Top 11 U.S. Cities to Experience Lunar New Year Festivals in 2026

Do you or anyone else you know celebrate the Lunar New Year? About a month or so after the Western New Year is the Lunar New Year, which, as its name suggests, marks the start of a new year based on the lunar calendar. The Lunar New Year is widely celebrated for 15 days among Asian communities, such as the Chinese and Taiwanese, through a host of events, parades, and festivals throughout the U.S. This year, which marks the Year of the Horse, Lunar New Year celebrations start on February 17, 2026, and run through early March in some cities. If you're looking at where to celebrate the Lunar New Year in the U.S., here is a list of cities and events you may be interested in:

1. San Francisco, CA

Over 15 years ago, one of my closest friends and I took a weekend getaway in San Francisco, and we stayed at the Grand Hyatt, located within walking distance to Chinatown, the oldest Chinatown outside of the Asian continent. What we didn't realize at the time was that we were there during the Lunar New Year celebrations. As we headed into Chinatown, we caught some of the parade, and the colorful dragons passed us on the street. It was incredible!

This year, the opening Chinese New Year celebrations begin with an opening ceremony on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Then, on Friday, March 6, 2026, is the Miss Chinatown USA Pageant & Coronation Ball, followed by the Chinese New Year Parade on Saturday, March 7. If you feel like getting in some exercise while enjoying a festive atmosphere, sign up for a spot in the Chinese New Year Run, scheduled for Sunday, March 15. You can check the events schedule on the Chinese Parade website.

2. New York City, NY

New York City's Chinatown has always been a fascinating place to me. When I lived in NYC 15 years ago. I loved walking through its streets and discovering small eateries, tea houses, and shops. Of course, when Lunar New Year rolls around, New Yorkers celebrate in a big way. This year marks the 28th Annual Chinatown New Year Parade & Festival, with events scheduled for Sunday, March 1, 2026. The parade is set to start at 1 p.m., while the festival and booths will be open from 11:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. on the section of Bayard Street between Mulberry and Mott. Check the Better Chinatown website for a full calendar of events.

3. Boston, MA

Another absolutely incredible Chinatown is in my favorite city, Boston. The Lunar & Chinese New Year 2026 celebrations begin February 17 and run through the end of the month. There will be Boston Chinatown Tours, a Chinese New Year Pop-Up Market, a Lunar New Year Night Market, a Lunar New Year Cultural Village, the annual Lunar New Year Lion Dance Parade at Phillips Square, and so much more! Visit the Meet Boston website for a list of festivities and locations.

4. Disneyland in Anaheim, CA

Of course, Disneyland celebrates the Lunar New Year with a slew of epic decor, food, and festivities, as well as Chinese, Vietnamese, and Korean cultures. This year's events take place over the course of 31 days, from January 23 to February 22, 2026, and require park tickets to enjoy them. Some of the events and activities include Mulan's Lunar New Year Procession and a Lunar New Year Wishing Wall. Visit the Disneyland website for more information.

5. Spokane, WA

Head to the Spokane Convention Center's Exhibit Hall A on Saturday, February 14, 2026, and you can participate in the city's annual Lunar New Year Celebration from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. This admission-free event will feature swag bags for the first 500 festival attendees, as well as complimentary food and tea samples, a kids' zone with arts and crafts, over 100 vendors, the Asian Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander Business Expo, a petting zoo, and more. Visit Spokane's United We Stand website for more information. Need a place to stay? You can make a reservation at Best Western Plus City Center.

6. Seattle, WA

Seattle Chinatown International District will host its New Year celebration on Saturday, March 7, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., along S. King Street and Hing Hay Park. Enjoy over 40 food vendors along with traditional lion and dragon dances, family-friendly activities, and cultural exhibits. This is one Lunar New Year celebration in the U.S. you won't want to miss!

7. Chicago, IL

The Year of the Horse will be celebrated with traditional lion and dragon dancing, floats, and marching bands during the annual Lunar New Year Parade. This year's event is scheduled at 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 1, 2026, and the parade route will begin at the intersection of 24th Street and Wentworth Avenue. Visit the Chicago Chinatown Community Foundation website for more on one of the best Lunar New Year festivals in the U.S.

8. Miami, FL

If you're located in or visiting Miami, you can participate in the Lunar New Year festivities that commence on Saturday, February 7, 2026, with the Chinese New Year Festival at Wynwood Marketplace. Starting at 2 p.m., festival participants can enjoy cultural performances, Asian cuisine from food vendors, local art and gifts, family activities, and more. Visit the Greater Miami and Miami Beach website for more.

A fascinating attraction you should visit during this time is Luminosa: A Journey Through Lights. Now through March 7, 2026, massive glowing handcrafted lanterns cover a 13-acre outdoor space and include a 43-foot Chinese dragon — a must-see!

9. Austin, TX

On February 22, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., you can participate in the Lunar New Year Festival Austin, a free, family-friendly event to be held at The Paper + Craft Pantry. There will be a vendor pop-up market featuring food, crafts, art, and books, along with lion and dragon dances and family-friendly activities. This year marks the 5th anniversary of this celebration in Austin.

10. Phoenix, AZ

The 36th Annual Phoenix Chinese Week Lunar New Year Festival will take place on February 14-15, 2026, at the historic Heritage Square in downtown Phoenix. With free admission, you'll get to experience musical performances, dragon and lion dances, a tea garden, martial arts demonstrations, kids' activities, a Taipei dragon boat display, and so much more. See why this is one of the best Lunar New Year celebrations in America.

11. Portland, OR

Held at the Lan Su Chinese Garden in Portland, the Lunar New Year celebrations are scheduled for Jan. 29-Feb. 23, 2025. Come and enjoy floating lantern sculptures and lights, cultural exhibits, traditional Chinese music, and performances. This celebration in Portland is mesmerizing, to say the least. Visit the Travel Portland for a full calendar of events.

Which of these 2026 Chinese New Year events will you attend? Did you know that 2026 is the Year of the Horse according to the Chinese zodiac? This year is all about vitality, energy, and perseverance. Poetic, isn't it?

If you'd like to give a gift for the Lunar New Year, take a look at this beautiful LEGO set. And if you're feeling inspired, try planning a trip to any of the locations above using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.