North Bay Celebrates Chinese Lunar New Year with Festivities

From sound healing to lion dances, the Year of the Fire Horse brings a slate of events across the region.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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The Chinese Lunar New Year, ushering in the Year of the Fire Horse, is being celebrated across the North Bay with a variety of community rituals, performances, food, and fun. Events include a sound healing journey, lion dance performances, a Lunar New Year celebration at a Napa winery, and more.

Why it matters

The Lunar New Year is an important cultural tradition in the North Bay, where Chinese history and culture have long been woven into the fabric of the region. These celebrations help bring the community together and preserve cultural heritage.

The details

Festivities across the North Bay include a sound healing journey in Sebastopol, lion dance performances in Fairfax and Larkspur, a Lunar New Year celebration at an RD Winery in Napa, and a heritage ritual event in Sebastopol featuring Qigong, Chinese astrology, and traditional dance. Foodies can also enjoy a special Lunar New Year menu at Empress M restaurant in Napa.

  • The Chinese Lunar New Year begins on February 17, 2026.
  • The sound healing journey takes place on February 17 from 6-8pm.
  • The lion dance performances are on February 21, with the Fairfax event from 11am-12pm and the Larkspur event from 1:30-2pm.
  • The Napa Valley wine celebration is on February 21 from 4-7pm.
  • The heritage ritual event in Sebastopol is on February 19 from 7-10pm.

The players

Chris Young-Ginzburg

Host of the sound healing journey at the Energy Wave Center in Sebastopol.

Heather Star

Co-host of the sound healing journey at the Energy Wave Center in Sebastopol.

Marin Chinese Cultural Association

Presenting the lion dance performance in Fairfax.

Cat and Ember Luna

Performing traditional dance at the heritage ritual event in Sebastopol.

Xuun

Providing a sound bath at the heritage ritual event in Sebastopol.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

The diverse Lunar New Year celebrations across the North Bay showcase the region's vibrant Chinese cultural heritage and community. From sound healing to lion dances, these events bring people together to celebrate traditions, share in the energy of the Fire Horse year, and foster a sense of cultural pride and connection.