Ask a Cathay member: how will you celebrate Lunar New Year?

Red lanterns are hanging from buildings, orchids and plum blossoms are in bloom, dishes of poon choi are brimming with auspicious ingredients; and while Chinese red couplets adorn doorways, mandarin trees brighten office and hotel lobbies. Of all Hong Kong’s holidays, Lunar New Year is the most significant – so much so that it’s the only occasion when businesses close their shutters for three consecutive days.

For many, it’s a time to reunite with family and share festive meals. For others, it’s the perfect opportunity to escape on a relaxing holiday. This year, we’re sharing the joy of the season by asking our members how they’ll be welcoming the Year of the Horse in 2026.

“Lunar New Year is undoubtedly the most important holiday of the year for my family. Typically, we gather at my Nana's home to share a feast, consisting of symbolic dishes like fish, fat choi (dried black moss) and tong yuen (glutinous rice balls) – each representing good fortune. This year, however, we are starting a new tradition: moving our reunion to a relaxing hot spring resort in Conghua, Guangzhou to soak in thermal pools while indulging in seasonal delicacies.”    

“Every Lunar New Year, my family and I typically spend the week visiting temples and relatives. But this year, we’re embracing a change of scenery. We’re heading to Macao to immerse ourselves in the festive atmosphere, admire the vibrant decorations and join in the excitement of the lively Lunar New Year parade.”

“Lunar New Year is always full of lively, joyful gatherings, but I really treasure the moments when we can slow down and find inner peace. New Zealand always calls to me with its breathtaking landscapes. Last year, I spent the holiday at Tekapo and it was pure magic. The calm of the lake gave me the reset I needed, and stargazing at night was simply unforgettable. This year, I’m excited to see where my wanderlust leads me next.”

“Each year, my relatives and I – about 10 of us in total – cram into my grandmother’s decades‑old flat. We pack ourselves tightly around her dining table to share a feast that combines her incredible home‑cooked dishes with restaurant-bought fare. To this day, I still can’t tell which is which. The scene quickly gets rowdy as we try to dodge each other’s chopsticks, racing to snatch the last piece of siu mei (roast meat). Then, a flurry of four-word Chinese blessings fill the air as the lai see exchange begins. Chaotic as it may be, I look forward to it every year – moved by the joy of sharing these moments with family.” 

“Lunar New Year is a great opportunity to explore traditional crafts. I love browsing stationery shops for ink, brushes and bright red paper, ready to pen festive couplets in bold calligraphy. Thanks to online tutorials, I’ve also picked up the art of Chinese papercutting – making beloved cartoon characters the stars of fai chun (traditional red paper decorations with auspicious phrases). With a few careful snips, I create one‑of‑a‑kind cut‑outs for family and friends; it’s a heartfelt way to share the joy and blessings of the season.”

“For my family, the first day of Lunar New Year is less about loud festivities and more about peace. In keeping with our Buddhist traditions, we dedicate Chor Yat (the first day of the lunar year) to simplicity and mindfulness. We usually visit Chi Lin Nunnery for a vegetarian meal; the tranquil atmosphere really helps us reset. It’s the perfect way to achieve a clear mind and set good intentions for the year ahead.”