LIST: Where to celebrate Chinese New Year 2026
Chinese New Year 2026 is around the corner!
Those who follow the Lunar calendar are gearing up to welcome the Year of the Fire Horse: a season said to spark passion, bold moves, and fresh beginnings. Beyond traditions and fireworks, the holiday is also perfect for family get-togethers, indulgent Chinese feasts, and quick escapes from the city.
Still deciding where to go? We’ve rounded up the must-visit spots to celebrate Chinese New Year.
Binondo
This historic neighborhood in Manila stands as the beating heart of Filipino-Chinese culture. It is also the top place to celebrate the Chinese New Year.
The district is painted scarlet and gold with all the ornate Chinese lanterns. Expect lion and dragon dances and colorful fireworks brightening up the sky at night.
Quaint shops sell everything from symbolic charms to fragrant teas. Nearby eateries tempt passersby with flavorful Chinese dishes—from steaming dumplings and savory pancit to the ever-popular tikoy, a sweet treat believed to usher in good luck.
Okada Manila
This casino-resort complex, albeit Japanese in name, never fails to host annual festive activities for the Chinese New Year. For 2026, they will be held from Jan. 8 to March 3.
Members of the resort's Reward Circle have exclusive Lunar New Year privileges and experiences, which include Echoes of Fortune, a Lunar New Year dinner concert on Feb. 28 at Cove Manila, featuring performances by Gigi De Lana, Younha, and Wen Lan.
Delectable Chinese treats are available at Red Spice. Guests can get a complimentary Chinese New Year rice cake or pan-fried radish cake for a minimum purchase of P1,500 from Feb. 9 to 23. The Pastry Shop also has limited-time Lunar New Year cakes like the Mandarin Orange Entremet (P2,500) and Mandarin Petit Gateaux (P450), available from Feb. 15 to 18.
From Feb. 17 to 28, guests can enjoy Sundown Specials where handcrafted cocktails are offered at P350 across Okada Lounge, Okada Dining, and Red Spice.
Traditional Chinese festivities will happen on Feb. 17. At 8 a.m. along the Pearl Wing Driveway, guests can witness a ceremonial ritual and energetic lion dance performances, followed by the Cai Qing blessing ritual at 10 a.m. for good luck and good fortune.
The resort also offers Truly Exceptional Stays, a seasonal room starting at P11,999, which includes P2,500 worth of dining credits. Booking is until March 30 for stays until March 31.
City of Dreams Manila
Celebrate Chinese New Year at this lively entertainment hub on Feb. 17 to see energetic lion dances, an auspicious eye-dotting ceremony, a burst of colors at the Gods of Fortune Parade, free treats through Lucky Hong Bao giveaways, a curated Lunar New Year menu, and fun-filled activities for children at DreamPlay.
Lucky Chinatown
Binondo's premier lifestyle mall is expected to hold events for the Chinese New Year.
From Jan. 26 to Feb. 13, they will hold The Golden Mane Fair, selling Chinese favorites like hopia, tikoy, and dim sum, along with other shopping finds. Their Blazing Bites all-day food bazaar until Feb. 22 will also treat you to a tastefully diverse food crawl.
On Feb. 14, high-energy cultural performances will be performed by students from different Filipino-Chinese schools. On Feb. 17, the mall's very own float will join the LGU Grand parade.
From Feb. 6 to 17, you can try your luck at the mall's Angpao Tree for Gifts of Prosperity to score exclusive prizes.
Shangri-La Plaza
This upscale mall in Ortigas will bring the fun this season. Know your fortune and your love life's future with Luck & Love Talk by Venus Wang on Feb 17. See a flick that will tickle your fancy at the 20th Spring Film Festival from Feb. 15 to 17. Afternoon lantern and calligraphy workshops will be held on Feb. 16, followed by a fireworks display in the evening.
On Feb. 17, Lunar New Year's Day, prepare for an art workshop, traditional lion and dragon dances, and a Ghuzeng Harmonies concert.
