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Saturday, February 14th, 2026 10:30am-4:00pm







 


Join Us for the 30th Annual Texas Lunar New Year Festival

Forget everything you think you know about holidays—Chinese New Year (also called Spring Festival) is a 15-day super-festival of fireworks, feasts, and fantastic lore, rooted in over 3,000 years of legend. It’s not just a holiday; it’s a cultural experience where you eat, laugh, and roar into the new year alongside over 1.5 billion people worldwide!


Why You’ll Love Celebrating:

✅ It’s the World’s Biggest Party!
From the glittering skylines of Singapore and Hong Kong to the vibrant parades in San Francisco and London’s Chinatown—this celebration transforms cities with dragon dances, lantern displays, and non-stop excitement.

✅ Food That Feeds the Soul

Imagine a feast where every dish means good luck:

  • Dumplings = wealth (they look like ancient gold ingots!)
  • Long noodles = longevity (don’t cut them!)
  • Sweet rice balls = family togetherness
  • The Reunion Dinner on New Year’s Eve is the culinary highlight of the year—a heartfelt gathering filled with laughter and generations-old recipes.


✅ Traditions That Feel Like Magic

  • Red envelopes (hóngbāo) filled with “luck money” are given to spread joy.
  • Firecrackers blast away bad vibes and welcome good fortune.
  • House cleansing sweeps out the old, making space for new blessings.​
  • Doors dazzle with red couplets and paper cuts showcasing wishes for happiness, success, and health.


✅ A Fresh Start Under the Lunar Sky
Each year is ruled by a different zodiac animal—2025 is the Year of the Snake, a symbol of wisdom and charm. Discover your zodiac sign and what the year predicts for you!

✅ Culminates in a Dazzling Finale: The Lantern Festival
The celebration peaks on the 15th night with a sea of glowing lanterns, sweet treats, and riddles hidden on lanterns for you to solve. It’s romantic, mystical, and utterly unforgettable.


Unleash the Magic: Your Guide to an Epic Chinese New Year! 

​'A Celebration of Culture and Community'

We are thrilled to announce that the 30th Annual Texas Lunar New Year Festival will take place on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at the Alief Career Center, located at 12160 Richmond Ave, Houston, TX 77082.

This vibrant festival features live cultural performances from across Asia and beyond, showcasing the rich tapestry of international traditions. The event will be broadcast on STV Channel 21.8, available both locally and online at scdaily.com, and through our Southern News TV mobile app, making it accessible to audiences around the globe.

In alignment with the Chinese lunar calendar, 2026 marks the Year of the Horse, a symbol of fortune, wealth and love.  Each year, the Texas Lunar New Year Festival celebrates not only the Chinese New Year but also the diverse and impressive heritage of various international communities.

For nearly three decades, this event has brought together community leaders, volunteers, and attendees from all over Texas, united in the spirit of cultural appreciation and friendship. Thanks to advancements in technology, this year's celebration promises to reach an even broader audience, both locally and worldwide.

The festival is spearheaded by the ITC Cultural & Education Foundation in collaboration with Southern News Group, Chinese New Year Festival Inc., the Alief Independent School District, the International Management District, and STV 21.8.

Over the years, ITC and Southern News Group have been dedicated to enriching our community through various initiatives such as:

  • Texas Lunar New Year Festival


  • AAPI Scholarship Luncheon


  • Bellaire-A-PAlooza


  • McDonald's Education Workshops


Additionally, they have produced numerous educational, cultural, and business programs on STV 21.8, and hosted over 200 international business events at the International Trade Center.

For more details or media inquiries, please contact:
Jennifer Lopez
📞 281-983-8152
📧 jennifer@scdaily.com

We look forward to celebrating with you!