Feasts, Festivals, and Fun

Where to Celebrate Lunar New Year in Seattle and Beyond

Last Updated: January 2, 2026

Join in the festivities at Lunar New Year events throughout the Seattle area.

Many neighborhoods, businesses, museums, and restaurants around the region host special events open to the public. While the duration of the holiday varies by culture, events in our region occur over several weeks, allowing you to choose between them or attend more than one. We love the annual, family-friendly event at Westfield Southcenter (bonus: it's indoors, so you don't need to worry about rain or cold). Below are more ideas on how to honor this special occasion.

Pictured: Lunar New Year at Westfield Southcenter Mall in Tukwila, Washington.
What is Lunar New Year?
When is Lunar New Year?
Where to Celebrate

What is Lunar New Year?

Lunar New Year is the most significant holiday in many (but not all) Asian cultures, marking the beginning of the new year based on the lunisolar calendar. Though the dates vary by year and country, it typically begins between late January and mid-February. The specific ways the holiday is observed vary widely as well. However, there are some common themes: Families gather to feast and honor ancestors, people hang lanterns and decorations, and communities put on festivals and performances.

In addition, each Lunar New Year is linked to a Chinese zodiac, a repeating 12-year cycle in which each year is represented by an animal sign. Traditions and decorations reflect the current animal to invite its positive qualities into the year ahead. 2026 is the Year of the Horse, which is associated with strength and determination.

Common Symbols and Traditions:

  • Giving gifts, such as money in red envelopes (often given from elders to youth)
  • Decorating with red and hanging red paper cuttings expressing wishes for the new year
  • Eating special, symbolic foods, such as dumplings, or a whole fish, representing abundance
  • Making offerings at home altars or gravesites

When is Lunar New Year?

Lunar New Year begins on a different date every year, with celebrations spanning about 15 days (from the new moon to the full moon).

See below for dates in the next few years:

Lunar New Year 2026: Tuesday, Feb. 17.
Lunar New Year 2027: Sunday, Feb. 7
Lunar New Year 2028: Wednesday, Jan. 26
Lunar New Year 2029: Tuesday, Feb. 13

Annual Lunar New Year event at Westfield Southcenter in Tukwila.

Where to Celebrate Lunar New Year in Seattle and Beyond

Events take place throughout the Greater Seattle Area. In Seattle Southside, we look forward to the annual event at Westfield Southcenter, which we love because it's indoors (so you don't have to worry about rain or cold)! Read on to learn more.

Lunar New Year Event at Westfield Southcenter

When: Saturday, February 14, 2026

Where: Westfield Southcenter (Tukwila)

Westfield Southcenter, the region's largest shopping center, puts on an awe-inspiring show each year to ring in the Lunar New Year. Each year is a bit different, but you can generally expect a live performance, music, and dazzling decorations. After watching the show, you can indulge in dumplings at several restaurants right in the mall, including Din Tai Fung, which typically honors the holiday with deals and giveaways, and locally owned Mr Dim Sum. If Dough Zone is more your jam, it's just a few minutes away.

Getting There from Seattle Southside: Westfield Southcenter is in the heart of Tukwila's retail district, within a 5-minute drive from many hotels. Many hotels near the airport also offer a free shuttle service to the mall.

Pictured: A past Lunar New Year Event at Westfield Southcenter.

Lunar New Year Celebration in Seattle's Chinatown International District

When: Saturday, March 7, 2026

Where: Hing Hay Park and the surrounding area

Seattle's historic Chinatown International District, just south of the downtown core, holds a large annual event where you can see dance performances and live music at Hing Hay Park, browse vendors along S King St, and sample food from dozens of local businesses at the Food Walk (11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.). Learn more.

Getting There from Seattle Southside: Hop on the Link Light Rail and ride it to the International District/Chinatown Station.

Lunar New Year Family Festival at Seattle Art Museum

When: Saturday, February 21, 2026

Where: The Seattle Art Museum (SAM)

Head to Seattle's biggest art museum for live lion dances, drop-in art activities with local artists, storytelling, and some festive surprises. Learn more.

Getting There from Seattle Southside: Take the Link Light Rail to Symphony Station, a short walk from the museum.

Tết in Seattle: Vietnamese Lunar New Year

Where: Seattle Center

When: Saturday and Sunday, February 14-15, 2026

This two-day festival celebrates Vietnamese American culture with arts, music, traditional cuisine, awe-inspiring lion dances, a curated áo dài fashion show, and an inclusive health fair. Learn more.

Getting There from Seattle Southside: Take the Link Light Rail to Westlake Station, then take the Monorail to Seattle Center.

Tết Lunar New Year Event in Tacoma

Where: Eastside Community Center

When: Sunday, February 1, 2026

Experience Vietnamese art & culture through this free event, which includes a lion dance, fashion show, martial arts performance, and traditional Vietnamese food. Learn more.

Getting There from Seattle Southside: By car, the Eastside Community Center is about 30 minutes south of SeaTac, directly south on I-5.

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Annie Atherton

Author

Annie Atherton

Senior Content Writer

Annie Atherton is the Senior Content Writer at Explore Seattle Southside. As a (mostly) lifelong resident of the Seattle area, she is very proud to call the region home and to talk it up to all who will listen.