Tết 2026: Vietnamese Lunar New Year 2026

When is Tết 2026?

Vietnam’s Lunar New Year, widely known as Tết, will begin on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. This day marks the first day of the lunar calendar, which usually occurs between late January and late February in the Gregorian calendar.

Duration of the Celebration

While Tết officially lasts four days — Lunar New Year’s Eve and the first three days of the new year — the festive spirit typically extends over nine days, from February 14 to February 22, 2026.

Key Dates Overview:

• February 14–15 – Preparations: Families clean their homes, refresh ancestor altars, visit gravesites, and make bánh chưng (square sticky rice cake).
• February 16 – Kitchen God Day: People honor the household gods and release carp into rivers as their celestial transport.
• Midnight, February 16 – New Year’s Eve: Families gather for a reunion feast, perform xông đất (welcoming the first guest of the year for good fortune), and exchange red envelopes.
• February 17 – Day 1 (Father’s Side): Visiting paternal relatives and offering New Year greetings.
• February 18 – Day 2 (Mother’s Side): Visiting maternal relatives.
• February 19 – Day 3 (Teachers): Paying respects to teachers and expressing gratitude.
• February 20–22 – Continued Festivities: Extended holidays for relaxation and celebration.

Zodiac Year 2026: Year of the Horse

The year 2026 is the Year of the Horse in the Vietnamese zodiac, symbolizing strength, freedom, agility, and generosity. People born in Horse years including 2026, 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, and 1966—are seen as optimistic and energetic, though sometimes impulsive.

Horses get along well with Tigers, Dogs, and Goats, but are thought to clash with Rats and Roosters

Customs for Good Luck

Actions taken early in the lunar year are believed to influence the entire year. Popular practices include:

Do’s:

• Light incense and make offerings for ancestors.
• Invite a luck-bringing guest into the home (“xông đất”).
• Wear red and serve red foods like watermelon or sticky rice.
• Exchange lucky money and good wishes.
• Set out on your first outing with a branch of fresh leaves (“xuất hành”).
• Visit pagodas to pray for blessings.
• Purchase symbolic salt to dispel negativity

Don’ts:

• Avoid sweeping or borrowing money on the first day.
• Don’t cut your hair, quibble, break things, or leave the front door closed—each could chase away good fortune

Official Holiday Duration

Vietnam typically grants 9 days off, composed of 4 days before Tết and 5 days after

For 2026, the government has set a 9-day holiday from February 14 to February 22, spanning the 27th day of lunar December through the 6th of Tết

During this time, many public services close, but hotels, select restaurants, and tourist attractions generally remain open. Workers on duty earn triple pay

Looking Ahead: Lunar New Year Dates & Zodiac (2026–2035)

Notes: The Vietnam Immigration Department is issuing eVisa: 1-month/ 3-month for all countries. If you’ve planned your trip to Vietnam, apply for a visa in advance from now on Vietnamese visa during Lunar New Year 2026

If you need to enter Vietnam urgently, using a trusted service like Entry Vietnam Visa is the fastest and most reliable option. A service of rush Vietnam visa service helps travelers obtain approval in as little as a few hours, ensuring you can catch your flight without delays. Whether it’s for business, family, or last-minute travel plans, Entry Vietnam Visa makes the process simple, secure, and stress-free.