Lantern Festival 2026: Yuan Xiao Jié
Festival guide · 2026
The Lantern Festival (元宵節, Yuánxiāo Jié) falls on the 15th day of the first lunar month — the night of the first full moon after Chinese New Year — and marks the official end of 15 days of Spring Festival celebrations.
Streets and parks are lit with elaborate paper lanterns, families share sweet glutinous rice balls (tangyuan), and communities play lantern riddle games. In Vietnam it is observed as Tết Nguyên Tiêu.
2026 Dates
| Date | Tuesday, March 3, 2026 |
Dates are calculated automatically and may vary by ±1 day. Always confirm with your local religious authority.
Traditions & Observance
Lanterns and Light Displays
Traditional lanterns of paper or silk in the shapes of animals, flowers, and folklore characters fill the streets. Cities hold spectacular lantern fairs with enormous artistic installations. Sky lanterns are released in many parts of China, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia — a beautiful and symbolic ending to the New Year season.
Tangyuan and Yuanxiao
The festival food is tangyuan or yuanxiao — small round balls of glutinous rice flour filled with sweet sesame paste, red bean, or peanut butter, served in warm sweet soup. The round shape symbolises family reunion and completeness. Southern China calls them tangyuan; northern China, yuanxiao.
Lantern Riddles (猜灯谜)
Riddles written on paper are hung from lanterns at fairs — participants try to solve them. This tradition has been played since the Song Dynasty (960–1279 AD) and remains a beloved family activity. Correct answers often win small prizes.
Dragon and Lion Dances
Dragon and lion dance performances continue through the Lantern Festival in Chinese communities worldwide. The Lantern Festival night is the final major performance of the New Year season before everyday life resumes.
Other Years
The Lantern Festival falls 15 days after Chinese New Year. Dates vary each year with the lunar calendar.