The Lunar New Year animal for 2026 is the Horse, specifically the Fire Horse, beginning on February 17, 2026, bringing a year of dynamic energy, passion, and bold pursuits in the Chinese zodiac cycle.
Plano’s Premier Lunar New Year Celebrations
Lunar New Year officially begins on February 17, 2026, and ends on February 27. Celebrations culminate with the Lantern Festival on March 3rd.
Lunar New Year’s origins trace back over 4,000 years in ancient China to agricultural societies celebrating the end of harvest and praying for good fortune.
Ways to celebrate Lunar New Year: Local Restaurants
Plano is home to a diverse array of Asian restaurants!
From bustling Chinese eateries to Vietnamese pho houses and Korean barbecue joints, there are countless opportunities to taste traditional dishes. Many restaurants will feature special Lunar New Year menus or highlight auspicious dishes.
Here are some local Lunar New Year events
Families: Explore Lunar New Year
When: Saturday, February 7, 3pm
Where: Haggard Library, Program Room, 2501 Coit Rd, Plano
Cost: Free
Celebrate Lunar New Year, the Year of the Horse, with hands-on activities
Frisco Lunar New Year Market Festival
When: February 7, 3 pm – 8 pm
Where: Frisco Square, 6101 Frisco Square Blvd, Frisco
Cost: Free
Enjoy a day filled with cultural performances, delicious food from many different vendors, and engaging activities for the whole family.
Lunar New Year at the Core, Richardson
When: February 15, 11 am – 3 pm
Where: Chinatown at the Core Neighborhood, Richardson
Cost: Free
Fun for all ages, this free event will feature stunning dragon and lion dances, musical and martial arts demos, art making, calligraphy, specialty booths and cultural performances.
Lunar New Year in Downtown Plano
When: February 21, 12 pm – 4 pm
Where: McCall Plaza, 998 E 15th St, Plano
Cost: Free
Enjoy live entertainment and activities, including:
- Chinese Calligraphy
- K-Pop Dance Dallas
- DJ + Lion Dancers
- Balloon Artist
- Jiu-Jitsu Performance
This free, family-friendly event is packed with tradition, energy, and fun. Don’t miss it!
Lunar New Year: Year of the Fire Horse
When: February 22, 1.30 pm – 5 pm
Where: Grandscape, 5752 Grandscape Blvd, The Colony
Cost: Free
Unwind, explore, and embrace your adventurous spirit with a night full of electric performances, cultural experiences, and delicious food the whole family can enjoy.
This FREE event includes:
- • Traditional stage performances
- • Delicious food and drinks available for purchase
- • Stunning Lunar New Year photo opportunities to capture the magic of the night
19th Annual Lunar New Year 2026
When: Weekend 1: Feb 6, 7, 8, weekend 2: Feb 13, 14, 15 and weekend 3: Feb 21 & 22
Where: Asia Times Square, 2625 W Pioneer Pkwy, Grand Prairie
Cost: Free
Beyond Plano: DFW Metroplex Lunar New Year Highlights for Plano Families
Within a short distance, head further south into the wider Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex area for more fun ways to celebrate.
Asia Times Square (Grand Prairie/Arlington)
Asia Times Square in Grand Prairie is an Asian cultural hub for Lunar New Year celebrations in the DFW area. You’ll find large-scale cultural events, authentic food vendors, traditional performances, and markets.
NorthPark Center & Galleria Dallas
NorthPark Center, with the Crow Museum of Asian Art, is a consistent host of Lunar New Year festivities. These mall-based events frequently feature curated performances, art displays, and family-friendly activities, blending shopping with cultural engagement.
Galleria Dallas may also host complementary events or feature related retail displays. These venues provide accessible and engaging ways to experience the spirit of the New Year.
Richardson’s CORE District & Eisemann Center
The CORE District in Richardson, often referred to as the “DFW Chinatown,” is another area that comes alive during Lunar New Year.
Events here may be organized by community groups and cultural organizations, often culminating at venues like the Eisemann Center. These celebrations often feature a broad spectrum of cultural expressions, from traditional music and dance to martial arts.
Dallas Chinese Community Center & Crow Museum of Asian Art
The Dallas Chinese Community Center has cultural programming, often organizing significant Lunar New Year events.
Don’t forget the Crow Museum of Asian Art of the University of Texas at Dallas also offers exhibits and programming that delve into Asian cultures year-round, often with special features during the Lunar New Year.
