Montgomery County, Maryland, is one of the most diverse counties in the nation, and just over 15% of our residents are Asian American, making Lunar New Year an important part of our community. Here are some of the best ways to celebrate the 15-day holiday this year.
Lunar New Year is celebrated by more than a billion people in and descending from Asian countries, including China, Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. 2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse. This is determined by the Chinese Zodiac, which rotates through a 12-year cycle of animals and the five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. The year of the horse represents hard work, bravery, and resilience.
Rockville
This year, The City of Rockville’s Lunar New Year Celebration is at Richard Montgomery High School. Enjoy cultural performances, interactive displays, activities for kids, and to-go bento boxes (while supplies last). The event is organized in partnership with Rockville’s Asian Pacific American Task Force and is a source of pride for the city’s Asian community, as well as an educational opportunity for neighbors to learn about Asian culture.
Safeway will host the 5th annual Lunar New Year Celebration at their Rockville location. There will be a lion dance performance from the Wong People Kung Fu Association, live traditional music from Alice GuZheng Ensemble, face painting, giveaways, and more. Sample food from brands like Fly By Jing, Consalo Family Farms, Signature Select, and Kikkoman.
Bethesda
Join the Chinese Culture and Community Service Center (CCACC) for the annual Lunar New Year Celebration at Westfield Montgomery. Take your family to see a traditional dragon and lion dance, art demonstrations, exhibits, and performances curated by CCACC. If you bring old clothing to donate at their clothing donation drive, you’ll receive a red envelope for exclusive offers at key retailers. Head to the calligraphy blessing station to get a personalized blessing from the calligraphy artist. Children can also make soup dumplings from air-dry clay, where they learn about the meaning of the soup dumplings.
Watch a family-friendly performance from the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra at the Music Center at Strathmore during their Lunar New Year Celebration. This annual event features special guest artists, cultural music, and festive pre-concert lobby activities.
At the Connie Morella Library, join them for an entertaining and informative program about the customs and traditions associated with the Lunar New Year. Children will listen to storytime with children’s picture books, they’ll sing New Year songs, and have a chance to make New Year lanterns, dragons, and horses they can take home.
Gaithersburg
Head to the Gaithersburg Marriott Washingtonian Center for a Mintd Card Show: Lunar New Year Edition. Join the top Pokémon and TCG vendors that are buying, selling, and trading all types of cards. Enter to win exclusive giveaways, raffles, and prizes throughout the day. There are even Lunar New Year-themed experiences and red envelope giveaways with a family-friendly atmosphere. Tickets are $7.18, and free entry for children 12 and under.
