As the Year of the Horse in 2026 begins on February 17, private dining rooms at several well-known restaurants have already sold out for Lunar New Year's Eve, even though early booking is generally not a common practice in China.

In Nanjing, these dinner sets typically start at around 100 yuan per person, with Huaiyang cuisine, known for its fresh and natural flavors, dominating the market. To meet high demand, some restaurants also offer takeaway or home-delivery options for the meal, which remains an important part of family reunions during Spring Festival celebrations.

Some hotels will organize festive activities on Lunar New Year's Eve, such as dragon and lion dances. Others set up booths showcasing intangible cultural heritage, including live demonstrations of Chinese knot-tying and the writing of Spring Festival couplets.