Macao Chinese New Year 2026: Epic Parades, Drones & Fireworks

Chinese New Year 2026 in Macao promises to be lively, colourful, and truly memorable. The city is celebrating the Year of the Horse with bright colours, lights, and creative displays. You can look forward to exciting parades, drone and fireworks shows, street markets, games, and community events happening throughout various districts. Both visitors and locals are sure to enjoy a variety of activities during the Chinese New Year.

Plan Your Visit to Macao for Chinese New Year 2026

Macao’s 2026 Chinese New Year program offers memorable experiences for families, couples, and solo travellers alike.Parades, fireworks, markets, and cultural activities will last nearly three weeks. If you enjoy celebrations, this is the perfect time to visit Macao. Be sure to plan ahead and check the official schedule.

Gigantic Golden Dragon Parade

The parade starts at Ruins of St. Paul at 11:00AM, passes through multiple districts and community areas to arrive at A-Ma Temple.

A golden dragon, lion dance teams, and mascots will perform along the parade route.

On both first and second days of the Chinese New Year, performances will be held in different communities to spread festive cheer.

The event intends to attract visitors to local neighbourhoods and support community businesses. It will also create a festive atmosphere in central Macao. For the full program, please visit the website.

https://www.macaotourism.gov.mo/en/article/cny/parade-2026

Year of the Horse: “Flying Horse” Theme

The main theme for this year is “Flying Horse. ”This theme stands for power, courage, determination, and hope for the future. This spectacular event embodies Macao’s energy as a global centre for tourism and leisure. It’s all designed to mix tradition, technology, and nighttime excitement throughout Macao.

Parade for Celebration of the Year of the Horse

The highlight is the Parade for the Celebration of the Year of the Horse. This parade includes floats, international performers, music, dancing, and dazzling light shows.

First Parade – 19 February 2026

The first parade will be held on 19 February, the third day of the Lunar New Year.

It will run from 8:00 PM to 9:45 PM. 17 floats to participate in the parade, Along with around 1,300 performers from Macao, Hong Kong, mainland China, Portugal, Spain, Italy, the Philippines and Korea. The parade starts at Sai Van Lake Square, marching along Avenida Dr Sun Yat-Sen and passing Macao Science Centre and Macau Fisherman’s Wharf, wishing the audience a great year ahead along the way.

Celebrity hosts Bob Lam, Germano Guilherme and Sabrina Mendes from Hong Kong and Macao to host the event. Performers include Pop groups and singers from Macao, including the boy bands Daze in White and TiDe. Macao artists Germano Guilherme and Josie Ho, along with Hong Kong singer Mike Tsang and girl groups Honey Punch and IdG Bubbles.

Warm-up performances at Sai Van Lake Square start at 5:50 PM. More than 4,200 seats are available across5 viewing stands (Sai Van Lake Square, Avenida Dr. Sun Yat-Sen, front square of Kun Iam Ecumenical Centre, roundabout in front of Macao Science Center and Macau Fisherman’s Wharf).

Seating is free and available on a first-come, first-served basis.To spread festive cheer, the parade is being broadcast live on large outdoor screens at key locations throughout the city.

https://media.macaotourism.gov.mo/uploads/mgto_events_festivals/cny-parade-2026-routemap-01-hant.jpg

Second Parade – 28 February 2026

The second parade takes place on 28 February, the twelfth day of the Lunar New Year. It runs from 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM.

This parade focuses on Macao’s northern district. The starting point is Rua Norte do Patane, with Iao Hon Market Garden as the endpoint. The route passes through lively neighbourhood streets, bringing the festive spirit to local communities.

A final show featuring cultural performances takes place at Iao Hon Market Garden at 8:15 PM, featuring Hong Kong and Macao artists Andrew Chan, Winnie Lam, and Kane Ao Ieong to celebrate the Chinese New Year. https://media.macaotourism.gov.mo/uploads/mgto_events_festivals/cny-parade-2026-routemap-02-hant.jpg

Float Exhibitions

After the parades, the floats are on display. From 20 to 27 February, the floats are on display at Macao Fisherman’s Wharf. From 1 to 8 March, the exhibition stages at Tap Seac Square. The floats illuminate daily from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

These evenings are perfect for families and travellers to take photos.

Chinese New Year Drones and Firework Displays

In 2026, Macao features combined drone and firework shows for the first time. With 3,888 drones flying in formation over the sea, the displays take place at the waterfront near Macau Tower with laser effects.

Show schedule:

19 February 2026 – 9:45 PM
23 February 2026 – 9:00 PM
3 March 2026 – 9:00 PM

Duration: 15 minutes.

Several waterfront areas offer the best views. Best viewing points include:

Anim’Arte NAM VAN
Waterfront between Kun Iam Ecumenical Centre and Kun Iam Statue
Macao Science Centre waterfront promenade
Avenida de Sagres near Mandarin Oriental Hotel
Caminho Marginal do Lago near YOHO Treasure Island Hotel
Avenida do Oceano in Taipa

Temporary traffic changes may be in place around Macau Tower and Taipa. Travellers should check local transport updates before heading out.

https://www.macaotourism.gov.mo/en/article/cny/fireworks-best-viewing-locations

ZAPE Gallop Gala and Nightlife Vibes

From 13 February to 1 March, the ZAPE Gallop Gala celebrates both Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day. The event is held near Rua de Cantão and Rua de Pequim, with holiday decorations and light displays to brighten up the area. Shops and restaurants are likely to offer themed promotions and special deals. This event helps you discover new attractions in Zape.

Markets, Firecrackers and Festive Stalls Chinese New Year Market at Tap Seac Square

The Chinese New Year Market at Tap Seac Square are open from 10 to 16 February 2026. The market operates from 12:00 noon to midnight from 10 to 15 February, and from 12:00 noon to 1:00 AM. on 16 and 17 February. The square features cultural performances, floral art exhibitions, and light displays.

Firecrackers Area in Taipa

A designated area near the waterfront on Estrada Almirante Marques Esparteiro in Taipa is available for lighting firecrackers and fireworks to enhance the festive atmosphere.

Opening hours: 12:00 noon on 16 February to 1:00 AM on 17 February (Chinese New Year’s Day), and from 10:00 AM to midnight between 17 February and 21 February.

Incense and Pinwheel Stalls at Largo do Pagode da Barra.

These stalls will be open from 6:00 PM to midnight on 16 February; from midnight to 6:30 PM on 17 February (Chinese New Year’s Day); and from 9:00 PM to 6:30 PM from 18 February to 23 February.

Visitors can purchase traditional items for good luck and blessings. This site provides excellent views of the waterfront.