The Lunar New Year is China’s biggest holiday, and it commemorates the first full moon of the lunisolar (sun and moon) calendar used in East Asian countries. The 7-day celebration in China welcomes the spring season, which reflects the beginning of a new year.

It’s even honored in many East Asian countries, like Vietnam, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Japan, Philippines and Indonesia. But you don’t have to fly around the world to get a taste of the celebrations. Check out these events to ring in the Lunar New Year right here in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

On Campus

Lunar New Year Celebration

Jan. 24 – Noon

Martin Center Ballrooms

Come hang out with Student Diversity & Inclusion Programs for a Lunar New Year celebration in the Martin Center Ballrooms during free period. There will be music, free food and drinks, as well as interactive activities like origami, calligraphy and games. 

In the Metroplex

2023 Lunar New Year at Asia Times Square

Weekend 1 - Jan. 6, 7, 8
Weekend 2 - Jan. 13, 14, 15

2625 W. Pioneer Parkway, Grand Prairie

One of the biggest celebrations of the Lunar New Year in Dallas-Fort Worth happens just 20 minutes from campus. The 2023 Lunar New Year at Asia Times Square is free to attend, but plan on bringing cash to purchase any food or merch. The festival includes live music, art showcases, dance parties, fashion shows, martial arts performances, lion dances and more.

Check out Asia Times Square’s website for more info

Hunt Slonem: Year of the Rabbit at Laura Rathe Fine Art

Jan. 14-Feb. 11

1130 Dragon Street, Suite 130, Dallas

Check out the solo art exhibition by artist Hunt Slonem. The presentation pays homage to his most famous body of work, “Bunnies.” Slonem was inspired to create works that symbolize his birth year, 1951, which falls under the rabbit zodiac sign.

Learn more about the exhibit

Southlake Spring Festival at Southlake Town Square

Jan. 21 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

1400 E. Southlake Boulevard, Southlake

Dive into the cultures of China, Vietnam, South Korea, Japan, Thailand and Taiwan during Southlake’s 2nd annual Southlake Spring Festival. Try new foods, see cultural performances, take photos with the lion mascot and learn how to write your name in different languages.

It’s about a 30-minute drive from campus.

Get more event details

Lunar New Year’s Eve at Chùa Hương Đạo

Jan. 21 at 10 p.m.

4717 E. Rosedale St., Fort Worth

Just a few blocks from campus, you can ring in the Lunar New Year at the Hoa Dao Lion Dance Association. Enjoy a full show with a lion dance, dragon, sword dance and much more!

See the event on Facebook

Chinese Tea and Tile at La Gran Biblioteca (Fort Worth Public Library)

Jan. 26 from 5-6 p.m.

4200 South Fwy, Suite 1338, Fort Worth

Ever wanted to participate in an ancient Chinese tea ceremony? Now you can! Join the La Gran Biblioteca for the tea ceremony, Gong Fu Cha, and learn about its history and importance to the Chinese culture. You’ll also be able to create your own tile based on traditional Chinese porcelain.

The library is located only 12 minutes from campus.

Get more information