Happy Lunar New Year 2026 and Year of the Horse!

Gung Hay Fat Choy, or translated into Cantonese: "Wishing you prosperity."

2026 is the Year of the Horse, or more specifically, the Fire Horse, and is celebrated around the world beginning today. It's an annual 15-day festival that begins with the new moon that occurs between January 21st and February 20th according to Western calendars - and festivities last until the following full moon.

According to the Calgary Herald, "Horses enjoy socialization. Finding one’s own herd, or group of friends or supporters, could rank high on the agenda, according to several horoscope predictions for 2026. The high-spirited nature of horses also points to a year ahead of social activity, group travel, and joint projects at work. Rather than it being a year to cocoon, predictions are that it could be a year to embrace change and look for new opportunities."

The Fire Horse symbolizes freedom, adventure, and passion - and people born under this sign are known for their energetic and independent personalities. Celebrities born in years of the Horse include Paul McCartney, Barbra Streisand, Harrison Ford, Jerry Seinfeld, Jackie Chan, John Travolta, and Denzel Washington.

Here’s some trivia about horses:

(1) The United States is home to the most horses in the world, according to the World Population Review. It has 10.3 million horses, followed by Mexico at 6.4 million and Brazil at 5.8 million.

(2) Mongolia is said to have 4.8 million horses, compared to its population of 3.5 million people, due to the country’s reliance on horses for transportation, economic output, partnership with nomadic herders, and cultural significance. The country has a traditional saying that reinforces the horse’s importance in that culture: “A Mongol without a horse is like a bird without wings.”

(3) Horses can live an average of 25 to 30 years.

(4) Horses can have an average running speed of 48 km/h (30 mph), but those bred for racing can run more than 80 km/h (50 mph) for short periods of time.

(5) Queen Elizabeth II started riding at age three and was a remarkable horsewoman.

According to Travel+Leisure, here's how the holiday is celebrated throughout Asia:

"Celebrations around CHINA primarily take place on New Year's Eve, with families coming together to mark the occasion. It's custom to wear new clothes to ring in the new year, usually in the lucky colors, red and gold. In northern China, traditional food eaten during Lunar New Year is made using flour, like baos, pancakes, noodles, and dumplings. Families often make these dishes from scratch. The dumplings are usually served with fish, as it symbolizes abundance for the year ahead, and sometimes contain a lucky coin that kids eagerly search for. Throughout China, family members give each other red envelopes with money as well."

"In KOREA, the Lunar New Year is a three-day event offering a chance to pay respect to ancestors and elders. In Korean culture, people have an official age based on their birthday, but they also historically had a Korean age, which started at one on the day they were born and increased every first day of the year after that. Children show their respect to elders with deep bows (aka seh bae). As part of the celebration, children also receive money and words of wisdom for the forthcoming year."

"In VIETNAM, Lunar New Year is spent with family. Just like other countries, Vietnam has its own traditional attire, a silk tunic with slits on either side that's worn over pants by both men and women for the New Year. Most families go to the temple together to pray for good luck, health, and fortune. Some superstitions include paying off all your debts and cleaning your house before the new year, as well as not throwing anything away on New Year's Day, as it's considered to be getting rid of good luck. Children receive red envelopes with money from their older relatives, too."

"In SINGAPORE, where the population is approximately 75 percent Chinese, red envelopes that display the phrase "Fú" (meaning good luck) are distributed. It's also custom to pay respect to ancestors by going to a temple and lighting incense. The annual Chingay Parade is an extravagant celebration that includes everything from giant floats to lion dancers. Meanwhile, the largest Chinese New Year festival in Singapore is the River Hongbao, which is hosted at different locations across the country."

"In MALAYSIA, Lunar New Year welcomes spring. It lasts for 15 days, ending with a grand finale day called Chap Goh Mei. Red pocket envelopes (known as ang pow) are given to children and unmarried family members. Many Buddhist families invite lion dancers to their homes to bless their altars and ward off bad spirits. People in Malaysia don traditional outfits, called cheongsam (also known as qipao). They say that if you're celebrating your zodiac year, you should wear the color gold to attract even more abundance."

"TAIWAN is another country that strongly associates the holiday with food. Dumplings are the most popular dish, closely followed by pineapple. It's considered good luck to not eat all the fish and keep some leftovers from your holiday meals. Most Taiwanese people spend time with family and their elders in their homes. They exchange red envelopes, and many neighborhoods set off fireworks."

"When the clock strikes midnight in the PHILIPPINES, children and adults jump for joy, as it's thought to make them grow taller. The most traditional celebration is called Media Noche, a midnight feast to summon a year of prosperity. The table is usually full of round-shaped fruits — a tradition that originates from China — as the shape represents family unity. One of the most unique superstitions is that wearing polka dots will bring prosperity, money, and good fortune, because of their round shape. Fireworks are also set off to create loud noises that scare away bad spirits, while lights are turned on and windows and doors are left open. Many people avoid spending money on the first day of the year to encourage better finances."  

Will your brand add a horse or the color red (because the Chinese believe red brings good luck, prosperity, and wards off evil) into your logo, mascot, promotions, or communications? 

Here are 15 brands that are participating in the festive celebrations:

MATTEL'S BARBIE

Toy brand Mattel dazzled again with its annual "Lunar New Year Barbie." According to the brand's website, "Barbie honors the traditions of the Lunar New Year with this latest holiday doll, dressed for a celebration in an elegant gown artfully designed with symbolic details. Draped in bright red, she’s channeling extra luck, while a gold peony print portrays the symbols of prosperity and honor. The gown’s bodice features a fan-like design, a stylistic interpretation of the fans used in traditional dances and given as gifts for the Lunar New Year. The look is finished with a sheer golden shawl, bold earrings with traditional Chinese symbology, and a stunning long sleek hairstyle. The doll designer was Joyce Chen, and the packaging designer was Laydiana Chiv."

According to Barbie doll designer Joyce Chen, "Being able to design the Lunar New Year Barbie series has felt really impactful for both me as a designer and to the consumer market that has always been yearning for more representation in the doll category. Growing up as an Asian American, I feel like it was rare to find toys or dolls that I could connect with. Being able to design the Lunar New Year dolls has been so meaningful for me because I can get in touch with and be inspired by my own culture. I also see how important it is for others when they have a doll that they can relate to. It makes me happy to create such a special Barbie for a holiday that is celebrated by many...I love seeing the continued growth of diversity and representation in dolls, and hope that one day every person in the world can find a doll they connect with."

SHARE THIS: I hope that one day every person in the world can find a doll they connect with. ~Joyce Chen, Lunar New Year Barbie doll designer #LunarNewYear #DebbieLaskeysBlog

SUR LA TABLE

Cooking accessory brand Sur La Table unveiled a special product line to celebrate the 2026 Year of the Horse, and according to the brand's website, "featuring horse-inspired designs on serving bowls and tableware to celebrate energy, elegance, and togetherness, with products showcasing art from illustrators like Hillary Sorrentino for a contemporary take on tradition, encouraging festive dining with red, gold, and natural elements." Sur La Table's Lunar New Year collection incorporates red, orange, gold, and green for energy and good fortune.

LLADRO

Porcelain luxury brand Lladro unveiled its 2026 Year of the Horse collection, "2026 is the Year of the Horse, a symbol of freedom, confidence, and style that keeps inspiring our artists. Those born under the Horse sign are often known for their independence, open spirit, and natural charisma. This selection celebrates that way of moving through the world, with a contemporary take on tradition. Reimagined in porcelain from different perspectives, these creations reflect exceptional technical mastery and an artistic sensibility that moves effortlessly from the realistic to the conceptual." Prices range from $200 to $15,000 for the brand's art.

BACCARAT

Crystal luxury brand Baccarat unveiled its 2026 Year of the Horse creation,"The Baccarat 2026 Clear Zodiac Horse is a radiant tribute to strength, grace, and forward momentum; qualities long associated with the horse in the Chinese zodiac. Expertly crafted from the finest Baccarat crystal, this majestic figure captures the power and elegance of a galloping horse with striking clarity and detail. The fluid lines, dynamic posture, and brilliant finish reflect Baccarat’s legacy of unparalleled artistry, making this piece a timeless symbol of energy, perseverance, and luxury. Its clear crystal construction beautifully catches and refracts light, creating a luminous effect that enhances its sculptural beauty from every angle."

KATE SPADE

Clothing and accessory brand Kate Spade unveiled a silk scarf featuring "a patterned horse representing the 2026 Lunar New Year framed in an equestrian-themed border." The scarf was available from Nordstrom for $88.

ESTEE LAUDER

Beauty brand Estee Lauder unveiled a limited edition "Year of the Horse Powder Compact" available for $225. According to the brand's website, "People born during the Year of the Horse are known for their smart, charismatic, outgoing nature. Full of energy, they are adventurous and self-reliant. This one-of-a-kind compact arrives in an elegant presentation box and includes a velvety pouch to keep the compact safe. Intricately designed, exquisitely crafted, yours to keep forever. Makes a wonderful gift."

RAY-BAN

Sunglass brand Ray-Ban unveiled its limited edition frames to celebrate the 2026 Lunar New Year: the RB4441D Year of the Horse sunglasses and RB7259D Year of the Horse optic frames.

REMY MARTIN

Cognac brand Remy Martin partnered with Chinese artist Xue Song to celebrate the 2026 Lunar New Year. According to The Spirits Business, "Drawing on the Year of the Horse, Song has reimagined Remy Martin’s centaur logo using collage and Chinese ink to create a limited edition XO gift set, which features the mythological creature leading a pack of horses into the future. Entitled "The Centaur is Paving the Way," Song’s Lunar New Year artwork has been built from depictions of the Cognac brand’s history to showcase the herd of five horses led by the Remy Martin centaur. The brand noted that the horse represents strength, speed, and perseverance in the Chinese zodiac, while the centaur connects the earth and skies, with its feet on the ground and head looking into the stars. On the gift box, Song’s stallions are depicted racing behind the golden centaur. The box is embossed in glowing metallics against Song’s vibrant red collage. The box slides open to reveal the XO Cognac inside, which is set within a mythical landscape of clouds, bamboo, and rocks. The purchase price is $209."

ROYAL SALUTE

According to The Spirits Business, "Chivas Brothers-owned blended Scotch whisky brand Royal Salute has released a special edition Lunar New Year gift pack. Created by Chinese illustrator Jason Lyon, the gift pack depicts symbols of prosperity, opportunity, and rebirth combined with the celebratory gun salute fired from The Tower of London, Royal Salute's symbolic home. The illustration is said to capture the vibrancy of the New Lunar Year celebrations, which bring families and friends together to mark the passing of one year and the fresh start of the next with light, sound, and colour. The Royal Salute brand was founded to commemorate the coronation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in 1953, and it has released a Lunar New Year gift pack annually since 2020. The purchase price is $200."

LOS ANGELES ZOO

The Los Angeles Zoo will welcome all Angelenos for special activities honoring the Year of the Horse on February 21st and 22nd. According to the Zoo's website, there will be traditional Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese dance performances at specific times, calligraphy demonstrations, Chinese fan decorating activities, special animal feedings, and the opportunity to share hopes and dreams for the New Year by adding them to the Wall of Well Wishes.

CALIFORNIA ADVENTURE PARK AT THE DISNEYLAND RESORT

From January 23rd to February 22th, guests are invited to enjoy a 31-day celebration of the Year of the Horse with vibrant festivities and tributes to Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese cultures! According to the Disneyland website, "Event highlights include: bites and beverages celebrating Asian cuisine with a delicious Disney twist; special appearances by some popular Disney Characters—including Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse—dressed in outfits inspired by traditional cultural attire; Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession; and Lunar New Year merchandise."

Similar to the LA Zoo, Disney will also offer the following:

"Have your New Year’s wishes artistically written in Chinese calligraphy by a talented park calligrapher. And don’t miss your chance to visit the vibrant Lunar New Year Wishing Wall at Paradise Gardens Park! Share your heartfelt wishes for hope, health, and happiness, and let your dreams for the coming year become part of this joyful celebration."

TIFFANY & CO.

Jewelry icon Tiffany & Co. launched its 2026 Lunar New Year campaign globally on January 4th, uniting a Pegasus motif with the brand's most celebrated designs to mark the arrival of a year filled with joy and new possibilities. According to the brand's Instagram account, "The campaign embodies both the power and grace of the mythical creature, offering a poetic expression of hope and forward momentum for the year ahead."

NIKE

Tennis shoe icon unveiled its Year of the Horse lifestyle collection with this description, from Sneaker News "The Nike Dunk Low, Air Force 1 Low, and Field General come together to develop a cohesive theme across half the collection, a mix of pegasus-like embroidery and abstract linework that unites their heel sections. Multicolor stitching on the Swoosh of each carries the palette of a pastoral sunset tag on the tongue. However, not everything is one note in this capsule, as the Air Force 1 Low also gets on the board with a more cutesy variation. Cheery horses act as spots atop a white base, while a furry Swoosh literally interprets the assignment. The LD-1000 utilizes the earlier embroidery on its Swoosh and adds worn texturing to its body for an overall simple red/white look, and the P-6000 closes out with an equestrian palette of grey and tan."

HELLO KITTY

Toy brand Hello Kitty did not disappoint fans. According to its website, "Celebrate the 2026 Lunar New Year in style with Hello Kitty, dressed in a limited edition Year of the Horse costume! This 8-inch limited-edition plush features festive details in traditional red and gold, symbolizing luck, prosperity, and joy. Part of the Ultra-Premier Series, made from deluxe materials for a soft, huggable feel and a high-quality collector’s finish, and comes in a premium collector's box."

LEGO

Toy brand LEGO unveiled its special toy for the 2026 Lunar New Year with this product description on its website, "Give the gift of good fortune with this LEGO Year of the Horse toy for boys and girls ages 8 and up. This model version of the iconic Zodiac animal has a white and brown mane and has one hoof raised. The horse toy stands on a base that’s decorated with flowers and gold-colored leaf elements. Set contains 132 pieces. Once complete, the horse can be used as an eye-catching display model for kids to proudly show off."

And remember, according to ChinaHighlights.com, do not give a clock or watch as a Lunar New Year gift. "Clocks and watches symbolize running out of time. This is especially an uncomfortable reminder for seniors. Giving a clock or watch as a gift is the biggest no-no in Chinese culture."

Next year, the Year of the Sheep will begin on February 6, 2027. So, for all brands who plan to integrate Lunar New Year into your marketing campaigns, brand identity, or brand messaging, start counting the days!

Image Credits: Mattel/Barbie and Tiffany & Co./LM Communications.