Celebrate the Chinese New Year

In 2026, the Year of the Horse begins on Feb. 17. Major celebrations occur from Feb. 17 through March 3. People born in a Year of the Horse are considered lively, charming and adventurous. In Chinese culture, the horse symbolizes enthusiasm, speed and fieriness, bringing a year focused on bold moves and exploration. Learn more at chinesenewyear.net.

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Head to an Event

Shen Yun at Cobb Energy Centre

Explore the grandeur of China’s ancient culture at this immersive show. Jan. 27-Feb. 1.

Lunar New Year Celebration at Doc Chey’s

Visit for the chance to win a special prize in celebration of the New Year. Feb. 3-17.

Lunar New Year Celebration at Aurora Theatre

The Atlanta Chinese Dance Company rings in the Year of the Horse with traditional Chinese music and dance. Feb. 7.

Celebrate Lunar New Year at Children’s Museum of Atlanta

Watch a special performance from the Atlanta Chinese Dance Company. Feb. 8.

Lunar New Year Festival at Stone Mountain Park

This Asian-inspired festival pays tribute to the New Year traditions of countries following the lunar calendar with a Drone and Light Show, a lighted parade, activities and more. Feb. 14-15, 21-22 and Feb. 28-March 1.

Lunar New Year Celebration at Market East at Ponce City Market

Enjoy a tasting inspired by a feast of good fortune, live music, live art installations and more to honor the Year of the Horse. Feb. 15.

Lunar New Year at Atlanta Athletic Club

Commemorate the new year with delicious food and cultural performances. Feb. 21.

Lunar New Year Festival at Atlantic Station

Ring in the Year of the Horse with a festival featuring traditional rituals, family fun, symbolic crafts and more. Feb. 21.

Atlanta Lunar New Year Festival at Culture Center of TECO

See lion dances and cultural performances, taste authentic food, make crafts, shop the marketplace and more. Feb. 21-22.

Decatur Lunar New Year at Ebster Courtyard at Beacon Municipal Center

Honor diverse customs with delicious food, a marketplace and cultural performances. March 1.

Source: Wes Radez/chineseamericanfamily.com

Make a Good Luck Character Banner

Decorate for the Chinese New Year and introduce your kids to Chinese calligraphy with this craft. The fu character means “good luck” or “blessings.”

Start with a red sheet of construction paper in the shape of a diamond. Draw a light pencil line down the center of your paper to keep your characters properly spaced. Using a paintbrush and black paint, start the first character with a short downward stroke in the shape of a comma. The second stroke looks like a number 7. Draw a vertical line underneath the second stroke and in line with the first character. The final stroke is another comma shape starting from the juncture at the center of the character. Start the second character with a short horizontal stroke. Draw a rectangular box underneath. Draw a larger rectangle with only left, top and right sides. Put a horizontal bar in the middle of the larger rectangle. Draw a downward stroke through the middle, pulling the brush to the left and back to the right to create the bottom of the rectangle. Source: Wes Radez/chineseamericanfamily.com

Give Dim Sum a Try

Dim sum means “touch the heart” and is a Chinese meal of small plates including steamed and fried buns, dumplings, rolls and more served with tea and enjoyed with family and friends.

Order Takeout

Enjoy Chinese culture by getting delicious food you can taste at home. Call or check websites for delivery or takeout options.

Practice Origami

In the past, paperfolding traditions arose in Europe, China and Japan separately. Origami is the art of paper folding, and although it’s often associated with Japanese culture, the term has become inclusive for all paper folding practices. To celebrate the New Year and the year of the tiger, fold paper lanterns, tiger figurines, red envelopes, gift boxes and more. Find step-by-step instructions and projects at origami.guide, origami-resource-center.com and paperkawaii.com.