What to Do in the 2026 Chinese New Year?

February 12, 2026 - Gōng Xǐ Fā Cái (恭喜发财)~ Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year, is one of the most anticipated celebrations in Malaysia. CNY 2026 isn’t just about reunion dinners and red packets; it’s about renewal, prosperity, and spending quality time with family while keeping traditions alive. 

From vibrant decorations to yee sang tosses and even staying active with basikal rides, Malaysians celebrate Chinese New Year in a way that’s uniquely local and deeply meaningful.

1. Deck the House, Welcome the Luck

Weeks before Chinese New Year, Malaysian homes, shops, and malls transform with red lanterns, couplets, and golden motifs. These decorations aren’t just aesthetic; they symbolise luck, happiness, and a clean slate for the Lunar New Year.

Many families also take this time to deep-clean the house, believing it clears away bad luck from the previous year. Simple touches like fresh flowers, mandarin oranges, and festive table settings already set the mood for CNY 2026.

2. The Malaysian-Style Open House

Open houses are a true Malaysian tradition. During Chinese New Year, friends, neighbours, and colleagues, regardless of race or religion, drop by to celebrate together. It’s common to see kuih, pineapple tarts, bak kwa, and even halal-friendly dishes served side by side.

This spirit of inclusivity is what makes the Chinese New Year in Malaysia feel extra special.

3. Ang Pow Time!

The red envelope trade, or ang pow, is a highlight, especially for kids. Married couples give red packets to children and unmarried adults as a symbol of blessings and good fortune.

Beyond the money, ang pow represents well-wishes for health, success, and happiness in the year ahead.

4. Yee Sang: Toss High, Dream Bigger

No Chinese New Year in Malaysia is complete without yee sang (Yee sang is a colourful raw fish salad that people toss high into the air while shouting auspicious wishes). Families and colleagues gather around the table, tossing the colourful salad high while shouting prosperity wishes.

Each ingredient carries meaning, salmon for abundance, crackers for wealth, and sauces for smooth business and life ahead. The higher you toss, the better your luck (at least, that’s what we all believe).

5. Move More During the Festive Season

With all the eating during Chinese New Year, many Malaysians now balance indulgence with movement. Morning walks, light runs, or even a casual basikal ride around the neighbourhood are becoming more common during CNY.

For cycling enthusiasts, festive rides are a fun way to stay active, whether it’s a short road spin, a family-friendly ride, or a casual loop in a comfortable cycling jersey. The key is to keep moving, enjoy the fresh air, and start the Lunar New Year feeling energised.

Even serious cyclists take it easy, no race pace, just enjoying the ride, smooth Shimano shifts, and good company.

6. Food, Family & Long Conversations

At its heart, Chinese New Year is about family. Reunion dinners, long meals, laughter, and storytelling stretch late into the night. From hotpot to home-cooked favourites, food becomes the bridge between generations.

In Malaysia, it’s common to see multiple family gatherings spread across several days, each with its own flavour, stories, and traditions.

7. Fireworks & Festive Noise

Fireworks and firecrackers mark the arrival of prosperity and ward off bad luck. While regulations apply, festive lights and controlled fireworks still light up the sky, especially on the eve and early days of the Chinese New Year.

The sound, the lights, and the excitement, this is how CNY memories are sealed.

Welcoming CNY 2026 with Balance

Chinese New Year in Malaysia is a beautiful mix of tradition, community, and modern lifestyle. Whether you’re decorating the house, tossing yee sang, visiting open houses, or squeezing in a relaxed cycling session, the spirit remains the same, starting the Lunar New Year with positivity and intention.

As CNY 2026 approaches, embrace the celebrations at your own pace. Eat well, move a little, connect deeply, and enjoy the moments that truly matter.

Basikal & sport gear recommendations for Chinese New Year 2026