Chinese New Year Holiday

Chinese New Year is an official holiday on Christmas Island and the holiday covers two days instead of just one. Of course, the sizeable Chinese population here often celebrate Chinese New Year for two weeks, with it usually falling sometime in late January or early February. In 2027, Chinese New Year falls on Saturday 6 February. The holiday will be on Wednesday 26 January in 2028. The streets and public squares on Christmas Island may be decorated with red Chinese paper lanterns and other traditional decorations. There will be lion or dragon dances in the streets and public processions. Chinese people also clean their homes thoroughly for the new year to sweep away bad luck, place bowls of mandarin oranges throughout the house for good luck, arrange decorations with the lucky number eight, and wear red or gold Chinese traditional attire. Many also honour ancestors at shrines, watch a fireworks show, and give gifts of money in red envelopes. Common Chinese New Year foods include sticky rice cakes, Chinese dumplings, lots of fish dishes, jiu Chinese liquor, and a host of other delicacies. The main “reunion” feast is typically held on Chinese New Year’s Eve.