February 17, 2026 marks the beginning of the Year of the Horse in the Lunar Calendar. Below are Lunar New Year celebrations for kids and families in the San Francisco Bay Area or create your own fun!
Learn the Chinese zodiac and set off party poppers to ward off evil spirits. Make paper Chinese lanterns and good luck signs (small paper signs with words, such as health, peace, happiness, prosperity), decorate zodiac animal masks and make modeling clay dragons. Enjoy Chinese take-out food and fortune cookies.
Featured Events
Lunar New Year at Children’s Fairyland ~ Oakland, February 7 & 8
Fairyland’s Lunar New Year celebrations kick off the year of the Horse with lively festivities full of color, creativity, and community. From lion dances to lucky crafts, delicious eats to powerful beats, a stable of good fortune and fun await.
Lunar New Year Celebration at Children’s Discovery Museum ~ San Jose, February 7
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with a day full of fun for kids and families as we bring Chinese and Vietnamese traditions to life! Get creative with hands-on activities like making beautiful blossom art, folding your own origami snake, and coloring a colorful lion mask. Enjoy exciting live performances and engaging storytimes.
Lunar New Year Celebration ~ San Francisco, February 21
Thrive City will ring in the Year of the Horse with a Lunar New Year Celebration on Saturday, February 21 from noon to 3 p.m. Set the tone for a year of luck and prosperity and enjoy delicious culinary delights, family-friendly arts and crafts, and special cultural performances from Nguyen Dance Company, Korean Culture Center Urisawe, and more. The event will also feature a special Warriors-themed Horse statue for photo opportunities. Hi-res images from last year’s event HERE
Lunar New Year at OMCA ~ Oakland, February 21
Celebrate and honor Lunar New Year traditions through family-friendly storytelling, performances, activities, and more! Come together to uplift AAPI communities and explore the shared connections between Asian cultures of the Bay Area.
Lunar New Year Community Day (Free) ~ San Jose, February 21
Welcome the Year of the Horse, with artmaking activities, cultural demonstrations, and live performances. This contemporary celebration honors Lunar New Year traditions commemorated around the globe and here in San José. Explore and create with family and friends in this multigenerational event.
Lunar New Year Family Day at Filoli ~ Woodside, February 28
Immerse yourself in the vibrant spirit of Lunar New Year with dazzling Lion Dance performances, festive games, and engaging activities hosted by local community partners. Celebrate new beginnings and the rich traditions of this joyous holiday in a day filled with culture, connection, and the stunning beauty of the Garden.
Lunar New Year Calligraphy Class (Free) – San Pablo, January 8
Lunar New Year Calligraphy Class (Free) – El Cerrito, January 8
Lunar New Year Activities at SF Public Libraries (Free) – San Francisco, January 11 – February 28
Lunar New Year Crafts & Celebrations at San Jose Libraries (Free) – San Jose, January 14 – February 28
Lunar New Year Calligraphy Class (Free) – San Ramon, January 15
Lunar New Year Calligraphy Class (Free) – Antioch, January 17
Lion Dance with Jing Mo Athletic Association (Free) – San Francisco, January 17, 24
Peking Acrobats – Santa Rosa, January 20
Lunar New Year Celebration (Free) – Santa Rosa, January 24
Lunar New Year Celebration (Free) – Dublin, January 24
Lunar New Year Celebration (Free) – Palo Alto, January 25
Oakland China Town Lunar New Year Bazaar – Oakland, January 30-February 1
Lunar New Year Festival – Santa Rosa, January 31
Lunar New Year Lion Dance (Free) – Oakland, January 31
Lion Dance and Craft (Free) – San Jose, January 31 – February 28
Lunar New Year Lanterns (Free) – Fremont, February 1
Lunar New Year Celebration (Free) – San Jose, February 6
Richmond District Lunar New Year (Free) – San Francisco, February 7
Lunar New Year & Black History Month Celebration (Free) – Oakland, February 7
Lunar New Year Celebration (Free) – Berkeley, February 8
Lunar New Year Celebration – Belmont, February 8
Lunar New Year Celebration (Free) – Hercules, February 10
Lunar New Year Festival – San Jose, February 13 & 14
Lunar New Year Festival (Free) – Millbrae, February 14
Felt Fortune Cookies (Free) – San Lorenzo, February 14
Lunar New Year at Casa Grande (Free) – San Jose, February 15
Little Saigon Lunar New Year Festival (Free) – Oakland, February 15
West Coast Lion Dance (Free) – Belmont, Brisbane, Half Moon Bay, San Carlos, Atherton, February 17-19
Lunar Near Year – Tet & Moon Festival (Free) – San Jose, February 20-22
Santana Row Lunar New Year Celebration (Free) – San Jose, February 21
Jack London Square Lunar New Year Celebration (Free) – Oakland, February 21
Lunar New Year Lion Dance (Free) – Oakland, February 21
Lunar New Year Festival (Free) – Milpitas, February 21 & 22
Lunar New Year Celebration at San Francisco Botanical Garden – San Francisco, February 22
Lunar New Year Celebration (Free) – San Ramon, February 22
West Coast Lion Dance (Free) – Foster City, February 27
Portola Lunar New Year Celebration (Free) – San Francisco, February 27
Year of the Horse Concert – San Francisco, February 28
Lunar New Year Parade (Free) – Oakland, February 28
Lunar New Year Celebration (Free) – Oakland, February 28
Lunar New Year Celebration (Free) – Fremont, February 28
Lunar New Year Celebration (Free) – Mountain View, February 28
Lunar New Year 5K/10K Run/Walk – San Francisco, March 1
West Coast Lion Dance (Free) – Portola Valley, March 5
Chinese New Year Parade (Free) – San Francisco, March 7
Community Street Fair (Free) – San Francisco, March 7 & 8
