🏙️ Old Phuket Town – Heart of the Festivities
Chinese New Year is one of the most vibrant and culturally rich times to visit Phuket, and Old Phuket Town is the heart of the island’s celebrations. In 2026, Chinese New Year (the Year of the Fire Horse) falls on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
While the official day is February 17, festivities in Phuket’s Old Town typically spread over several days — with decorations, ceremonies, parades and celebrations happening from February 16–19, 2026 and beyond.
Here’s a guide to the main events, dates, times and locations so you don’t miss a moment:
🐉 Dragon & Lion Street Parades
📍 Location: Thalang Road, Dibuk Road & Phang Nga Road (Old Town core)
📅 Dates:
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Feb 16, 2026 (New Year’s Eve — preparations & early performances)
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Feb 17, 2026 (Chinese New Year’s Day — main parade)
⏰ Time: -
Afternoon: 15:00 – 18:00
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Main evening parade: 18:30 – 21:30
The dragon and lion dances bring the streets alive with rhythm, colour and energy. These parades are a highlight for both locals and visitors, winding through the lantern-lit streets of Old Town.
Best spot for viewing: Thalang Road — especially between Soi Romanee and Ranong Road.
⛩️ Jui Tui Shrine Ceremonies
📍 Location: Soi Phuthon (near Ranong Road)
📅 Dates:
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Feb 16–18, 2026
⏰ Time: -
Morning prayers: 06:00 – 10:00
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Lion dances & offerings: 09:00 – 16:00
Jui Tui Shrine is one of Phuket’s most important Chinese shrines. During Chinese New Year, families and worshippers fill the courtyard with incense, offerings and firecracker blessings, while lion dance troupes perform throughout the day.
Pro tip: Visit in the morning to see traditional rituals with fewer crowds.
⛩️ Shrine of the Serene Light (Saengtham Shrine)
📍 Location: Phang Nga Road
📅 Dates:
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Feb 17–19, 2026
⏰ Time: 08:00 – 17:00
This smaller shrine on Phang Nga Road offers a quieter, more reflective place for prayers and blessings during the New Year period, while still being decorated with lanterns and traditional offerings.
🎆 Evening Street Celebrations & Markets
📍 Location: Thalang Road & surrounding streets
📅 Date: Feb 17 & Feb 18, 2026
⏰ Time: 17:00 – 22:00
As night falls, Old Phuket Town turns into a colourful festival zone. Street food vendors set up stalls, cultural performances take place on outdoor stages, and live music fills the air — all with Chinese New Year decorations and lanterns lighting the scene.
🕰️ Quick Planning Tips for 2026
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Key date: Tuesday, February 17, 2026 — Chinese New Year’s Day (Year of the Fire Horse).
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Best time to explore: Evenings around 17:00–22:00 for parades and markets.
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Ideal areas: Thalang Road (main celebrations), shrine areas on Ranong & Phang Nga Roads.
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Dress code: Wear red or gold for good luck — a common local tradition.
Whether you’re here for the dragon parades, traditional shrine ceremonies, or lively night markets, Old Phuket Town offers a uniquely festive way to celebrate Chinese New Year in 2026.