Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year, marks the arrival of spring and the start of a new year in the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar. Celebrated amongst Chinese and Asian cultures, Lunar New Year is a time to assemble with family and express the best of wishes for the new year ahead. Dates of the holiday vary depending on the cycle of the moon, and each year we honour the celebrations on site at Peninsula Hot Springs.

Chinese zodiac, or shengxiao, is represented by 12 zodiac animals, each symbolising its own understood characteristics and intuitions. 2026 marks the year of the Horse, a symbol of adventure, vitality, and momentum in Chinese culture. Along with the representation of an animal zodiac, the years each cycle through the five elements of nature; Water, Wood, Fire, Earth and Metal. During the 60-year calendrical cycle, 2026 is the year of ‘Fire', which in Chinese culture is symbolic of rapid transformation and ambition.

On the final day of Lunar New Year celebrations, the Lantern Festival features colourful lanterns lit across homes and public sites, symbolising reconciliation, peace, and forgiveness. In Chinese tradition, families and communities gather and watch as dragon and lion dancers parade in the lantern-lit night and as fireworks illuminate the skies in celebration of a new year filled with prosperity.

In recognition of this special calendar event, we invite you to join us each year at Peninsula Hot Springs. Throughout the Lunar New Year holiday, we will host a series of events that promote and celebrate Chinese festivities and our connection to Chinese and Asian cultures through our globally inspired bathing traditions.

Our programs are made up of complimentary events to pair with your bathing experience. Past programs have featured Qigong, Lion dancing, Gala Performances and special film screenings.

Discover our upcoming 2025 program.