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18 designs to make your Chinese New Year nails the ‘mane’ event

By Jess Watts | 23 January 2026 | Feature, Nail Art

Chinese New Year 2026 nail art lead image courtesy of Instagram.com/emilygossipnails

Chinese New Year begins on 16 February 2026, marking one of the most significant celebrations in the lunar calendar.

The festivities are characterised by firework displays, cultural traditions and communal gatherings, culminating in the annual Lantern Festival.

Each year is associated with one of the 12 zodiac animals, with 2026 ushering in the Year of the Horse, or more specifically, the Fire Horse. This sign brings themes of vitality, progress and action, with the last Year of the Horse falling in 2014 and the next in 2038.

Take a look at these Chinese New Year nail looks to help welcome the Year of the Horse…

Image courtesy of Instagram.com/airi_nailartist
Image courtesy of Instagram.com/clawsbyjulie
Image courtesy of Instagram.com/gellybyviv
Image courtesy of Instagram.com/alashijx06
Image courtesy of Instagram.com/lechatviolet91
Image courtesy of Instagram.com/sulysnailography
Image courtesy of Instagram.com/prismofrachel
Image courtesy of Instagram.com/peppermint.nails
Image courtesy of Instagram.com/emilygossipnails
Image courtesy of Instagram.com/riellnails
Image courtesy of Instagram.com/sumikanails
Image courtesy of Instagram.com/krestikc_nails