HOUSTON — Asians in Houston and around the world will be celebrating Lunar New Year 2023 starting this weekend with festivals, family gatherings and traditional dances.

A study by lawnlove.com ranked Houston fourth out of 200 U.S. cities for celebrating the holiday, behind only New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles. They said they were looking for cities with large Asian-American populations, large numbers of Asian restaurants, and numerous Lunar New Year festivals and events. Houston got bonus points because we have Chinatown.

Editor’s Note: The above video originally aired in 2022.

• The Lunar New Year officially begins on January 22, 2023.
• This is the year of the rabbit, which is considered the most fortunate of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac because it represents peace, prosperity and longevity.
• In Vietnam, families celebrate the year of the cat, which is also considered a lucky animal.
• Lunar New Year is also called Chinese New Year because it is based on the Chinese zodiac calendar.
• People in some parts of the world call it the Spring Festival.
• Children and elderly relatives are given richly decorated red envelopes with money, which in Chinese are called “hong bao”.
• Red symbolizes energy, happiness and good luck in Chinese culture, which is why it is often worn to celebrate the New Year.
• Lunar New Year falls on a different day each year.
• The date in the Gregorian calendar varies from year to year, but always falls in January or February.
• It’s a 15-day celebration that ends with the Lantern Festival, which this year falls on February 5th.

Lunar New Year 2023

“An annual tradition in Houston’s Asian Quarter since 2003, the festival celebrates the Lunar New Year and the beauty of Houston’s vast cultural diversity,” the China Community Center’s website says.

Performances throughout the day will include traditional lion and dragon dances, delicious food, and many vendors.

Children’s Museum “Lunar New Year”

Head to the Houston Children’s Museum to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit with a day full of fun for the kids.

Enjoy special performances by traditional dancers, crafts for children and more.

Pearlland Lunar New Year Festival and Gala

• January 21
• 14:00 – 17:00
• Pearland Junior High West
• accessible and open to the public

The China Pearland Association and Youth Leadership Alliance welcome the community to the Lunar New Year Festival and Gala on Saturday afternoon.

Artists, students and local residents will perform at the event. There will also be games, crafts, robotics, food trucks and more.

The Lunar New Year celebration will start at 19:00.

Lunar New Year at Solstice

Discovery Green, a beautiful 12-acre park in the center of town, is hosting the Lunar New Year celebration in conjunction with the Solstice winter art installation.

It will include performances by Asian dancers, food vendors and other activities for the whole family.

Lunar New Year Festival in Asia Society Texas

• 28 January
• 11:00 – 16:00
• 1370 Southmore Boulevard
• accessible and open to the public
• Please contact us for planning.

The Asian Society holds its annual Lunar New Year festival on Saturday, January 28th.

Celebrate the Year of the Rabbit with musical and dance performances, crafts and other activities. Some lucky ones will even receive red envelopes!

“From contemporary interpretations of traditional melodies to classic folk dances, the performances showcase a variety of performers and dance styles,” the band’s website states.

Huaxing Arts Group Houston is made up of Chinese Americans from Greater Houston.

Preparing for the Lunar New Year around the world