Get ready to celebrate the Lunar New Year, beginning on Tuesday, February 17, with live performances, crafts, games, music, and more, all across New York City!
At a Glance:
- Live performances at Japan Society, The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Lincoln Center, Kupferberg Center for the Arts , and Hostos Center for the Arts and Culture and more!
- Spectacular Lion Dances at Abrons Arts Center, The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards, The Peninsula New York, Pearl River Mart, Bryant Park, Atlantic Terminal, Albee Square, Queens Botanical Garden, and more!
- Grand Parades in Chinatown and Flushing.
- Special storytimes at Books of Wonder, Wave Hill, and St. George Library Center.
Psst… Check Out Celebrate Lunar New Year 2026 on Long Island
Click on your borough to find family-friendly events to ring in the Year of the Horse!
Manhattan
Oshogatsu: New Year’s Celebration
Japan Society, 333 E 47th St., Turtle Bay
Saturday, Jan. 31, 11:30 am – 3:30 pm
Ages 3 – 10
$20
Celebrate the New Year Japanese-style at this Oshogatsu event that’s filled with fun for the whole family! After watching a riveting Japanese taiko drum performance, kids are invited on stage for a hands-on drum mini-workshop. Families can then welcome the New Year with exciting and traditional activities like New Year’s calligraphy, lion dancing, and other New Year’s-themed crafts. Japanese boxed lunches and snacks will be available for purchase on-site from BentOn. An inside picnic area is provided for eating.
Storytime with the Author Joyce Wan
Books of Wonder, 42 West 17th St., Flatiron District
Sunday, Feb. 1, 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
Ages 5 and younger
Free
Celebrate Lunar New Year and all of the colors it brings with author Joyce Wan!
From Chinatown, with Love Lunar New Year Arts Afternoon
Abrons Arts Center, 466 Grand St., Chinatown
Saturday, Feb. 7, noon
All ages
Free
Advanced registration required
Abrons Arts Center, lucky risograph and The W.O.W. Project host an afternoon of all-ages arts activities, karaoke, and a lion dance performance to celebrate the year of the fire horse as well as the launch of Abrons Arts Center’s new Mission Statement. Families are invited to imagine what an abundant new year will look like for the Chinatown and Abrons communities.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Photo: Don Pollard
Lunar New Year Festival: The Year of the Horse
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 5th Ave., Upper East Side
Saturday, Feb. 7, noon – 5 pm
All ages
Included with admission: $30; $22 for seniors; $17 for students; free for ages 12 and younger
The Metropolitan Museum of Art will host their annual Lunar New Year Festival in celebration of the Year of the Horse. The Museum-wide festival will honor Lunar New Year traditions from across Asia and feature artist-led workshops, performances, and interactive activities for participants of all ages. Highlights include a lion dance kick-off celebration by the Wan Chi Ming Hung Gar Institute, a performance on Lunar New Year traditions by the Sesame Street Muppeteers featuring Alan Muraoka, a community hub showcasing local organizations around New York City, and a showcase featuring Columbia Wushu Martial Arts team, a drum dance from New York Korean Performing Arts Center, and a traditional dance from the Vietnam Heritage Center.
Lunar New Year Performances at Hudson Yards
The Shops & Restaurants at Hudson Yards, 20 Hudson Yards, Hudson Yards
Saturdays, Feb. 7 and Feb. 21, 1 pm, 3 pm & 5 pm
All ages
Free
Enjoy traditional lion dance, ribbon dance and Shaolin Kung Fu performances from The New York Chinese Cultural Center in the Great Room on Level 1. February 7th, Lion Dance + Ribbon Twirling and February 21st, Ribbon Twirling and Shaolin Kung Fu.
MOCACREATE: Lunar New Year Museum Makeover with Teaching Artist Yu Rong
Museum of Chinese in America, 215 Centre St., Chinatown
Saturday, Feb. 7, 2 – 4 pm; Tuesday, Feb. 17, 1 – 3 pm
Ages 3 and older
Free with museum admission: $5-$8; free for children 12 and younger
Put a spin on a MOCA tradition— help welcome the New Year by making handmade decorations to liven up the Museum. Join teaching artist Yu Rong in transforming our space with colorful creations, which will be on display through our annual Lunar New Year Family Festival! Paint, build, craft, and collage with us! Inspired by the museum’s exhibitions and local artists, MOCACREATE explores different themes every month.
The Sound of Spring: A Chinese New Year Concert with The Orchestra Now
Jazz at Lincoln Center, Broadway &, W 60th St., Upper West Side
Sunday, Feb. 15, 3 – 5 pm
All ages
Tickets start at $25
Celebrate two holidays in one! On Valentine’s Day weekend, bring your loved ones and welcome the Year of the Horse at the 7th annual The Sound of Spring Chinese New Year concert. The Orchestra Now and conductor Jindong Cai perform a program in praise of love and horses — filling the Rose Theater with joyful Chinese and Western symphonic music for the whole family.
Traditional Lion Dance at The Peninsula New York
The Peninsula New York, 700 5th Ave., Midtown
Tuesday, Feb. 17, 9:30 am
All ages
Free
Celebrate the Year of the Horse with a traditional Lion Dance beginning outside in front of The Peninsula New York’s entrance and ending inside the hotel.
Lunar New Year Celebration at CMOM
Children’s Museum of Manhattan, 212 W 83rd St., Upper West Side
Feb. 17–19, Daily, 10 am – 5 pm
Ages 8 and younger
Included with admission: $18
As the Lantern Festival arrives and the Year of the Horse begins, families can welcome new beginnings with glowing art, bold colors, and symbols of luck and freedom.
28th New Year Firecracker Ceremony & Cultural Festival
Sara D. Roosevelt Park, Chrystie St. & Forsyth St., Chinatown
Tuesday, Feb. 17, 11 am – 3:30 pm
All ages
Free
Get ready for the Year of the Horse with firecrackers, cultural performances, and much more.
MOCAKIDS: LNY Dumpling Extravaganza
Museum of Chinese in America, 215 Centre St., Chinatown
Tuesday, Feb. 17, 1 – 3:15 pm
Ages 5 and older
Free with museum admission: $5-$8; free for children younger than 12
Learn how to fold and cook your very own vegetable-filled dumplings, all while bringing fortune and joy into the new year! There will be a few dumplings to sample rather than a full meal. Dumplings will be cooked on-site.
Lunar New Year Day Lion Dancing
Pearl River Mart, 452 Broadway, Soho
Tuesday, Feb. 17, 4:30 – 6 pm
All ages
Free
Ring in the Year of the Horse with amazing lion dancing from the Wan Chi Ming Hung Gar Institute Dragon and Lion Dance Team, and tastings from Mama Lam’s and Sage Matcha.
MOCAKIDS Meet & Greet with a Miniature Horse from HorseAbility & MOCACREATE
Museum of Chinese in America, 215 Centre St., Lower East Side
Wednesday, Feb. 18, 1 – 2 pm & 2 – 3 pm
All ages
$15
Celebrate the Year of the Horse with one of the miniature horses from HorseAbility! Welcome the Year of the Horse by brushing up on horse knowledge. Get up close and personal with one of the miniature horses from friends at HorseAbility. Learn how horses are cared for, what horses need to stay happy and healthy and the best place to give a horse a pat! Before or after, take part in an equine meet-and-greet to make a fun horse-themed craft to take home!
Dagne Dover’s Lunar New Year Bash
Dagne Dover, 273 Lafayette St., Soho
Wednesday, Feb. 18, 6 – 8 pm
All ages
Free
Join Dagne Dover in welcoming Lunar New Year with an electric in-store celebration. Pop by to enjoy festive activities, community connection, VIP discounts, an (in)sidewalk session dj set from DAIXA, plus bites and bevs from favorite Asian-owned brands Nom Wah and JUMO.
Lunar New Year Family Festival
Museum of Chinese in America, 215 Centre St., Lower East Side
Saturday, Feb. 21, 10 am – 1 pm & 2 – 5 pm
All ages
$10
Saddle up and gallop over to MOCA for a Year of the Horse celebration that’s sure to make you neigh with delight! Ring in the new year with a day of energetic performances, games, stories, drop-in arts & crafts, and more!
Lunar New Year Celebration at Bryant Park
Bryant Park, 6th Ave. bet 40th and 42nd St., Midtown
Saturday, Feb. 21, 10:30 – 11:30 am
All ages
Free
Welcome the Year of the Horse and celebrate Lunar New Year at Bryant Park! Join a ribbon dancing class, watch a Lion Dance and other performances by the New York Chinese Cultural Center, and make a wish on the Wishing Trees.
Celebrate Lunar New Year with Richard Ho, author of the children’s book Two New Years (Chronicle Books 2023). Learn about new year customs in both Chinese and Jewish culture, and reflect on the beauty of blended traditions in all families! This program includes a book reading, Q&A, and paper-cutting activity.
28th Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade & Festival
Parade begins at Mott & Canal St, Chinatown
Sunday, March 1, 11:30 am – 3:30 pm
All ages
Free
This annual parade features traditional lion dances, floats, marching bands, local first responders, community, and more! Festival & Booths: 11:30 am– 3:30 pm (Bayard Street between Mulberry and Mott St), parade starts at 1 pm.
Two New Years: Read, Learn & Craft with Author Richard Ho
Museum at Eldridge Street, 12 Eldridge St., Lower East Side
Sunday, March 1, noon – 1 pm
Ages 5 and older
$15; $10 seniors and students; $8 children 5 and older
Celebrate Lunar New Year with Richard Ho, author of the children’s book Two New Years (Chronicle Books 2023). Learn about new year customs in both Chinese and Jewish culture, and reflect on the beauty of blended traditions in all families! This program includes a book reading, Q&A, and paper-cutting activity.
Bronx
Lunar New Year Celebration: Year of the Horse
Hostos Center for the Arts and Culture, 450 Grand Concourse, Mott Haven
Sunday, Feb. 8, 3 – 4 pm; Tuesday, Feb. 10, 11 am – noon
All ages
Tickets start at $19
Gallop into 2026 with a spectacular family celebration featuring graceful Chinese dances, world premieres, and vibrant live music – all evoking the Horse’s spirit of speed, strength, passion, and freedom.
Family Art Project: Fan of Lunar New Year!
Wave Hill House, 4900 Independence Ave., Riverdale
Feb. 21 – 22, Saturday and Sunday, 10 am – 1 pm
All ages
Included with admission: $4-$10
Celebrate the Year of the Horse by learning about their role in the Chinese zodiac. Then, assemble and decorate a fan inspired by horses and other symbols of the holiday. At 11:30 am, families can enjoy a holiday-inspired storytime program in the Gund Theater.
Brooklyn
Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office celebrates Lunar New Year
Tillary Hotel, 85 Flatbush Ave. Ext, Downtown Brooklyn
Tuesday, Feb. 3, 6 – 8 pm
All ages
Free
Join the Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office in celebrating Lunar New Year with the community.
Celebrate Lunar New Year at IKEA Brooklyn
IKEA Brooklyn, 1 Beard St., Red Hook
Saturday, Feb. 7, 10 am – 2 pm
All ages
Free
Join IKEA for a day filled with fun, culture, and festive surprises, including a Red Envelope Giveaway, special shopping offers, craft activity, and more.
Ba Ban Chinese Music Society
Wednesday, Feb. 11, 3 – 4 pm
Gerritsen Beach Library, 2808 Gerritsen Ave., Gerritsen Beach
All ages
Free
Enjoy the dynamic dancing and lively rhythms of traditional Chinese music from Ba Ban Chinese Music Society.
Lunar New Year Celebration at Brooklyn Museum
Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Pkwy., Prospect Park
Sunday, Feb. 15, noon – 4 pm
All ages
Included with admission: $14-$20; free for ages 19 and younger
Celebrate the Year of the Horse—one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac—with lively performances and hands-on activities for all ages.
Lunar New Year Celebration at Atlantic Terminal
Atlantic Terminal Mall, 139 Flatbush Ave., Downtown Brooklyn
Wednesday, Feb. 18, 3 – 5 pm
All ages
Free
Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Chinese culture through captivating traditional dance performances, a lively lion dance, and a hands-on calligraphy brush painting workshop presented by the New York Chinese Cultural Center.
Lunar New Year 2026 Celebration
Albee Square, Albee Square W & Fulton St., Downtown Brooklyn
Saturday, Feb. 21, 11 am – 4 pm
All ages
Free
Ring in the Lunar New Year of the Horse at Albee Square and City Point BKLYN! Choy Lay Fut will bring Downtown Brooklyn good fortune again this year with their traditional Lion Dances, and DJ Boogie will rock families into the new year with his music sets on the plaza at Albee Square.
Celebrate Lunar New Year
Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave., Crown Heights
Sunday, March 1, 10 am – 5 pm
All ages
$15; free for members
Ring in the Year of the Horse with Chinese arts and traditions, including a museum-wide lion dance parade! Try on lion dance costumes, practice calligraphy, learn kung fu moves, and enjoy live performances celebrating the new year. Presented with New York City Council Member Susan Zhuang, New York Chinese Cultural Center, and the Chinatown Community Young Lions.
Queens
Lunar New Year: Celebrating the Year of the Horse
Kupferberg Center for the Arts at Queens College, 153-49 Reeves Ave., Flushing
Sunday, Feb. 1, 3 pm
All ages
$22
Join this spellbinding, family-friendly dance performance to celebrate the spirit of the Year of the Horse through the power and beauty of movement. Be transported into a world of wonder as the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company takes the stage, blending ancient Chinese traditions with contemporary dance. Experience majestic dragons, dancing lions, elegant peacocks, stunning acrobats, twirling ribbons, and more.
Gallery Kit: Lunar New Year
The Noguchi Museum, 9-01 33rd Road, Long Island City
Friday, Feb. 6, 3 – 4:30 pm
All ages
Free
Visitors are invited to explore Isamu Noguchi’s work and current exhibitions through art-making in the galleries. Each session begins with a motivating question, guiding participants through a creative exploration of materials and ideas. In celebration of Lunar New Year, Year of the Horse, visitors of all ages are invited to make art in the galleries and explore Isamu Noguchi’s work through the prompt: “What energy will you bring this year?”
Glow Cultural Center 2026 Lunar New Year Celebration
Glow Cultural Center NYC, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing
Sunday, Feb. 15, 11 am
All ages
Free
Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, and smells of a traditional Lunar New Year festival, open to families and people of all ages to welcome the influential Year of the Horse together. The festivities kick off in the morning at Glow Cultural Center with the crowd-favorite Lion Dance Parade! Be on the lookout for the God of Fortune and the Jade Emperor for the best Lunar New Year wishes! Dress in festive attire, and share many well-wishes!
Tangram Lunar New Year Celebrations
Tangram, 133-33 39th Ave., Flushing
Sunday, Feb. 15, noon – 3 pm; Saturday, Feb. 21, 1 pm.
All ages
Free
Ring in the year of the Horse with traditional dance, musical performances, processions, and more! Please note that seating is first-come, first-served.
Freezin’ Season: Lunar New Year
King Manor Museum, 150-03 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica
Wednesday, Feb. 18, 1 – 4 pm
Ages 3 and older
Free
Welcome the Year of the Horse by making a red envelope lantern, discover your Zodiac animal, and learn more about Lunar New Year traditions.
Chinese New Year Celebration For Kids
Community United Methodist Church, 81-10 35th Ave., Jackson Heights
Saturday, Feb. 21, 10 – 11 am
18 months–10 years
$7
Get ready for a super fun event all about ringing in the Chinese New Year – Year of the Horse with your little ones. There will be cool stories, games, and crafts that bring the traditions to life. Children will do a ribbon dance, perform a lion dance, sing, dance, and make crafts related to the Year of the Horse.
Lunar New Year at Queens Botanical Garden
Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main St., Flushing
Saturday, Feb. 21, 12:30 – 3:30 pm
All ages
Free; $5 suggested donation
Celebrate Lunar New Year with a lion dance, performances, crafts, and more.
Lunar New Year 2026 Celebration
Queens Center, 90-15 Queens Blvd., Elmhurst
Saturday, Feb. 21, 1 – 3 pm
All ages
Free
Experience the vibrant energy of The Chinese FreeMasons Lion Dancers and get creative with fun crafts for all ages with Chris Deng. Bring your family and friends to enjoy this festive afternoon and welcome the Year of the Horse with joy and culture!
Happy Neigh Year! Horse Painting Workshop with Exhibition Curator Stephanie S. Lee
Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing
Saturday, Feb. 21, 2 – 3:30 pm
Ages 7 and older
$15; $12 members; $10 ages 12 and younger
Gallop into the Year of the Red Horse with a joyful, hands-on painting workshop for all ages! Inspired by Minhwa—the vibrant tradition of Korean folk art—teaching artist Stephanie S. Lee will guide you step-by-step to create your own symbolic horse painting, celebrating vitality, luck, and new beginnings.
Lunar New Year Celebration
Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35th Ave., Astoria
Sunday, Feb. 22, 11 am – 6 pm
All ages
Included with admission starting at $10
Advanced registration suggested
Celebrate the Year of the Horse with a puppet show put on by the Chinese Theatre Works: “Hao Bang Ah! Horse,” an original budaixi traditional Chinese glove-puppetry production that features the twelve animals of the Chinese Zodiac. Plus, Everyone Comics brings their annual Lunar New Year Comic Con to MoMI, featuring Queens comics artists with some special guests. There will be books, stickers, t-shirts, and original art available for sale, and some mutual aid thrown in!
Staten Island
DIY Crafts: Red Envelopes
Mariners Harbor Library, 206 South Ave., Mariners Harbor
Thursday, Feb. 5, 5 – 6 pm
Ages 13 – 18
Free
To commemorate the Year of the Horse for Lunar New Year, design your own red envelopes! Stencils and gold markers will be available for customization, and at the end of the program,m you can bring the envelopes back with you or give them out to others!
Kids Week: Year of the Horse…Of Course
Ocean Breeze Pier, Seaview Ave. and Father Capodanno Blvd., Ocean Breeze
Tuesday, Feb. 17, 11 am–noon
All ages
Free
Join the Urban Park Rangers and Parks Enforcement Patrol Mounted Unit as they celebrate Lunar New Year. It is the year of the horse. Learn about Lunar New Year and meet horses while taking a stroll around Ocean Breeze Athletic Complex.
Lunar New Year Storytime + Craft
St. George Library Center, 5 Central Ave., St. George
Tuesday, Feb. 17, 3:30–4:30 pm
All ages
Free
Enjoy engaging stories that celebrate Lunar New Year traditions, animals of the zodiac, and themes of family and good fortune, followed by a fun craft inspired by the holiday.
2026 Chinese New Year Celebration
Snug Harbor Cultural Center, 1000 Richmond Terr., Randall Manor
Saturday, Feb. 21, noon–3 pm
All ages
$15; free for kids younger than 4
Welcome the Year of the Fire Horse with the Chinese New Year Celebration! Children of all ages will enjoy performances, treats, tales, and traditional crafts at one of the biggest cultural celebrations in the world.
Staten Island Mall Lunar New Year Celebration
Staten Island Mall, 2655 Richmond Ave., New Springville
Saturday, Feb. 21, noon – 3 pm
All ages
Free
Experience the excitement of the Year of the Horse with vibrant traditions and performances. Enjoy a Chinese dragon parade accompanied by a gong and percussion ensemble, plus traditional Chinese music and dances. Participate in a papercutting art demonstration, festive giveaways, and more!
Psst… Check Out 10 Best Free Kids & Family Activities in NYC
