Which calendar determines the date of the Chinese New Year, making it different from December 31 celebrations?

The Chinese lunisolar calendar determines the date of Chinese New Year, making it different from December 31 celebrations. Chinese New Year begins on the first day of the first month of the traditional calendar, usually between January 21 and February 20 in the Gregorian calendar.

Because the calendar follows both lunar phases and the solar year, the date changes annually. A regular year has 12 lunar months, while an occasional leap month keeps the calendar aligned with the seasons. The festival lasts well beyond one night and traditionally culminates with the Lantern Festival on the fifteenth day.

The celebration is also called the Spring Festival in mainland China. It includes family reunions, red decorations, gift-giving, lion or dragon dances, and fireworks in places where they are permitted. It is not the same event as the globally common Gregorian New Year's Eve on December 31.