Asia Society Texas Celebrates Lunar New Year

Houston's cultural hub kicks off festivities for the Year of the Horse

Published on Feb. 15, 2026

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More than a hundred people gathered at Asia Society Texas on Saturday to celebrate the Lunar New Year, welcoming in the Year of the Horse. The Museum District neighborhood center featured a variety of activities and entertainment, from vendors selling traditional foods to lion dance performances.

Why it matters

Lunar New Year celebrations are an important part of Houston's diverse cultural landscape, allowing the city's Asian American community to share their traditions with the broader public. As one of the most prominent cultural institutions in the region, Asia Society Texas plays a key role in promoting cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.

The details

The Lunar New Year festival at Asia Society Texas included activities such as Asian calligraphy demonstrations, horse puppet displays, and traditional dance performances by the Oriental Arts Education Center. Visitors were able to immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and flavors of the holiday, with many first-time attendees expressing excitement at discovering the rich cultural offerings in their own city.

  • The Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, falls on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.
  • Asia Society Texas hosted its Lunar New Year celebration on Saturday, February 14, 2026.

The players

Asia Society Texas

A cultural institution in Houston's Museum District that promotes understanding between Asia and the United States through exhibitions, performances, and educational programs.

Oriental Arts Education Center

A civic organization of Chinese Americans in the Houston area that performed traditional dances at the Lunar New Year celebration.

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What they’re saying

“It's lovely, that's what Houston is all about. The fact that we have so much diversity, so many things ... it's great.”

— Pouja Jesrani (Houston Chronicle)

“I'm glad, knowing our city has a cultural center like this.”

— Andres Arniza (Houston Chronicle)

What’s next

Asia Society Texas will host additional Lunar New Year festivities at the Galleria on Sunday, February 15, 2026 from 12 to 5 p.m.

The takeaway

Houston's diverse cultural landscape is on full display during Lunar New Year celebrations, with institutions like Asia Society Texas playing a vital role in bringing the city's Asian American community together and sharing their traditions with the broader public.