Tết 2026: Vietnamese Lunar New Year 2026

When is Tết 2026?

Vietnam’s Lunar New Year, commonly known as Tết, begins on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. It marks the first day of the lunar calendar, which typically falls between late January and late February in the Gregorian calendar.

Duration of the Celebration

Although Tết officially spans four days (Lunar New Year’s Eve and the first three days of the new year), the cultural observance often stretches across 22 days, from February 10 to March 3, 2026

Here’s a quick rundown of key dates:

• February 10 – Kitchen God Day: People honor guardian gods and release carp as their heavenly vehicle
• February 11–15 – Preparations: Homes are cleaned, ancestor altars refreshed, gravesites visited, and Chung cake made
• February 16 – New Year’s Eve: Families gather for a feast, perform “xông đất” (the first visitor honored for bringing luck), and exchange red envelopes
• February 17 – Day 1 (Father’s Side): Visiting paternal relatives and receiving well-wishes
• February 18 – Day 2 (Mother’s Side): Visiting maternal relatives
• February 19 – Day 3 (Teachers): Paying respects and celebrating teachers
• March 3 – Tết Nguyên Tiêu (First Full Moon): Many visit pagodas to pray for blessings

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 7 days off, composed of two days before Tết and five 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 Lunar New Year 2026