TEXAS – The Year of the Snake, symbolizing reflection, growth, and transformation, begins Wednesday, January 29. Texans can mark the occasion with a variety of events celebrating East and Southeast Asian cultures. From vibrant performances to family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone across the state.
San Antonio Area
Lunar New Year Farmers Market
- When: Saturday, January 25, 1–4 p.m.
- Where: Gardopia Gardens, 619 N. New Braunfels Ave., San Antonio
Celebrate with local vendors, food demonstrations, and games. The San Antonio Lion Dance Association will perform at 2 p.m.
Lunar New Year Celebration
- When: Tuesday, January 28, 8–10 p.m.
- Where: Phuoc Hue Buddhist Temple, 6292 Lockhill Road, San Antonio
Experience a chanting ceremony, prayer offerings, a lion dance, fireworks, and a vegetarian meal.
El Paso Area
Lunar New Year Celebration
- When: Saturday, February 1, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Where: Downtown Arts District, El Paso
Enjoy performances, food trucks, lantern-making, and a procession through the Arts District at this free event.
Austin Area
2025 Lunar New Year Festival
- When: Sunday, February 2, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.
- Where: Paper + Craft Pantry, 1023 Springdale Road 6A, Austin
This festival features vendors, performances, and crafts. Admission is donation-based ($10–$15 suggested); VIP access is $45.
UMLAUF Family Day: Lunar New Year
- When: Sunday, February 9, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Where: UMLAUF Sculpture Garden + Museum, 605 Azie Morton Road, Austin
Enjoy story time, dance performances, and crafts at this free family-friendly event.
Xian Yun Temple Carnival
- When: Feb. 2
- Where: Xian Yun Temple, North Austin
Celebrate with lion dances, vegetarian food, and souvenirs. Entry is free, with $20 food vouchers available.
Houston Area
Lunar New Year Festival + Night Market
- When: Saturday, February 1, 12–6 p.m.
- Where: Market Square Park, 301 Milam St., Houston
This market features 30+ vendors, cultural workshops, and live performances. Early arrivals receive special red envelopes with prizes.
2025 Pearland Lunar New Year Festival
- When: Sunday, February 16, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Where: Pearland Recreation Center, 4141 Bailey Road, Pearland
Celebrate with calligraphy, Tai Chi, food vendors, and cultural games.
River Oaks District Dragon Dances
- Jan. 29: 3:30 p.m. (River Oaks Park) and 5 p.m. (Post Oak Hotel).
- Feb. 15: 2:30 p.m. (River Oaks Park).
Free performances by The Soaring Phoenix Group and Acrobatic Tier John Show.
Texas Lunar Festival (Feb. 1, 10:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.)
Held at Alief Career Center, this 28-year tradition features cultural performances. Free admission and televised on STV 21.8.
Asia Society Texas (Feb. 1, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.)
Lion dances, crafts, and cultural performances. Free outdoor activities; $12 tickets for dance performances.
Space Center Houston (Feb. 1, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.)
Two days of lion dances, science exhibits, and astronaut presentations. Admission: $24.95–$39.95.
Chinese Community Center Festival (Feb. 1, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.)
Hands-on activities, cultural performances, and food vendors. Free entry.
Dallas-Fort Worth Area
Southlake Spring Festival
- When: Saturday, February 1, 11 a.m.–4 p.m.
- Where: Rustin and Family Park, 1400 E. Southlake Blvd., Southlake
This free event highlights cultures from across East and Southeast Asia, with food, crafts, and performances.
Lunar New Year Celebration
- When: Saturday, February 8, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.
Where: CORE District, 400 N. Greenville Ave., Richardson
Join the festivities with lion dances, martial arts demos, and food trucks. Free shuttle service is available from DART Arapaho Center Station.
Lunar New Year Crafts at NorthPark Center
- When: Jan. 25, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Where: 8687 N. Central Expressway, NorthCourt
Enjoy lion dances, crafts, and performances by Dallas Asian Winds and the Crow Museum of Asian Art.
Skating Under Lanterns at the Galleria Dallas
- When: Through Feb. 17 (Dragon dance: Feb. 8, 2 p.m.)
- Where: 13350 Dallas Parkway
Skate under 250 red lanterns and enjoy a dragon dance performance on Feb. 8. Skating admission is $13; rentals are $5.
Guzheng Performance at the Kimbell Art Museum
- When: Jan. 24, 5–7 p.m.
- Where: 3333 Camp Bowie Blvd., Fort Worth
Enjoy traditional Chinese guzheng music alongside art-making activities and a scavenger hunt. Admission is free.
Trinity River Trail Half Marathon
- When: Feb. 1, 7:30 a.m.
- Where: Trinity River Trail, Fort Worth
Runners can choose between a half marathon, 10K, or 5K. Participants receive medals, T-shirts, and mini lanterns at the finish line. Registration is $39–$49.
Celebrate Across Texas
These events reflect the rich cultural heritage of Asian communities and offer opportunities to enjoy traditional foods, performances, and crafts. Whether you’re in San Antonio, Houston, or beyond, the Chinese New Year is a time to celebrate and connect.
