases of the moon whilst the latter uses both the sun and the moon.

The first day of the Lunar New Year is celebrated upon the first new moon of the lunar calendar, which always falls between 21 January and 20 February.

Animals are also a fundamental part of the Lunar New Year, with 12 zodiac animals represented in a 12-year cycle.

The rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig all feature, and are believed to influence the year’s fortune and personality traits. Each year is further associated with one of five elements – fire, water, earth, wood and metal. This year is the Year of the Fire Horse.

Is Lunar New Year the same as Chinese New Year?

While often mistaken for each other, Lunar New Year and Chinese New Year are not actually the same thing.

Lunar New Year is the more widely-applied name for the new year festivities in many Asian countries like Japan and Thailand, whilst Chinese New Year contains a lot of Lunar New Year traditions specific to China and its culture.

Chinese New Year is also known as the Spring Festival, and marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring.

The event lasts 15 days, and sees China and Chinese communities across the world take part in a variety of traditions and celebrations.

What’s going on in Edinburgh to celebrate?

There are many events going on in the capital to help bring in the Lunar New Year.

Eat Pancakes!

As well as being the start of the Chinese New Year, it is also Pancake Day or Shrove Tuesday.

Read more about what to serve with your pancakes here.

HelloArt Chinese Lunar New Year Market

HelloArt is hosting the Chinese Lunar New Year Market at the OOTB Drill Hall on 36 Dalmeny Street (EH6 8RG) this Saturday 21 February from 12pm-5pm. Entry is free and open to everyone.

For art lovers, foodies or those curious about Chinese culture, the market promises horse-inspired art pieces, from jewellery and illustrations to crochet and handmade crafts as well as traditional Chinese foods on offer.

There will also be activities like lantern riddles and fu character writing believed to bring luck and blessings.

Camera Obscura & World of Illusions

Edinburgh’s Camera Obscura & World of Illusions on the Royal Mile (EH1 2ND) will feature a limited-time exhibit designed specifically for Chinese New Year from 17 February until 1 March.

The attraction will be extending its opening hours for the holiday, with £4 off per ticket when booked online in advance for entry before 9am.

Camera Obscura has said that its giant kaleidoscope will “shimmer with special Chinese New Year visuals, reflecting lucky reds and golds in mesmerising patterns” in honour of the Year of the Horse.

Hearts’ Lunar New Year collection

Even one of the city’s football sides is getting involved in the celebrations, as Hearts have released a Lunar New Year collection in partnership with their technical kit partner, Hummel.

The range will be worn by the first team during their warm-up against Falkirk at Tynecastle Park this Saturday, 21 February.

The collection features matchday jerseys, jackets, hoodies and a hat.

St James Quarter Lion dancers

Celebrations for Chinese New Year will be held at St James Quarter on Saturday to mark the Year of the Fire Horse. 

The Lunar New Year will be welcomed with a vibrant programme inviting visitors to enjoy traditional performances, family-friendly entertainment and exclusive giveaways.

There will be a traditional Lion Dance symbolising prosperity, happiness and good fortune for the year ahead.

Following the success of previous years, lion dancers from Yee’s Hung Ga Kung Fu Edinburgh will perform. They will make their way through the Galleria to Register Square. This is a dance full of colour, movement and energy all to the beat of traditional drummers.

Read more here.

Special menu at Duck & Waffle

Duck & Waffle Edinburgh is ringing in the Chinese New Year in spectacular style, welcoming the Year of the Horse with a limited-edition menu available until 3 March. 
Inspired by the spirit of energy, strength and momentum, the celebratory dishes showcase bold flavours and festive flair, inviting guests to toast the season in the heart of Scotland.

The menu begins with a selection of small plates, including Prawn Crackers served with crispy chilli oil, Smashed and Fermented Baby Cucumbers with chilli, and Tea-Infused Duck Eggs paired with a bang-bang peanut dressing.

For the main course, guests are invited to choose one dish from a trio of celebratory options, including Crispy Duck Confit Pancakes served with cucumber, spring onions and hoisin sauce; a plant-based “Wannabe” Pancakes Featuring crispy oyster mushrooms, tofu and traditional accompaniments; or a Fillet of Sea Bass cooked with pak choi, chilli, ginger, soy and oyster sauce.

Desserts continue the indulgence with a choice of Duck Egg Custard Tart, accompanied by matcha ice cream or Rice Pudding with poached rhubarb and honey. The experience concludes with Fortune Cookies, offering a playful nod to tradition and a sweet start to the year ahead.

Available throughout the month of February, Duck & Waffle’s Chinese New Year menu is available at £29.50 per person for three courses and invites guests to gather, celebrate and welcome the Year of the Horse. The date of the Lunar New Year differs every year. In 2026 it occurs on 17th February 2026. Full menu details and bookings; https://duckandwaffle.com/edinburgh/whats-on/Chinese-new-year/