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Lunar New Year 2026 in the U.S.
Lunar New Year 2026 in the U.S.

Lunar New Year 2026: Key Date in the United States

Lunar New Year in 2026 falls on Tuesday, February 17. While celebrations traditionally last 15 days, many U.S. communities start earlier and extend festivities across multiple weekends. Because the holiday is based on the lunar calendar, the date shifts each year, usually landing between late January and mid-February.

In 2026, Asian American communities across the country will celebrate the start of the Year of the Fire Horse, a zodiac year known for energy, creativity, and bold change. Expect many public events to happen the weekend before and after the holiday to accommodate large crowds.

Why Lunar New Year Matters in the U.S.

Lunar New Year is observed by Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Mongolian, Tibetan, and other Asian communities. In the U.S., it has become both a family-centered holiday and a public cultural moment.

Some reasons the holiday has grown in national visibility:

  • Large Asian American populations. Cities such as New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Houston, and Seattle host long-standing celebrations.

  • Generational continuity. Many families treat the holiday as a chance to gather, honor elders, and pass down traditions.

  • Broader American interest. Schools, museums, and businesses now mark the holiday, recognizing its cultural importance and economic impact.

  • Tourism. Major parades attract visitors nationwide, similar in scale to other ethnic festivals like Mardi Gras or St. Patrick’s Day.

While traditions vary with each community, common themes include honoring ancestors, welcoming good fortune, and starting the year with intention and hope.

Major U.S. Cities Celebrating Lunar New Year 2026

Below are key regions where celebrations are expected to be especially active in 2026.

1. San Francisco Bay Area

San Francisco hosts one of the largest and oldest Lunar New Year parades outside Asia. For 2026, the parade will likely take place the Saturday following the holiday, drawing hundreds of thousands of spectators. Expect illuminated floats, lion dances, firecrackers, and a massive golden dragon carried by a team of dancers. Oakland and San Jose will also host festivals, night markets, and cultural programs.

2. Los Angeles

Los Angeles celebrates across multiple neighborhoods.

  • Chinatown: The Golden Dragon Parade remains the centerpiece, with marching bands, lion dancers, and traditional costumes.

  • Monterey Park and Alhambra: These predominantly Asian American suburbs run some of the most popular street fairs, drawing families with food booths, crafts, and live performances.

  • Little Saigon (Orange County): Vietnamese American communities host the large Tết Parade, with pageants, martial arts demonstrations, and fireworks.

3. New York City

New York’s celebration spans several boroughs.

  • Manhattan’s Chinatown: The Firecracker Ceremony and Cultural Festival kicks off the season, followed by a major parade through Mott Street and East Broadway.

  • Flushing, Queens: A strong Chinese and Korean presence makes this area a center for traditional performances and community events.

  • Brooklyn: Sunset Park continues to grow its own celebrations, supported by local schools and cultural groups.

NYC will likely host events on two weekends to allow more visitors to attend.

4. Seattle

Seattle’s Chinatown-International District holds a full-day festival filled with lion dances, vendors, martial arts, and community booths. The city’s diverse Asian communities, including Vietnamese, Chinese, and Filipino groups, make it one of the most vibrant Lunar New Year hubs in the Pacific Northwest.

5. Houston

Houston’s growing Asian population means Lunar New Year has become a major regional celebration. The Texas Lunar Festival usually includes dragon dances, cultural showcases, food stalls, and fireworks. Many local temples and cultural centers also host open-house events.

6. Chicago

Chicago’s Chinatown Parade attracts visitors from across the Midwest. Expect dragon teams, marching bands, and a full cultural program. Suburban communities, especially in the northern and western suburbs, will also hold Vietnamese and Korean-focused Tết and Seollal events.

List of the Places to Celebrate the Lunar New Year in the U.S. List of the Places to Celebrate the Lunar New Year in the U.S.

Cultural Highlights: What to Expect in 2026

Although traditions vary, the following elements are common across U.S. celebrations:

Lion and Dragon Dances

Large teams perform choreographed dances meant to chase away bad luck. These groups often train year-round and are central to almost every public parade.

Red Envelopes

Many families give red envelopes with small amounts of money as a gesture of good fortune. At large events, volunteers often hand out symbolic envelopes to children.

Food Traditions

Food plays a central role, with dishes that symbolize prosperity and happiness. Examples include dumplings, whole fish, longevity noodles, sticky rice cakes (nian gao), and bánh chưng for Vietnamese families.

Firecrackers and Drums

Where permitted, firecrackers and drum teams create a high-energy atmosphere. Cities with stricter noise rules use controlled professional displays.

Temple Visits and Ancestral Honors

Some families visit temples, light incense, or prepare offerings. These traditions continue in many U.S. communities, often adapted to local practices.

Big Events Expected for Lunar New Year 2026

While final schedules will be announced closer to the date, these major events are typically held every year and are expected again in 2026:

  • San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade (late February weekend)

  • Los Angeles Golden Dragon Parade

  • Tết Parade in Westminster, Orange County

  • New York City Chinatown Firecracker Ceremony and Parade

  • Seattle CID Lunar New Year Festival

  • Houston Texas Lunar Festival

  • Chicago Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade

Many museums will run their own programs as well, including the Smithsonian museums in Washington, D.C., the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco, and the MET in New York.

Travel Tips for Lunar New Year 2026 in the U.S.

  • Plan early. Popular events in San Francisco, LA, and New York can draw large crowds. Hotels near major Chinatowns fill quickly.

  • Check parking and transit. Several cities close streets around parade routes. Public transportation is usually the best option.

  • Arrive before events start. Lion dances and firecracker ceremonies often begin on time and are crowded.

  • Bring cash. Many street vendors and small community booths still prefer it.

  • Be respectful of traditions. Some events involve religious or cultural practices. Observing quietly is appreciated.

FAQs About Lunar New Year 2026 in the U.S.

1. When is Lunar New Year 2026 in the United States?

Lunar New Year 2026 falls on February 17, marking the start of the Year of the Fire Horse.

2. Do U.S. cities celebrate Lunar New Year on the exact date?

Most celebrations occur on weekends before or after the holiday date so more people can attend.

3. Which U.S. cities have the biggest Lunar New Year events?

San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, Seattle, Houston, and Chicago host the most recognized parades and festivals.

4. Is Lunar New Year the same as Chinese New Year?

“Chinese New Year” is part of Lunar New Year, but the broader holiday is celebrated by Vietnamese, Korean, Mongolian, Tibetan, and other Asian communities with different customs.

5. What zodiac year is 2026?

2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse, a symbol associated with drive, creativity, and determination.

6. Are Lunar New Year events free?

Many parades and outdoor festivals are free. Some museum programs or ticketed performances may charge admission.

7. Is Lunar New Year a federal holiday in the U.S.?

It is not a federal holiday, but several states and school districts have introduced official observances or school closures.

8. What should I wear to a Lunar New Year festival?

Comfortable clothes and layers. Many people choose red since it symbolizes good luck.

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