Outline:
Houston Celebrates Lunar New Year with a Variety of Events
Lunar New Year, which begins on February 17 this year, marks the start of the Year of the Horse. However, Houston is celebrating earlier with a series of events throughout January and February. From traditional lion and dragon dances to cultural performances, pop-up markets, and guided tours, there are numerous ways to participate in the festivities across the city.
Radiant Nature at Houston Botanic Garden
For those looking to celebrate the Lunar New Year in a relaxed, outdoor setting, ‘Radiant Nature’ at the Houston Botanic Garden offers a walk-through display of large-scale Chinese lantern installations inspired by nature. The festival features mythical horses, a towering peach tree, and lighted bluebonnets. Interactive elements such as illuminated swings and a lighted wings photo area add to the experience.
When: Through February 22
Where: Houston Botanic Garden, 1 Botanic Lane
Details: $28.50; hbg.org
Otaku’s Lunar New Year Festival
Otaku is partnering with the Vietnamese Community Center for a Lunar New Year festival that includes more than 100 food, anime, and retail vendors. The event also features a sumo tournament, cosplay contests, voice actor appearances, and photo opportunities. Admission is free, though food and drinks are available for purchase. Organizers recommend bringing cash just in case. Otaku will also host a second Lunar New Year event in Houston on February 7–8 at Karbach Brewing Co.
When: 5-10 p.m. Jan. 16, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Jan. 17 and 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Where: Vietnamese Community Center, 13915 Bellaire
Details: Free; bit.ly/49u53mx
Asiatown Lunar New Year Foodies Tour
A guided food tour along Bellaire Boulevard, hosted by Houston Asiatown Tours, offers a way to explore Houston’s Asiatown during the Lunar New Year season. The tour includes stops for dim sum, Korean shaved ice, and other neighborhood businesses.
When: February 1
Where: 5300 N Braeswood Blvd Ste 4-207
Details: $85; asiatowntourhtx.com
Children’s Museum Houston: Lunar New Year
Children’s Museum Houston will host a two-day Lunar New Year program celebrating the Year of the Fire Horse with cultural performances and hands-on activities for families. Saturday’s schedule includes lion dances by Soaring Phoenix Lion Dance, a diabolo (Chinese yo-yo) performance by Rice University student Mika Chang, and an interactive storybook opera presented by Houston Grand Opera, along with all-day craft and maker activities. On Sunday, programming includes a traditional Chinese dance performance by Dance of Asian America and continued all-day craft and maker activities tied to the holiday.
When: February 14-15: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Where: 1500 Binz
Details: $17.95–$19.95; cmhouston.org
Asia Society Texas: Lunar New Year 2026
Asia Society Texas will host a Lunar New Year event for the Year of the Horse that includes lion dance performances, arts and crafts activities, and access to the House of Pikachu: Art, Anime, and Pop Culture exhibition. Music and dance performances by Huaxing Arts Group Houston are ticketed ($12). General festival admission is free with registration, and food and drinks will be available for purchase.
When: February 14: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: 1370 Southmore
Details: Free with registration; ticketed performances available; asiasociety.org/texas
2026 Lunar New Year Festival
Held annually in Houston’s Asiatown, the festival features cultural performances, vendors, and family programming highlighting Asian heritage and traditions.
When: February 14: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Where: Chinese Community Center, 9800 Town Park
Details: Free; ccchouston.org
Texas Lunar Festival
The Texas Lunar Festival at the Alief Career Center will feature live cultural performances highlighting traditions from across Asia and other regions.
When: February 14: 10:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Where: 12160 Richmond
Details: Free; texaslunarfest.net
Lunar New Year Festival
Market Square Park will host a Lunar New Year festival with performances, workshops, and a vendor market. The first 200 attendees will receive red envelopes with gift vouchers to Downtown businesses.
When: February 14: Noon–6 p.m.
Where: 301 Milam
Details: Free; downtownhouston.org
Discovery Green: Lunar New Year
Discovery Green will celebrate Lunar New Year with cultural performances by Lee’s Golden Dragon, Han Narea, and Dance of Asian America.
When: February 15: 4–7 p.m.
Where: Discovery Green, 1500 McKinney
Details: Free; discoverygreen.com
Live at Live Oak Lunar New Year
Memorial Park Conservancy will host a Lunar New Year edition of its outdoor live music series, featuring live performances and cultural programming at the Clay Family Eastern Glades.
When: February 21
Where: 552 East Memorial Loop Drive
Details: Free; memorialparkconservancy.org