Lunar New Year 2026: Dragon dances, feasts to mark Year of the Fire Horse

February 16, 2026 – 11:15 AM

Lunar New Year 2026 (Hong Kong Tourism Board, Solaire Resort/Released)

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Year of the Fire Horse

will be welcomed with red lanterns, rhythmic drumbeats, and reunion feasts as malls, hotels, and destinations mount their own Lunar New Year celebrations.

Quezon City

Araneta City

would welcome the Lunar New Year tomorrow, February 17, with the theme “Gallop in Prosperity,” turning its commercial district into a showcase of Chinese culture. Lantern installations, zodiac exhibits, tarot readings, and dragon and lion dances animated Gateway Mall, Farmers Plaza and nearby spaces.

A “Feast of Fortune” marketplace gathered merchants offering tikoy, hopia, siomai and other staples associated with prosperity, while restaurants across the complex filled with families marking the occasion over traditional fare.

Hotels in the area joined in with themed buffets. At Novotel Manila Araneta City and ibis Styles Manila Araneta City, Chinese-inspired spreads highlighted reunion dishes symbolizing abundance and longevity.

‘Strength, prosperity’

Solaire Resort

properties, the celebration would be framed around themes of strength and renewal.

Traditional symbols of abundance, from dim sum feasts at Red Lantern to lobster buffets and longevity noodles at Fresh, will take center stage. Lunar New Year hampers filled with auspicious delicacies extended the spirit of giving beyond the resort, while nightly light and sound displays at

Solaire Resort North’s Mangrove

would be a visual tribute inspired by the Horse.

Across the region,

Hilton

launched “Kitchen Kinship,” a dining initiative running until March 15 in select Southeast Asian properties, including Conrad Manila. This started running on February 2.

Citing its 2026 Trends Report, Hilton noted the rise of “generation permutations,” where grandparents, parents, children, and extended family members travel and dine together—making communal meals a central anchor of holiday experiences.

Hong Kong’s New Year spectacles

Beyond Philippine shores,

Hong Kong

is set to stage

one of Asia’s most anticipated Chinese New Year spectacles.

Back in Manila’s Binondo district,

Lucky Chinatown Mall

will hold a Chinese New Year countdown today, February 16, featuring live performances from Dong Abay, YGIG, 1621, Lola Amour, Will Mikhael and Jenzen Guino, turning the atrium into a high-energy prelude to midnight.

Lunar New Year deals

Retailers and tech brands also aligned their campaigns with the season’s themes of fresh starts and good fortune.

OPPO

rolled out a 2.2 Chinese New Year sale across major e-commerce platforms, offering discounts, vouchers, and bundled freebies on selected devices from February 1 to 6.

Meanwhile,

Power Mac Center

“The intention to be present is simply amplified by the presents we give and receive on any occasion. Power Mac Center hopes to be a space where meaningful connections—whether with family or partners—build and flourish,” said Joey Alvarez, PMC Director for Marketing and Product Management.

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Financial technology platform

GCash

, for its part, highlighted travel-friendly payment features for Filipinos heading to Hong Kong and Macau, citing “lower forex rates, more deals, easy payments, real-time spend tracking, and no more counting change.”

Beyond sales and shopping, OPPO also brings the festive spirit to after-sales service.

From February 16 to 22, customers who would avail themselves of out-of-warranty repair services at OPPO Service Centers nationwide will qualify for a Chinese New Year Lucky Draw.

After their device repair was completed, customers could pick a red envelope and instantly receive a prize, ranging from discount vouchers and labor fee reductions to accessories and collectible items, depending on total repair cost.

Customers will also be given the chance to join an e-raffle for a premium L’Occitane en Provence gift set.

—With Rosette Adel