The Lunar New Year on Feb. 17 is ringing in the Year of the Horse, symbolizing energy, independence, passion, and speed. It’s generally considered a lucky year for career, creativity, and rapid progress, particularly for those born in the sign of the Dog, Sheep, Tiger, and Dragon, who are predicted to have high fortune in 2026. However, the year can pose some challenges for those born in the year of the Horse.
Brooklyn is marking the start of the new year on the traditional Chinese calendar with an array of celebrations, including traditional dances, yoga, art, and the annual Chinese New Year Parade in Sunset Park:
Annual Chinese New Year Parade
The event kicks off at 11 a.m. with a firecracker display and lion dance performances to usher in a year of good luck, along with other cultural activities. The parade along 8th Avenue begins at 1 p.m., and will feature lion dancers and live performances from local schools and senior centers!
Sunday, Feb. 22, 11 a.m – 2:30 p.m. 8th Avenue between 50th and 61st streets in Sunset Park. Free.
Calligrapher On Site: Chinese New Year Couplets
Get in the Lunar New Year Spirit with free hand-painted couplets and block painting; drop by any time and watch couplets be written on the spot.
Thursday, Feb. 12, 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. United Cultural Association, 829 63rd Street, in Sunset Park. Free.
Atlantic Terminal Mall Lunar New Year celebration
Celebrate the joy and traditions of the Lunar New Year in a festive atmosphere with traditional Chinese and lion dances, calligraphy workshops, and cultural performances that bring the spirit and traditions of the Lunar New Year to life.
Wednesday, Feb. 18, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m. Main level of the Atlantic Terminal Mall, 139 Flatbush Ave. in Fort Greene. Free.
Ring in the Lunar New Year with a traditional Lion Dance starting at 1pm in Building 5 and spreading blessings along the way through Innovation Alley to Building 2. For good luck, feed the lion a red envelope.
Thursday, Feb. 19, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Industry City in Sunset Park. Free.
Festivities throughout the Brooklyn Museum include pop-up talks in Mandarin and English, Lion dances, a creativity lab, and drop-in art-making.
Sunday, Feb. 15, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway in Prospect Heights. Free with Museum admission.
Year of the Horse – Lunar Year Celebration
Ring in the Lunar New Year with your four-legged best friend with red envelope treats -a small symbol of luck and prosperity- Lunar New Year–themed drink for the pups, and happy hour for the pet “pawrents” starting at 2 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 21, 12 p.m.- 6:30 p.m. Gone to the Dogs, 103 7th Ave., Park Slope.
Saturday, Feb. 21, 1 p.m.- 3 p.m. City Point BKLYN, Main Floor gallery space, 445 Albee Square West, Downtown Brooklyn. Free.
Join Brooklyn Bridge Parents and City Point for the annual family-friendly Lunar New Year celebration, featuring traditional Lion dances and Lunar Year-inspired kids’ crafts. Guests are encouraged to wear red to invite good fortune in the year ahead.
The Lion Dance performance times are scheduled for:
1:00 / 1:30 PM, City Point
2:10 / 2:40 / 3:20 PM, Albee Square
3:40 / 4:10 PM, DeKalb Market Hall
Poetry, Tea and Flow: A Lunar New Year Celebration
The workshop, hosted by Enmy Uribe and Takiyah Gray, blends yogic practices like asana flow to invigorate and yoga nidra to ground with the magic of a community tea gathering to connect and start the Year of the Horse with intentionality,
Saturday, Feb. 21, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Daya Bushwick, 149 Irving Ave. in Bushwick. $28.
Lucky Dumpling – Clay Character Making
Sculpt clay dumpling characters in a relaxed and creative atmosphere, celebrating the Lunar New Year without pressure, expectations, or stress, and instead, connect with like-minded people for an afternoon of laughter and genuine connection.
Sunday, Feb. 22, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Brooklyn Navy Yard – Hyesu Lee Studio, 141 Flushing Ave. $33.
