In 2026, Lunar New Year falls on February 17th, kicking off the 16-day Spring Festival.
Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival, is celebrated by millions worldwide as a time for cultural traditions, family gatherings, and wishes for good fortune in the year ahead.
While the date shifts every year based on the moon (usually landing between late January and mid-February), the heart of the celebration stays the same. What started centuries ago as a sacred time to honor ancestors and deities has grown into a massive, weeks-long festival filled with family reunions, legendary feasts, and cultural performances that light up cities across the globe, including right here in our own community.
Here is the "need to know" for this year's festivities:
- Welcome to the Year of the Horse: The Chinese zodiac follows a 12-year cycle, with each year represented by a different animal. In 2026, the cycle brings us to the Horse, the seventh animal in the zodiac order.
- Mark Your Calendars: The celebration kicks off on February 17th and keeps the party going all the way through March 2nd.
- What to Expect: Think bright red decorations (for good luck!), traditional lion dances, and plenty of "red envelopes" for the kids.
Families can join in the celebrations at these local events:
Richmond
- Belmont Library's Teen STEAM: Lunar New Year Horseshoe Windchimes February 5, 2026
- ChinaFest @ VMFA February 7, 2026
- Celebrate Lunar New Year @ RPL-Main February 17, 2026
Henrico
- Belmont Library's Teen STEAM: Lunar New Year Horseshoe Windchimes (February 5th)
- 🟢Celebrating Lunar New Year February 17, 2026
- Year of the Horse @ Varina Library February 17, 2026
- Lunar New Year Crafts @ Twin Hickory Library February 18, 2026
Goochland
- Love for the Lunar New Year @ Goochland Library February 20, 2026
- Vietnamese Lunar New Year Festival/ Hội Chợ Tết Xuân Bính Ngọ 2026 (February 15th)
Celebrating Lunar New Year at home?
Teaching Hack: Panda Express is offering a free Lunar New Year curriculum for teachers (including homeschool). You will have to create a Panda Express Community account, but the process is straight-forward. Get started here: Let’s Explore Lunar New Year! | An interactive online learning program from Panda Express
Here's 3 fun and easy holiday crafts and Lunar New Year themed books that you can enjoy together!
Celebrate with a meal using these recipes!
