Chinese New Year 2027 (农历新年, Year of the Goat) begins on Saturday 6 February 2027, with 6 and 7 February listed as public holidays in the official 2027 schedule. The festive season runs for 15 days and closes with Chap Goh Mei (元宵, the 15th night), which falls on Saturday 20 February 2027.
Penang is one of the best places in Malaysia to experience CNY. The highlight for many is the Kek Lok Si Temple in Air Itam, where more than 10,000 lanterns plus thousands of neon and LED lights are switched on for the season. In George Town, Khoo Kongsi and the waterfront Clan Jetties are known for lion dances and red lanterns, and the Hokkien community celebrates the Jade Emperor's birthday (Pai Ti Kong, 拜天公) with offerings around the ninth day. On Chap Goh Mei, young singles traditionally toss mandarin oranges into the sea along the Esplanade.
Who is it for? Everyone: families, photographers and first-time visitors who want to see Penang at its most festive. Note that many hawkers and family-run shops close for the first few days, so plan meals around malls and bigger restaurants.
Official programmes, such as the Kek Lok Si lighting ceremony and any state open house, are usually announced in January. We will add dates and venues once they are confirmed.
Highlights
- Public holidays Sat 6 & Sun 7 Feb 2027
- Kek Lok Si lantern light-up
- Lion dances at clan houses and the Clan Jetties
- Chap Goh Mei orange-throwing at the Esplanade (20 Feb 2027)
Tips
- Hotels and flights fill up fast; book early.
- Many hawkers close on days 1–3, so check before travelling across town for a favourite stall.
Not yet confirmed by the organiser: timeText, Kek Lok Si lighting ceremony date, state open house, venue address. We'll update this page when details are published.
How to get there
Kek Lok Si Temple & venues across Penang. Rapid Penang buses from Komtar to Air Itam for Kek Lok Si; expect heavy traffic and road closures around George Town heritage sites. Open in Google Maps or open in Waze.
More festivals in Penang · What's on in Air Itam & Paya Terubong · Penang festive events from Deepavali to Chinese New Year
Information from HR Online – Malaysia 2027 public holidays (CNY 6 Feb 2027), OnPenang – Penang festivals 2026–2027 (CNY 6–20 Feb 2027), VisitPenang festival calendar 2026–2027 (Chap Goh Mei 20 Feb 2027, expected), NST – Kek Lok Si lights up with 10,000 lanterns (2026 context). Last verified .
Details change — confirm with the organiser before you go. Spotted an error? Tell us.
