Thousands Flock to San Francisco Chinatown's Lunar New Year Flower Market Fair

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Thousands of people visited the opening day of the Chinese New Year Flower Market Fair in San Francisco's Chinatown on Saturday, just days before the start of the Lunar New Year. The free fair featured over 120 booths and concessions selling flowers, fruits, candies and other supplies to usher in the Year of the Fire Horse, which begins on Tuesday. The event also included traditional Chinese entertainment like magicians, acrobats, folk dancers and opera performers.

Why it matters

The flower market fair is a longstanding tradition in San Francisco's Chinatown, marking the start of the Lunar New Year celebrations. The flowers, fruits and candies sold at the fair hold special symbolic meaning in Chinese culture, representing hopes for prosperity, growth, health and togetherness in the new year.

The details

The Chinese New Year Flower Market Fair offered an array of floral decorations, fruits, candies and other supplies crucial for Lunar New Year celebrations. Flowers that bloom on New Year's Day are believed to signify a year of prosperity, while candies are traditionally placed on a harmony tray in groups of eight or nine to represent prosperity and longevity. Popular items included candied melon, red melon seeds, candied coconut and lotus seeds.

• The flower market fair opened on Saturday, February 15, 2026.
• The Lunar New Year, the Year of the Fire Horse, begins on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.

What’s next

The flower market fair concludes on Sunday, February 16, 2026. The Lunar New Year celebrations in San Francisco will continue with the Chinese New Year Parade, the largest Lunar New Year event outside of Asia, scheduled for March 7, 2026.