Lunar New Year—also known as the Spring Festival or Chinese New Year—is celebrated by many Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, Hmong, Taiwanese, and other Asian communities across Minnesota. In 2026, the Year of the Horse begins on Tuesday, Feb. 17, launching fifteen days of tradition-filled celebrations centered on renewal, luck, and connection. Throughout this period, families and communities gather to share symbolic foods, exchange gifts, enjoy music and dance, and mark the season with festivals and parades believed to usher in prosperity for the year ahead. Across the Twin Cities and greater Minnesota, these time-honored customs take shape in vibrant, public-facing events that invite everyone to learn, celebrate, and welcome the new year together.
Courtesy of Mall of America
Through Feb. 28 – Lunar New Year Display
Mall of America, Bloomington
Explore festive decor and Year of the Horse displays in the North Atrium leading up to and through the main celebration weekends. Plus, on Feb. 21-22 from 12:30-5:30 p.m., cultural performances, art showcases, photo moments, and community festivities will fill the Huntington Bank Rotunda.
Feb. 7, Noon-10 p.m. – Lunar New Year Celebration
Arbeiter Brewing Co., Minneapolis
Arbeiter Brewing Co. welcomes the Lunar New Year with a community-centered celebration honoring the Year of the Fire Horse—a symbol of courage, resilience, and collective strength. The daylong event blends culture, craft, and connection with special beer releases, local food vendors, live Korean drumming and music, and opportunities to support artists and mutual-aid efforts. Rooted in solidarity and care, this gathering invites neighbors to come together, celebrate heritage, and look ahead with intention and resolve.
Feb. 15, Noon-5 p.m. – Asia Mall Lunar New Year 2026 Celebration
Eden Prairie
Celebrate the Year of the Horse at Asia Mall with a lively, family-friendly Lunar New Year festival in Eden Prairie. The free event features traditional music and dance performances, cultural art and heritage displays, and plenty of authentic Asian cuisine to sample while you explore. Interactive activities and hands-on experiences make it an easy, festive outing for all ages—no tickets required, just come ready to celebrate.
Feb. 21, 11 a.m. – Lunar New Year Celebration
Sōke BBQ & Hotpot, Brooklyn Park
Welcome the Year of the Horse with a festive Lunar New Year celebration at Sōke BBQ & Hotpot. The event features a lively Lion Dance performance, a spirited atmosphere, and special surprises designed to usher in good luck, prosperity, and happiness for the year ahead. Families and friends are encouraged to gather, enjoy the celebratory energy, and savor delicious offerings as traditions come to life in a warm, welcoming setting.
Courtesy of Sōke BBQ and Hotpot
Feb. 21, 4-7 p.m. – Chinese New Year Celebration & Potluck
Twin Cities T’ai Chi, St. Paul
Community potluck and Lunar New Year celebration with cultural activities (timing varies).
Feb. 22, 4-7 p.m. – Lunar New Year Celebration
Plymouth Covenant Church, Plymouth
Free community event featuring dance, music, calligraphy, and traditional celebration elements.
Feb. 25, 5 p.m. – Twin Cities Dumpling Feast
St. Paul
The 5th Annual Twin Cities Dumpling Feast returns to Peking Garden Chinese Restaurant in St. Paul, celebrating the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Horse. Hosted by the Association of Sino-American Neocultural Exchange and the Minnesota China Friendship Garden Society, the evening highlights dumplings—a symbol of prosperity—alongside classic Chinese dishes. Guests can enjoy hands-on dumpling wrapping, cultural performances, and a festive, community-centered celebration.
Feb. 26, 7 p.m. – Lunar New Year with the Minnesota Orchestra
Minneapolis
Orchestra Hall welcomes the Year of the Horse with a special performance exploring themes of family and tradition.
Feb. 28, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. – Lunar New Year Celebration
Edina Asian American Alliance, Edina
Join the Edina Asian American Alliance and Edina High School’s AAPI Student Union and Chinese Club to welcome the Lunar New Year with food, culture, and community. Share traditional dumplings, enjoy live performances, and take part in hands-on activities like games, calligraphy, and origami as the celebration kicks off.
Feb. 28, 7 p.m. – Lunar New Year Concert
Treasure Island Resort & Casino, Welch
Welcome the Year of the Horse with a free, all-ages Lunar New Year concert at the Island Event Center. The evening features live music, dance, and performances inspired by the bold, energetic spirit of the year ahead—no tickets required. Bring the family and celebrate new beginnings with a night that’s festive, welcoming, and full of momentum.
