For Kuala Lumpur, Chinese New Year 2027 means a long weekend. The festival falls on Saturday, 6 February, and 6 and 7 February are public holidays, with 8 February also off. Lion dances, lanterns and open houses spread across the city, and most of the visible action gathers at Petaling Street in Chinatown and at Thean Hou Temple.
What to expect
Petaling Street is the usual centre of the city’s Lunar New Year mood. Thean Hou Temple draws those who want to see prayers and temple customs. No tickets are needed for either, since this is a free public festival and temple visits cost nothing. Dress modestly at religious sites and arrive early, because crowds build quickly. Many Chinese-run shops close for the first few days of the holiday, so check opening hours before you go.
Behind the public spectacle sits a long list of home traditions. Families clean the house thoroughly beforehand to sweep out bad luck, then hide the brooms on New Year’s Day so the good luck stays. The eve brings a family-only reunion dinner, often built around yee sang, a raw fish and vegetable salad that diners toss high with chopsticks while calling out wishes for prosperity. From the next day many households throw open their doors to friends and even strangers. Red ang pao packets of money go to children, and lion and dragon dances turn up at homes, condominiums and shopping malls. The celebration runs for 15 days, ending with Chap Goh Mei, when houses are lit with bright lanterns.
Getting around
From the central part of the city, Petaling Street is about ten minutes by Grab. Rail works too: the LRT Kelana Jaya Line runs from KLCC station to Pasar Seni, near the market. Thean Hou Temple is about 15 minutes by Grab. Expect traffic and busy transport over the holiday weekend.
Where to stay
Cormar Suites, a four-star hotel at 10 Jalan Perak in central Kuala Lumpur, offers suites with kitchens and living space, useful for a family reunion meal, plus a rooftop infinity pool. It is about ten minutes by Grab from Petaling Street. Our full event guide is here: Chinese New Year 2027 in Kuala Lumpur, KL event guide. Event dates sell out fast, so book direct with Cormar early for the best available rate.
Sources
- Chinese New Year 2027: Tickets & Where to Stay
- Chinese New Year 2027 and 2028 – PublicHolidays.com.my
