Happy Lunar New Year 2026 is here, and communities across the United States are ringing in the Year of the Horse with parades, family dinners, and bright red decorations.
Key dates and what this year represents
In the U.S., Lunar New Year 2026 falls on Tuesday, February 17. It is treated as an observance, not a federal holiday, and is recognized as a legal observance in states such as California.
The festival follows the traditional lunisolar calendar and runs for about fifteen days, ending with the Lantern Festival in early March. For 2026, many calendars and festival guides mark celebrations through March 3.
According to the Chinese zodiac, 2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse. Cultural institutions describe the Horse as a sign tied to hard work, bravery, and resilience, while the fire element adds intensity and a sense of bold change to the year.
Traditions and symbols people look for
Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture and is listed by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Across Asian American communities, the season often centers on reunion dinners where families gather around dishes that stand for luck or long life, such as whole fish or long noodles. Streets and homes fill with red lanterns, decorative couplets, and banners carrying wishes for good fortune and peace.
Another familiar sight is the red envelope with money, usually given to children. These envelopes are widely described as symbols of happiness, good luck, and prosperity, and remain one of the most loved parts of the holiday for younger family members.
When people say “Happy Lunar New Year,” you may also hear greetings such as “Gong Xi Fa Cai” in Mandarin or “Gong Hei Fat Choy” in Cantonese, which many language and etiquette guides explain as wishes for wealth, happiness, and prosperity in the new year.
How the U.S. is celebrating today
Today, newsrooms and local stations across the country are sharing “Happy Lunar New Year” messages as the Year of the Horse begins. A digital mural from public broadcaster GBH greets viewers with a New Year wish and notes that the horse is linked with ideas such as freedom, ambition, and optimism in this zodiac year.
Photo reports from major outlets show temple visits, lion and dragon dances, and busy city festivals as people welcome the new year in cities from Beijing to Ho Chi Minh City. These images highlight how a festival rooted in East and Southeast Asia has become a shared moment for communities worldwide, including large celebrations in American cities.
On the West Coast, event guides point to free parades and street fairs in Southern California, with lion dances, firecrackers, and food stalls drawing families into the streets.
Ways to join the celebration near you
If you live near a Chinatown or Asian cultural hub, check local listings for Lunar New Year parades, street fairs, or lion dance shows. Many U.S. cities host these public events, and some areas even close streets and expect heavier traffic while celebrations are underway.
You can also support the holiday by visiting local Asian restaurants and bakeries and asking whether they are doing anything special for the New Year. Some U.S. newspapers and magazines use the date to spotlight their top Chinese restaurants, so local food guides can be a useful place to start if you are planning a meal out.
At home, a simple way to join in is to send a New Year’s wish to friends, coworkers, or neighbors who celebrate. Greeting guides often suggest phrases such as “Gong Xi Fa Cai” or “Xin Nian Kuai Le” alongside English wishes for good health and prosperity, which fit well with the spirit of the Year of the Horse.
Whether you are watching a parade, trying new dishes, or sending messages online, today is a good moment to see how deeply Lunar New Year is woven into life across the U.S., from coastal Chinatowns to small community centers. Happy Lunar New Year, and warm wishes for a bright Year of the Horse ahead.
