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Mar 1: 28TH CHINATOWN LUNAR NEW YEAR PARADE & FESTIVAL

Ignite your spirit as Manhattan’s Chinatown welcomes the Year of the Fire Horse with explosive energy, tradition, and a neighborhood-wide feast.


Event Schedule

  • The 28th Annual Firecracker Ceremony & Cultural Festival * Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2026

    • Time: 11:00 AM – 3:30 PM

    • Location: Sara D. Roosevelt Park (at Chrystie and Grand Streets)

  • The 28th Annual Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade & Festival * Date: Sunday, March 1, 2026

    • Time: 1:00 PM kick-off (Festival booths open from 11:30 AM)

    • Location: Begins at Mott & Canal Streets, winds through Chatham Square and East Broadway, ending at Forsyth & Grand Streets.



Details:

Chinatown’s annual Lunar New Year celebration is a masterclass in urban culture. The streets transform into a sea of red and gold, featuring stunning lion dances that "bless" local businesses, tantalizing street food, and martial arts performances that stop traffic.

The March 1st Parade is the crowning jewel. The route starts on Mott Street, heads toward Chatham Square, turns onto East Broadway under the shadow of the Manhattan Bridge, and concludes near Sara D. Roosevelt Park. It’s free, open to all, and arguably the most energetic street party in North America.


Key Takeaways

  • Double Celebration: Unlike many holidays, NYC’s Lunar New Year spans weeks, kicking off on the actual New Year's Day (Feb 17) with firecrackers and culminating in the grand parade (Mar 1).

  • The Fire Horse Spirit: 2026 is a "Fire Horse" year, a rare occurrence in the 60-year cycle symbolizing high energy, independence, and rapid movement. Expect the visuals and performances to be particularly vibrant and bold.

  • City-Wide Festivities: While Manhattan’s Chinatown is the heart of the action, major celebrations also take place in Flushing (Queens) and Sunset Park (Brooklyn).



An Insider’s Tip: If you want to experience the true local grit and "luck," head to the Firecracker Ceremony on February 17. While the parade is a visual spectacle, the firecracker event is a deep-rooted tradition meant to ward off evil spirits for the coming year. It is loud, smokey, and incredibly authentic. Wear red, but avoid your finest clothes—the confetti and firecracker debris are part of the charm!

 


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