Chinese New Year Celebrations 2027

Indonesia has one of the largest overseas Chinese populations in Southeast Asia, and Lunar New Year (Imlek) is a national public holiday celebrated publicly and enthusiastically in cities across the archipelago. The 2027 celebrations mark the Year of the Goat, with the date falling on 6 February.

Where to See the Best Celebrations

Singkawang, West Kalimantan is widely regarded as the best place in Indonesia to witness Chinese New Year. The city’s population is majority Hakka Chinese, and the festival here is extraordinary: Cap Go Meh (the 15th and final night) draws hundreds of thousands of visitors for a procession of tatung — spirit mediums in trance who perform feats such as piercing their cheeks with skewers without bleeding. The streets are wall-to-wall with lanterns, firecrackers, and food stalls for the full two weeks. Flights run from Jakarta and Pontianak to Singkawang.

Glodok, Jakarta is the capital’s Chinatown and the most accessible option for visitors already in Java. The main temple, Vihara Dharma Bhakti, holds ceremonies through the night on New Year’s Eve; the streets around Hayam Wuruk fill with stalls and performers. Book accommodation in central Jakarta well in advance as Glodok’s own guesthouses fill quickly.

Medan, North Sumatra has a large Hokkien and Teochew community. Celebrations concentrate around Kampung Keling and Kesawan Square, with lion dance performances, lantern displays and temple visits running through the 15-day festival period.

What to Expect

Festivities begin on New Year’s Eve with family reunions and temple prayers, then continue for 15 days through Cap Go Meh. Dragon and lion dance troupes perform at temples, shopping malls and businesses. Firecrackers are legal in parts of Indonesia (check local rules) and can be deafening in Singkawang. Red lanterns, red envelopes (angpao) and elaborate temple offerings are everywhere.

Practical Information

If you plan to visit Singkawang, book flights and hotels two to three months ahead — the city’s limited accommodation sells out fast. For Glodok, central Jakarta hotels are plentiful; the area is easily reached by TransJakarta bus or ride-share from most of the city. Wear comfortable shoes and keep bags close in crowded street celebrations. Dress code at temples is modest — shoulders and knees covered.

For planning your time in Jakarta, see our Jakarta city guide.