Tet Nguyen Dan 2026 begins on the 1st day of the first lunar month in the Year of Binh Ngo, which is Tuesday, February 17, 2026
Tet Nguyen Dan 2026 begins on the 1st day of the first lunar month in the Year of Binh Ngo, which is Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Tet, short for Tet Nguyen Dan, is the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. In 2026, Tet begins on February 17, the same day Lunar New Year starts across many Asian cultures. For Vietnamese families around the world, Tet is the most important holiday of the year.

If you are new to Tet, here is what you need to know.

What Is Tet?

Tet marks the arrival of spring based on the lunar calendar. It is a time for family reunions, honoring ancestors, and welcoming a fresh start.

While many people use the term “Chinese New Year,” Tet has its own customs, foods, and cultural identity. The date is shared, but the traditions are distinct.

For Vietnamese communities in the United States, Canada, the UK, and Australia, Tet is both a cultural celebration and a way to stay connected to heritage.

Read more: Vietnamese Tet (Lunar New Year): Dates, Holidays and Celebrations

Key Tet Traditions

1. Cleaning the House

Families clean and decorate their homes before Tet. This symbolizes sweeping away bad luck from the old year and preparing for new opportunities.

2. Ancestral Offerings

Many households prepare a small altar with food, fruit, and incense to honor ancestors. It is a moment of gratitude and remembrance.

3. Red Envelopes (Li Xi)

Children and unmarried adults often receive red envelopes containing lucky money. The red color represents good fortune and prosperity.

4. Visiting Family and Friends

The first days of Tet are dedicated to visiting relatives, teachers, and close friends. Respect and well wishes are central themes.

Read more: How to Say 'Happy Lunar New Year' in Chinese: Key Phrases, Greetings

Traditional Tet Foods

Food plays a major role during Tet. Popular dishes include:

  • Banh Chung or Banh Tet (sticky rice cakes with pork and mung bean)

  • Pickled vegetables

  • Boiled chicken

  • Candied fruits and seeds for guests

In Western countries, many Vietnamese families adapt recipes using locally available ingredients while preserving the symbolic meaning of the dishes.

How Non-Asian Families Can Celebrate Tet 2026

You do not need Vietnamese heritage to appreciate Tet. Here are simple ways to participate:

  • Learn about the Year of the Horse and zodiac traditions

  • Cook or order Vietnamese New Year dishes

  • Give small red envelopes to children with positive wishes

  • Visit a local Tet festival or cultural event

  • Teach children about global New Year traditions

The key is respect and curiosity. Tet is about renewal, gratitude, and connection.

Why Tet Matters Globally in 2026

As Western societies become more multicultural, understanding holidays like Tet fosters inclusion. Schools increasingly include Lunar New Year lessons. Cities host public festivals. Businesses acknowledge the holiday in marketing campaigns.

Tet 2026 offers an opportunity for families of all backgrounds to learn, celebrate, and connect.

Read more: Lunar New Year 2026: What the Year of the Horse Means

FAQs

When is Tet 2026?

Tet 2026 begins on February 17, 2026.

Is Tet the same as Chinese New Year?

They share the same date but have different cultural traditions.

What does Tet celebrate?

Tet celebrates the lunar new year, family reunion, and honoring ancestors.