San Jose knows how to celebrate the Lunar New Year. Whether you call it Tet (Vietnamese), Chinese New Year (Chinese) or Seollal (Korean), our diverse Asian communities welcome the positive blessings of the New Year with festive food, family gatherings, lion dancing, musical performances and of course, red envelopes!
Year of the Horse
The 2026 Lunar New Year officially starts on Tuesday, February 17. This year marks the era of the Horse, the 7th animal in the 12-cycle Chinese Zodiac. Horses symbolize enthusiasm, freedom, good energy, and adventure.
Eat your way to Prosperity
Set the tone for good eats in the new year with a memorable meal. San Jose is home to numerous Asian and Asian-Fusion restaurants. Bring some luck into the year with a hearty bowl of noodles in dishes like pho or ramen.
Keep the Celebration Going
With multiple lunar new year celebrations happening throughout the City, book a hotel stay so you don't miss out!
Modern Vietnamese American Designs
Designer Christina Bui serves her Little Saigon community with new áo dài creations that mix traditional Vietnamese styles with Western inspiration.
Lunar New Year Celebrations
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Community Day: Lunar New Year
Feb 21, 2026 San Jose Museum of Art -
Lunar New Year Celebration at Santana Row
Feb 21, 2026 Santana Row -
Hello Kitty Lunar New Year Meet and Greet
Feb 21, 2026 Westfield Valley Fair -
Our Hearts, Our Home: CPAA Spring Festival Celebration 2026
Feb 22, 2026 Center for the Performing Arts -
Lunar New Year Art Exhibition
Feb 22, 2026 -
Japantown Lunar New Year Festival
Feb 22, 2026 Japantown Farmers Market -
Lunar New Year at Casino M8trix
Feb 26, 2026 Casino M8trix -
Year of the Horse Festival at History San Jose
Mar 14, 2026 History San Jose
