Bay Area Celebrates Lunar New Year with Festivities

Events across the region mark the Year of the Horse from February 13 to March 7

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Bay Area is gearing up to celebrate the Lunar New Year with a series of events and festivals over the next few weeks. The region's largest Vietnamese Tet festival will take place in San Jose from February 20-22, while San Francisco's iconic Chinese New Year parade is scheduled for March 7, marking the culmination of the celebratory season.

Why it matters

Lunar New Year is a significant cultural event for many Asian communities in the Bay Area, with deep roots and traditions. These celebrations bring together families and communities to honor the new year and welcome the Year of the Horse, fostering a sense of unity and cultural pride.

The details

The Bay Area's Lunar New Year festivities will feature a variety of events, including traditional lion dances, cultural performances, food vendors, and fireworks displays. The Vietnamese Tet festival in San Jose is the region's largest, drawing thousands of attendees over the three-day event. The San Francisco Chinese New Year parade is one of the largest of its kind outside of Asia, featuring elaborate floats, marching bands, and the iconic dragon dance.

  • The Lunar New Year celebrations will take place from February 13 to March 7, 2026.
  • The Vietnamese Tet festival in San Jose will be held from February 20-22, 2026.
  • The San Francisco Chinese New Year parade is scheduled for March 7, 2026.

The players

Vietnamese Tet festival

The largest Lunar New Year celebration in the Bay Area, held annually in San Jose.

San Francisco Chinese New Year parade

One of the largest Chinese New Year parades outside of Asia, a long-standing tradition in San Francisco.

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The takeaway

The Lunar New Year celebrations in the Bay Area showcase the region's rich cultural diversity and provide an opportunity for communities to come together and celebrate their heritage. These events are a testament to the enduring traditions and the vibrant Asian-American communities that call the Bay Area home.