Ring in 2026: New Year's Eve Events in Beijing

As the year 2025 draws to a close, Beijing transforms into a dazzling wonderland, perfectly blending ancient traditions with modern spectacle. Forget the typical countdown—the capital city offers a spectacular range of parties, cultural immersions, and culinary feasts to usher in 2026.

If you are planning your New Year's trip, here is your guide to the best celebrations happening across Beijing, categorized for easy planning.

🌃 Outdoor Spectacles & Urban Energy

For those who want to experience the city's vibrant pulse under the New Year sky, these outdoor venues offer massive celebrations, local markets, and thrilling countdowns:

• Sanlitun Big Lucky Live Party: Join the biggest urban party at Sanlitun Taikoo Li North Plaza. Expect an open-air live music festival featuring popular bands and unique Beijing-style cover songs. The night culminates in a massive zero-hour countdown and a heartfelt balloon release for good fortune. (Dec 31, 8:00 PM–12:00 AM).

• Nanluoguxiang Folk Market: Dive into Beijing's rich heritage at this historic hutong. The market hosts over 50 stalls selling authentic handicrafts and local snacks. Enjoy traditional performances like the dragon dance, shadow puppets, and Jingyun Dagu (Beijing drums). The area stays open late to welcome the new year. (Dec 31, 5:00 PM–12:00 AM).

• Shichahai New Year’s Eve Carnival: Celebrate near the frozen lakes of Shichahai. This event features a winter ice rink, a vibrant folk market, traditional opera flashes, and lantern shows around the scenic hutongs. You can even try your hand at DIY bīng táng húlu (candied haws). The fun lasts until 1:00 AM. (Dec 31, 6:00 PM–Jan 1, 1:00 AM).

• Blue Harbor Cheese Theme Market: Experience a more international vibe at the Solana Blue Harbor. The area is transformed into a market focused on gourmet cheese and global snacks, complete with dazzling light shows and live band performances late into the night. (Dec 31–Jan 4, 10:00 AM–12:00 AM).

• Mutianyu Great Wall Sunrise Viewing: Start 2026 on a majestic note by joining the unique sunrise viewing ceremony atop the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall. Tickets are required, but the registration is free, offering a spectacular start to your New Year's Day. (Jan 1, 6:00 AM–8:30 AM). Check Mutianyu one-Day trip here.

  

  
  

🎢 Thrills and Magic at Theme Parks

Theme parks offer controlled, high-energy celebrations, making them a popular choice for families and groups looking for guaranteed excitement and spectacular shows.

• Universal Beijing Resort (UBR) New Year's Eve Magic Night: UBR extends its operating hours until 1:00 AM, featuring an upgraded Hogwarts Castle light show and a special New Year's Eve parade. The event promises a spectacular zero-hour countdown and the release of limited-edition Year of the Snake merchandise. (Dec 31, 8:30 AM–Jan 1, 1:00 AM).

• Beijing Happy Valley Fireworks Gala: Known for its massive celebrations, Happy Valley offers extended night rides, a spectacular fireworks display, and a huge crowd countdown. Look out for the special "Beijing Non-Heritage Parade" and a "Old Beijing Food Market." (Dec 31, 9:00 AM–12:00 AM).

• Beijing Expo Park Ice and Snow Carnival: The vast park hosts a major winter festival complete with skiing slopes, ice sculptures, bumper cars on ice, light shows, and folk performances, all set against the backdrop of the park's impressive architecture. (Dec 31, 10:00 AM–12:00 AM).

• Nangong Hot Spring Resort Party: Escape the cold with an indoor/outdoor hot spring experience. The resort features festive decorations, folk performances, a bonfire, and a special "cold fireworks" display at midnight, perfect for couples and families seeking relaxation. (Dec 31, 3:00 PM–Jan 1, 12:30 AM).

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🖼️ Cultural Immersion & Festive Exhibitions

Explore the artistic and historical side of the New Year with these unique exhibitions, many of which are extending their hours specifically for the holiday.

• China Intangible Cultural Heritage Museum: "The Spring Festival Exhibition": This massive exhibition features over 120 intangible cultural heritage items related to the Spring Festival. On New Year's Eve, the museum hosts a special "Museum Night" event, extending hours until 9:00 PM. (Dec 21–Mar 2, extended to 9:00 PM on NYE).

• "Jingyun Impressions" Beijing Art Exhibition: A collaboration of local artists focusing on the iconic scenes of Beijing, including the Forbidden City, hutongs, and local life. The exhibition encourages interaction and is a great spot for cultural photo opportunities. (Dec 15–Jan 20, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM).

• "Old Beijing Hutong Memories" Photo Exhibition: Take a nostalgic trip through the city's past with old photos and artifacts capturing the life in Beijing's courtyards (siheyuan) and along the old city walls. (Dec 10–Jan 20, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM).

• The 28th Beijing Anime Carnival: For pop culture fans, the carnival features cosplay showcases, merchandise bazaars, special guest signings, and interactive games, drawing a large crowd of young enthusiasts. (Jan 1–Jan 3, 9:30 AM–5:00 PM)

  

  
  

🍽️ A Culinary Toast to the New Year

No celebration is complete without an unforgettable meal. Beijing’s top dining spots offer special New Year’s Eve menus ranging from classic imperial cuisine to modern fusion feasts.

• China World Summit Wing (Guomao) Sky View Dinner: Reserve a spot at a high-altitude restaurant in the CBD for a luxury set menu (steak, seafood platters, custom desserts). At midnight, you get a spectacular panoramic view of the CBD lights and the city skyline. Reservation recommended. (Dec 31, 6:00 PM–12:00 AM).

• Beijing Hotel City View Dinner: Enjoy a classic East-meets-West fusion banquet at this historic hotel, featuring Peking Duck truffle rolls and other innovative dishes. The dining room offers a coveted view of the lights along Chang'an Avenue. Reservation required. (Dec 31, 6:00 PM–12:00 AM).

• Quanjude Peking Duck Family Banquet: Celebrate with a traditional reunion dinner at the century-old Quanjude. Their special New Year set menu includes their famous roast duck, duck soup, and classic Beijing snacks like Aiwowo. Reservation recommended. (Dec 28–Jan 3).

• Donglaishun Mutton Hot Pot Set: Warm up with a premium copper hot pot set from the historic Donglaishun restaurant. The meal features hand-sliced mutton, tripe, and traditional sides, perfect for a cozy winter gathering. (Dec 20–Jan 5).

• Wangfujing Snack Street Food Market: If you prefer street food, visit the bustling Wangfujing snack street, which hosts a festive market offering everything from chaogan (liver stew) to candied haws. Enjoy quick bites while local performers showcase Jingju (Peking Opera). (Dec 31, 10:00 AM–Jan 1, 1:00 AM).

  

  
  

Ready to plan your unforgettable trip? We can help you secure reservations for the most popular dining events and purchase tickets for the theme parks and major exhibitions.

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