As winter deepens in Boston, the city has a glimmer of color with the arrival of Lunar New Year or Chinese New Year—a celebration rooted in renewal, good fortune, and community. Observed across many Asian cultures, this season offers visitors a chance to experience Boston at its most vibrant, from elegant museum evenings to spirited street parades and intimate workshops. In 2026, Lunar New Year begins on February 17, ushering in the Year of the Horse—a sign associated with vitality, independence, and momentum. It is a year believed to favor curiosity, confidence, and movement, providing an auspicious backdrop for locals & travelers eager to explore the city with fresh eyes.
Art, Performance, and Tradition at the MFA
For a refined celebration, the Museum of Fine Arts presents an evening where art and tradition intertwine. On February 19th from 5PM to 9PM the Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Avenue, Boston is hosting an evening filled with events & activities including lantern making, dancing, music, story time, special tours, print making & the ceremonial lion’s dance. For more information visit the Lunar New Year Boston MFA page for more details.
The Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade & Cultural Village
For a more exuberant experience, Boston’s historic Chinatown hosts its annual parade and cultural village, a beloved winter tradition. This typically takes place on a Sunday, morning 10:30AM-3PM and meanders through Beach Street, Harrison Avenue, and surrounding Chinatown street. Dragon and lion dances, martial arts demonstrations and cultural performances fill the streets with energy. The Horse’s symbolism of collective strength and forward motion will be on full display, as performers and spectators alike move together in celebration. Free to the public. Check chinatownmainstreet.org for the finalized details.
The Lunar New Year Flower Market
For a quieter, symbolic experience, the Lunar New Year Flower Market at the China Trade Center offers a contemplative way to prepare for the year ahead. From February 10–16, 2026, 9AM–6PM at 2 Boylston Street, Boston. Free to enter but prices vary by vendor & selection. The market features auspicious flowers and plants like orchids, pussy willows, kumquat trees, each having their own symbolism for prosperity, longevity, or happiness. The market embodies another aspect of the Horse year: intention before motion, selecting symbols of hope before stepping forward.
Hands-On Cultural Workshops at the Boston Public Library
For intimate encounters with local culture, the Boston Public Library offers Lunar New Year workshops and talks. At the Boston Public Library’s Central Library in Copley Square there will be a selection of hands-on cultural workshops on February 19th. The cost is free but registration is required in advance. Programs often include red envelope crafting, calligraphy demonstrations, and zodiac-themed discussions, perfect for adults and families. Advanced Registration for Lunar New Year at BPL
Vietnamese Tết Festival at the Seaport
Lunar new year includes many Asian countries and cultures. Boston is proud of it’s large Vietnamese community who celebrates Tết, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, with a vibrant festival at Flynn Cruiseport Boston. Live performances, traditional dress, food vendors, and art displays showcase the Horse Year through the eyes and traditions of Boston’s Vietnamese community. Details can be found at tetinhuboston.com
Chinese New Year Concerts & Performances
Music lovers can mark the season with concerts at the Berklee Performance Center, where traditional Chinese music meets contemporary composition. This evening will showcase a fabulous assortment of Chinese pop music, traditional folk, and classical Chinese instrumental works. The concert is comprised of Berklee College of Music students performing both original compositions and new arrangements by Chinese composers. Audiences will be treated to instruments such as the erhu, guzheng, pipa, and dizi, complemented by Western ensembles, to create a fully immersive cross-cultural soundscape. The program will also feature a surprise special guest and include traditional Chinese dance. February 12th at 8PM. evening. Visit Berklee College of Music Chinese New Year Concert for tickets and information.
For guests at Clarendon Square the convenience of our location puts you in the center of the activities and events. Positioned close to Chinatown, the Parade, MFA & Boston Public Library, Copley Place. For guests of Clarendon Square Inn, Lunar New Year in Boston becomes more than a date on the calendar. In the Year of the Horse, the city invites movement with meaning—through art, performance, tradition, and discovery—a season perfectly suited to exploration, reflection, and the elegant rhythm of travel done well.