The Lunar New Year is on the horizon, say goodbye to the Year of the Wood Snake and hello to 2026, the Year of the Fire Horse.
Lunar New Year is officially celebrated Feb. 17-24 this year, but many events will run now through March 1 in Southern California.
Vietnamese Tet 2026 will last 22 days, from Feb. 10 (Kitchen God Day) to March 3 (Tet Nguyen Tieu).
Year of the Fire Horse, Feb. 17, 2026-Feb. 5, 2027
A quarter of the world’s 8.2 billion people will celebrate Lunar New Year on Feb. 17, also called Chinese New Year and Spring Festival. It’s a time when many parts of Asia take a break from work to travel, to visit family and friends.
Coincidentally, the Year of the Fire Horse begins and ends with a “ring of fire” annular solar eclipse, in Antarctica in 2026 and in South America and West Africa in 2027.
The phases of the moon are important in establishing when the Lunar New Year begins and ends.
This year begins with the New Moon on Feb. 17. The celebrations continue for 16 days ending with the Lantern Festival on the date of the next full moon, the Worm Moon on March 3, which is also a “blood moon,” total lunar eclipse.
The Chinese Zodiac, called Sheng Xiao, has a 12-year cycle, and each year has an animal sign. Each 12-year cycle starts with a Year of the Rat. There are also five elements used in turn — wood, fire, earth, gold (metal) and water, which together create a 60-year cycle. The coming Year of the Fire Horse is the first since 1966.
What to Expect in the Year of the Fire Horse
Experts in the Chinese Zodiac said if you think 2025 raced by, expect more of the same in 2026. The year of the Fire Horse is expected to feel like a restless, dynamic time, with the possibility for conflict.
The Horse embodies enthusiasm, speed and a fiery spirit. This creates a year focused on bold moves, exploration and forward momentum.
Things to do more of in the Year of the Horse include:
Regular movement and exercise that you can consistently maintain.
Practicing nervous system regulation through breath-work, meditation, journaling, or time spent outdoors.
Creating clear boundaries around when and how you rest.
Things to do less of in the Year of the Horse include:
Over-scheduling. Leave space for action and spontaneity.
Ignoring fatigue and signs of exhaustion.
Confusing busyness with productivity.
The most relevant Horse years include 2026, 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954 and 1942.
According to Chinesenewyear.net, those born in the Year of the Horse are encouraged to wear red throughout 2026 to protect themselves from potential misfortune. Red socks or accessories are believed to ward off bad luck and invite blessings instead.
Where to Celebrate the Lunar New Year
A variety of entertaining activities will be held throughout Southern California to celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse.
Inaugural Santa Clarita Lunar New Year Gala
Sunday, Feb. 15, 5:30 p.m.
Newhall Family Theatre, 24607 Walnut St., 91321
Info bit.ly/4akvVo7
Hosted by the Santa Clarita Valley Chinese Cultural Association this first-ever Lunar New Year Gala in Santa Clarita will be a night of dance, theater, and music that unites families, students and community leaders.
5:30–6:30 p.m. Pre-show activities (weather permitting). Arrive early to enjoy hands-on cultural experiences for all ages, including writing Fu calligraphy, making bookmarks, sampling Chinese food, and other interactive activities.
Generous giveaways from local businesses including free passes to yoga and dance studios, kitchen appliances, cookware and more.
6:30 p.m. Gala performances begin. The evening performance features a diverse and dynamic lineup showcasing Chinese dance, K-pop dance, instrumental music, singing, a fashion show, theater pieces and other creative acts. Designed to be family-friendly and engaging, the program celebrates both tradition and contemporary creativity.
General admission tickets are $15.
SCV Lunar New Year
The Los Angeles County Parks will offer three locations to enjoy family Lunar New Year Activities:
Val Verde Park — Thur., Feb. 19, 6-8 p.m.
30300 W. Arlington Dr., Val Verde 91284
(661) 257-4014
Dr. Richard Rioux Park — Thurs., Feb. 26, 5-7 p.m.
26233 W. Faulkner Dr., Stevenson Ranch 91381
(661) 222-9536
Ryan Clinkunbroomer Castaic Sports Complex — Fri., Feb. 27, 4-6 p.m.
1230 N. Castaic Rd., Castaic 91384
(661) 775-8865
Golden Dragon Parade — Sat., Feb. 21, 1-4 p.m.
823 North Hill St., Los Angeles 90012
The 127th Annual Golden Dragon Parade, hosted by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of Los Angeles will be held in downtown Los Angeles’ Chinatown on Saturday, Feb. 21, 1-4 p.m.
The parade’s rich history spanning over a century draws more than 80,000 spectators lining the parade route and showcases a vibrant procession featuring government officials, celebrities, high school bands, drill teams, dragon and lion dancers and a diverse array of performers.
Grandstand tickets are available to view the parade. Visit bit.ly/4axTmvl.
Disneyland Resort Lunar New Year — Through Feb. 22
Disney California Adventure Park
disneyland.disney.go.com
Now through Feb. 22 celebrate the Lunar New Year the Disney way, with innovative marketplace bites and beverages celebrating Asian cuisine with a Disney twist, festival décor, special appearances by popular Disney Characters, including Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, dressed in outfits inspired by traditional cultural attire.
Mulan’s Lunar New Year Procession offers Chinese fan and ribbon dancers, thunderous drummers and energetic dragon performers. Enjoy Disney characters Mulan, Mushu, Chip ‘n’ Dale and Horace Horsecollar as they dance along the parade route to favorite songs from “Mulan.”
