What to Write in Chinese New Year Card

June 12, 2025

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Chinese New Year 2026 Wishes
Year of the Horse Greetings
Short Wishes in Chinese + Pinyin
Business and Professional Greetings
Warm Wishes for Family and Friends
2026 FAQs

Chinese New Year 2026 Wishes

Ring in 2026 with messages that feel timely and hopeful. Use these lines as your card opener or as a short sign-off.

Happy Chinese New Year 2026. Wishing you health, steady growth, and good luck all year.
New year, new energy. May 2026 bring peace at home and progress at work.
Sending warm wishes for a safe and prosperous 2026 to you and your family.
May your 2026 be filled with small wins that add up to big joy.
Cheers to 2026. More kindness, more comfort, more good news ahead.
From our family to yours, happy Chinese New Year 2026. Thank you for being part of our story.

Shop CNY cards: Chinese New Year Greeting Cards · Assorted Card Sets

Year of the Horse Greetings

The Horse symbolizes momentum, vitality, and courage. These classic idioms and lines highlight speed and success in the new year.

Classic idioms for the Horse

马到成功 (mǎ dào chéng gōng) — May success arrive as swiftly as a horse.
龙马精神 (lóng mǎ jīng shén) — Wishing you the vigor and spirit of a dragon-horse.
一马当先 (yī mǎ dāng xiān) — May you take the lead and set the pace.
万事顺遂 (wàn shì shùn suì) — May everything go smoothly.

Year of the Horse card lines

Year of the Horse blessings to you. 马到成功 in every plan you start.
Wishing you 龙马精神 all year. May energy and courage carry you forward.
To new paths and bold ideas. 一马当先 in 2026.
May this Horse year bring quick wins, steady progress, and good health.
Happy Year of the Horse. May your steps be sure and your goals within reach.

Shop Lunar New Year Cards

Short Wishes in Chinese + Pinyin

新年快乐 (xīn nián kuài lè) — Happy New Year.
恭喜发财 (gōng xǐ fā cái) — Wishing you prosperity.
身体健康 (shēn tǐ jiàn kāng) — Wishing you good health.
万事如意 (wàn shì rú yì) — May everything go as you wish.
阖家幸福 (hé jiā xìng fú) — Happiness to your whole family.
学业进步 (xué yè jìn bù) — Progress in your studies.

Tip: you can pair 新年快乐 with an idiom, for example “新年快乐，马到成功”.

Business and Professional Greetings

Wishing you a prosperous Chinese New Year 2026. Thank you for your partnership and trust.
Happy Year of the Horse. May your team move with clarity, courage, and steady momentum.
New year blessings to you and your family. Looking forward to continued success together.
May 2026 bring productive projects, strong teamwork, and good health.
Appreciating our collaboration and wishing you 马到成功 in the year ahead.

Warm Wishes for Family and Friends

Wishing you peace at home and joy in every season. 新年快乐。
May the new year bring good meals, good rest, and good company.
To my family near and far, 恭喜发财 and a safe, healthy 2026.
Grateful for your friendship. Here is to small moments that make the year bright.
Health, comfort, and happy surprises in the Year of the Horse.

Browse more designs: Lunar New Year Cards

Shop Lunar New Year Cards

Chinese New Year cards are a thoughtful way to wish friends and family good fortune for the year ahead. Write short, sincere messages like “Wishing you prosperity and happiness” or “May your year be full of health and joy.” Below are message examples, greetings, and thank-you notes you can include.

Sending Chinese New Year cards is more than just a seasonal gesture—it’s a beautiful expression of connection, goodwill, and deep cultural tradition.

In many Asian cultures, particularly in China, gifting cards during the Lunar New Year is symbolic of sharing blessings and ushering in prosperity. While modern technology has shifted many toward digital greetings, a physical card still holds emotional value that resonates deeply.

It’s your opportunity to show appreciation, offer a prosperous year ahead, and mark the beginning of a fresh new year. Especially during the Chinese New Year—a time built on traditions, family, and reflection—a well-crafted message becomes more than words.

Moreover, in 2026, we're celebrating the Year of the Horse, a zodiac sign that symbolizes energy, optimism, and courage. Including references to the zodiac not only shows cultural awareness but also personalizes your lunar new year wishes with thoughtful detail.

Cultural Significance of the Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year (also known as Spring Festival or Lunar New Year) marks the most important traditional festival in the Chinese calendar. It celebrates the beginning of a new year on the lunar calendar and is filled with rituals meant to drive away bad luck and welcome fortune.

The holiday is deeply rooted in family values and cultural symbolism. Red is everywhere because it symbolizes luck and wards off evil spirits. Firecrackers are set off to scare away bad energy. Dumplings and rice cakes are served to bring in wealth and unity.

In this context, your New Year’s card becomes part of the celebration, a carrier of all the hopes, blessings, and good vibes meant to shape someone’s entire year.

What the 2026 Year of the Horse Represents

The Year of the Horse, which will be celebrated in 2026, is one of the most dynamic and energetic years in the Chinese zodiac cycle.

Those born in Horse years are said to embody qualities such as strength, determination, and a free spirit. It’s a sign of optimism and forward momentum, which makes it an ideal theme to incorporate into your New Year wishes.

The Horse also represents success and freedom. People born under this sign are believed to be intelligent, ambitious, and always moving forward. So, what better way to embrace the happy Chinese New Year than by tapping into these themes of courage, vitality, and progress in your Chinese New Year greeting card?

Phrases like “May the spirit of the Horse guide you to success” or “Gallop into 2026 with power and grace” give your message cultural relevance while making it feel uniquely tailored to this specific year.

General Chinese New Year Greetings

Classic Chinese New Year greetings never go out of style. These are phrases that resonate with everyone and carry the essence of the festival—luck, wealth, happiness, and good health.

Here are a few timeless classics to consider:

“Wishing you a New Year full of happiness, health, and prosperity!”
“Happy Chinese New Year! May good fortune find you wherever you go.”
“May your days be filled with joy and your year with success.”
“Gong Xi Fa Cai! Wishing you wealth and abundant happiness.” Pro Tip: Go with "Gong Hei Fat Choy" for Cantonese speakers!

These greetings are versatile, respectful, and culturally appropriate. You can also pair them with a zodiac-specific line to personalize it further.

Messages That Reflect Prosperity and Luck

Prosperity and luck are central to Chinese New Year celebrations. Writing a card that reflects these themes not only honors tradition but also aligns your wishes with what the recipient truly desires.

Here are a few thoughtful Lunar New Year wishes you can use:

“May your business flourish, your health strong, and your luck unshakable!”
“Wishing you a prosperous 2026, full of new adventures and big victories.”
“Here’s to new beginnings, fresh starts, and the good fortune that follows.”
“Let this new year open doors to success and happiness."
“Gallop into the Year of the Horse with courage and confidence—fortune favors the brave!”

Messages for Family and Loved Ones

Family is at the heart of Chinese New Year. When writing a card to close family members like your parents, siblings, or children, your year wishes should be full of emotion, respect, and warmth.

“Wishing you peace, love, and endless joy this wonderful Lunar New Year. Thank you for being the heart of our home.”
“Happy New Year! May our family be surrounded by harmony and happiness in the Year of the Horse.”
“To my dear family, thank you for your love and support. Let’s welcome a year of blessings together.”

Chinese New Year Wishes for Friends

Chinese New Year is a time for celebration with those we hold dear, and friends are an important part of that circle. Whether it’s a long-time best friend or a new acquaintance, sending a festive, cheerful New Year card helps to strengthen your bond and share in the good vibes of the season.

Here are some playful, friendly wishes:

“Happy Lunar New Year! May all your wishes come true and your days be full of red envelopes, loud laughter, and good food!”
“Wishing you good fortune, great memories, and endless laughter in the Year of the Horse!”
“Hope your dumplings are juicy, your fireworks are loud, and your luck never runs out!”
“Let’s ride into the Year of the Horse together—fast, free, and full of life! Happy Chinese New Year.”

Humor and warmth go a long way in friendship cards. Don't be afraid to add a personal touch like an inside joke, a shared memory, or plans for a get-together for the year ahead.

Funny & Modern Chinese New Year Greetings

A lighthearted message can make your Chinese New Year card even more memorable. These funny and modern greetings blend traditional wishes with a playful twist — perfect for friends, coworkers, or anyone who loves a good laugh.

Examples:

“Wishing you wealth, health, and unlimited dumplings this New Year 🥟💰.”
“May your red envelopes be thick and your workload thin.”
“New Year, same you — but richer and better dressed!”
“Here’s to more bubble tea, less bad luck, and all the good vibes this year.”
“Wishing you a year as lucky as finding the last mooncake.”
“No bad omens, just good snacks. Happy New Year!”
“May your chopsticks always find the best bite first.”
“Your year of the [insert zodiac animal] starts now — make it legendary.”

💡 Tip: Pair these messages with our cute or punny Lunar New Year cards for an extra smile.

Chinese New Year Thank You Card Messages

Sending a thank-you card during Chinese New Year is a thoughtful way to show gratitude for support, friendship, or gifts received over the past year. Here are a few ways to express appreciation while keeping with the spirit of the holiday:

Examples:

“Thank you for your kindness and generosity — wishing you a prosperous and joyful New Year.”
“Grateful for your support this past year. Here’s to new beginnings and good fortune ahead.”
“Wishing you happiness and continued success — thank you for being such an important part of my year.”
“Your thoughtfulness means so much. May this New Year bring you luck and laughter.”
“Thank you for the red envelope and the good energy — sending blessings your way for the year ahead!”
“Appreciating your friendship more than ever this New Year. Here’s to many more celebrations together.”

💌 A short thank-you message paired with a festive design makes your appreciation feel extra personal.

Conclusion: Make Your New Year Card Shine in 2026

Writing the perfect Happy New Year card isn’t about crafting something poetic or over-the-top—it’s about being thoughtful, intentional, and culturally mindful. Whether you’re writing to a parent, friend, colleague, or client, your message should reflect warmth, gratitude, and positive Lunar New Year wishes for the new year.

2026, the Year of the Horse, brings with it a fiery energy, optimism, and a call to chase dreams with confidence. Incorporating the Horse’s spirited nature into your cards makes your greetings not just timely, but meaningful. Whether you go traditional, heartfelt, funny, or poetic—what matters most is the sincerity behind your words.

Take a moment to consider who you’re writing to, what kind of energy you want to send them, and how you can make your words feel like a gift of their own. Happy writing, and may your own Year of the Horse be filled with abundance, joy, and exciting adventures!

More holiday greetings to read:

FAQs for 2026 and the Year of the Horse

What should I write in a Chinese New Year card for 2026?

Open with a timely wish (Happy Chinese New Year 2026), add a short blessing (health, prosperity, smooth progress), then personalize with a Horse-year idiom such as 马到成功 or 龙马精神.

What is a simple Year of the Horse greeting?

“Happy Year of the Horse. 马到成功 in all you do.” or “Wish you 龙马精神 and good health in 2026.”

What are the most common Chinese New Year phrases?

新年快乐 (xīn nián kuài lè), 恭喜发财 (gōng xǐ fā cái), 身体健康 (shēn tǐ jiàn kāng), 万事如意 (wàn shì rú yì).

Can I mix English with Chinese in the same card?

Yes. Many cards use an English line plus a short Chinese phrase with pinyin to keep it friendly and readable.

FAQs

What are some traditional Chinese New Year greetings in English?

Traditional greetings for a happy lunar new year include:

“Wishing you wealth and prosperity”
“May your year be filled with happiness and success”
“Gong Xi Fa Cai” (Wishing you prosperity)
“Happy Spring Festival!”

How do I personalize a Chinese New Year card for 2026?

Reference the Year of the Horse by including wishes for energy, strength, and forward momentum for a happy new year. For example: “Gallop into 2026 with the strength of a Horse and the courage to chase your dreams!”

Can I send a Chinese New Year card to non-Chinese friends?

Absolutely! Chinese New Year is celebrated worldwide and is a great opportunity to share joy and cultural traditions. Just be respectful and avoid clichés or stereotypes. Wish them good health and a happy lunar new year ahead.

Is it okay to write a Chinese New Year card in English?

Yes. While including a Chinese greeting like “Gong Xi Fa Cai” is appreciated, writing the full message in English is perfectly acceptable, especially if your recipient speaks English.

Related Asian New Year Traditions

Chinese New Year is one of several important New Year celebrations across Asia. In Southeast Asia, families celebrate Thai New Year, Cambodian New Year, and Laos New Year during April, often sharing similar wishes of renewal, prosperity, and good fortune.

If you are celebrating these holidays later in the year, you can explore Songkran greeting cards designed for Thai, Cambodian, and Lao New Year traditions:

Songkran Greeting Cards

You can also learn more about when these holidays take place: