As the Lunar New Year arrives in 2026, Lincoln Square comes alive with festivities that blend cultural tradition, world-class performance, and community programming throughout February. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly activities, elegant music, creative experiences, or seasonal shopping and dining, Lincoln Square offers a rich slate of ways to welcome the Year of the Horse.
The Shops at Columbus Circle (10 Columbus Circle) hosts an extensive lineup of Lunar New Year offerings from Tuesday, February 17, through Tuesday, March 3. Shoppers and diners who spend $188 or more during this period can participate in the Lucky Red Envelope “Spend & Get” promotion and receive special gifts from participating retailers and restaurants when they present qualifying receipts at Guest Services. Retailers and restaurants taking part include Boggi Milano, Hugo Boss, J.Crew, Momofuku Noodle Bar, and more.
On Saturday, February 21, The Shops hosts a Year of the Horse Celebration on the second floor from 11:00am to 6:00pm, with free activities such as lantern-making, Chinese calligraphy, and Mahjong, all offered on a first-come, first-served basis. At 2:00pm that same day, a traditional lion dance performance brings good fortune, prosperity, and joy to guests in a festive demonstration of this beloved Lunar New Year tradition.
Throughout the promotional period, visitors can explore exclusive Lunar New Year collections and seasonal experiences. Highlights include La Maison du Chocolat’s Year of the Horse Gift Boxes, perfect to share or gift; Williams Sonoma’s Lunar New Year Collection, crafted to elevate festive gatherings; Moleskine’s Year of the Horse Collection of planners and notebooks, designed to inspire creativity and new beginnings; and Ladurée’s Lunar New Year Gift Box, packed with elegant treats to mark the holiday. For culinary enthusiasts, MASA’s Lunar New Year Omakase Menu by Chef Masayoshi Takayama celebrates prosperity and longevity through a refined dining experience, available Tuesday through Saturday, February 17-21.
Ring in the Year of the Horse withThe Sound of Spring: A Chinese New Year Concert on Sunday, February 15, at 3:00 pm at Jazz at Lincoln Center’s Rose Theater (Broadway at 60th Street). Presented by The Orchestra Now, the concert features Chinese and Western symphonic music in praise of love and horses, with pre-concert instrument demonstrations and Chinese New Year activities for audience members who arrive one hour early.
For a luxurious way to celebrate, the Mandarin Oriental, New York (80 Columbus Circle) offers its “A Joyful Reunion” package, available through Sunday, March 1. Guests can enjoy a complimentary daily breakfast for two at MO Lounge, two drinks at The Bar with the exclusive Year of the Horse cocktail (Tuesdays-Saturdays), and a limited-edition Lladró horse candle. The festivities continue with a lion dance performance in the Sky Lobby on Friday, February 27, at 3:38pm and a special Lunar New Year menu at MO Lounge starting Tuesday, February 17. This seasonal stay blends refined comfort with curated touches inspired by the Year of the Horse and celebrates tradition, artistry, and new beginnings.
Beyond Deutsche Bank Center, Lunar New Year programming continues throughout Lincoln Square. On Thursday, February 12, at 4:00pm, the Riverside Library hosts a virtual teen comics chat that explores Lunar New Year themes alongside Black History Month and romance in comics and manga. Then, on Wednesday, February 18, at 3:30 pm, children ages 7–12 can participate in a Lunar New Year Craft Workshop x ALT Ally, a hands-on session celebrating the Year of the Horse.
A major highlight of the neighborhood’s festivities is Lincoln Center’s Lunar New Year Celebration on Sunday, February 22. Attend a full day of free, family-friendly programming at David Geffen Hall (10 Lincoln Center Plaza) featuring Lion Dancers, traditional Korean music, arts and crafts, a family-friendly storytime session, and delicious food. The celebration runs from 11:00am to 3:00pm and is open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis, making it a great way for families and neighbors to come together and reflect the holiday’s joyful spirit.
For those seeking a more formal tribute to the new year, the New York Philharmonic’s Lunar New Year Gala takes place on Wednesday, February 25, at 7:00pm, at David Geffen Hall’s Wu Tsai Theater. Conducted by Long Yu, the concert features Chinese Kitchen by Elliot Leung, which pays homage to Chinese delicacies, among other performances. Guests may enjoy the full evening, including the concert, pre-concert reception, and post-performance dinner, or opt for concert-only admission. For more information, contact events@nyphil.org.
After enjoying one of Lincoln Square’s Lunar New Year events, make your way to Shun Lee West (43 W 65th Street, between Broadway and Central Park West) for authentic Chinese cuisine in an elegant setting. For a vibrant, festive outing further downtown, the New York City Lunar New Year Parade and Festival takes place on Sunday, March 1, from 1:00pm to 3:30pm, featuring the traditional Lion Dance, dance groups, and other performances starting at Mott Street and Canal Street.
With a mix of performances, activities, and culinary delights, Lincoln Square provides a vibrant space for all to celebrate the Lunar New Year. To add to the festivities, starting next week, the Magical Lights in Dante Park (Broadway and 64th Street) and Richard Tucker Park (Broadway and 65th Street) will shine in new Lunar New Year colors.
Photo Credit –
Image 1: Williams Sonoma
Image 2: Ladurée
Image 3: The Shops at Columbus Circle of a Lion Dancer at Mandarin Oriental, New York
