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The Lunar New Year, aka Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is based on the Chinese Lunar Calendar. This year begins on February 17, 2026. In China, the celebrations will continue for 15 days.
2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse. It is believed that the animal ruling a person’s birth year influences their personality. People born in the Year of the Fire Horse are believed to be strong and determined.
Houston’s Lunar New Year season stretches across weekends and neighborhoods. From Asiatown festivals to museums to downtown night markets, there are a lot of Lunar New Year celebrations. And some of them are free! And I love free stuff!
As prices continue to rise, we at Green Vacation Deals look very hard to find bargains, great deals and freebies. They are out there – it just takes time to find them. And when we do, we love to pass them along to our readers. These five celebrations sound like a lot of fun and with no price for admission, you can afford to go to all of them!
Lunar New Year 2026 At The Galleria
Join the Asia Society Texas to celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse with special Lunar New Year festivities. The celebration is at the Galleria on Level One between Macy’s and Nordstrum. It is free and open to the public.
There will be free arts and crafts, activities and festive performances. Have fun with origami and there will be a wishing tree. All ages are welcome to participate.
Performers will include
- Houston Shaolin Kung Fu Academy
- SalaRu Sri Lankan Cultural Academy
- Han Narea
- Oriental Arts Education Center
- Sanggar Tari Citra Indonesia
- Filipino Young Professionals
- Dance of Asian America
That will be happening on February 14, 15, 21 and 22.
Lunar New Year 2026 Discovery Green
Discovery Green is celebrating Lunar New Year 2026 on Sunday, February 15, 2026, from 4 pm to 7 pm. Enjoy traditional dance and drum performances from Han Narea and Dance of Asian America.
The finale will be an electrifying performance by Lee’s Golden Dragons. Watch the lion team leap across towering acrobatic poles. As the sun goes down, enjoy the Golden Dragon glow in the dark dragon dance.
Discovery Green will also be hosting an Asian market full of traditional toys, arts and cuisine. Admission to the Lunar New Year Celebration is free!
New Year Festival At Market Square Park
Ring in the Lunar New Year at Market Square Park! This will be happening on Saturday, February 14, 2026, from 12 pm to 6 pm. The festival will feature Lion and Dragon Dances, a live DJ, cultural workshops and more. There will also be a market offering a variety of street foods and artisan goods. The first 300 people to arrive will receive a special red envelope with gift vouchers to Downtown businesses. If you find a gold coin in your envelope, you’ll win an elevated gift.
Live At Live Oak Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year will be celebrated on Saturday. February 21, 2026. This will be happening at Live Oak Court at Clay Family Eastern Glades in MemorialPark. This free concert will bring live music and dance together under the stars to celebrate unique cultural traditions. Outside food and drink are allowed but no glass containers. Seating is limited so bring blanket or lawn chairs
2026 Pearland Lunar New Year Festival
Pearland Chinese Association is hosting the 2026 Pearland Lunar NewYear Festival on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 11 am to 4 pm. This family friendly event will be happening at the Pearland Recreation Center.
Activities will include
- Lion Dance
- Dragon Dance
- Face Painting
- Tai Chi
- Feng Shui & Astrology
- Calligraphy
- Chinese Costume & Photo Booth
- Face-Changing Magic
- Chinese Chess
- Chinese Traditional Music
- Performance
- Riddles
- Chinese Painting
- Traditional Games
There will be exhibit tables with traditional Chinese cultural items and food.
This event is free and open to the public!
Chinese Community Center 2026 Lunar New Year Festival
The 2026 Lunar New Year Festival will be held at the Chinese Community Center on Saturday, February 14, from 10 am to 4 pm. The festival celebrates the Lunar New Year and Houston’s cultural diversity. This cultural celebration will have lion and dragon dances, face changing opera, music, dance, cultural clothing parade, activities for children, arts and crafts, Asian food and cultural surprises. Admission and parking are free.
Lunar New Year Celebration At Parker Williams Branch Library
A Lunar New Year Celebration will be happening at the Parker Williams Branch Library on Saturday, February 14, 2026, from 11 am to 1 pm. The librarians will be telling a story of the first Lunar New Year, playing games and watching a performance of a diabolo. A diabolo is a juggling prop, like a yo-yo. It has an hourglass-shaped spool spun on a string. The string is stretched between two sticks that are held in each hand. This enables you to do complex tricks, including spins, tosses and catches. It was invented in ancient China. This event is open to all ages. Snacks will be provided. Admission is free.
Visiting Houston
If you’d like to visit Houston for the Lunar New Year celebrations, you should consider these hotels. Many of these hotels have discounted rates and can be booked for under $100 a night. They could definitely save you money on your stay. And here are 10 more free activities to enjoy in Houston.