The Vietnamese Lunar New Year, or Tết Nguyên Đán, is Vietnam’s most important and colorful celebration. Streets come alive with flowers, lanterns, and festive markets, while families gather for big feasts and meaningful traditions.
In 2026, Tết falls on February 17, marking the start of the Year of the Horse. This guide covers key dates, customs, and travel tips to help you experience the vibrant spirit of Vietnam Lunar New Year 2026.
Official Dates & Duration of the Vietnam Lunar New Year 2026
When is Tết 2026?
The primary date, the day the new year officially begins, is Tuesday, February 17, 2026. This date is the 1st January in the Lunar Calendar.
Tết is the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. Because the country follows the lunar system, the date naturally changes on the solar calendar every year, falling sometime between late January and late February.
The most intense moment is always the transition, known as Lunar New Year’s Eve (Giao Thừa), which occurs the night before, on February 16, 2026. This is when Vietnamese families typically gather for a huge, emotionally charged feast.
Your Time Off: The Official 9-Day Holiday Period
Even though the cultural part of Tết can last for weeks (from the Kitchen God Day until the First Full Moon), the official holiday is shorter. For 2026, the government has announced a 9-day break.
The official holiday runs from February 14 to February 22, 2026. These days cover the most important traditions and give people enough time to travel home, celebrate with family, and rest. This nine-day break is longer than the usual seven-day holiday in some years, so many workers are very happy about it. Because of this long break, many businesses and services will be closed or operate less than usual during this time.
The Year of the Horse: Zodiac, Personality, and Fortune in 2026
Horse Traits and Symbolism
In Eastern culture, the Horse is a respected zodiac animal with strong meaning. It stands for strength and freedom, and also for agility, endurance, and generosity. People born in the Year of the Horse are usually seen as optimistic, determined, and full of energy. They work hard and follow their passions, but sometimes their strong energy can make them act a little too quickly.
Zodiac Forecasts for the Year of the Horse
According to zodiac predictions, the Horse gets along well with Tiger, Dog, and Goat. These signs are believed to match the Horse’s energy, bringing smoother and more supportive relationships. On the other hand, the Horse does not match well with Rat and Rooster, as their personalities are thought to clash.
There is also an interesting belief about a person’s Zodiac Year. If the zodiac of the current year is the same as your birth sign (for example, if you were born in the Year of the Horse and 2026 is also the Year of the Horse), the year may bring small challenges.
Many people choose to visit temples more often or do simple spiritual rituals to reduce bad luck. During this time, they also try to avoid big decisions, like getting married or starting a business.
The Essential 9-Day Schedule of Tết Traditions and Customs
Day-by-Day Preparations and Rituals (Leading to Tết)
The preparation period is usually the busiest time. It officially begins with Kitchen God Day (Ông Táo), which falls on February 10, 2026. On this day, families make offerings and release live carps into rivers or lakes. These carps are believed to carry the Kitchen Gods to heaven, where they report on the family’s behavior from the past year.
In the days after this, everyone becomes very active and busy:
Cleaning the house: Families clean every corner to welcome new luck and positive energy.
Preparing offerings: One of the most important offerings is the five-fruit tray placed on the ancestor altar. The Vietnamese five-fruit tray, or Mâm Ngũ Quả, shows gratitude and wishes for health and prosperity. The fruits can be different depending on the region.
- In the North, people often use bananas, pomelos, and kumquats.
- In the South, families like to use papayas, coconuts, and mangoes.
Making Bánh Chưng: Families prepare Chung cake, the traditional sticky rice cake. This savory square cake is a symbol of Tết and must be included in the holiday meal.
The Main Days: Visits and Greetings (February 17–19, 2026)
The evening of February 16 is New Year’s Eve (Giao Thừa). This is the highlight of all the preparations, leading to the big Family Reunion feast. On this night, people believe that the spirits of their ancestors return home, so families set a full tray of food to welcome them and let them enjoy Tết with everyone.
Xông Đất: Right after midnight, the Xông Đất ritual takes place. The first visitor of the year is carefully chosen because it is believed they will bring good luck and prosperity to the household for the whole year.
- Day 1 (February 17): Focus is on the father’s side of the family. Young family members visit elders, give lucky money, and share wishes for longevity and happiness.
- Day 2 (February 18): Families visit the mother’s side.
- Day 3 (February 19): Traditionally, this day is for visiting and showing respect to teachers, who are highly valued in Vietnamese culture.
The Close of the Festival
The final important date is Tết Nguyên Tiêu on March 3, 2026. This is the First Full Moon of the year. People often visit pagodas and temples to pray for success and health. My mother, for example, visits her local temple on this day every year to pray for peace for our family. Lunar New Year marks the arrival of Spring.
Do’s and Don’ts for Maximum Luck and Prosperity
Good Luck Practices
- Red is Key: The color red is the color of luck and fortune. Red Color signifies Luck and Prosperity. This is why people wear red clothing and serve red foods, like watermelon.
- The Gift of Lì Xì: Giving a Red Envelope contains Lucky Money. Lì Xì is given to Children and Younger Relatives. The cash inside must be brand new and crisp! Families exchange Lucky Money as a symbol of transferring luck.
- Honoring Ancestors: Burn incense and give offerings for ancestors to pray for their blessing.
- Symbolic Decor: Decorating homes with a Kumquat Tree (symbolizes Fertility, Abundance) or an apricot/peach blossom tree symbolizes welcoming spring and prosperity.
Bad Luck Taboos
These are things you must absolutely avoid:
- No Sweeping: You must not sweep the house on the first day, as this is believed to sweep your wealth and fortune right out the door.
- No Cutting Hair: Cutting hair or nails is believed to bring bad luck or bad health and wealth.
- Money Matters: Visitors are advised to book Hotels Early but also to avoid borrowing or paying back money to prevent poverty and debt in the new year.
- Keep the Peace: Quarreling, swearing, or breaking objects (like bowls, cups, or mirrors) should be avoided to prevent bad luck or separation in the family. I once saw someone accidentally break a glass, and the look of dismay was intense!
Planning Your Trip: Essential Travel Guide for Tết 2026
Booking and Logistical Tips
- Book Everything Early: Since the Tết Holiday lasts up to 9 days, almost everyone is traveling. Make sure to book flights, trains, and hotels in advance. This way, you can get a fair price and secure a room before everything fills up.
- Plan for Closures: Many government offices, museums, and some restaurants will be closed during Tết. Most dining options will be limited, with hotel restaurants being the main choice for meals during the busy days.
- Exchange Rates: If you need to change money, hotels can do it for you. Just keep in mind that the exchange rate may not be the best, so plan accordingly.
Travel Direction Strategy
This is a key piece of advice that is often overlooked:
- Before Tết: Travel from North to South. This is because many migrant workers travel from the South back to their homes in the Central/North region for the holiday, so you will be moving against the heaviest flow of traffic.
- After Tết: Travel from South to North. The workers will be traveling back to the South for work, so again, you will be moving against the crowd. This small piece of planning can save you major headaches and money, as tickets are often much cheaper when traveling against the main wave.
Tip for getting around: For easy travel during Tết in Vietnam, you can reach out to Private Cars of Huracars.
Whether you are participating in the family feast or navigating the country as a visitor, remember that the spirit of Tết is all about renewal, gratitude, and hoping for a prosperous year ahead!