Lunar New Year, or the Spring Festival, marks the beginning of a new year on the lunisolar calendar. A time for togetherness, friends and family often gather during Lunar New Year to share traditions that honor every generation. Lunar New Year is most often celebrated with time-honored traditions such as gift-giving, dragon or lion dances, or setting off fireworks! Here are some ways you can celebrate Lunar New Year in Houston with your family.
The date for Lunar New Year changes every year. This year, the 15-day celebration will begin on February 17. It is the year of the Horse, the seventh animal in the Chinese zodiac. The Horse represents energy, freedom, strength and forward momentum and those born during this year are thought to be confident, energetic and independent.
Prep for the Year of the Horse
Cleaning your house is thought to welcome good fortune, prosperity and happiness for the upcoming year. Sweep, mop, dust, vacuum and take out the trash before the stroke of midnight on Lunar New Year’s Eve to remove any bad luck from your home. And if you need a haircut or a trim, be sure to get this done before February 17! Cutting or washing your hair on the first day of the new year might “wash away” any good fortune coming your way. In fact, cleaning of any kind on the first day of the new year is prohibited — you shouldn’t even do the dishes!
Symbolic Colors
Red, green, gold and yellow are symbolic colors for LNY. Red brings good fortune, and green is a symbol of wellness and health. Gold is representative of prosperity, and yellow means hope for a lucky year ahead. These colors are often weaved into LNY celebrations to encourage luck and wealth in the new year.
Auspicious Foods
Specific auspicious foods must be eaten during LNY for their symbolic meanings. Here are some dishes that you might find at a LNY gathering: steamed whole fish (for abundance), dumplings (for fortune), spring rolls (for wealth), tangyuan (for reunion of family and friends), oranges (for happiness), nian gao (for prosperity) and longevity noodles (for a long, healthy life).
A “tray of togetherness,” or a special candy box of treats, is often shared amongst family members and their guests. These beautiful platters are often divided into either six or eight sections that hold symbolic candies, fruits, nuts and chocolate coins.
Lantern Festival
The final day of the LNY celebration culminates with the Lantern Festival. Traditionally, lanterns are launched into the night sky, symbolizing a release of your past self. Share in this tradition at home by making your own lanterns.
Performances
The Dragon Dance and the Lion Dance are exciting LNY traditions! The Dragon Dance brings about strength, power and prosperity in the new year, whereas the Lion Dance serves to scare away evil spirits for good luck. These performances are an integral part of any LNY celebration.
Celebrating Lunar New Year in Houston
Living in one of the most diverse cities in the country means there are plenty of ways to learn about the different cultures and traditions that surround us. There are many options for celebrating Lunar New Year in Houston with your kids.
Children’s Museum Houston
Saturday, February 14, 2026, 9:00 am- 5:00 pm
Become immersed in Houston’s diverse Asian heritage and ring in the Lunar New Year. Enjoy a day of performances and inspired activities celebrating the Year of the Horse.
The Woodlands Children’s Museum
Saturday, February 14, 2026
Visit the Woodlands Children’s Museum on Saturday, February 14 for their special LNY event. LNY activities are included in the price of admission. The Houston Lion Kings will conduct three performances that day: 10:30, 11:30, 12:30 and 1:30.
Texas Lunar Festival (Alief Career Center)
Saturday, February 14, 2026, 10:30 am- 4:00 pm
This vibrant festival features live cultural performances from across Asia and beyond, showcasing the rich tapestry of international traditions. The event will be broadcast on STV Channel 21.8, available both locally and online at scdaily.com, and through our Southern News TV mobile app, making it accessible to audiences around the globe.
Asia Society
Saturday, February 14, 2026, 10:00 am- 4:00 pm
This free event is open to the public, but registration is required. Traditional lion dancers will perform on the lawn outside; inside, create your own Lunar New Year-inspired crafts! Additionally, you can purchase tickets to watch performances by the Huaxing Arts Group Houston.
Central Market
Wednesday, February 19, 2026, 6:30 pm- 8:00 pm
Note: This event is for ages 18+ only
Celebrate the The Year of the Snake as you prepare this festive meal. You’ll learn a little about each dish, pick up tips on techniques, and discover why the ingredients symbolize prosperity, fortune and longevity in the new year.
Price: $89.97 per person.
Discovery Green
February 14, 2026, 4:00 pm- 7:00 pm
Enjoy downtown Houston’s original vibrant cultural celebration with traditional dance and drum performances from Han Narea and Dance of Asian America.
This year Discovery Green will also host an Asian market full of traditional toys, arts and cuisine for all to experience.
Being able to celebrate and embrace other cultures is an incredible gift to share with our families. Having knowledge and understanding of different holidays can help us understand each other’s cultural traditions. How will you celebrate The Year of the Snake in Houston this year?
