The Lunar New Year, sometimes called the Spring Festival, marks the start of the new year on the lunar calendar and is celebrated across many Asian cultures. In 2026, it’s the Year of the Horse. Around the greater Seattle area, families can welcome the season through Lunar New Year, Chinese New Year, and Tết (Vietnamese New Year) celebrations — from lion dances and library story times to hands-on crafts and community festivals across Seattle, the Eastside, and the South Sound.
Seattle
Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience | Saturday, January 31, 2026 | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | Wing Luke Museum, 719 S King St, Seattle, WA 98104 | Cost: Included with museum admission, but the Lion dance is free to watch. Reserve your spot here | Ages: All | Join us as we welcome the Year of the Horse with a day full of festive art activities for the family, featuring games, a scavenger hunt, and more! Watch a special Lion Dance Blessing performed by Mak Fai Kung Fu Dragon & Lion Dance Association beginning at 10 AM. The morning Lion Dance Blessing is free to watch and open to the public! Check in early or purchase timed tickets for activities and a visit to the Museum.
(Image courtesy of the Wing Luke Museum)
Celebrate Tet at the Little Saigon Creative | February 6-8, 2026 | Times vary by day | Little Saigon Creative, 1227 S Weller St, Suite A, Seattle, WA 98144, and Hoa Mai Park,1224 S King St, Seattle, WA 98144 | Cost: Varies | Ages: All | Tết Celebration is a three-day series of cultural events for all ages. In Vietnamese culture, Tết, or Lunar New Year, symbolizes renewal, family, and cultural identity. There will be a marketplace in Little Saigon Creative and performances (including the Lion Dance) in the park. Other events include zine making and a cooking workshop. RSVP for events here
Seattle Aquarium Happy Lunar New Year Toddler Time | Sunday, February 8 & Monday, February 9, 2026 | 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. | Seattle Aquarium 1483 Alaskan Way, Pier 59 Seattle, WA 98101 | Free with admission, prices vary, ages 4-12 get reduced prices, under age 3 is free, save up to 20 percent by booking ahead | Ages: young children and caregivers | On the first day of the first lunar month comes Lunar New Year celebrations. This ancient festival is celebrated in many East Asian and Southeast Asian communities, bringing together friends and families. Celebrations vary across the world, so we include a mix of activities inspired by those celebrations.
Lunar New Year at Volunteer Park Conservatory | Monday, February 9, 2026 | 12-3 p.m. | Volunteer Park Conservatory, 1402 E Galer St, Seattle, WA 98112 | Cost: $33.17, buy tickets here | Join us as we welcome the year of the horse! Enjoy five distinct Oolong teas from China and experience the tradition and meaning behind tea ceremonies and Lunar New Year!
Lunar New Year Celebration at Jefferson Community Center | Friday, February 13, 2026 | 5-7 p.m. | Jefferson Community Center, 3801 Beacon Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108 | Free | Ages: All | Celebrate Lunar New Year at Jefferson Community Center with this free family event! 2026 is the Year of the Horse, and we will celebrate with activities, crafts, and food.
Seattle Center Tết in Seattle | February 14-15, 2026 | 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Seattle Center, 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109 | Free | Ages: All | Seattle Center Festál presents Tết in Seattle – Vietnamese Lunar New Year in partnership with Tết in Seattle (TIS). This festival celebrates the cultural roots and traditions of Vietnamese Americans during the Vietnamese Lunar New Year. For two days, attendees gain a glimpse into the spirit and energy of Vietnam through arts, music, hands-on experiences, and performances unique to Vietnam. Additional features include offerings of traditional Vietnamese food, awe-inspiring lion dances, curated ao dai fashion show, and an all-inclusive health fair, providing free health services, screenings, and medical support. screenings and services. Seattle Center is so kid-friendly that Tết in Seattle makes a great day for the entire family.
Lunar New Year Gala at UW | Saturday, February 15 | 5:30-9 p.m. | University of Washington Kane Hall, 4069 Spokane Lane, Seattle, WA 98105 | Free | Ages: All | Clear your calendars and head over to Kane Hall for a festive night to celebrate Chinese culture with performances, interactive activities, and vendors. They will hold raffles throughout the night. The pre-show activities, including games and food, will happen from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. The seated performance will begin at 7 p.m.
Lunar New Year Lion Dance at Seattle Uwajimaya | Sunday, February 15, 2026 | 1 p.m. | Location: Uwajimaya Seattle, 600 5th Ave South, Seattle, WA 98104 | Cost: Free | Ages: All | Celebrate the Lunar New Year with us at Seattle Uwajimaya as we host a vibrant lion dance performance! This traditional dance is believed to bring good luck, happiness, and prosperity for the year ahead. Join us for an unforgettable experience as the lion dance brings the spirit of the season to life.
Lunar New Year at Pacific Place | Saturday, February 21, 2026, 3:30 p.m. & 5 p.m. | Pacific Place Seattle, 600 Pine St, Seattle, WA, 98101 | Cost: Free | Celebrate the Lunar New Year at Pacific Place with a festive, family-friendly event filled with culture, creativity, and good fortune! Ring in the Year of the Horse with dynamic live performances by the Mak Fai Kung Fu Club, then get hands-on with whimsical mini horse lantern making and lucky horse charm keychains. Capture the moment at a custom Lunar New Year photo booth, designed for share-worthy memories with friends and family. This free public celebration promises joy, tradition, and a little extra luck for the year to come.
Seattle Rise Collective’s Lunar New Year Festival | Saturday, February 21, from 12-6 p.m. | Washington Hall, 153 14th Avenue Seattle, WA 98122 | Cost: Free to enter, reserve a spot here | Ages: All | Looking for Lunar New Year gifts and merch? Over 40 Asian-owned small businesses will be vendors at this community event at Washington Hall, along with performances on stage, gift raffles, and much more.
Lunar New Year Art Hour | Saturday, February 21, 2026 | 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. | 3 bears creative studio, 7130 Beacon Avenue South, Seattle, WA 98108 | Cost: $71.36 | Celebrate the Lunar New Year with a fun and creative in-person art session! 6 is a very lucky number and we will be crafting your new year luck by making 6 pieces of clay art to bring home with you!
SAAM Lunar New Year Family Celebration | Saturday, February 21, 2026 | 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Seattle Asian Art Museum, 1400 E Prospect St, Seattle, WA 98112 | Cost: Programming is free with museum admission | Ring in the Year of the Fire Horse with SAM’s annual Lunar New Year Family Festival at the Seattle Asian Art Museum! Enjoy live lion dances, martial arts demonstrations, drop-in art activities with local artists, storytelling, and more surprises inspired by the holiday. Note: If you buy tickets online (museum admission) you are guaranteed entrance to the event. However, if you show up in person you can do a suggested donation to enter the museum/event, but this event often sells out and you won’t be guaranteed a spot.
Lunar New Year Celebration at The Bellevue Collection | Saturday, February 21, 2026 | 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.| Bellevue Square | Free | Celebrate with traditional and contemporary demonstrations of martial arts, music, dance and visual arts and arts and crafts activities.
Vietnamese New Year | Saturday, February 21, from 12-2 p.m. | Vietnamese Cultural Center, 2236 SW Orchard St, Seattle, WA 98106 | Cost: Free | Ages: All | Join us to welcome the Year of the Horse. We will have a ceremony with the annual flag raising and lion dance. Note: Limited on-site parking available.
Phinney Lunar New Year Celebration | Saturday, February 21, 2026 | 1-4 p.m. | PNA, 6532 Phinney Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103 | Cost: Free to enter, some activities cost | Ages: All | The Phinney Neighborhood Association is collaborating with the Asian community for their annual event celebrating the Lunar New Year. Enjoy free arts and crafts, paper lantern decorating ($5), LQ Lion Dancers, a bake sale, food trucks, and a marketplace representing local Asian small businesses and makers.
Lunar New Year Celebration Downtown | Sunday, February 22, 2026 | 1-3:30 p.m. | Pioneer Park, First & Pike, and Bell Street Park | Free | Ages: All | Celebrate Lunar New Year with lion dance performances across downtown! According to tradition, the dance brings good luck and good fortune for the coming year. All performances are free and open to the public. For the Year of the Horse, the dance will take place at the following locations: Pioneer Park – 1 p.m., First & Pike – 2 p.m., and Bell Street Park – 3 p.m.
Lunar New Year Celebration at Chinatown International District | Saturday, March 7, 2026 | 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. | Hing Hay Park, 423 Maynard Ave S, Seattle, WA 98104 | Free | Ages: All | The Lunar New Year Celebration highlights each zodiac animal and celebrates the year’s symbolism in the historic Chinatown-International District (Chinatown-ID). Since its inception, our Lunar New Year Celebration has become one of the largest events of its kind in the region, showcasing the diversity, richness, and cultural heritage of the Asian community. The celebration features traditional dragon and lion dances, martial arts demonstrations, and other cultural performances on the Main Stage. Visitors can also participate in our Annual Food Walk, sampling dishes from local businesses. With a variety of family-friendly activities, arts and crafts vendors, and cultural exhibits, the event offers something for everyone to enjoy.
Eastside
Celebrate Lunar New Year at Kirkland Urban | Saturday, January 23, 2026 | 5-7 p.m. | Kirkland Urban, in the lobby and Main Plaza 425 Urban Plaza, Kirkland, WA 98033 | Free | Ages: All, but minors must be accompanied by an adult. | Join us for an evening of culture, tradition, and connection as we celebrate the Lunar New Year and welcome the Year of the Horse at Kirkland Urban. This festive, family-friendly event brings together dynamic performances, hands-on activities, and delicious bites for a joyful night honoring renewal, movement, and positive momentum in the year ahead.
Lunar New Year Wishes in Chinese Calligraphy | Saturday, February 7, 2026 | 3-5 p.m. | Newport Way 14250 SE Newport Way Bellevue, WA 98006-1507 | Free | Ages: 8+, children must be accompanied by an adult | Drop-in between 3-5 to learn basic Chinese calligraphy techniques. Write beautiful Lunar New Year wishes to take home. All materials provided. The presenter, Jesse Huang, is bilingual in Chinese and English.
Microsoft Asian Spring Festival Celebration | Saturday, February 7, 2026 | 12-9 p.m. | Pursuit Kirkland, 9051 132nd Avenue Northeast, Kirkland, WA 98033 | Cost: General admission is $21, an Individual ticket (Gala/AFTN) is $39-$59. Buy tickets here. | Ages: All | Year 2026 marks the 26th anniversary of the Microsoft Asian Spring Festival Gala. They will be hosting a full day of Spring Festival celebrations at Pursuit Kirkland. The event consists of an afternoon festival fair, a bite of China, large immersive live role-playing games, and the highlight of the day, the 2026 Microsoft Asia Spring Festival Gala evening show.
Mercer Island Lunar New Year Celebration | Sunday, February 8, 2026 | 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. | Mercer Island Community & Event Center, 8236 SE 24th St, Mercer Island, WA98040 | Cost: Free, must register. (link coming soon) | Ages: All | Save the date – Ring in the Year of the Horse with your Mercer Island community. Get ready for a day of lion dances, fantastic food, and family fun at the Mercer Island Community Center. Registration link open soon!
Lunar New Year Lion Dance at Bellevue Uwajimaya | Sunday, February 15, 2026 | 12 p.m. | Location: Uwajimaya Bellevue, 699 120th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA | Cost: Free | Ages: All | Celebrate the Lunar New Year with us at Bellevue Uwajimaya as we host a vibrant lion dance performance! This traditional dance is believed to bring good luck, happiness, and prosperity for the year ahead. Join us for an unforgettable experience as the lion dance brings the spirit of the season to life.
The Marketplace at Factoria | Cultural Exhibition: February 11 – 15 & February 18 – 22, Weekdays 12 p.m. – 4 p.m.; Weekends 12 p.m. – 5 p.m., Main Event: February 28, 2026, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Lion Dance February 28 at 12 p.m. | Factoria Mall, 4089 Factoria Blvd. S.E., Bellevue, WA 98004 | Cost: Free | Ages: All | During the Cultural Exhibition, there will be Traditional Chinese clothing, cultural heritage crafts, classic toys, and iconic Chinese food models, along with interactive experiences and a photo booth. On February 28, there will be a Lion Dance at 12 p.m., plus interactive cultural activities for the whole family, including traditional crafts and games, lantern riddles, a traditional Chinese fashion show, shadow puppetry, traditional food samples, an an ancient Chinese school–style calligraphy experience.
The Story of the Zodiac Animals | Thursday, February 19, 2026 | 12-1 p.m. | Issaquah Library, 10 W Sunset Way, Issaquah WA 98027 | Free | Ages: 3 to tweens, plus caregivers | Celebrate the Lunar New Year with a picture book that welcomes a season of renewal, family, and good fortune! This bilingual story time features an author-read story in Mandarin and English, along with songs and simple interactive activities inspired by Lunar New Year traditions.
The Bellevue Collection | Saturday, February 21, 2026 | 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. | Bellevue Square, 575 Bellevue Square, Bellevue, WA, 98004 | Ages: All | Join us for live performances, crafts, displays and more. Celebrate the Year of the Horse with wishes for good fortune and good health. Gather with family and friends to celebrate traditions during this season.
(Image courtesy The Bellevue Collection)
Lunar New Year Storytime With Illustrator Michelle Jing Chan | Saturday, February 21, 2026 | 11:30 – 12:30 p.m. | Newport Way Library,14250 SE Newport Way, Bellevue, WA 98006 | Free | Ages: 3-12, plus caregivers | Join illustrator Michelle Jing Chan at the Newport Way Library for a Story Time and art activity related to the Lunar New Year holiday and its cultural traditions! She will be reading Lunar New Year: A Celebration of Family and Fun (Written by Mary Man-Kong). Michelle’s books will be available to purchase at the event from Island Books.
Lunar New Year Celebration at The Village – Kirkland | Saturday, February 21, 2026 | Time: TBD | The Village at Totem Lake in Kirkland, 11901 NE Village Plaza, Kirkland, WA 98034
Lunar New Year at Kirkland Community Center | Saturday, February 28, 2026 | 2-4 p.m. | Peter Kirk Community Center | Free | Learn about the Lunar New Year and how it’s traditionally celebrated! Enjoy activities that include crafts. food, dancing. and cultural demonstrations. Parking at the Peter Kirk Community Center is limited please park at the Peter Kirk Municipal Parking Garage under the Kirkland Library or use street parking. Carpooling, walking, biking, or busing to the event is always welcome!
2026 Kin On Lunar New Year | Saturday, February 28, 2026 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Kin On Community Center- Seattle, 4416 S Brandon St, Seattle, WA 98118 | Cost: Free, get tickets here | Ages: All | Join us for a festive Lunar New Year Celebration at the Kin On Community Center! This family-friendly event is packed with exciting activities to welcome the new year with prosperity and happiness.
Newcastle’s Lunar New Year Celebration | Sunday, March 1, 2026| 1-4 p.m. | Risdon Middle School, 6928 116th Avenue SE, Newcastle, WA 98056 | Cost: Free, cost for food/refreshments | Ages: All | Newcastle celebrates Lunar New Year with spectacular Dragon and Lion Dances and Kung Fu Demonstration, Traditional and modern cultural performances, traditional arts & crafts, and hands-on activities. Food trucks will be available to purchase refreshments. Drop in for demonstrations of dance, music, fashion, crafts, games, and sample some traditional snacks.
North of Seattle
Lunar New Year at CWU Sammamish | Saturday, January 31, 2026 | 1-4 p.m. | Central Washington University, Sammamish, 120 228th Ave NE, Sammamish, WA 98074 | Free | Ages: All | There will be vibrant performances, music, dance, visual arts, various interactive booths for kids, and food trucks.
Lunar New Year Celebration in Mukilteo | Thursday, February 12, 2026 | 5-8 p.m. | Rosehill Community Center, 304 Lincoln Avenue, Mukilteo, WA 98275 | Cost: Free to enter, food and some activities cost | Ages: All | This free, family-friendly event offers a festive evening of cultural learning and engagement. Attendees can enjoy ethnic food, explore informational and activity booths hosted by the City, local school PTAs and PTOs, state agencies, nonprofits, community organizations, and local businesses, and experience traditional dance performances.
Lunar New Year Chinese Story Time | Saturday, February 14, 2026 | 3-3:45 p.m. | Bothell Library, 18215 98th Avenue NE
Bothell WA 98011 | Free | Ages: All | Celebrate Lunar New Year! Enjoy stories presented in Mandarin Chinese, as well as movement, rhymes, and activities.
Mak Fai Lion Dance | Saturday, February 14, 2026 | 2-2:30 p.m. | Bothell Library, 18215 98th Avenue NE, Bothell, WA 98011 | Free | Ages: All | Meet lion dance performers and enjoy a 10-minute performance.
Mandarin Story Time, Lunar New Year | Wednesday, February 18, 2026 | 1 -2 p.m. | Shoreline Library, 345 NE 175th Street
Shoreline, WA 98155 | Free | Ages: All | Celebrate Lunar New Year with a Story Time presented in Mandarin. Enjoy stories, music, movement, and rhymes. We will also share a New Year lion dance!
Lunar New Year Celebration in Woodinville | Sunday, February 22, 2026 | 12:30-2:30 p.m. | Woodinville Unitarian Universalist Church, 19020 Northeast Woodinville Duvall Road, Woodinville, WA 98077 | Cost: Free, reserve your spot here | Ages: All | Celebrate the Year of the Horse on Feb 22nd with a traditional Lion Dance, delicious snacks, & family fun– reserve your free ticket now!
Mandarin Story Time Lunar New Year | Monday, February 23, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. | Sammamish Library, 825 228th Ave NE, Sammamish, WA 98074 | Free | Ages: 5 and younger, plus caregivers | Celebrate the Lunar New Year with a Story Time presented in Mandarin at the Sammamish Library. Enjoy stories, music, movement, and rhymes. Help develop your child’s early literacy skills.
Lam’s Seafood Asian Market Lunar New Year Celebration | Sunday, March 1, 2026 | 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. | Lam’s Seafood Asian Market, 243 Minkler Boulevard, Tukwila| Cost: Free to enter, food and some activities cost | Ages: All | Enjoy a lion dance, a cultural performance, red envelopes, and more in a festive, family-friendly setting. This free, public event takes place both in the parking lot and inside the store, where you can also enjoy elaborate seasonal displays.
Shorelake Arts Lantern Festival | Saturday, March 14, 2026 | 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. | Shoreline Community College PUB Building, Shoreline, WA 98133
South of Seattle
Lunar New Year Celebration at Eastside Community Center | Sunday, February 1, 2026 | 1-4 p.m. | Eastside Community Center, 1721 E 56th St, Tacoma, WA 98404 | Free | Ages: All | We invite our friends and neighbors to join us in celebrating the Year of the Horse in 2026. Experience Vietnamese art & culture through this free event that includes a Lion Dance, Ao dai Fashion Show, Martial Arts performance, Traditional Vietnamese food, and outstanding entertainment including a variety of performances. For guests who do not have Vietnamese heritage, this celebration is a great way to learn about cultural traditions and Lunar New Year, a holiday celebrated annually by more than a billion people across the world. It is the most important holiday in Vietnamese culture and marks the beginning of spring.
Celebrating Vietnamese New Year. (Image courtesy Metro Parks Tacoma)
Lunar New Year Lantern Craft | Sunday, February 8, 2026 | 1-2 p.m. | Renton Library, 100 Mill Avenue S., Renton, WA 98057 | Cost: Free, registration required | Ages: 5 and up, plus caregivers | Make a paper lantern to write wishes, hopes, and new year resolutions. All materials provided. Led by Hyunjoo Koo of Studio Design Vignette Collection.
Lunar New Year at Westfield Southcenter | Saturday, February 14, 2026. 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Westfield Southcenter, 2800 Southcenter Mall, Seattle, WA 98188 In Macy’s Court | Free | Ages: All | Celebrate Lunar New Year 2026 at Westfield Southcenter! An event for all ages, ring in the Year of the Horse with a vibrant celebration filled with tradition, culture, and fun for the whole family! From dazzling lion dances to cultural performances and interactive activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Lunar New Year Lion Dance at Renton Uwajimaya | Saturday, February 14, 2026 | 1 p.m. | Uwajimaya Bellevue, 501 South Grady Way, Renton, WA 98057 | Cost: Free | Ages: All | Celebrate the Lunar New Year with us at Renton Uwajimaya as we host a vibrant lion dance performance! This traditional dance is believed to bring good luck, happiness, and prosperity for the year ahead. Join us for an unforgettable experience as the lion dance brings the spirit of the season to life.
Lunar New Year Celebration at Renton Highlands | Saturday, February 14, 2026 | 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. | Renton Highlands Library, 2801 NE 10th St, Renton, WA 98056 | Free | Ages: All | Welcome 2026, the Year of the Horse! Celebrate the Lunar New Year with performances, games, and giveaways! Enjoy performances from: Hua Yin Dance Performing Arts Group and NW Korean Art Center. After the performances, let’s play “Yut”, a traditional Korean board game! The lucky 10 people will win a Yut game set through a raffle!
Lunar New Year Vietnamese Story Time | Thursday, February 19, 2026 | 12-1 p.m. | Renton Highlands Library, 2801 NE 10th Street, Renton, WA 98056 | Free | Ages: up to age 8, plus caregivers | Celebrate Lunar New Year! Enjoy stories presented in Vietnamese, as well as movement, rhymes, and activities.
Lunar New Year Celebration in Burien | Saturday, February 21, 2026 | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. | Burien Community Center, 14700 6th Ave SW, Burien, WA 98166 | Free | Enjoy a traditional lion dance, play exciting games, and more. Enjoy a lively morning filled with festive activities, cultural experiences, and hands-on fun for all ages. From vibrant performances to creative activities. Free snacks while supplies last!
SAAM Lunar New Year Family Festival | Saturday, February 21, 2026 | 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.| Seattle Asian Art Museum in Volunteer Park | Suggested museum admission $14.99 adults, free ages 14 years and younger | Buy tickets here. The popular family-focused festival features story times, lion dances, crafts, hot dumplings and beverages for purchase, or bring your own snacks.
PNA Lunar New Year Celebration | Saturday, February 21, 2026 | 12 p.m. – 2 p.m. | Phinney Center | Free| Join the PNA to celebrate the beginning of the Year of the Horse! Arts and crafts, calligraphy wokshops, paper lantern decorating, LQ Lion Dancers, a bake sale, food trucks, fortune teller, and a marketplace representing over 25 local, Asian, small businesses and makers.
Lincoln District Lunar New Year Festival – Tacoma | Sunday, February 22, 2026 | 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. | Location: Lincoln International District, 801 S 38th St, Tacoma, WA 98418 | Free | Ages: All | Celebrate the Year Of The Horse in historic Lincoln District, Tacoma! Don’t miss the South Sound’s largest Lunar New Year celebration, the Lincoln District Lunar New Year Festival! Welcome the Year of the Horse with a full day of lion dancers, firecrackers, food, shopping, music, kids’ activities, and fun! Follow lion dancers throughout the district as they perform at local businesses. The Tacoma Sunday Market will fill the streets with an outdoor marketplace. Come hungry and enjoy the district’s restaurants and food trucks.
Lunar New Year Featuring Cambodia | Saturday, February 28, 2026 | 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Tacoma Dome Exhibition Hall, 2727 East D Street, Tacoma | Cost: Free to enter, some activities cost | Ages: All | APCC’s New Year Celebration is our signature event—an energetic and colorful gathering that draws thousands of attendees every year. With performances, activities, vendors, and food from across Asia and the Pacific Islands, this family-friendly festival is truly a one-of-a-kind experience.
