Central Pattana (CPN), Thailand’s premier property developer, has teamed up with Central Retail to mark the Year of the Horse through a significant 600-million-baht campaign titled “The Great Chinese New Year 2026.” This initiative is set to run from January 30 to March 1, inviting everyone to shop, dine, and celebrate the traditions of the epic Lunar New Year.
Spanning Central shopping centres across the country and more than 3,000 stores under Central Retail, including Esplanade Ratchada, the programme will feature a huge range of splendid installations, cultural performances, themed markets, and wonderful promotions.
The festivities center on the concept “The Gallop of Tian Ma,” embodying power, luck and prosperity, and pave the way for landmark events that encourage tourism whilst widening Central’s reputation as world-class malls for Chinese New Year celebrations in the region.
Elevating the Lunar New Year as a Major Social and Economic Driver
Dr. Nattakit Tangpoonsinthana, Chief Marketing Officer at CPN (seen in the middle above), believes the Lunar New Year is not merely a festival but a shared global identity ingrained in Thai society, shaping meaningful moments for families to come together and celebrate.
He considers this occasion one of the year’s essential spending periods and a catalyst for cultural and economic activity. Such a shift corresponds with the Global Consumer Trends 2026 report, which mirrors the rise of the “Next Asian Wave,” particularly the fast-growing influence of Chinese soft power within C-fashion, C-brands, and the entertainment sector.
Amid these developments, Central’s malls and department stores are poised as all-in-one experiential hotspots centered on retail, dining, and celebrations, offering premium Lunar New Year activities, with visitor traffic expected to surge by 25–30 percent from last year.
During the celebratory period, all Central retail outlets nationwide will adopt the evocative theme “The Gallop of Tian Ma,” symbolizing the Year of the Horse. The vision takes shape through a selection of captivating designs inspired by the heavenly horse Tian Ma, paired with eight horses that represent eight auspicious blessings, such as wisdom and success.
Among the recommended highlights from “The Great Chinese New Year 2026” campaign are CentralWorld’s 10-metre-tall figure of Tian Ma set up in front of the complex, as well as eight days of performances scheduled for February 10–17, featuring a lineup of top artists.
These epic shows will be accented by wonderful drone displays, where over 500 devices are ready to light up the sky above CentralWorld Square in a superior spectacle revealing the heavenly horse whilst it gracefully transitions into the phenomenal “Celestial Dragon”.
Festivities Across the Country To Commemorate Thai-Chinese Roots
A marvellous series of productions saluting Thai-Chinese heritage are being staged within Central malls nationwide — highlights include The Flowers of the Royal Temple showcase, Hainanese music demonstrations, lion and dragon dances, and face-changing opera acts.
In addition, selected venues will be transformed into spiritual sanctuaries, hosting revered deities and sanctified rites that prompt the public to come together in prayer and worship. An exciting feature is an appearance by master Chang Tosaporn Sritula, a popular fortune teller, who will administer a range of ceremonies at Central Westgate and Central Pinklao.
Local creativity is also bound to win attention through the “8 Horses Local Art” sculptures, brought to life by regional artists across eight Central shopping centres. Every installation is decorated to illustrate the distinct culture and character of the surrounding community.
For a more authentic Thai-Chinese culinary experience, guests can delight in an extensive range of splendid dishes throughout the festival at all Central branches. Whether enjoying a relaxed meal with loved ones at a restaurant or soaking up the signature energy of New Year-themed markets, each setting captures shared customs, gastronomy, and sentiment.
Shoppers seeking good fortune have a vast array of lucky items to discover, supported by special promotions across Central complexes and department stores, providing a sublime backdrop for celebrating the Lunar New Year with treasured finds and festive adventures.
Regarded as the ultimate destination for Chinese New Year in Bangkok, Central immerses visitors in the spirit of the season. If you want to learn about the malls’ cultural encounters and retail privileges, please go to Central Pattana’s official website for further information.
