Chinatown Is Ringing in the Year of the Horse With Parades, Dumpling Workshops, an Indoor Market, Free Tai Chi Lessons, & More

Chinatown is ringing in the Year of the Horse with a calendar ful of vibrant, cultural programming as part of the 2026 Chinese New Year Celebrations., From late-night parades to hands-on workshops and family-friendly markets, the citywide celebration offers something for everyone looking to welcome a year associated with strength, energy, and good fortune. Here are a few highlights.  Full list of events can be found at chinatown-pcdc.org/2026-chinese-new-year-events/

The festivities kick off on Chinese New Year’s Eve, Monday, February 16, with the iconic Chinatown Night Parade from 10:00 PM to 12:00 AM. The late-night procession fills the neighborhood with glowing lanterns, music, lion dances, and fireworks, marking the official transition into the new lunar year in unforgettable fashion.

On Tuesday, February 17, Chinese New Year’s Day begins with a peaceful and grounding Tai Chi lesson at Franklin Square from 7:30 AM to 8:30 AM. This free, all-levels outdoor class introduces participants to the ancient Chinese practice that blends slow movement, breathwork, and meditation to promote balance, flexibility, and overall wellness. In the event of inclement weather, the class will move indoors to the Franklin Square Pavilion (space permitting).

Food lovers can dive deep into Chinese culinary traditions throughout the week:

• February 18 – Soup Dumpling (Xiao Long Bao) Workshop at Dim Sum Garden (5:00–6:00 PM). For $30 per person, participants will learn to make authentic Shanghai-style soup dumplings from scratch, then enjoy their freshly steamed creations.

• February 20 – Dumpling Workshop with Sang Kee (details to be announced).

• February 21 – Dumpling Workshop at Franklin Square (4:30–5:30 PM), led by Michael Chow of Sang Kee Peking Duck House. This free session includes a live demo followed by hands-on dumpling making for a limited number of participants.

On Wednesday, February 19, explore one of China’s most revered art forms during a Chinese Calligraphy Workshop at the Crane Community Center from 6:30–7:30 PM. With a $5 supply fee, guests will learn the basics of brushwork and character writing while gaining insight into a tradition that spans more than 3,000 years. Advance registration is suggested.

The celebration continues on Saturday, February 28, with the Chinatown Chinese New Year Market from 2:00–6:00 PM at the Crane Community Center (2nd floor, 1001 Vine Street). The free-to-attend market will feature 40+ local vendors, hands-on arts and crafts activities, and plenty of opportunities to shop small while celebrating Lunar New Year traditions.

On Friday, February 21, families are invited to the Chinese Friendship Gate FIRSTival from 11:00 AM–1:00 PM at the Crane Community Center. Part of the citywide 52 Weeks of Philly Firsts initiative, the event highlights the Chinatown Friendship Gate as the first authentic Chinese gate in the United States, celebrating Philadelphia’s history of cultural firsts with music and family-friendly fun.

The weeklong celebration culminates on Sunday, February 22, with the beloved Chinatown Day Parade from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, featuring dragon dances, marching groups, traditional performances, and thousands of spectators lining the streets.

From movement and mindfulness to food, art, and history, Philadelphia’s 2026 Chinese New Year Celebrations offer a meaningful and joyful way to welcome the Year of the Horse—honoring tradition while bringing the entire community together.