Lunar New Year travel and entertainment surge as millions mark Feb. 17 holiday

Cities across East Asia are bracing for a massive influx of travelers and a bump in entertainment demand for Lunar New Year on Feb. 17, 2026 ET. Airlines, rail networks and movie theaters are reporting heightened bookings and special programming aimed at families and tourists celebrating the holiday, which industry officials say will provide an early boost to regional box office and hospitality sectors.

Transport networks face heavy loads as holiday travel peaks

Rail hubs and airports in key markets are operating at near-capacity as travelers head home or fly for family reunions. Authorities have added extra services and extended operating hours to manage the crush of passengers, with travel firms noting booking volumes that match or exceed pre-pandemic Lunar New Year seasons. Popular domestic routes and cross-border links into major cultural centers are the busiest, and officials have urged passengers to arrive early, expect crowds and prepare for delays during the holiday window.

Tourism and hospitality businesses report a marked uptick in last-minute reservations for the long weekend. Hotels in major cities are running special festive packages, and restaurants are promoting holiday menus tied to traditional New Year fare. The travel surge is expected to spill into local retail and entertainment, with many families planning leisure outings and moviegoing as part of their celebrations.

Cinemas and streaming services roll out Lunar New Year programming

Movie theaters are capitalizing on the holiday foot traffic with expanded schedules and family-friendly matinees, while distributors are timing key releases to coincide with the Lunar New Year window. The holiday is historically one of the biggest box-office periods in several East Asian markets, and this year’s slate includes a mix of comedies, star-led family dramas and animated features aimed at drawing multi-generational audiences.

Exhibitors are also promoting themed screenings and limited-time concessions tied to New Year traditions. Streaming platforms have responded with curated collections and holiday specials to capture at-home viewers who choose to celebrate domestically. Analysts expect the combination of reopened travel, strong promotional activity and a competitive release schedule to produce a notable bump in admissions and viewership over the holiday span.

Public celebrations, safety and economic ripple effects

Public festivities — from lantern displays to street parades — are set to return in full in many cities, attracting both locals and visitors. Authorities emphasize public safety measures and crowd control plans for major sites, and organizers are coordinating with transport operators to stagger event times and reduce congestion.

Economic observers forecast a short-term boost to retail, dining and cultural venues as consumer spending rises around the festivities. For the entertainment sector, Lunar New Year provides a crucial early-year revenue window that can influence release strategies and marketing spend for the months ahead. Industry professionals will be closely watching box-office returns and audience behavior over the holiday to gauge momentum for spring releases.

As millions commence travel and celebrations on Feb. 17, 2026 ET, the combined movement of people and programming highlights the enduring cultural and commercial importance of Lunar New Year across the region.