Chinese New Year’s Eve in Taiwan
Chinese New Year’s Eve falls on the last day of the twelfth lunar month and begins a holiday period centered on family reunion. In Taiwan, many families gather for a special dinner, while public holiday schedules affect work and some businesses.[1][2]
Date and public holiday status
The date changes each year because it follows the lunar calendar. Taiwan’s Directorate-General of Personnel Administration identifies Lunar New Year’s Eve as the final day of the twelfth lunar month. Its rules set a five-day Lunar New Year holiday for government agencies, beginning the day before New Year’s Eve and continuing through the third day of the first lunar month; agencies that provide year-round services may adjust their schedules.[3]
For workers covered by Taiwan’s Labor Standards Act, Lunar New Year’s Eve and the Lunar New Year period are national holidays with paid time off when they fall on a scheduled workday. Part-time workers are included. If a national holiday falls on a worker’s regular day off, a substitute holiday must be arranged; its date is set by agreement between the employer and worker.[2]
A family reunion and a fresh start
Taiwan’s Tourism Administration describes Lunar New Year as the island’s most important holiday. Before it, families clean their homes and put auspicious Chinese characters on doors and windows, practices associated with clearing away misfortune and welcoming a fresh start.[1]
The central New Year’s Eve custom is a family dinner. The Tourism Administration also notes that families prepare rice cakes, whose name sounds like a wish to rise higher in the new year. At midnight, firecrackers welcome the year ahead. Families may follow different rituals and serve different dishes.[1]
What visitors should expect
Government offices follow the official work calendar, with schedule adjustments possible for agencies that maintain public services. Shops may close during the Lunar New Year period, while convenience stores are generally listed as open daily; restaurants’ hours can vary. Check individual opening hours before traveling or making plans.[3][4]
The holiday is part of the wider Lunar New Year, observed in many places according to a lunisolar calendar. In Taiwan, the reunion dinner on New Year’s Eve is a defining moment of the holiday period.[1]
Frequently asked questions
When is Chinese New Year’s Eve in Taiwan?
It is the last day of the twelfth lunar month, so its Gregorian date changes each year.[3]
Is Chinese New Year’s Eve a day off?
It is a national holiday for workers covered by Taiwan’s Labor Standards Act. If it coincides with a worker’s regular day off, a substitute holiday must be arranged.[2]
Are shops and restaurants open?
Some shops close during Lunar New Year, while convenience stores are generally listed as open daily. Restaurant schedules vary, so check ahead.[4]
What do families do on New Year’s Eve?
The Tourism Administration describes a family reunion dinner as the central custom. It also mentions rice cakes and midnight firecrackers welcoming the New Year.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Chinese New Year's Eve in Taiwan:
- Traditional Festivals- Tourism Administration, Republic of China (Taiwan)
- 國定假日及補假- Ministry of Labor, Republic of China (Taiwan)
- 2027 Work Calendar- Directorate-General of Personnel Administration, Executive Yuan
- Useful Tips- Tourism Administration, Republic of China (Taiwan)