CHAP GOH MEI 2027 AND THE LANTERN FESTIVAL
The 15th day of Chinese New Year: traditions, dates and ideas for an office celebration
Lantern Festival guide for 2027
Chap Goh Mei (十五暝) is the Hokkien name for the 15th and final night of Chinese New Year. It coincides with the Lantern Festival, 元宵节 (Yuán Xiāo Jié), the first full moon of the lunar year. In 2027, Chinese New Year starts on Saturday 6 February, so Chap Goh Mei falls on Saturday 20 February 2027.
For Singapore companies, the Lantern Festival is a useful second moment in the season: the reunion dinners and visits are over, everyone is back at work, and a light celebration closes the new year on a warm note. This guide covers the traditions and practical ideas for marking it at work. For the wider season, see our corporate Chinese New Year events page.
Chap Goh Mei Traditions
Lanterns
The Lantern Festival is named for the lanterns hung and carried on the night of the first full moon. In Singapore, lanterns light up Chinatown and community centres, and families walk with children carrying paper lanterns.
Tang yuan
Tang yuan (汤圆) are glutinous rice balls in sweet soup. Their round shape and name, which sounds like 团圆 (reunion), stand for family togetherness. They are the signature food of the festival. Our guide to Chinese New Year desserts covers more sweet treats.
Lantern riddles
Guessing riddles written on lanterns (猜灯谜) is a centuries-old Lantern Festival game. It translates easily into an office quiz or a dinner game. See the riddle format in our CNY office games guide.
Tossing mandarin oranges
In Singapore and Malaysia, single women traditionally write their contact details on mandarin oranges and toss them into the sea or a river on Chap Goh Mei, hoping to find a good partner. It is now more of a fun custom than a serious practice, and is why Chap Goh Mei is sometimes called Chinese Valentine's Day locally.
The end of the season
Many households take down their Chinese New Year decorations after Chap Goh Mei. Offices can follow the same rule: keep the decor up until the 15th day, then clear it.
Chap Goh Mei Ideas for the Office
Because 20 February 2027 is a Saturday, most companies will mark it on Friday 19 February or the working day after.
- Tang yuan tea break: serve bowls of tang yuan in the pantry at 3pm with a short explanation of what they mean.
- Lantern riddle hunt: hang paper lanterns around the office, each with a riddle on company trivia or Chinese New Year customs. Teams collect answers for a small prize.
- Lantern-making session: a 45-minute craft session where colleagues fold lanterns from red packets. See our Chinese New Year crafts for teams.
- Late lo hei: teams that missed the first-week toss can hold a final one. Here is the full lo hei ingredient order.
- Season wrap-up: combine Chap Goh Mei with a final lucky draw or an announcement of the year’s plans.
Chinese New Year 2027 Key Dates
- Friday 5 February: Chinese New Year’s Eve and reunion dinner.
- Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 February: first and second days of Chinese New Year (public holidays).
- Monday 8 February: public holiday in lieu, as the second day falls on a Sunday.
- Friday 12 February: 人日, the seventh day, traditionally the day for lo hei.
- Saturday 20 February: Chap Goh Mei and the Lantern Festival.
For how the 15 days unfold, read how long Chinese New Year lasts. For booking timelines, see the CNY 2027 corporate planning guide, or let us plan your company celebration.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Chap Goh Mei in 2027?
Chap Goh Mei falls on Saturday 20 February 2027, the 15th day of the Chinese New Year that begins on 6 February.
Is Chap Goh Mei the same as the Lantern Festival?
Yes. Chap Goh Mei is the Hokkien name for the 15th night of the new year, which is also the Lantern Festival (元宵节).
What do people eat on Chap Goh Mei?
Tang yuan, sweet glutinous rice balls in soup, which symbolise reunion and togetherness.
Is Chap Goh Mei a public holiday in Singapore?
No. Only the first two days of Chinese New Year are public holidays. In 2027 Monday 8 February is also a holiday in lieu.
How can an office celebrate the Lantern Festival?
Popular options are a tang yuan tea break, a lantern riddle hunt, a lantern-making craft session or a final lo hei to close the season.