We are about to welcome one of the world’s most lively festivals, bringing crisp firecrackers and giant dragons dancing through the streets. For such a joyous celebration, you don’t have to travel to China for the New Year, as many cities right here in the United States host Chinese New Year parades.
Whether you’re a local or just visiting for the weekend, these parades are the perfect way to kick off a year filled with good fortune and prosperity. To help you plan your destination, we’ve compiled a list of the best cities in the U.S. for the Chinese New Year parade. So grab your red envelopes and join the fun!
Table of Contents
When is Chinese New Year 2026?
Where To Watch The Chinese New Year Parade In The US
Tips for Attending the Chinese New Year Parade
When is Chinese New Year 2026?
- The official date for the Chinese New Year 2026 is Tuesday, February 17.
Unlike the Western New Year, which always starts on January 1st, the Lunar New Year follows the cycles of the moon. Because of this, the date shifts every year. In 2026, we are celebrating the Year of the Horse, specifically the Fire Horse.
Since the date of the Chinese New Year varies each year, most major parades in the United States are scheduled for the weekend following the holiday to ensure everyone can participate.
Where To Watch The Chinese New Year Parade In The US
For those seeking a grand and comprehensive parade experience, cities with historic Chinatowns are the best destinations. Here are some popular choices.
San Francisco
If you’re seeking the ultimate parade experience, San Francisco is your best bet. The city hosts what is arguably the most spectacular Chinese New Year parade in the United States, boasting the largest celebration outside of Asia.
- Date & Time: Saturday, March 7, 2026, starting at 5:00 PM and ending at 9:00 PM.
- Location: SF Downtown / Union Square / Chinatown, San Francisco
- Route: The route starts at 2nd and Market Streets, winds through Union Square, and finishes at Columbus Avenue.
Highlights
The Chinese New Year parade SF is famous because it happens at night. Have you ever seen a 288-foot Golden Dragon illuminated by thousands of lights? It’s breathtaking. The parade features over 100 entries, including gorgeous floats, marching bands, and stilt walkers. Since it’s a night parade, the firecrackers look even more spectacular against the dark sky. If you want a good seat, you can buy bleacher tickets, but standing along the street is free and just as exciting.
New York
The Chinese New Year parade in New York draws large crowds of locals and tourists every year. Unlike the one in San Francisco, this parade in New York is more closely tied to community life.
- Date & Time: Sunday, March 1, 2026, at 1:00 PM.
- Location: Chinatown, Manhattan
- Route: The route typically begins at Mott and Canal Streets and proceeds toward Sara D. Roosevelt Park.
Highlights
You’ll see hundreds of lion dancers weaving in and out of the crowds, stopping at local businesses to bring them luck. Don’t forget to check out the Firecracker Ceremony on Feb 17 at Sara D. Roosevelt Park. Thousands of firecrackers are set off to ward off evil spirits. You can also see many dancers dressed as the zodiac animal of the new year, which for 2026 is the horse.
Los Angeles
If you want a celebration with a bit of Hollywood flair and deep historical roots, Los Angeles is the place to be. This city is home to the 127th Annual Golden Dragon Parade, which is one of the oldest traditions in Southern California.
- Date & Time: Saturday, February 21, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
- Location: Chinatown, Los Angeles
- Route: The parade travels along North Broadway, starting near Hill Street and moving through the heart of the historic Chinatown district.
Highlights
The Los Angeles Chinese New Year Parade, with a long history and officially named the Golden Dragon Parade, is one of the earliest Chinese New Year parades in the United States. In addition to traditional performances, the parade features cultural programs such as kung fu and taiko drumming. After the parade, visitors can head to Chinatown, where traditional food stalls await.
Chicago
The Chicago Chinese New Year Parade is a representative celebration in the Midwest. With its relatively short route, it’s ideal for families as it doesn’t require long waits.
- Date & Time: Sunday, March 1, 2026, starting at 1:00 PM.
- Location: Chinatown, Chicago
- Route: The parade moves along Wentworth Avenue, starting at 24th Street and heading north toward Cermak Road.
Highlights
The route is lined with traditional Chinese architecture and the iconic Chinatown gate, making for spectacular photo opportunities. The parade features dozens of floats, traditional dance troupes, and multiple marching bands from local schools.
Washington, D.C.
For those seeking a traditional experience without the massive crowds of New York or San Francisco, this is the perfect choice. Washington‘s Chinese New Year Parade offers a stronger sense of public participation and carries a cultural and educational dimension.
- Date & Time: Sunday, February 22, 2026, starting at 2:00 PM.
- Location: Chinatown, Washington, D.C.
- Route: The parade typically starts at 6th and I Streets NW and makes its way through the streets surrounding the Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro station.
Highlights
The Chinese New Year parade DC features one of the most beautiful focal points: the Friendship Archway. This massive, colorful gate is the perfect place to watch the dragon dancers pass through. The parade includes Kung Fu demonstrations, Chinese folk dancers. And at the end of the parade, a fireworks display will be held in the center of H Street.
Boston
The Boston Chinese New Year Parade may be smaller in scale compared to other cities, but it features more traditional ceremonies with local flavor.
- Date & Time: Expected to begin at Sunday, March 1, 2026, at 11:00 AM.
- Location: Chinatown, Boston
- Route: The main stage is usually at Phillips Square, with troupes fanning out through the streets of the neighborhood.
Highlights
Boston’s Spring Festival celebrations place greater emphasis on lion dance parades. Multiple lion dance troupes simultaneously traverse neighborhoods, visiting every shop. They perform the “plucking the greens” ritual, reaching up to retrieve the cabbage leaves and red envelopes hung above doorways.
Tips for Attending the Chinese New Year Parade
For first-time attendees of the Chinese New Year Parade, it can be overwhelming and raise many questions. Keep these tips in mind before heading out to ensure you have the best experience possible.
- Arrive early: Parades typically draw thousands of people, so if you want a better vantage point, arrive at least an hour ahead of time.
- Use Public Transit: Parking in any Chinatown during a parade is a nightmare. Most of these cities have great train or bus systems that drop you off right in the heart of the action.
- Caution Regarding Noise: Firecrackers are an integral part of traditional celebrations. They produce loud sounds, so if you have sensitive hearing or are with children, be aware that sudden, loud bangs may occur.
- Bring Cash: Many small bakeries and shops in Chinatown are cash-only, especially on busy festival days. You’ll want some five or ten-dollar bills for snacks and maybe a few red envelopes to give as gifts.
Traditional Elements in the Parade
If you’ve never attended a Lunar New Year parade, you might wonder what the various symbols and performers represent. Each part of the parade carries deep cultural history, and you’ll typically see these elements during the parade:
The Lion Dance: This is often the crowd favorite. You’ll see two performers inside a single, colorful lion costume. The dancers bring the entire performance to life. They blink their large eyes and wiggle their ears. They often “eat” lettuce and red envelopes from local businesses along the route, a ritual meant to bring prosperity to the shop owners.
The Dragon Dance: Unlike the lion, the dragon is much longer and is held up on poles by a team of a dozen or more dancers. They move in a fluid, waving motion to represent the power and dignity of the dragon. In many cultures, the longer the dragon is, the more luck it brings to the city.
Firecrackers: You’ll definitely hear them before you see the parade. Strung together in massive strings, they explode with deafening booms. Tradition holds that the noise and the bright red paper scraps left behind drive away evil spirits and the mythical monster known as the Nian.
The Sound of Drums and Gongs: Rhythmic drumbeats serve not only as musical accompaniment but also guide the movements of lions and dragons. This sound is designed to be vibrant and celebratory.
Red Envelopes (Hongbao): You might see elders or parade officials handing these out. Red is the luckiest color in Chinese culture, and these envelopes usually contain “lucky money” to wish the recipient a prosperous year.
What to Wear
The dress code for the parade is simple: wear red. In Chinese culture, red is the color of luck, joy, and prosperity. It is believed to ward off evil spirits and bad luck. You’ll see a sea of red in the crowds, and joining in makes you feel like part of the celebration. Of course, gold is also an excellent choice, as it symbolizes wealth and a bright future.
Besides choosing your colors, you’ll need to dress warmly, as March in New York, Chicago, and Boston can be quite cold. And remember to wear comfortable shoes, since the parade lasts for hours and you’ll likely be standing on concrete for several hours.
FAQ
When is the Chinese New Year parade?
Most major US cities hold their parades on the weekends surrounding the Lunar New Year. For 2026, the official New Year is February 17, so most parades fall between February 21 and March 7, 2026.
Does Chinese New Year have a parade?
Yes! While Chinese New Year is traditionally a family holiday celebrated at home with a big dinner, public parades have become a massive tradition in overseas Chinese communities, especially in the US. It’s a way to share the culture with everyone.
How long is the Chinese New Year parade?
On average, most parades last between 2 and 3 hours. However, the festivals surrounding them often last all day, with food markets, street performances, and craft fairs happening before and after the main event.
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