Chinese New Year, Cairns 2026 - Year Of The Horse
From 13th of February until 8th March, the City of Cairns in Far North Queensland is set to come alive with vibrant colours, cultural performances, and traditional events as it celebrates the 2026 Chinese New Year Festival - The Year Of The Fire Horse. According to Chinese Horoscopes the Horse brings with it the promise of optimism, success and opportunity.
This article is your guide to the spectacular Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations that’ll take place in Cairns in 2026!
What Is Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year (CNY), also known as Lunar New Year, is an important traditional Chinese holiday celebrated at the turn of the lunar calendar. While it's a time for family reunions, feasts, and paying respects to ancestors, The Cairns CNY festival also pays homage to the ongoing contributions of Chinese migrants and their descendants residing in the region.
Traditional Chinese New Year customs include a 15 day extravaganza filled with a multitude of events. From dragon and lion dances, to fireworks displays, market stalls, Yum Cha banquets fit for a king and the giving and receiving of Hongbao (red envelopes of money for good luck), Chinese New Year pulls out all the stops!
What Is The Significance Of The Fire Horse?
Chinese astrology has been passed down throughout the centuries and is considered to be an important cultural tradition. According to Chinese philosophy, the zodiac consists of a twelve-year cycle. Each year is associated with an animal sign and one of the five elements: earth, wood, metal, fire and water.
2026 heralds the Year of the Fire Horse, symbolising optimism, success, good fortune, and opportunity. People born in this year are believed to be hard-working, warm-hearted, and independent. The Chinese often look to the traditional Chinese zodiac for insights into personality traits, compatibility, and to make predictions for the year ahead.
Why Not Visit Some Of Cairns' Top Attractions While Visiting For CNY!
Events In Cairns For Chinese New Year 2026
Cairns Chinese New Year celebrations began its community festivities, reflecting the city's commitment to sustaining cultural diversity and ties to it's sister city Zhanjiang. Every year this annual event has grown, attracting both locals and visitors alike, eager to experience the unique blend of Chinese traditions and Australian hospitality.
Chinese New Year Day Celebrations are on 13th February, with the main public events for Lunar New Year set to start from the 7th March and concluding on the 8th March 2026. Here you’ll find a list of all the main events to check out in Cairns this Chinese New Year!
| EVENT NAME | LOCATION | DATE | TIME |
| Street Food Festival | 34 Esplanade, Cairns City | 13th February |
5:30pm - 9:30pm |
| 2026 Chinese New Year Celebration | TBD | 17th February 2026 | 7:00pm - 11:00pm |
| Chinese New Year Fundraising Banquet | Golden Boat Chinese Restaurant | 21st February 2026 | 6:30pm |
| A Night At The Opera | The Reef Hotel, | 6th March 2026 | 7:00pm - 8:30pm |
| Chinese New Year Lantern Festival | Cairns Esplanade | 7th March 2026 | 4:30pm - 8:30pm |
| Year Of The Horse Yum Cha Lunch | Golden Boat Chinese Restaurant | 8th March 2026 |
11:00am - 2:00pm |
As Cairns gears up to ring in the Year of the Fire Horse, local residents and visitors can look forward to a vibrant month-long extravaganza brimming with multiple events. The harmonious blend of traditional Chinese celebrations with modern Australian twists also serves Cairns City’s commitment to embracing inclusivity and multiculturalism.
From the display of exquisite art, culture and performance, to the delicious Yum Cha feasts and street eats, to lanterns and fireworks shows, Cairns Chinese New Year 2026 has something fun for everyone!
