Chinese New Year 2026: Dubai welcomes Year of the Fire Horse with city-wide events
Rainforest adventures and waterpark excitement coming this festive season
DUBAI – Dubai Holding Entertainment is marking Chinese New Year 2026 with city-wide celebrations across its most popular destinations, transforming theme parks, dining experiences, and immersive attractions to welcome the Year of the Fire Horse.
From live cultural performances and themed entertainment to limited-time dining, family activities, and special seasonal offers, residents and visitors can enjoy Lunar New Year throughout Dubai at MOTIONGATE Dubai, The Green Planet Dubai, Wild Wadi Waterpark, and T-Rex Glamping.
Dubai Holding Entertainment is one of the largest diversified entertainment groups in the region. It develops, operates, and manages some of the city’s most iconic attractions, creating experiences that attract millions of visitors each year.
Chinese New Year
Chinese Lunar New Year – also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival – begins on Tuesday, 17 February, marking the start of the Year of the Fire Horse, last seen in 1966. Celebrated by millions worldwide, the holiday follows the lunisolar calendar, beginning on the second new moon after the winter solstice.
In 2026, that new moon coincides with a rare “ring of fire” annular solar eclipse and the first sighting of the Ramadan crescent moon, making it a day of both celestial and cultural significance.
Kung Fu Panda Zone
MOTIONGATE Dubai has transformed the Kung Fu Panda zone into a high-energy hub of Lunar New Year entertainment, combining action, culture, and interactive fun. Guests can train like true warriors at Kung Fu Academy shows, enjoy Lion Dance and Dragon Dance performances, and join in Mr. Ping’s Noodle Fling. Themed décor and merchandise, including the Dragon Warrior Shrine and displays across Studio Central, add to the festive atmosphere.
A dedicated Chinese Food Market offers traditional dishes, while limited-time retail discounts and dining promotions create a lively environment for visitors to explore throughout the day. MOTIONGATE Dubai promises a full-day celebration packed with colour, character, and interactive activities.
- Dates: Tuesday, 17 February to Monday, 2 March
- Price: Dh 295 online / Dh 330 at the gate
- Location: Dubai Parks and Resorts
T-Rex Glamping adventures
T-Rex Glamping delivers a festive staycation with a prehistoric twist. Guests can spend their days digging for fossils, splashing in dinosaur-themed pools, and taking part in hands-on experiences at the Excavation Site, Lava Watchpoint, and Kids’ Academy. Families can spot dinosaur favourites across the site, including Euhelopus, a species discovered in China.
Evenings offer fireside moments, outdoor movie screenings, and themed dining at the Roaring Dinosaur Café and Splashing Raptor pool bar. Visitors staying at T-Rex Glamping also enjoy access to The World of Riverland, featuring a variety of dining, attractions, and family-friendly activities across Dubai Parks and Resorts. Paired with theme park access and daily entertainment, the experience provides a fully immersive and playful Lunar New Year staycation.
- Dates: Daily
- Price: From Dh 780++ per night
- Location: Dubai Parks and Resorts
Rainforest Fun at The Green Planet
The Green Planet Dubai presents a seasonal experience inside its indoor rainforest, combining creativity and nature. Guests can enjoy hands-on arts and crafts activities, designed to engage young explorers with interactive elements throughout the rainforest.
JNGL continues the celebration with themed dining, family deals, and fortune cookies for guests, turning mealtime into a playful part of the Lunar New Year adventure.
- Dates: Tuesday, 17 February to Tuesday, 3 March
- Price: From Dh 139 per person
- Location: City Walk
Wild Wadi Waterpark celebrations
Wild Wadi Waterpark joins the festivities with a special resident offer for Chinese nationals living in Dubai. Guests can enjoy a full day of water-filled fun with the Burj Al Arab as a backdrop.
Thrill-seekers can ride Jumeirah Sceirah, one of the region’s tallest and fastest free-fall slides, or tackle the waves at Wipeout and Riptide. Families can enjoy raft rides on Tantrum Alley and Burj Surj, while younger visitors can splash at Juha’s Dhow and Lagoon, featuring slides, water guns, and interactive play. Juha’s Journey provides a scenic float along the lazy river for a more relaxed experience.
- Price: From Dh 179 per person
- Location: Jumeira St – opposite Burj Al Arab, Umm Suqeim 3, Dubai