Guide

Chinese New Year in Penang, through to Chap Goh Meh

By Covered Abroad Research Desk · Last verified July 2026

Chinese New Year in Penang runs for 15 days, from the reunion dinner on the eve to Chap Goh Meh — Hokkien for the 15th night — which the Penang state government celebrates every year with cultural performances and games. In 2027, Chinese New Year falls on Saturday 6 February, so Chap Goh Meh is 20 February.

The new year and the reunion dinner

Tourism Malaysia describes Chinese New Year as the start of a new beginning — and for some families, the one time of year when everyone sits down to dinner together and catches up with old friends and relatives. The eve is celebrated, in its words, "with a big bang".

In Penang, the season builds from the eve right through to the fifteenth night.

Sources: Tourism Malaysia — Chap Goh Meh; Penang Global Tourism — Request for Proposal, Chap Goh Meh Festival 2026; Kemenko PMK (Indonesia) — 2027 national holidays, listing Lunar New Year on 6 February 2027; all read 8 October 2026.

Chap Goh Meh, Penang's grand finale

According to Penang Global Tourism, the Penang state government organises a Chap Goh Meh celebration every year for the public, with cultural performances and games. Chap Goh Meh means the 15th night of Chinese New Year in Hokkien and marks the end of the celebrations — celebrated, Penang Global Tourism says, with much joy and festivity, much like the eve itself. In 2026 the state's celebration was set for 3 March.

Tourism Malaysia adds the traditions: Chap Goh Meh is the Lantern Festival, also known as Yuan Xiao Jie, and is often called the Chinese Valentine's Day. Unmarried women traditionally throw tangerines into the sea or a river in the hope of finding a good husband.

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2027 dates

Chinese New Year follows the lunar calendar, so its date moves each year. Indonesia's official 2027 holiday list puts the Lunar New Year on Saturday 6 February 2027. Counting fifteen nights from New Year's Day, Chap Goh Meh falls on Saturday 20 February 2027.

Watch Penang Global Tourism's announcements nearer the time for the state celebration's programme and venue — and if you're new to Penang, this is a wonderful fortnight to arrive.

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Common questions

What is Chap Goh Meh?

The 15th night of Chinese New Year in Hokkien, marking the end of the celebrations. The Penang state government celebrates it every year with cultural performances and games.

When is Chinese New Year in 2027?

Saturday 6 February 2027, according to Indonesia's official 2027 holiday list. Chap Goh Meh, fifteen nights later, falls on 20 February.

Why do people throw tangerines at Chap Goh Meh?

Tourism Malaysia explains that unmarried women traditionally throw tangerines into the sea or a river, hoping to find a good husband.

Why is Chap Goh Meh called Chinese Valentine's Day?

Tourism Malaysia relates the folklore that it was once the one night young women could go out to visit temples, giving young men a chance to see them.