Location: 114 Whitney Avenue

Community Wishing Tree | Rotunda | 12–4:30 pm

Celebrate the Year of the Horse and make a wish for 2026! Visit New Haven's community Wishing Tree to pause, reflect, and hang your hopes high for the year ahead.

Silk, Fans, and Dance! | Ballroom | 12:30–1:30 pm

Experience the graceful artistry of traditional Chinese dance. Through intricate choreography and the use of classic dance props, Yale's Red Lantern will bring centuries-old traditions to life. Following the performance, join us for an interactive workshop to learn foundational techniques, including throwing handkerchiefs, waving dance fans, and other expressive elements of Chinese dance.

Tai Chi Masterclass: Geometry in Motion | Ballroom | 1:45–2:45 pm

Move beyond the AI-generated Tai Chi Walking ads and discover authentic Tai Chi Walking with Sifu Shirley Ha (Chock) and the real-life students of Tai Chi United (formerly Aiping Tai Chi). Watch demonstrations of different Tai Chi forms showcasing Tai Chi’s fluid strength and power. Then, join Sifu Shirley’s workshop to learn the basics of Tai Chi Walking using our system’s Sacred Geometry in Motion principles. Experience where fitness meets classical internal martial arts to improve your balance, increase your functional mobility, and supercharge your energy. 

Chinese Paper-cutting: The Art of Good Fortune | Clement Room | 2–3 pm

Discover the intricate art of Chinese paper-cutting with students from Yale-China's YUNA exchange program (Yale University and New Asia College). Create designs to decorate your space with symbols of luck and happiness for the Year of the Horse.

Lunarfest Makers Workshop | Ballroom | 3–4:30 pm

Get building with this 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.

Location: 170 Whitney Avenue

Year of the Horse Activities | museum galleries | 12–4 pm

Giddy up to the Peabody for an afternoon of discovery! Start your journey by picking up a clue list in the lobby, then set off on a self-guided Chinese Zodiac Scavenger Hunt through the galleries. Along the way, stop by the interactive activity carts to explore the fascinating evolution of the modern horse, and visit the second-floor overlook to create a Year of the Horse craft. Finally, don't miss the opportunity to view historic Chinese artifacts specially curated from the Peabody archives for Lunarfest, located in the first-floor Human Footprint gallery.

New Haven Community Gamelan | Central Gallery | 12:30–2 pm

Come hear bronze gongs and percussion from Central Java, Indonesia. Gamelan music is a collective effort, an orchestra with no visual conductor or soloists. In Java, gamelan is played for events, ceremonies, and celebrations of all kinds. The New Haven Community Gamelan's performance will open with a loud-style gendhing bonang to mark the occasion, followed by several pieces featuring soft instruments and singing.

Samulnori and the Rhythm of the New Year | Central Gallery | 2:30–3 pm

Celebrate the Year of the Horse with Yale UNITY, Yale University’s only student group dedicated to traditional Korean music and performing arts. Enjoy a joyous and dynamic performance of Samulnori, a traditional form of Korean percussion music rooted in indigenous religious and cultural practices. Samulnori showcases four instruments—the buk, janggu, jing, and kkwaenggwari. Following the performance, step up to meet the musicians and interact with these traditional instruments!

New Haven Chinese Cultural Cooperative: The Wondrous Chinese Zodiac | Central Gallery | 3:15–4 pm

Experience the story of the Chinese Zodiac brought to life through music featuring classics such as 金蛇狂舞 (Dance of the Golden Snake), 草蜢弄雞公 (Grasshopper Teasing the Rooster), and 小放牛 (Little Cowherd). Performed by the New Haven Chinese Cultural Cooperative, this festive program will also feature New Year favorites including 新春樂 (Joy of Spring) and special selections like 賽馬 (Racing Horse) in honor of the Year of the Horse. Featuring the dizi and the erhu, these pieces capture the energy, freedom, and perseverance synonymous with the horse.

Location: Ives Branch, 133 Elm Street

Take-&-Make Kits by Eli Whitney Museum & Workshop | Available at all branches while supplies last

Pick up your Take-&-Make kit today! Make your own mechanical rearing horse to celebrate the Year of the Horse.

Celebrate Seollal: A Korean Lunar New Year Experience | Community Program Room | 12–1:30 pm

Celebrate Seollal with the Asian Network at Yale! Savor authentic Korean favorites, including Kimbap, Japchae, Tteokbokki, and crispy Yangnyeom (seasoned fried) chicken. Between bites, dive into traditional games like Yutnori, Gongginori, Ttakji-chigi, and Tuho. Participants also have the special opportunity to try on a Hanbok, the beautiful traditional dress of Korea.

Calligraphy and Firecracker Decorations | Performing Arts Space | 12:30-2 pm

Learn Chinese calligraphy with the Yale-China Library Fellows while crafting festive 春联 (chunlian) and firecracker decorations to hang on your doors for good luck in the New Year!

Festive Lanterns and Traditional Chinese Toys | Performing Arts Space | 2:30–4 pm

Create, play, and laugh with the Yale-China Teaching Fellows as they bring ancient Lunar New Year traditions to life! Test your reflexes with jianzi (shuttlecock kicking), Chinese yo-yo, and traditional spinning tops. Create a festive Chinese paper lantern decorated with traditional symbols of luck and joy for your home. Finally, take the "Sweet Dumpling Challenge" by racing to move plump tangyuan (ping pong balls) from one bowl to another using chopsticks while learning about these sweet treats enjoyed during family reunions!

Shadow Puppet & Workshop: The Old Man Lost His Horse, But It All Turned Out for the Best | Community Program Room | 3–4 pm

Celebrate the Year of the Horse with Kim Van Aelst and her award winning company, OompaPossum Puppets. Experience a captivating shadow puppet performance of the classic Chinese fable, The Old Man Lost His Horse, But It All Turned Out for the Best. After the show, step behind the screen to create and perform with your very own handmade shadow puppet horse. For best seats, be sure to arrive early as this program is always well attended.

Location: 80 Audubon Street

Year of the Horse Screen Printing Extravaganza | 1st Floor Gallery | 12:30–3:30 pm

Dive into the art of screen printing at this interactive station led by Creative Arts Workshop faculty member Tung Hoang. Follow guided steps through the screen-printing process to print a unique Year of the Horse design on paper for free, or on a tote bag for $5. This family-friendly activity is open to all ages and requires no prior printmaking experience.

Chinese Fan Painting | Drawing & Painting Room | 1:30–3:30 pm

Discover the art of traditional Chinese watercolor with the Yale Chinese Language and Career Initiative. All skill levels are welcome, and supplies will be provided. Learn how to paint on fans or rice paper and create your own vibrant artwork to welcome the Year of the Horse! 

Brush, Ink, and Stamp | Photography Studio | 2:30–3:30 pm

Explore the art of Chinese calligraphy with Xiaomin Hu of Radiant Art in this hands-on workshop. Master traditional brush strokes to write the Chinese characters for "Good Fortune" (福 , Fú) and "Horse" (馬, Mǎ). Additionally, create a custom Lunarfest 2026 print using gold and black ink on traditional red paper. Bring these festive decorations to brighten your space for the New Year!

Location: 421 Temple Street

A Tea Tasting Journey | Main Lobby | 12–2 pm

Savor the art of gongfu-style tea tasting with the Yale T.E.A. Club. Sample a variety of green and oolong teas enjoyed across cultures that welcome the Lunar New Year. Learn how traditional brewing techniques shape the tea’s unique flavor.

Mahjong 101 and Asian Games Corner | Main Lobby | 12–2 pm

The Yale Mahjong Society and OISS are bringing your favorite Asian and Chinese games to Lunarfest! We will be hosting sessions for all skill levels, teaching beginners the basics of Mahjong while providing more experienced players a chance to test their skills at advanced tables. Don't miss our Asian games corner, where you can try other household favorites such as Go, jianzi, and the Chinese yo-yo!

Location: 100 Audubon Street

Lunarfest Artist Market | Recital Hall | 10 am–2 pm

Shop from local AAPI artists and makers! This year’s artists and makers include:

• Azure Collections

• Beacon Craft Studio

• Chew—Chew

• Coral & Pine Studio

• CREAMPUFFPAL

• Dinobee Art Studios

• Mintyspoon atelier

• MOTLI

• Penny Bakes

• Pitak Ceramics

• Radiant Art

• Rencoco

• Suei Ceramics

• Wico's Trinkets

• Yarnshaper

Co-sponsored by Town Green District

Mention the Lunarfest Parade to receive the following discounts on Saturday, February 21, 2026.

Affinity Credit Union, 55 Whitney Avenue – Giveaways during the parade! Plus, open a new account for a chance to win a $100 gift card.

Connex Credit Union, 2 Whitney Avenue – Stop by for giveaways during the parade and a chance to win a gift card when you open a new account.

Costa Pizza, 9 Whitney Avenue – 10% off with $15+ purchase. 

Crepes Choupette, 24 Whitney Avenue – Free lemonade or orange juice with the purchase of any crepe.  

Gilden's Jewelers, 55 Whitney Avenue – 25% off Citizen and Bulova watches *in stock only.

Good Nature Market, 44 Whitney Avenue – 10% off storewide.

Habesha Restaurant & Bar, 46 Whitney Avenue – 10% off any food purchase.

Katahdin Furniture, 60 Whitney Avenue – 25% off all toys.

Katalina’s Bakery, 74 Whitney Avenue – Special Lunar New Year-themed treats available while supplies last.

Kennedy & Perkins Opticians, 80 Whitney Avenue – 20% off on frames, RX lenses, and non-prescription sunglasses. No other discount or insurance applies. 

OddBins Bottle Shop, 1 Whitney Ave – 15% off storewide

The Giggling Pig, 55 Whitney Avenue – 10% off open studio time on February 21, 2026.

Vía Láctea, 2 Whitney Ave – Free topping with any ice cream purchase.

Willoughby's Coffee & Tea, 258 Church Street – Purchase any specialty coffee or tea drink and get one free (not valid on bottled drinks).