As winter turns toward spring, Boston gears up for one of the most vibrant cultural celebrations of the year — Lunar New Year! While today, February 17, marks the official start of Year of the Horse, many celebrations will take place in the coming weeks throughout Boston. From lively lion dances to beautiful musical performances, Chinatown and the surrounding communities are coming together to welcome the Year of the Horse with joy, color, and tradition. Whether you’re a longtime local or visiting the city for the first time, there’s a rich lineup of events to enjoy throughout February and into early March.
Boston Chinese New Year Parade
📍 Chinatown, Boston
🗓 Sunday, March 1, 2026 — 10:30 AM to 3:00 PM
The Boston Chinese New Year Parade is the signature celebration each year, turning the streets of Chinatown into a festive spectacle of sound, movement, and tradition. Watch as spirited lion dancers, dragon processions, and cultural groups fill the neighborhood with beats, colors, and blessings for prosperity — a perfect way to embrace the spirit of the holiday.
Pao Arts Center — Lunar New Year Celebration
📍 Pao Arts Center, 99 Albany Street
🗓 Sunday, March 1, 2026 — 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Hosted by Pao Arts Center, this family-friendly celebration invites visitors to enjoy interactive workshops, cultural art activities, and creative performances as part of Chinatown’s Lunar New Year festivities. It’s a wonderful way to explore cultural traditions through artistic expression.
Chinatown Main Street – Flower Market & Cultural Village
📍 China Trade Center, 2 Boylston Street
🗓 Feb 11–16 — Pop-Up Flower Market
& March 1 — Cultural Village during Parade
Presented by Chinatown Main Street, the Flower Market brings festive blooms, decorations, and New Year goods to the heart of Chinatown ahead of the holiday — a perfect stop for Lunar New Year shopping and ambiance. On the day of the parade, their Cultural Village offers lion dances, music, arts & crafts, and Chinese calligraphy for all ages.
Public Art on The Greenway: Boston Busing in Chinatown, 1975 by Daphne Xu (2025)
📍 Auntie Kay & Uncle Frank Chin Park on The Greenway
🗓 On view through May 2025
Currently installed in Chin Park on The Greenway is Boston Busing in Chinatown, 1975 by Daphne Xu. Through archival imagery and thoughtful visual storytelling, Xu reflects on a pivotal moment in Boston’s history, connecting the experiences of Chinatown residents to the broader story of school desegregation and community resilience.
The Greenway Public Art program also annually commissions an installation to mark the Lunar New Year in Chinatown, spotlighting artists whose work reflects the neighborhood’s layered histories and vibrant present. Looking ahead, the new Year of the Horse installation will arrive this spring. Stay tuned for more details as the installation approaches!
Tips for Celebrating
- Dress in warm layers — outdoor festivities in Boston can be chilly!
- Explore Chinatown’s businesses while you’re in the neighborhood — many restaurants and shops participate in the festivities with special offerings and treats.
- Plan ahead if attending multiple events on March 1 — the parade and cultural celebrations overlap and are within walking distance of one another.
From music and art to lion dances and lantern-filled streets, Boston’s Lunar New Year celebrations are a welcoming mix of tradition, creativity, and community spirit.
Looking for even more ways to celebrate? Check out this list from Meet Boston on all of the Lunar New Year festivities happening throughout the city.
We hope you’ll join in the festivities and help welcome the Year of the Horse with joy and good fortune!