Celebrate Lunar New Year 2026 - The Year of the Horse Celebrations in Orlando
- Alastair Mac
- 18 minutes ago
- 7 min read
Join millions of people around the word in celebrating the Lunar New Year and welcoming the Year of the Horse. Here in Orlando there are several events and festivals to celebrate!
Get ready to celebrate the Lunar New Year and welcome the Year of the Horse with vibrant festivities and joyous tributes to Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese cultures!
Lunar New Year is a celebration of the arrival of spring and the beginning of a new year on the lunisolar calendar. A quarter of the world’s 8.2 billion people will celebrate Lunar New Year on Feb. 17, 2026,
It is the most important holiday in China, and it is also widely celebrated in South Korea, Vietnam, and countries with a significant overseas Chinese population, including here in the U.S.
Orlando is home to a global mix of citizens, including a vibrant Asian American community that is looking forward to welcoming the Lunar New Year and celebrating the Year of the Horse.
Local Lunar New Year festivals and events showcases and celebrates East Asian culture and heritage through music, dance, visual arts, food, spoken word, crafts, family activities, and much more.
Looking for more fun events and things to do in Central Florida? Check out our Events Guide. We also publish weekly and monthly event guides with the can’t-miss happenings throughout Central Florida.
Lunar New Year Events & Festivals in Orlando 2026
January 16 - 18
Central Florida Fairgrounds, 4603 W Colonial Dr, Orlando
Welcoming the Year of the Horse, the annual Vietnamese Lunar New Year Festival is organized by the Vietnamese Community of Central Florida.
Taking place at the Central Florida Fairgrounds over three days, Friday, January 16 - Sunday, January 18, 2026, this major event offers free enter and free parking.
Attendees at the festival will enjoy so much to do, highlights of the Vietnamese Lunar New Year Festival include Firecrackers, Lion Danceers, Miss Vietnam Florida 2026 Competition, Community Arts and Dance Performances, Poetry Readings, and more. Plus, come hungry, and enjoy the many food stalls, especially organized by the Vietnamese Community.
January 31, 2026
Luminary Green Park Downtown Orlando 437 N Terry Ave, Orlando
Get ready to kick off the Lunar New Year as the 5th annual Celebrate Lunar Festival returns to Orlando. Join over 7,000 friends and neighbors on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Luminary Green Park in Downtown Orlando for the 5th anniversary of Celebrate Lunar, Central Florida’s most beloved Lunar New Year festival at Luminary Green Park in Orlando’s Creative Village.
Celebrate Lunar is a fusion of Asia’s rich traditions and modern flair. Enjoy a vibrant fusion of tradition and modern flair—authentic dishes from top Orlando chefs representing China, Korea, Vietnam, the Philippines, Japan, Thailand, Cambodia, and more.
Explore unique vendor booths, take in traditional lion dances, and experience captivating cultural performances throughout the day. At 5 pm, the energy peaks with Dynasty of Dance, a heart-pounding hip-hop battle featuring top talent from across the city and nation. Celebrate Lunar is a cornerstone of the Heritage & Hope mission, created in partnership with local high school Asian American clubs to help students thrive, lead, and showcase their culture.
Performers and artists taking part in this years festival include Moon Veil K-Pop, Rising Sun Dance Ensemble, Orlando Taiko Dojo, Orlando Urban Beats Street Dance Club, Dynamics Lion Dance Team, Orlando Hanfu Club, Wah Lum Kung Fu Temp, and many more.
February 7 - 8
Central Florida Fairgrounds, 4603 W Colonial Dr, Orlando
Tết, short for Tết Nguyên Đán is the biggest and most important celebration in Vietnamese culture. Tết celebrates the arrival of spring based on the Vietnamese calendar and usually falls between late January and 20 February in the Gregorian calendar.
As Têt is celebrated by millions of Vietnamese all around the world to celebrate the Year of the Horse, beginning February 17, 2026, the Parish of Saint Philip Phan Van Minh Catholic Church is gearing up for the much-anticipated return of the 2026 Central Florida TET Festival taking place on Saturday, February 7, and Sunday, February 8, 2026.
Returning to the Central Florida Fairgrounds at 4603 W. Colonial Dr. Orlando, this years festival features a stellar lineup of entertainment and things to do, including a concert on Saturday night featuring seeral well-known Vietnamese artists and performers, who will light up the night with beloved Vietnamese songs and exciting dances.
In addition to the concert, visitors to the festival on both days can look forward to lion dances, dragon dance, fireworks cracker show, and entertainment featuring popular singers, community dance groups, and more, plus on Sunday morning, everyone can come together and celebrate mass at the fairgrounds.
What's a festival without food, and the 2026 Central Florida TET Festival includes a 16,000 sq ft food court with a vast variety of authentic Vietnamese food. The festival will also feature vendors, photo booths, martial arts, games area, bounce house, and face painting for the kids.
Best of all, admission to the festival is FREE, and everyone is invited!
February 14 - 15
Little Everglades Ranch, 17951 Hamilton Road, Dade City
Join the Year of the Horse celebrations at the Lunar Lantern Festival! a magical outdoor celebration of Lunar New Year, taking place at Little Everglades Ranch in Dade City, on February 14 – 15, 2026.
Experience thousands of glowing lanterns lighting up the night sky as couples, families, and friends come together to welcome the new year with hope, love, and new beginnings. Whether you’re planning a romantic date night or a memorable family outing, this festival offers something special for everyone.
Event highlights include a massive lantern release experience, traditional lion dance performances, $1,000 Squid Game–style challenge, 75+ Asian street food & retail vendors, live music, cultural performances, and more.
February 16
Enson Market, 626 Wilmer Avenue Orlando
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with a full day of food, music, and cultural festivities at Orlando's Lunar New Year Asian Fair—a vibrant community celebration welcoming the Year with joy, flavor, and tradition.
Enjoy an exciting mix of Asian and American food vendors, featuring popular Asian street food, noodles, rice dishes, desserts, and refreshing drinks, alongside classic American favorites. From savory to sweet, there’s something for every taste.
Experience nonstop entertainment with all-day music and live performances, creating an energetic festival atmosphere from morning to evening. Enjoy cultural performances and live music that keep the celebration going all day long.
Browse a lively marketplace featuring Asian merchandise, traditional clothing, handmade jewelry, cultural crafts, home décor, beauty and wellness items, candles, spices, snacks, artisan goods, and unique finds from local makers.
Bring family and friends to enjoy delicious food, festive music, unique shopping, and the spirit of Lunar New Year. Celebrate culture, community, and good fortune at this one-of-a-kind event you won’t want to miss!
February 21
Academic Center of Excellence Cafetorium 701 W Livingston St, Orlando
Mark your calendars for February 21, 2026 and join CAACF and its organizations - The Chinese School of CAACF 中佛州中華學校; C.H.A.R.G.E. Dragon Boat - Orlando and The Dance Troupe of CAACF for a joyful Lunar New Year Celebration and Fundraiser.
Expect vibrant cultural performances, festive energy, a silent auction, raffles, Lunar New Year games and a wonderful afternoon celebrating tradition, community and the New Year together.
February 22
Mills 50, Orlando
Join with many local business and Asian cultural organizations to celebrate the year of the Horse!
The 14th Annual Central Florida Dragon Parade is set to take place on Sunday, February 22, 2026. Recognized as the largest Lunar New Year Parade in Florida, everyone is invited to join fellow residents from across the city to celebrate the Lunar New Year, with the parade showcasing the city’s rich Asian culture, ringing in a new year of joy and prosperity.
Experience the magic of East Asia with lion dances, martial arts, taiko drumming, cultural dances and a lively parade that the whole family can enjoy. City of Orlando and Orange County officials will lead this community parade along with representatives of numerous Asian organizations.
February 22
Edoboy parking lot at 728 North Thornton Ave, Orlando
After the Dragon Parade, the party moves onto the Edoboy parking lot at 728 North Thornton Ave, Orlando for an event hosted by Small Food Group, expect a lively atmosphere filled with over 40 local food and vendor booths!
The best part? Entry and street parking is FREE for the whole family! Don’t miss out on the fun!
February 28
Avalon Town Park 3651 Avalon Park E Blvd, Orlando
Welcome the Lunar New Year with an unforgettable celebration at the 4th Annual Avalon SpringFest 2026. Enjoy exciting Dragon and Lion dances, Japanese Taiko, beautiful folk dances, and amazing martial arts-Kung Fu demonstrations.
There will also be a great choice of food trucks, arts and crafts, and more!
Avalon SpringFest at East Orlando's largest Lunar New Year Festival on February 28, 2026 offers free entertainment, admission, and parking. And make sure you pack your lawn chair or blankets for the outdoor event. Hope to see you there!
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Before attending any of the events listed on Gotta Go Orlando, you should contact the organizer or venue to confirm that the event is taking place as information, changes, and cancellations can occur.
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