Vivid Society NY

-M.Regan

Photo by Bruce Emmerling

Lunar New Year 2026 (also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival) began on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, marking the start of the Year of the Fire Horse in the Chinese zodiac. The Horse symbolizes energy, freedom, strength, confidence, and forward momentum, with the Fire element adding passion and intensity (this specific Fire Horse combination occurs every 60 years). Celebrations traditionally last 15–16 days, culminating in the Lantern Festival on March 3, 2026 (the date of the next full moon).The holiday is widely observed across Asia and in diaspora communities worldwide, featuring traditions like family reunions, feasts, red envelopes (for luck), fireworks, lion dances, parades, temple visits, cleaning homes to sweep away bad luck.

A few upcoming NYC events:

• Chinatown Street Celebrations & Neighborhood Vibes (ongoing through early March):
  Streets like Mott, Bayard, Pell, and Canal are decked out in red lanterns, with shops, restaurants offering special festive menus (dumplings, longevity noodles, etc.), and pop-up lion dances. Many spots have ongoing decorations and events all month.
• Flushing Lunar New Year Parade (Queens):
  Saturday, February 21, 2026 (starting around 11:00 AM). One of the biggest in Queens—expect parades, performances, and community vibes in Flushing.
• Other February Events (check for specifics as some may be this weekend or next):
  • Lunar New Year at Flushing Town Hall (performances, workshops).
  • Events at venues like Chelsea Market (festive food extravaganza), Hudson Yards, Lincoln Center (family-friendly music/workshops around Feb 18–22), China Institute of America (Feb 21, 2–5 PM, some ticketed), and more.
  • Super Saturday in Chinatown: Saturday, February 28, 2026 (starting 10:00 AM)—pre-parade buildup with activities.
• The Big One: 28th Annual Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade & Festival (Manhattan’s highlight):
  Sunday, March 1, 2026.
  • Parade starts at 1:00 PM (route: begins on Mott Street near Canal/Hester, through Chatham Square, East Broadway toward Manhattan Bridge, ending on Forsyth/Grand near Sara D. Roosevelt Park).
  • Festival booths: 11:30 AM – 3:30 PM on Bayard Street (between Mulberry and Mott).
    Features massive lion/dragon dances, martial arts, floats, marching bands, drums, and street energy. It’s free, huge crowds, and the main event for the city—perfect for photos and immersion!

Many events are free, but some (like museum or specific workshops) may have small fees or require RSVPs.

For more information:

• Better Chinatown USA – parade organizers. https://betterchinatown.com/
• http://www.chinatown.nyc

Lunar New Year 2026 celebrations extend well beyond NYC into other parts of New York State, though they’re generally smaller and more community-focused compared to Manhattan’s massive parades. Here are a few upcoming events outside of NYC:

• Hudson River Museum (Yonkers): Lunar New Year 2026 event on February 28, 2026 (11 AM–5 PM). Features lion dance, K-Pop and Chinese folk dances, Indonesian gamelan music, tai chi, origami/calligraphy workshops, family art activities (like making horse puppets and lanterns), planetarium show on Chinese constellations, and more. Free with general admission (some add-ons ticketed).
• Middletown Chinese New Year Celebration (Middletown High School): Saturday, February 28, 2026 (11 AM–6 PM). Billed as one of the biggest in the Hudson Valley—live performances, workshops, and cultural fun. Organized by Mount Hope Chinese Association and local groups; tickets recommended to skip lines.

Long Island

• Heckscher Museum of Art (Huntington): Lunar New Year Family Celebration on February 21, 2026 (12–5 PM). Hands-on activities exploring Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese cultures—make lanterns, get “passports” stamped at country tables, live dances, martial arts demos. Free.
• Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum & Reichert Planetarium (Centerport): Lunar New Year Celebration 2026 on February 21, 2026 (10 AM–noon). Paper lantern making, Chinese calligraphy, good luck decorations. $20 adults/youth 12+, $15 kids 5–11 (discounts for members); kids under 12 with adult.
• Landmark on Main Street (Port Washington): Lunar New Year Celebration on March 1, 2026 (11 AM–3 PM). Traditional Chinese Kunju Opera, lion dance, crafts, presentations by local residents. Free, in association with Greater Port Washington Chinese American Association.

Western New York / Finger Lakes

• Buffalo AKG Art Museum (Buffalo): Lunar New Year Celebration on February 20, 2026 (4–8 PM). Hosted by Asian Pacific Islander American Public Affairs Association (APAPA)—performances, interactive workshops, diverse Asian cuisine. Free.
• Monroe Community College (Rochester): 2026 Lunar New Year Festival on February 21, 2026 (likely afternoon). APAPA Rochester event celebrating the Year of the Fire Horse with performances and community gathering.

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