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The Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year, will begin on February 17, 2026, this year and will be celebrated for the next 15 days. This is the Year of the Fire Horse, the seventh sign in the Chinese zodiac.
Chicago is a great place to celebrate Lunar New Year. Chicago’s Chinatown is the second largest Chinatown in America with an estimated 70,000 Chinese American residents.
Argyle Lunar New Year Parade
The Argyle Lunar New Year celebration kicks off on February 17, 2026, from 10 am to 4 pm. The Argyle Lunar New Year Parade begins at 1 pm at the corner of Argyle and Winthrop. The parade will feature local community groups, cultural groups, dancers, performers, floats, bands and much more. There will be an outdoor stage at Argyle and Winthrop. After the parade there will be performances by CMAA dancers with lion and lotus dances and the Hoang Phoc Lion Dance Association.
Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade
Chinese Chinatown Community Foundation presents the Lunar New Year Chinatown Parade on Sunday, March 1, 2026. The parade will begin at the intersection of 24th Street and Wentworth and go north on Wentworth toward the viewing stand at Cermak and Wentworth. It will feature traditional Dragon and Lion Dancing, colorful floats, marching bands, marching community groups and more.
DePaul University Lunar New Year Celebration
DePaul University will have its 18th annual Lunar New Year celebration to ring in the New Year of the Snake. This is happening on February 20, 2026, from 6 pm to 8 pm. It will be held at the Campus Student Center. The dress code is festive red clothing. You can find some great Lunar New Year shirts by clicking here.
Enjoy authentic Lunar New Year buffet dinner and exciting cultural performances. The celebration will include a Lunar New Year photo booth, message walls, paper cutting, Chinese New Year calligraphy and special gifts for those born in the Year of the Horse. All DePaul students, alumni, faculty, staff, as well as family and friends are welcome to attend. It is free.
Hing Kee Restaurant Chinese New Year Celebration
Hing Kee Restaurant will be celebrating Chinese New Year family style on February 14, 15, 21 and 22, 2026.. Enjoy story telling, Lion Dancing, dumpling making and a sumptuous dinner.
Lunar New Year Festival
Join the annual New Year festival presented by Evanston Asian & Pacific American (ASPA) and The Main-Dempster Mile.” This event will be happening at Evanston SPACE on Sunday, February 15, 2026, from 11 am to 2 pm.
The festival will be celebrating the Year of the Fire Horse with a Lion Dance, activities and lucky red envelopes. This event is free and is fun for all ages.
2026 Chocolate Lunar New Year Collection
Chicago-based luxury chocolatier Vosges Haut Chocolat has presented its Year of the Fire Horse Chocolate collection. It’s a limited edition release celebrating the Lunar New Year. The collection is offering
- Lunar New Year Truffles, infused with jasmine, ube, matcha and yuzu
- Lunar New Year Blood Orange Caramel Marshmallows made with blood orange caramel marshmallows coated in cacao dark chocolate found with hibiscus
- Year of The Horse Gold Tower with both the Lunar New Year Truffles and Blood Orange Caramel Marshmallows
Hotel Deals
If you’d like to visit Chicago during the Lunar New Year celebrations, you can save money by booking one of these hotels.
Having Fun in Chicago
Planning on doing more during your time in Chicago? Find out how to save money during your Chicago visit here.