Chinese New Year in Manila 2026 and Where To Go

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!