Welcoming the Fire Horse

The year of the horse starts on February 17, 2026. Happening just once every 60 years, The year of the horse calls for once-in-a-lifetime journeys. The horse is a symbol of freedom, speed, and exploration. It’s a year that favors movement, perfect for trips and spontaneous getaways.

Across Asia, The Chinese New Year is celebrated with traditions that focus on family, renewal, luck, and prosperity. With each country having a fun spin on the holiday and how they will ring in the year of the horse, we wanted to share how some of our favorite destinations celebrate.

Thailand

Thailand celebrates Chinese New Year with vibrant energy, especially in Bangkok’s Chinatown, where streets come alive with dragon and lion dances, red lanterns, fireworks, and bustling markets. Families visit temples to make offerings for prosperity and good fortune, while homes and businesses are decorated in red and gold to welcome luck for the year ahead. The celebration blends Thai and Chinese traditions beautifully, creating a festive atmosphere filled with food, music, and cultural performances, making it one of the most colorful times of year to experience Thailand.

Japan

Japan celebrates the Year of the Horse with special shrine visits, horse-themed festivals like Sōma Nomaoi, traditional crafts, themed decorations featuring horse motifs, and cultural activities emphasizing horses as symbols of strength, energy, and good fortune.

Indonesia

Indonesian celebrations will be focused on the themes of speed, strength, and prosperity. Indonesia will celebrate with a blend of traditional Chinese customs, lavish hotel festivities, and, specifically in Sumba, cultural events highlighting the island’s famous sandalwood horses.

If you’re looking to lean into the year of the horse with new experiences and spontaneity, we can help get you there! Click here to get started.