When Is Chinese New Year 2026 in Manila?
The Chinese New Year (Lunar New Year) in 2026 falls on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 — the start of the Year of the Fire Horse in the Chinese zodiac. This year’s celebration is extra meaningful and culturally festive for Filipino-Chinese communities across the Philippines.
Main Places, Temples, Cultural Visits to Go in Manila for Chinese New Year
- Binondo – Manila’s Historic Chinatown (Epicenter of the Celebration)
- Seng Guan Temple (San Juan) — popular for prayers and rituals during the New Year.
- Filipino-Chinese Taoist Temple (Binondo) — traditional blessings — check for visiting rules.
- Chinese Garden at Rizal Park (Luneta) — a quieter place to reflect or picnic in a Chinese-style setting.
What to Do & Eat Food to Try
- Tikoy (sticky rice cake)
- Dumplings, siopao, spring rolls, roasted meats on Ongpin.
- Eng Bee Tin hopia
Travel Guide:
- Manila: Intramuros, Chinatown, and Old Manila Half-Day Tour – Explore Manila’s vibrant Chinatown, the world’s oldest, showcasing Chinese heritage since 1594, then visit Intramuros, the historic walled city with colonial forts, churches, and cobblestone streets.
- Full Day Manila City and Food Crawl Experience – Explore the city like locals using public transportation. Walk through Quinta Market all the way to Binondo Chinatown. Food Tasting in Quiapo Market and Binondo Chinatown
- Manila Chinatown Food Tour with Local Guide – Manila’s Chinatown, known as Binondo, is vibrant and rich in history. The cultural diversity and culinary scene make it a fascinating place to explore. Come and join this amazing food experience!
