There will be many ways for people in the Houston region to commemorate the Lunar New Year in the upcoming weeks as the year of the snake approaches.
The Lunar New Year, often called the Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is a celebration that marks the start of a new year according to the Chinese lunisolar calendar. It is believed that people have been celebrating the occasion for over a millennium.
Wednesday, January 29, marks the start of this year’s Lunar New Year. These are some of the most important festivities that Houston will host beginning this weekend.
Children’s Museum Houston Lunar New Year, Saturday, January 25 (10 a.m.-3 p.m.)
In honor of the year of the snake, this family-friendly event will include educational activities, performances, and even an opportunity to meet and learn about snakes.
Parents and kids must pay $19.95 to enter the event. Children under one enter free of charge, while senior tickets cost $17.95.
January 25, Saturday: H-E-B Presents: Celebrate Lunar New Year live at Live Oak from 4 to 7 p.m.
The third event in the Memorial Park Conservancy’s four-part music series will be a live musical performance. The goal of the series is to honor the various cultural festivals that are significant to the Houston community. Diwali in October and National Hispanic Heritage Month in September were the two previous occasions in the series.
While supplies last, there will be complimentary candy and samosas for everyone who attends the event.
Parking on the street is free. Parking is also available for a fee in lots close to the venue.
Post-Lunar New Year Celebration on Sunday, January 26 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
A range of free events will take place at the POST Houston entertainment venue downtown throughout the day. Free yoga sessions, an Asian pop-up market with traditional cuisine vendors, a fashion show, a lion dance performance, and more will all be part of the celebration.
The 2025 Texas Lunar Festival is scheduled for Saturday, February 1st from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The Alief Career Center in Houston will host this event, which will showcase cultural performances from throughout the world. The free event has been held for the past 28 years to promote intercultural friendship in Houston, according to the festival organizers.
Additionally, STV channel 21.8 and scdaily.com will broadcast the event.
Downtown Houston + Lunar New Year Festival and Market on Saturday, February 1st (noon–6 p.m.)
Market Square Park in downtown Houston will feature a Lunar New Year celebration. The event will include cultural seminars, a street food and craft market with over 30 vendors, lion and dragon dances, and a live DJ.
The event website, which is linked above, offers more parking information and free general admission.
Houston Public Library’s Lunar New Year celebration on Saturday, February 1 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
There will be a free Lunar New Year celebration at the Robinson-Westchase Neighborhood Library. There will be food, entertainment, and activities for people of all ages at the event. In order to promote cultural awareness, local community partners and organizations will also be present.
Texas Asia Society Lunar New Year 2025, Saturday, February 1 (10 a.m.–4 p.m.)
A number of traditional lion dance performances will take place on the festival grounds during this event.
The event is free to attend in general. It will cost $12 per person to see the Huaxing Arts Group Houston dance performance.
Start times for the free performances are 12:30 and 2:30 p.m. The scheduled times for the paid performances are 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. Throughout the day, there will be food and other vendors at the event.
Lunar New Year Celebration at Space Center Houston, Saturday, February 1–Sunday, February 2 (10 a.m.–4 p.m.)
There will be pop-up science labs and traditional lion dances on both days of the festival. Gary Kitmacher will give a unique lecture on NASA’s ongoing Artemis effort to return to the moon on February 1. Additionally, NASA Astronaut Captain Michael Baker will give an astronaut talk.
General admission, which varies by age and day and costs between $24.95 and $39.95 per person, grants access to the event.
Chinese Community Center Lunar New Year Festival, Saturday, February 1 (10 a.m.–4 p.m.)
Numerous cultural performances, interactive cultural activities and crafts, an outdoor food market, and a local business fair are just a few of the entertainment options that will be available at this yearly event.
Public admission is free, and the event’s website, which is mentioned above, has more details about parking and transit lines.
Discover Green Lunar New Year on Sunday, February 2 from 4 to 7 p.m.
Dance of Asian America, Lee’s Golden Dragon Lion Dance, Aureila Sky, and Han Narea’s traditional Korean dance displays will all perform at this free event. Food trucks will also be on site offering a variety of snacks and drinks for purchase.
