Winter
Chinese New Year 2026 Shipping Guide — Deadlines & Factory Shutdowns
Chinese New Year 2026 (Year of the Horse) falls on January 29. The holiday brings a 2-4 week factory and supplier shutdown across China, which affects inventory availability and international shipping. For domestic US shipments of Lunar New Year gifts and decorations, ship by January 22-24 for ground delivery or January 27-28 for expedited services.
Carrier Deadlines
| Carrier | Service | Last Ship Date |
|---|---|---|
| USPS | Ground Advantage | January 22, 2026 |
| USPS | Priority Mail | January 24, 2026 |
| USPS | Priority Mail Express | January 27, 2026 |
| UPS | Ground | January 22, 2026 |
| UPS | 2nd Day Air | January 26, 2026 |
| UPS | Next Day Air | January 27, 2026 |
| FedEx | Ground / Home Delivery | January 22, 2026 |
| FedEx | 2Day | January 26, 2026 |
| FedEx | Overnight | January 27, 2026 |
Strategic Tips
- 💡 Chinese factories and suppliers shut down for 2-4 weeks around Chinese New Year — place inventory orders by early January
- 💡 Red envelopes (hongbao), lanterns, and decorations sell fast before January 29 — stock up early
- 💡 International shipping from China slows dramatically in the 2 weeks before and after the holiday
- 💡 Dropshippers sourcing from Chinese suppliers should pause new orders or warn customers of extended lead times
- 💡 Red and gold packaging for Lunar New Year gifts adds perceived value at minimal cost
- 💡 Lucky money amounts (8s and multiples of 8) are culturally significant for gift amounts
- 💡 Mooncakes and other traditional foods have short shelf lives — ship with temperature awareness if necessary
Common Product Categories
Red envelopes and gift setsLanterns and paper decorationsTraditional clothing (cheongsam, qipao)Zodiac-themed itemsDragon and lion dance accessoriesTea sets and traditional food giftsGold and red home decor
Frequently asked questions
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