How is CNY celebrated in a China family in 2026?

If you think Chinese New Year (CNY) is just about the big parades you see on the news, think again. The real magic happens behind the closed doors of family apartments and courtyard homes. In 2026, the Year of the Fire Horse, the home is transformed into a fortress of luck, a five-star restaurant, and a late-night gaming den all at once.

CNY is celebrated by Chinese around the world. From mainland China, to Taiwan, to Hong Kong and Macau, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore and in the Chinatowns around the world including USA, Australia, Europe and even the Middle East and Africa... as long as there are Chinese residents, there is a CNY celebrations. Find out how is Spring Festival (CNY) celebrated in 7 Asian Countries.

For this article, we will connect with a Chinese family in mainland China. The traditions and practices may differ from country to country and from province to province but generally, they are pretty similar.

I once stayed with a family in Chengdu during the festival. I thought I was there for a quiet dinner. Instead, I found myself standing on a stool at 11:00 PM, helping a 70-year-old grandmother tape "Gate Gods" to the front door while the kitchen steamed with the scent of a hundred dumplings. It wasn't just a meal; it was a mission. Here is what happens inside a Chinese home during the most important week of the year. If you get a chance to visit a local Chinese home, find out some of the CNY cultural nuances you need to be aware of.

1. The "Great Sweep" (Before Feb 16)

Before the New Year officially begins on February 17, 2026, every home undergoes a ritualistic deep clean. This cleaning ritual can be brutal - entire cupboard is cleaned out, deep storerooms are cleaned out and even corner in walls are swept out.

• Out with the Old: This isn't just dusting; it’s "sweeping away the bad luck" (扫尘) of the previous year.

• The Cleaning Lockdown: Once the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve, the brooms are put away. Sweeping on New Year's Day is a massive "no-no" because you’d be sweeping your newly arrived 2026 luck right out the door!

• According to a 2026 sustainability report by JD.com, sales of high-tech cleaning robots in China spiked by 22% in January as families prepared for the "Year of the Horse" sprint.

2. The Kitchen God’s Report Card

About a week before the main event, families celebrate "Little New Year" (小年).

• Sweet Talk: Legend says the Kitchen God (Zao Jun - 灶君) leaves the home to report the family's behavior to the Jade Emperor.

• The Hack: Families smear maltose candy on the Kitchen God's statue or picture so his teeth stick together, ensuring he only says "sweet things" about them in heaven!

3. The Reunion Dinner (Nian Ye Fan - 年夜饭)

This is the "Super Bowl" of Chinese meals. On February 16, 2026, the "Spring Festival Travel Rush" (Chunyun) reaches its peak as millions return home.

• The "Must-Eat" Dishes: In Northern China, families spend hours wrapping Jiaozi (饺子) dumplings because they look like ancient silver ingots. In the South, it’s all about Nian Gao (年糕), the sticky rice cake that symbolizes "rising higher" every year.

• The Fish Rule: A whole fish is served, but here's the catch: you don't finish it. Leaving a bit of fish symbolizes Nian Nian You Yu (年年有余)—having a surplus every year.

  
  Find out how family get together for Spring Festival Reunion dinner.

4. Shou Sui (守岁): Guarding the Year

After dinner, nobody goes to bed. This tradition is called Shou Sui, or "waiting for the year."

• The Gala Tradition: Almost every home will have the CCTV Spring Festival Gala playing in the background.14 It's a 4-hour marathon of comedy, acrobatics, and pop stars that has been a staple since 1983.

• Family Bonding: While the TV blares, the real action is at the table—playing Mahjong (麻将) or card games. In 2026, many families are also engaging in "Digital Hongbao" wars on WeChat, trying to "grab" red envelopes sent in group chats.

5. The Midnight "Fire" Ritual

As 2026 officially begins at midnight, the "Fire" Horse energy is welcomed with literal fire - fireworks!

• Scaring Nian: Even in cities where fireworks are restricted, families find ways to make noise—using "electronic firecrackers" or small sparklers in designated zones—to scare away the monster Nian and welcome the new year with a bang.18

Typical Home Schedule: CNY Eve 2026

2:00 PM Pasting Couplets (对联)- Inviting protection and poetry to the door.
6:00 PMThe Reunion Dinner- Strengthening family bonds.
8:00 PM Giving Hongbao- Transferring luck to the younger generation.
12:00 AM Opening the Door (开门炮)- Welcoming the Year of the Fire Horse.

Which of these home traditions would you like to try in your own house this year? Let us know in the comments!

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice.