Chinese New Year 2026 in Bali: Where to Celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse

On Tuesday, 17 February 2026, Bali will welcome the Year of the Fire Horse. While the island is predominantly Hindu, the connection between Balinese culture and Chinese heritage runs deep—seen in the ancient Barong Landung puppets and the Kepeng coins used in daily offerings.

For travellers in Bali this February, "Imlek" (as it is locally known) offers a unique fusion of island vibes and traditional festivities. Here is how to soak up the luck and prosperity during your stay.

1. Visit the Vihara Dharmayana in Kuta

Tucked away in a side street of Kuta is one of Bali’s oldest Buddhist temples, Vihara Dharmayana (Kongco Leeng Gwan Kuta). On the eve of Chinese New Year, this usually quiet sanctuary explodes with colour, incense smoke, and the hypnotic rhythm of drums.

• What to see: The vibrant Lion Dance (Barongsai) performances usually perform a cleansing ritual here before moving through the streets. It is an authentic slice of culture amidst the tourist hustle.

2. Catch the Lion Dances (Barongsai)

If you are staying in the south, you don’t need to go far to see the acrobatics of the Lion Dance.

• Beachwalk Shopping Centre (Kuta): Usually hosts grand performances in the open-air atrium.
• Trans Studio Mall (Denpasar): A great spot for families, offering indoor performances that escape the February humidity.

3. Host a "Prosperity" Pool Party

In Chinese culture, Red is the colour of luck, joy, and prosperity. If you are staying in a private villa, why not create your own "Pool of Fortune"?

At Grazie Bali, we specialise in transforming villa pools into visual masterpieces. For Chinese New Year, we recommend:

• The "Red Sea" Flower Pool: We fill your pool with thousands of fresh red rose petals. It is not just incredibly photogenic; it sets a tone of abundance for the year ahead.
• The Prosperity Floating Tray: Customise your floating breakfast with red-themed treats. Think Dragon Fruit Smoothie Bowls, Watermelon Juices, and Strawberry Platters.

4. The Family Reunion Dinner (In-Villa)

The most important part of Chinese New Year is the reunion dinner. But who wants to battle traffic to get to a crowded restaurant?

Order a Group Floating Feast to your villa. We can cater for families and groups of friends, delivering a spread of croissants, tropical fruits, and Indonesian favourites like Nasi Goreng (a hit with everyone) directly to your pool. It is a modern twist on the traditional communal meal—relaxed, private, and utterly memorable.

Celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse in Style

Whether you are watching the Lion Dance in Kuta or lounging in a red-petal pool in Seminyak, Bali is a magical place to ring in the Lunar New Year.