Dates, Locations, and Attendance Information
The Lunar New Year in 2026 begins on Tuesday, February 17. Many celebrations occur on that day, while large public events typically take place on the following weekends.
This guide highlights major Lunar New Year events with confirmed or reliably scheduled dates, emphasizing U.S. events while maintaining strong global representation.
Tip for attendees: Large parades usually happen on weekends following Lunar New Year. Temple observances often begin on Lunar New Year’s Day and continue for several days.
🇺🇸 United States — Major Lunar New Year Events (2026)
San Francisco, California
Event: Chinese New Year Parade & Festival
Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026
Location: Downtown & Chinatown, San Francisco, CA
Event Type: Parade, cultural festival
Attendance: Public, free
Why go: The largest Lunar New Year parade outside Asia, featuring dragon dances, floats, fireworks, and temple participation. Ideal for first-time attendees.
New York City, New York
Event: Lunar New Year Parade (Manhattan Chinatown)
Date: Sunday, February 22, 2026
Location: Mott Street & surrounding Chinatown area, Manhattan, NY
Event Type: Parade
Attendance: Public, free
Why go: Major East Coast celebration with dense street energy, traditional performances, and easy access to temples and cultural centers.
Los Angeles, California
Event: Golden Dragon Parade
Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026
Location: Chinatown, Los Angeles, CA
Event Type: Parade
Attendance: Public, free
Why go: Historic parade with a more relaxed, community-driven atmosphere than San Francisco’s event.
San Jose, California
Event: Lunar New Year Festival at History Park
Dates: February 21–22, 2026 (Saturday–Sunday)
Location: History Park, San Jose, CA
Event Type: Cultural festival
Attendance: Ticketed
Why go: One of the largest Vietnamese-American Tết celebrations in the U.S., with food vendors, performances, and cultural exhibits.
Houston, Texas
Event: Lunar New Year Festival (Viet Hoa Center)
Dates: February 14–15, 2026 (Saturday–Sunday)
Location: Bellaire Boulevard, Houston, TX
Event Type: Cultural festival
Attendance: Public, mostly free
Why go: Large, family-friendly event reflecting Houston’s Vietnamese and Chinese communities.
Seattle, Washington
Event: Lunar New Year Celebration
Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026
Location: Chinatown–International District, Seattle, WA
Event Type: Community festival
Attendance: Public, free
Why go: Smaller than West Coast giants but culturally rich, with easy access to museums and temples.
Chicago, Illinois
Event: Chinese New Year Parade
Date: Sunday, February 22, 2026
Location: Chinatown, Chicago, IL
Event Type: Parade
Attendance: Public, free
Why go: Cold-weather celebration with strong community participation and classic parade elements.
East Asia — Core Lunar New Year Observances
Beijing, China
Event: Lunar New Year Temple Fairs (Miaohui)
Dates: February 17–23, 2026
Location: Major temples including Ditan Park and Longtan Park, Beijing
Event Type: Temple fairs, ritual observances
Attendance: Public, ticketed entry
Why go: Traditional Taoist-influenced temple fairs combining ritual, performance, and seasonal food.
Hong Kong
Event: Lunar New Year Fireworks & Temple Observances
Dates: February 17–19, 2026
Location: Victoria Harbour; Wong Tai Sin Temple
Event Type: Fireworks, temple observances
Attendance: Public
Why go: A blend of massive public celebration and active Taoist temple ritual.
Taipei, Taiwan
Event: Lunar New Year Temple Celebrations
Dates: February 17–20, 2026
Location: Major Taoist temples across Taipei
Event Type: Temple observances
Attendance: Public
Why go: Among the most vibrant Taoist temple environments during Lunar New Year.
Southeast Asia
Hanoi, Vietnam
Event: Tết Celebrations
Dates: February 17–19, 2026
Location: Citywide, Hanoi
Event Type: Cultural and family observances
Attendance: Public
Why go: A deeply traditional Lunar New Year experience emphasizing ancestor reverence and seasonal renewal.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Event: Tết Flower Streets
Dates: February 10–19, 2026
Location: Nguyen Hue Walking Street
Event Type: Cultural festival
Attendance: Public, free
Why go: Extended celebration with large-scale floral displays and evening events.
Singapore
Event: Chinatown Lunar New Year Celebrations
Dates: February 10–26, 2026
Location: Chinatown, Singapore
Event Type: Street festival, temple observances
Attendance: Public
Why go: One of the longest-running Lunar New Year celebrations worldwide.
Europe, Canada & Australia
London, United Kingdom
Event: Chinese New Year in London
Date: Sunday, February 22, 2026
Location: Trafalgar Square & Chinatown
Event Type: Cultural festival
Attendance: Public, free
Why go:
Europe’s largest Lunar New Year event with a major public stage.
Paris, France
Event: Lunar New Year Parade (13th Arrondissement)
Date: Sunday, February 15, 2026
Location: 13th Arrondissement, Paris
Event Type: Parade
Attendance: Public, free
Why go: One of the earliest European parades tied to Lunar New Year.
Vancouver, Canada
Event: Lunar New Year Parade
Date: Sunday, February 22, 2026
Location: Chinatown, Vancouver, BC
Event Type: Parade
Attendance: Public, free
Why go: Major North American celebration with strong community backing.
Sydney, Australia
Event: Lunar New Year Festival
Dates: February 11–22, 2026
Location: Citywide, Sydney
Event Type: Cultural festival
Attendance: Public
Why go: The largest Lunar New Year celebration in the Southern Hemisphere.