Chinese New Year 2026 Lion Dance Highlights: From The St. Regis KL to Neighbourhood Shops

Chinese New Year 2026, the Year of the Horse, was the busiest lion dance season yet for TianDi Dragon & Lion Dance Team. Our lions performed everywhere from the ballroom of The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur to neighbourhood kopitiams and shops across the Klang Valley, and we unveiled new gold and red lions to welcome the year.

Quick facts

• Season: Chinese New Year 2026, Year of the Horse
• Highlight venue: The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur ballroom
• New for 2026: A gold pair of lions and a new red lion
• Areas covered: Kuala Lumpur and the Klang Valley

Why is lion dance performed at Chinese New Year?

Lion dance (舞狮) is performed at Chinese New Year to chase away bad luck from the old year and welcome prosperity, health, and good fortune for the new one. The thunder of the drum and the crash of the cymbals are believed to scare off misfortune, and the lion's blessing brings luck to the home or business it visits.

For businesses, the season is also about 开工, the first day back at work after the holidays. A lion dance on reopening day sets the tone for a prosperous year.

What were the highlights of CNY 2026?

A ballroom celebration at The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur

One of the standout performances of the season took place in the ballroom of The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur. The drum echoed off the chandeliers as the lions wove between banquet tables, greeted guests, and delivered their blessing to the room.

Neighbourhood blessings

A few days later, the same lions were blessing a local kopitiam. That range is what we love most about the season. The blessing carries the same meaning in a five-star ballroom and on a busy five-foot way.

New lions for the Year of the Horse

To welcome 2026, we unveiled new lions: a majestic gold pair and a fresh red lion. Gold stands for wealth and prosperity, and red for luck and joy, which made them a natural fit for the new year.

What does a CNY lion dance performance include?

A typical Chinese New Year lion dance with TianDi includes:

• The lion's entrance with drums, cymbals, and gong
• Bows and blessings to the hosts and guests
• 采青 (plucking the greens), where the lion takes a bundle of greens with a red packet and scatters them as a sign of wealth
• A closing blessing for the year ahead

Curious about what to prepare? Read our guide to angpow and greens for lion dance.

When should you book a CNY lion dance?

CNY dates fill up months ahead. The most requested slots are:

1. The first two days of the new year
2. Business reopening days (开工)
3. Weekends during the fifteen days of celebration, up to Chap Goh Mei

Planning for next year? Chinese New Year 2027 falls on 6 February 2027. Our CNY 2027 booking guide covers dates, timing, and what to prepare.

Frequently asked questions

How early should I book a lion dance for Chinese New Year?

Book as early as possible, ideally two to three months ahead for the first days of the new year and for reopening days.

Do you perform at homes as well as businesses?

Yes. We perform at homes, shops, offices, restaurants, hotels, and malls.

How much does a Chinese New Year lion dance cost in KL?

Pricing depends on the number of lions, length of performance, date, and venue. Chinese New Year is peak season. See what affects the price or WhatsApp us for a free quote.

Book your next Chinese New Year performance

The earlier you reach out, the better your choice of date and time. Get in touch and we will reply within 24 hours.