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Complete Guide to Lunar New Year 2026 in Taipei (Events, Markets, Temples & Travel Tips)
- easyta
- 5 days ago
- 5 min read
Updated: 3 hours ago
Lunar New Year is one of the most exciting and culturally rich times to be in Taipei. The city fills with temple ceremonies, lion dances, festive markets, and families preparing for the most important holiday of the year. Each year is also linked to one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac — and 2026 welcomes the Year of the Horse, a sign associated with energy, determination, and forward momentum. Red lanterns hang across old streets, the scent of incense drifts from temple courtyards, and the sound of drums and firecrackers echoes through busy neighborhoods. While some neighborhoods grow quieter as locals return to their hometowns, other areas come alive with color, noise, and celebration.
If you’re visiting Taipei during Lunar New Year 2026, this guide will help you understand what’s happening, where to go, and how to plan ahead so you don’t get caught in the holiday rush.
📅 Key Lunar New Year Dates for 2026
If you’re planning a trip around Lunar New Year in Taipei, these are the most important dates to remember:
Monday, 16 February 2026: Lunar New Year’s Eve — Families gather for the traditional reunion dinner and many shops begin to close early.
Tuesday, 17 February 2026: First Day of the Lunar New Year — The official New Year’s Day and one of the busiest celebration days in Taipei, with temples and festivities in full swing.
Tuesday, 3 March 2026: Lantern Festival — This marks the end of the 15-day Lunar New Year period and is often celebrated with lantern displays and special events around the city.
These dates are useful markers for when transport, markets, and temples are busiest — and also the best times to experience the festive atmosphere.
What Happens in Taipei During Lunar New Year?
Lunar New Year marks the beginning of the traditional lunar calendar and is Taiwan’s biggest annual holiday. Many people take an extended break to travel, visit relatives, and spend time at temples praying for good fortune in the year ahead.
In the days leading up to the holiday, you’ll notice supermarkets and traditional markets packed with shoppers buying gift boxes, fruit, and festive foods for family gatherings.
During Lunar New Year in Taipei, a few key changes stand out:
Temples become especially busy, with extended opening hours and special ceremonies
Firecrackers, incense, and lanterns create a festive (and sometimes smoky) atmosphere
Transportation fills up quickly as people travel around Taiwan
Some local shops and restaurants close, but department stores and tourist areas stay lively
If you plan to travel within Taiwan during this period, it’s very important to book high-speed rail (THSR), train tickets, and hotels early, as seats and rooms sell out fast.
Best Things to Experience During Lunar New Year in Taipei
Even though it’s a major family holiday, there is still plenty for visitors to experience across the city.
🦁 Lion and Dragon Dances
Lion and dragon dances are performed to bring luck, prosperity, and positive energy for the new year. These lively shows usually feature rhythmic drumming, the crackle of firecrackers, and brightly colored lion costumes weaving through the crowd to “bless” businesses and spectators.
In Taipei, you can often see free performances outside major landmarks and shopping areas, especially in districts like Xinyi and Ximending. Some events even feature the God of Wealth tossing sweets into the audience for extra good fortune.
🏮 Lunar New Year Markets
Before the holiday begins, Taipei hosts several bustling seasonal markets where locals shop for decorations, flowers, snacks, and traditional New Year foods.
Historic streets are strung with red lanterns, vendors sell festive treats, and flower markets overflow with symbolic plants like peonies and kumquat trees. These markets are one of the best places to feel the build-up to the holiday. Even if you don’t plan to shop, they’re worth visiting just to soak up the festive atmosphere and incredible street food smells.
🛕 Visiting Temples During Lunar New Year
Temples are at the heart of Lunar New Year traditions. Worshippers line up to offer incense, pray for health and success, and take part in special chanting ceremonies.
Many locals visit temples right after midnight on Lunar New Year’s Eve to be among the first to pray for good fortune in the new year.
Famous temples such as Longshan Temple and Songshan Ciyou Temple are especially atmospheric during this time, decorated with lanterns and filled with the sound of prayers and drums. Some temples also set off firecrackers as part of the celebrations.
Travel Tips for Visiting Taipei During Lunar New Year
Traveling during the holiday can be incredibly rewarding, but it does require a bit more planning.
🚆 Book Transport Early
High-speed rail and long-distance train services are extremely busy in the days before and after New Year’s Day. MRT services within Taipei run as usual, but intercity routes are the ones that book out first. Reserve tickets as soon as they are released.
🏨 Reserve Accommodation in Advance
Hotels in popular areas can fill up quickly, especially if the holiday overlaps with good weather or long weekends.
🍽 Check Restaurant Hours
Family-run restaurants may close for several days, but night markets, department store food courts, and chain restaurants usually remain open.
🧧 Carry Some Cash
Markets and temple stalls may not accept cards.
🙏 Be Respectful at Temples
Dress modestly, avoid blocking worshippers, and follow local customs when observing ceremonies.
“Chinese New Year” or “Lunar New Year”?
In English, many people in Taiwan casually say “Chinese New Year.” However, the holiday is also celebrated in other countries such as Vietnam, Korea, and Singapore. Because of this, some people prefer the more inclusive term “Lunar New Year”. Both names are widely understood in Taiwan.
Final Thoughts
Experiencing Lunar New Year in Taipei is a unique mix of spiritual tradition, street celebration, and family culture. Whether you’re watching a lion dance in a busy shopping district, exploring a lantern-filled market street, or standing among worshippers in a centuries-old temple, you’ll experience a side of Taipei that feels completely different from the rest of the year.
With a little planning — especially for transport and accommodation — this can be one of the most memorable times to visit the city. If you’d like help organizing a smooth, stress-free Lunar New Year trip, we’re here to help you plan the perfect Taipei experience.