What date marks the start of the Chinese New Year, which is celebrated with a New Year's Eve reunion dinner?

Chinese New Year starts on the first day of the lunisolar year, following the new moon that falls between January 21 and February 20 in the Gregorian calendar. The preceding evening is Chinese New Year's Eve, when families commonly share a reunion dinner.

Because the date follows a lunisolar calendar, Chinese New Year moves each year rather than occurring on January 1. Festivities can last about fifteen days and conclude with the Lantern Festival. Customs include red decorations, envelopes containing money, ancestor remembrance, fireworks in some places and regional foods.

“Chinese New Year” is widely used internationally, while “Lunar New Year” can refer to several different calendars and cultures. The holiday is also called Spring Festival in mainland China. The reunion dinner belongs to New Year's Eve, whereas the first day begins the official holiday and carries its own visiting and greeting customs.