This year, Chinese New Year arrives on February 17th, 2026, marking the beginning of the Year of the Horse. To celebrate this important festival, both NIS and the Chiang Mai community have prepared a variety of activities, inviting students, teachers and families to come and explore Chinese traditions together.
Chinese new year, also known as Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, is one of the most important festivals in Chinese culture. It starts from the first day of the first lunar month each year, and lasts for about fifteen days, finally ending with the Lantern Festival. It follows a twelve year cycle, with each year can be represented by a different animal. This year’s animal is the Horse, the seventh animal in this cycle, which represents vitality and success. Traditionally, it is a time for Chinese families to gather, and enjoy family dinners together. Although Chiang Mai is not in China, there is a significant Chinese population that lives here, and holds variable new year celebrations. Below are some activities that NIS students can participate in.
School Activities
To celebrate the Chinese New Year on the NIS campus, NIS encourages students to wear red clothing on that day. This is because in China, red brings good luck, happiness, and success. In addition, another iconic symbol for the Chinese New Year is dumplings, it represents family gatherings and blessings due to its unique shape. So this year, NIS will once again hold the dumpling making activity. It will take place in the elementary school canteen on February 26th and 27th, 2026, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Parents are currently signing up for this event, and everyone is welcome to experience traditional Chinese food and culture through this activity.
Beyond NIS Activities
Beyond NIS school campus, Chiang Mai community also hosts some Chinese New Year celebrations, especially in the Chinatown on Chang Moi Rd. It is also known as Kad Luang, Warorot and Ton Lam Yai Markets. Those markets are positioned along the Ping Riverside, having a history over an entire century. As the central part of the activities, it will be decorated with red lanterns during the holidays. According to the detailed information from the PM Tour, the main activity will take place around 8:30 a.m. on February 17th. At that time a large parade will depart from Tha Pae Gate, pass through Warorot Market, and arrive at Guan Yu Temple around 10:00 a.m.. The parade will include dragon and lion dances, puppets, and decorated floats. The nearby stages will host cultural exhibitions and musical performances as well. In addition, both Tha Phae Gate and the Warorot Market will also provide traditional Chinese New Year activities that evening.
***Note: Streets in that area will be closed off to traffic during the two-day celebration, please plan your transportation carefully.
With activities from NIS and beyond the campus, the Chinese New Year atmosphere will be shared to all students, families, and a wider Chiang Mai community. Whether it is dressing in red at NIS or gathering at Warorot Market to watch dragon and lion dance, those activities offer NIS students and families valuable opportunities to experience Chinese culture.
Activity resource:
https://www.pm-tours.com/pm-tours-blog/celebrate-chinese-new-year-2026-in-chiang-mai
https://agaonthe.run/how-to-celebrate-chinese-new-year-2025-in-chiang-mai-thailand/
Maps
Chinatown:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/shbcDbjCJyqXWPzk8
Warorot Market:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ADBjrCWrKC8wNtvc9
Tha Pae Gate: