Lunar New Year begins Tuesday, February 17, 2026, and this year, it just so happens to land on the very same day as Mardi Gras. So the real question is…Are we eating lo mein or jambalaya? Red envelopes or purple, green, and gold beads? Lion dances or brass bands?
Honestly? There might just be room in the day for both.
I don’t set the agenda; I just give you the options. And if you’re anything like me, you love any excuse to celebrate. Lunar New Year is colorful, joyful, meaningful, and filled with tradition. The Year of the Fire Horse officially begins February 17 and occurs only every 60 years. The horse symbolizes energy, independence, bold moves, and forward momentum — and the Fire element brings heightened passion and drive. It’s a year of courage, hard work, and confident progress. And if that’s not a reason to celebrate, I don’t know what is.
If you’d like to lean into the Lunar New Year festivities (perhaps before you grab your King Cake), here are some fun celebrations happening around Houston and The Woodlands area:
Market Street – Lunar New Year Celebration
Photo opp: February 17–22
Celebration: Thursday, February 19 at 6:00 PM
Market Street is welcoming the Year of the Horse with its first-ever Lunar New Year celebration. Enjoy a traditional lion dance and drum performance in Central Park on February 19 at 6 PM, presented by the Soaring Phoenix Dragon & Lion Dance Association.
A festive Lunar New Year photo installation will also be on display beneath the Market Street marquee February 17–22 — perfect for snapping a celebratory family pic. Learn more.
The Woodlands Children’s Museum - Lunar New Year Celebration
Saturday, February 14
The museum transforms with traditional decorations as families celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse. Enjoy multiple lion dance performances throughout the day and themed art activities included with admission. Visit website.
Children’s Museum Houston – Lunar New Year
Saturday, February 14 & Sunday, February 15
Celebrate Houston’s diverse Asian heritage with a full weekend of performances and hands-on fun.
Highlights include:
• Lion dance performances
• Traditional and contemporary Chinese dance
• Diabolo (Chinese yo-yo) demonstrations
• Horse puppet maker activities
• Paper lantern crafts & zodiac activities
Expect a full day of immersive cultural celebration both days. Visit website.
The Landing at Augusta Woods - Lunar New Year + Mardi Gras Celebration
Tuesday, February 17
Why choose when you can blend both traditions? This senior living community is hosting a festive mash-up celebration with bold flavors, bright colors, music, and cultural flair. There will be red envelopes and beads, lion dances, and brass vibes.
Dress festive and RSVP by February 13 if you plan to attend. Visit website.
Malibu Nail Lounge – Conroe - Lunar New Year Dragon Dance
Tuesday, February 17 at 10:00 AM
Start the New Year feeling confident, radiant, and renewed. Enjoy 20% off services (one day only) and watch a traditional Lion and Dragon Dance at 10 AM. Family-friendly and full of positive energy. Visit website.
Chinese Community Center (CCC) Lunar New Year Festival
Saturday, February 14
9800 Town Park Drive, Houston
One of Houston’s most vibrant Lunar New Year celebrations — and this year it falls on Valentine’s Day. Expect lion and dragon dances, martial arts, cultural performances, hands-on workshops, delicious Asian cuisine, and family activities.
Bonus: Valentine-themed crafts and photo backdrops for this special crossover year. Visit website.
Alief Career Center - 30th Texas Lunar New Year Festival
Saturday, February 14
Free and open to the public, this large-scale celebration features lion and dragon dances, cultural performances, kids’ activities, food, and live music. Park free and celebrate big. Visit website.
Asia Society Texas Center - Celebrating the Year of the Horse
Saturday, February 14
Welcome the Year of the Horse with performances, crafts, and food inspired by Lunar New Year traditions across Asia. The event is free (registration required for timed entry). Ticketed music and dance performances are available for purchase. Visit website.
So… What’s It Going to Be?
Will you be watching lion dancers drum in the Year of the Horse, or lighting candles and heading out for a Valentine’s dinner? Will you be twirling lo mein on Tuesday, or scooping up jambalaya?
Maybe the real answer is YES.
However you choose to celebrate — bold and energetic like the horse, sweet and romantic like Valentine’s Day, or colorful and lively like Mardi Gras — there’s no shortage of joy to go around this week.
Enjoy the options with your family, celebrate what feels festive to you, and Happy Lunar New Year.
