Lunar New Year is one of the most celebrated cultural festivals across Asia and beyond. Observed for centuries, it marks the end of winter and brings families together to welcome a new year filled with luck, prosperity, and happiness. Beyond celebration, it offers an opportunity for cultural learning and reflection, making it a rich educational experience for children of all ages. Keep reading to learn more about Lunar New Year 2026 and child-friendly ways to enjoy the holiday!

A primary student in the Mandarin track at Tessa International School is experiencing lion dance for Lunar New Year Celebration

Celebrating Lunar New Year invites children to appreciate different cultures.

Who Celebrate Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year is the most important holiday in China and is also widely celebrated in many other Asian countries, including Vietnam, Korea, Singapore, and Malaysia, with each region showcasing unique cultural traditions:

In China, it is known as 春节, or Spring Festival;
In Vietnam, it is known as Tết Nguyên Đán;
In Korea, it is known as Seollal.

While the holiday is deeply rooted in East and Southeast Asian cultures, millions of people of Asian heritage around the world also celebrate it. The festival is both a family-centered holiday and a broader cultural celebration.

When is Lunar New Year

In 2026, Lunar New Year falls on February 17th. In China, the holiday continues for 15 days, concluding with the Lantern Festival (元宵节).

Although commonly referred to as “Lunar New Year,” the festival is based on the traditional Chinese Lunisolar Calendar, which tracks both moon phases and the sun’s position to determine months and seasons. This is why the holiday does not have a fixed date but typically falls between late January and mid-February on the Gregorian calendar.

What is Chinese Zodiac

2026 is the Year of the Horse, specifically the Fire Horse (丙午) according to the historic Chinese sexagenary cycle system (天干地支), symbolizing breakthrough energy and rapid progress.

The Chinese zodiac (生肖) is a 12-year cycle, with each year associated with a different animal: Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each animal carries symbolic meanings and personality traits that are believed to influence the people born under that sign.

How to Celebrate Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year is celebrated through a variety of traditions across regions and cultures. Despite these differences, the holiday emphasizes family reunions and community engagement. Here are some festive activities parents and guardians can easily introduce to children:

Find out the Chinese zodiac animals for your family.

Exploring each family member’s zodiac animal opens fun communications about personal traits, storytelling, and family bonding. For older children, parents can discuss the beliefs and histories behind the zodiac, turning it into an intellectually meaningful activity.

Spend time with family and friends.

Reunion dinners (年夜饭) are a central tradition during the festival. Family gatherings reinforce the value of connection and shared experiences while developing children’s social-emotional skills.

Try special cultural dishes and snacks.

There are healthier, child-friendly options for the Lunar New Year, including jiaozi (dumplings), gỏi cuốn (fresh spring rolls), and japchae (stir-fried vegetables and noodles). Inviting children to taste and discuss these foods encourages openness to new flavors and experiences.

Decorate the home with red.

Red is traditionally associated with good fortune and protection from negative spirits in Chinese culture. Creating decorations together, such as paper-cuts or lanterns, allows children to engage with cultural symbolism while practicing creativity and fine motor skills.

Join local celebration events.

Community events offer children immersive experiences filled with music, performances, and festive energy. For example, families in Hoboken or the New York area can take a look at these events to help children experience the atmosphere and traditions of Lunar New Year beyond the home.

Lunar New Year Celebrations at Tessa International School

On Saturday, February 7, 2026, join Tessa for a festive morning full of fun, culture, and community from 9:30 AM to 11:30 AM!

Mandarin is one of our three bilingual language tracks for children ages 2–10. At Tessa, we not only teach the language but also emphasize cultural understanding.

During the celebration, children of all ages can enjoy a variety of engaging activities, including Lion Dance, sugar painting, Chinese calligraphy, traditional crafts, and more! Parents will also have the opportunity to meet our Mandarin teachers, learn about our school programs, and discover Tessa Summer Camp 2026.

Space is limited. Sign up today!

A child waiting for her sugar painting during Tessa International School's Lunar New Year Open House

Celebrate the Year of the Horse with our Tessa Community!

Celebrating Lunar New Year offers children an inspiring way to learn about culture, history, and values while spending time with family. At Tessa International School, we highlight cultural celebrations as a key part of our school life to develop a global mindset. Our children not only gain a deeper appreciation for their own heritage, but also learn to respect and embrace the diversity of the world, preparing them to become thoughtful, globally-minded citizens.

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Contact Tessa International School to learn more!

Lunar New Year is a celebration of the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new year on the lunisolar calendar. It is the most important holiday in China (also known as the Spring Festival, 春节Chūn jié) and widely celebrated across Asia and in overseas Chinese communities. It is a time for family and community reunions, feasting, parades, and fireworks, symbolizing renewal and prosperity.

In 2025, January 29th marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Snake. A common motif in myths and tales, the snake symbolizes transformation and personal growth in Chinese culture. As Hoboken and the surrounding NYC area come alive with festivities, here are five incredible places to immerse yourself and your family in the traditions and joy of the Lunar New Year.

A Mandarin students happily shows her red envelope for the Lunar New Year.

As a Mandarin immersion school, Lunar New Year is one of our largest annual celebrations at Tessa International School.

27th Lunar New Year Firecracker Ceremony & Cultural Festival in Chinatown

Kick off the Lunar New Year on January 29 with a bang—literally—at Chinatown’s Firecracker Ceremony and Cultural Festival in Manhattan Chinatown!

Organized by Better Chinatown USA, this festival begins with a traditional firecracker display to ward off evil spirits and welcome the New Year in Sara D. Roosevelt Park. Attendees can enjoy a variety of cultural performances, including lion and dragon dances. From 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM, festival booths will offer traditional foods, souvenirs, and exhibits. This family-friendly festival is a sensory delight that captures the true essence of the celebration!

The Sound of Spring—Chinese New Year Concert with The Orchestra Now in NYC

Music lovers, here’s the perfect event for you to honor the Lunar New Year while appreciating the musical heritage of China!

Now in its sixth year, The Sound of Spring is an authentic Chinese New Year concert featuring dramatic orchestral works and world-class Chinese instrument soloists. Concerts will take place on January 25 at 3 PM in The Fisher Center at Bard College and on January 26 at 3 PM in the Rose Theater at Lincoln Center in New York City. Exposure to the diversity and artistry of Chinese music is a wonderful way to spark your children’s interest in the richness of cultural heritage and the beauty of another language!

In addition to opportunities to explore China’s rich musical traditions, the event also offers pre-concert celebrations at 2 PM for you to embrace the Chinese New Year’s spirit. Come early and bring your kid for Chinese treats and instrument demonstrations!

Lunar New Year Celebration & Open House at Tessa International School

Celebrate Lunar New Year with Tessa International School in Hoboken on February 1 at 9:30 AM!

This open-to-all event invites families to immerse themselves in the culture and festivities of the Year of the Snake. Through a variety of activities such as sugar painting (Tanghua), Couplets (Chunlian) DIY, and a Mandarin book sale, you will enjoy a vibrant morning of cultural exploration and community connection!

As an international school offering a Mandarin immersion program for students aged 2-10, Tessa International School incorporates culturally responsive teaching practices into our bilingual education. Our programs aim to foster a deep appreciation for global traditions and values, equipping students with both linguistic and cultural skills they need to thrive in an interconnected world. At 10:30 AM, a special presentation by our administration team will help you learn about Tessa’s programs and school mission!

Don’t miss this opportunity to explore, connect, and celebrate! You can sign up here.

Sanxingdui Encounter Exhibition at Memor Museum in NYC

Perfect for history enthusiasts and families—step into the world of ancient Chinese culture with the Sanxingdui Encounter Exhibition before January 19!

History meets technology at this immersive exhibition showcasing ancient Chinese culture. Featuring a one-to-one replica of Sanxingdui artifacts and cutting-edge VR and AI interactive activities, this experience brings a 3,000-year-old civilization to life in an innovative fashion. Blending education with cultural celebration, this event will add a meaningful dimension to your holiday experience.

Tessa primary mandarin students immersed themselves in visiting the ancient Chinese exhibition.

During their field trip, students in Mandarin Track at Tessa observed the cultural relics up close.

Lunar New Year Celebration Series at American Dream in NJ

Still on the hunt for the New Year’s essentials? The Lunar New Year Series at American Dream offers a mix of entertainment, shopping, and cultural activities!

Interactive shows, holiday-themed markets, and a variety of all-age entertainment—there’s something for everyone to enjoy from January 24 to February 9. This lively series captures the festive essence of the Lunar New Year, making it an exciting destination for a day of fun with the whole family.

FAQs

What is the Lunar New Year?

The Lunar New Year, celebrated widely across Asia, marks the start of a new year on the lunisolar calendar. It is a time to reunite with family and friends, honor ancestors, and welcome prosperity, health, and happiness.

When is the Lunar New Year celebrated?

The date often falls between late January and early February, varying each year as it is based on the lunisolar calendar. In 2025, Lunar New Year begins on January 29, ushering in the Year of the Snake.

Why is it important to learn about the Lunar New Year?

Lunar New Year is the most important holiday in many Asian countries, celebrated by billions of people each year. This significant cultural celebration offers a valuable window into diverse cultures and promotes understanding of different customs around the world.

In addition, activities celebrating the Lunar New Year provide language- and value-immersive opportunities for learners to apply both their linguistic and knowledge skills in real-life situations. As an international school offering a Mandarin immersion program, we believe that encouraging bilingual learners to actively participate in relevant socio-cultural events helps them sustain a lifelong passion for language learning and develop an open-minded attitude.

Learn more about why you should choose Chinese immersion for your children here.

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