Celebrate Lunarfest 2026 at New Haven Museum

Celebrate the Year of the Horse in New Haven on Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., as the New Haven Museum teams with the Yale-China Association for Lunarfest 2026. The free event offers activities and programs for all ages, featuring art, music, literature, and dance. Full schedule: www.yalechina.org/lunarfest.

Schedule

• 10 a.m. – Lunarfest begins with a colorful lion dance and performances on Whitney Avenue.
• 12 – 4:30 p.m. – Write your hopes for the coming year on a leaf to hang on the Community Wishing Tree in the New Haven Museum rotunda.
• 12:30 -1:30 p.m. – Experience the graceful artistry of traditional Chinese dance as Yale’s Red Lantern dance troupe brings centuries-old traditions to life. Then join the interactive workshop to learn foundational techniques, including throwing handkerchiefs, waving dance fans, and more.
• 1:45 – 2:45 p.m. – Discover authentic Tai Chi Walking with Sifu Shirley Ha and students of Tai Chi United. Stay for the workshop and experience where fitness meets classical internal martial arts to improve your balance, increase your functional mobility, and supercharge your energy.
• 2 – 3 p.m. – Discover the intricate art of Chinese papercutting with students from Yale-China’s YUNA exchange program. Create designs to decorate your space with symbols of luck and happiness for the Year of the Horse.
• 3 – 4:30 p.m. – Get building in a hands-on workshop led by the Eli Whitney Museum and Workshop apprentices to craft your choice of a rolling-drum horse or a festive Year of the Horse lantern.