A Bold New Year: Celebrate Lunar New Year in Pittsburgh

Year of the Horse

2026 has been off to a rousing start in Pittsburgh for the last month – but the new year festivities aren’t over just yet. Enter the Lunar New Year, a Chinese tradition that celebrates the turning over of the new year. You’ll be surprised at just how many ways you can celebrate the Year of the Snake in the ‘Burgh.

Pack your bags – let us take you on a mini-trip to China by way of Pittsburgh to learn more about this holiday.

Pictured |
Asian Lantern Festival
Credit |
Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium

🐎 When is the Lunar New Year?

Feb. 17, 2026

🐎What’s with the horse?

Here’s the deal on the horse: In Chinese culture, the calendar year is not dictated by constellations or the stars. Instead, the calendar is considered a lunisolar one which is based on the sun and moon placements.

Every year gets assigned an animal – and 2026 is the snake. Birth years also get assigned an animal from the zodiac. If you were born in 1990, 2002 or 2014 – we have a feeling this year is going to be a lucky one for you.

🐎 I’m ready to party. How is Pittsburgh celebrating the Lunar New Year?

We’re so glad you asked. If you’re ready to start this new year with a bang, we’ve got you covered.

Parlor Dim Sum

Feb. 17-March 3, 2026

This happening dim sum restaurant in Lawrenceville is going all out. Their celebration begins on Feb. 17 with a Lunar New Year’s Eve reunion dinner!

Shed the old, embrace the new! This Lunar New Year, our menu is inspired by the Year of the Horse. From cocktails to dumplings and even desserts that look like art, we’ve worked to perfect this menu and cannot wait for you to explore it.

2026 OCA Lunar New Year Banquet

Feb. 21, 2026

New year, new ways to celebrate. Join OCA Pittsburgh (OCA Asian Pacific American Advocates Pittsburgh) for a 10-course banquet that will leave you full, happy and ready to unleash your own inner dragon. Dinner takes place at Szechuan Spice and the event also includes cultural performances, a marketplace and raffle.

Bring Lunar New Year Wishes to Squirrel Hill's Trees

Feb. 2026

For years, students at a local school have observed the beautiful Lunar NewYear tradition of each child writing two wishes on red tags. One wish is forthemselves and one is for the community. The tags are hung from trees aroundtheir school. As one wise 4th grader put it, it's a way to say to our Asiancommunity, "We see you, we appreciate you, and we think you're awesome!"This Lunar New Year, let's spread this tradition across all of Squirrel Hill! Inhonor and celebration with our Asian neighbors, let’s fill the trees throughoutSquirrel Hill with bright red tags carrying wishes of prosperity, health, and joyfor the year ahead! Thanks to Mardi Isler’s tireless work expanding our treecanopy, we have plenty of trees ready to bloom with good wishes andcommunity solidarity.

Lunar New Year Celebration and Market

Feb 20-21, 27-28, 2026

From 5 to 9 p.m. on Feb 20, Feb. 21, Feb. 27 and Feb. 28, Novo Asian Food Hall in the Strip District food hall morphs into a night market to celebrate the Year of the Horse.

Local vendors will be popping up in the 20th Street Passageway, while there will be holiday specials from every kitchen in the food hall, plus a steady stream of performances and music.

The Great Race: The Story of the Chinese Zodiac at the Byham Theater

March 14, 2026

Join Freddie and Ivy alongside their grandparents, Po Po and Kung Kung, as their Chinese New Year celebrations take a turn from dumpling-making to discovering the incredible origin story of the Chinese Zodiac!

29th Annual Lunar New Year Celebration at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

Feb. 21, 2026

Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is hosting its 29th annual Lunar New Year Celebration in the most Pittsburgh way possible — inside a giant Victorian-era glasshouse in the middle of winter.

Taking place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 21, the indoor festival is set against the lush backdrop of the Orchid and Tropical Bonsai Show: Blooming with Love, which runs through mid-March.

🐎How else can I honor Chinese culture in Pittsburgh?

Hungry? There’s no shortage of dumpling shops, noodle spots and more if you want to feed your soul this year. Plus, dumplings are said to symbolize wealth and prosperity, and noodles longevity. Just be sure not to bite or cut the noodles, slurp them up whole!

Looking for community? Considering volunteering with Pittsburgh Chinese Cultural Center or becoming a member of OCA Pittsburgh.

The year of the horse is sure to be bold. Enjoy a safe and happy lunar new year. 🐎

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Amber R.

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Amber R.

Multimedia Design & Production Manager

I'm VP's resident graphic designer. In my free time, I'm an avid brewery hopper, mom of one and lover of the outdoors. I'm always on the hunt for unique coffee shops in Pittsburgh, finding new trails to hike and exploring baby-friendly spots with my husband and daughter.

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