Lunar New Year 2026 in Katy: Fire Horse Festivals, Lion Dances and Community Celebrations Across Greater Houston
As February unfolds, Katy is stepping into the Lunar New Year with color, music and tradition — and in 2026, the Year of the Fire Horse is bringing a weekend full of celebration to families across the Greater Houston area.
For many Katy residents, Lunar New Year is more than a date on the calendar. It’s a time to gather with family, honor heritage, share symbolic meals and welcome renewal, good fortune and new beginnings. With multiple festivals, school programs and restaurant events planned throughout February, Katy is once again showing how cultural traditions strengthen the fabric of the community.
What Is Lunar New Year and Why Is It Celebrated?
Lunar New Year, sometimes referred to as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, is celebrated by millions of people around the world, including in China, Vietnam, Korea, Malaysia and other parts of Asia. The holiday follows the lunar calendar and marks the beginning of a new year based on the first new moon.
Each year is represented by one of 12 zodiac animals. In 2026, communities will celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse — a symbol often associated with energy, independence and forward momentum.
Traditions commonly include lion and dragon dances to invite good fortune, red envelopes for children, family reunion meals, calligraphy, traditional attire such as Hanfu, and festive decorations in red and gold. In Katy, those traditions are coming to life through a series of highly anticipated events.
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KAT LunarFest 2026: Fire Horse Welcomes Spring
Katy Asian Town & Marketplace will serve as the primary hub for celebration during KAT LunarFest 2026, taking place Saturday, February 14 and Sunday, February 15 from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. in Katy Asian Town at 22541 Grand Circle Blvd, Katy, TX 77450.
Spanning Valentine’s Day weekend, the two-day outdoor festival transforms the marketplace into a lantern-lit street festival with a night market atmosphere. Admission is free.
Festival highlights include:
Dragon & Lion Dances
The event opens with traditional dragon and lion dances accompanied by drums — a hallmark of Lunar New Year celebrations symbolizing prosperity and protection.
Live Stage Entertainment
Music, interactive performances and cultural showcases will take place throughout both days, offering visitors the flexibility to come and go while enjoying the festive environment.
Lunar New Year Food & Specialty Market
Guests can explore a curated lineup of food vendors, desserts, beverages and handcrafted goods. Featured vendors include Pawfect Pawtions, May’s Crepes, Handicraft Heaven, B&B Concession, Kimono Cat and Star Moon Jewelry, with additional vendors to be announced.
Five Elements (Wu Xing) Game Zone
A hands-on activity area introduces families to traditional cultural concepts through interactive games designed for children and adults alike.
Adult Fashion Show & Traditional Attire Showcase
This year’s festival includes a fashion showcase blending Lunar New Year–inspired looks with contemporary style, alongside traditional attire presentations. Community members may register to participate on stage.
Photo installations and themed Fire Horse backdrops will be available across the venue, creating space for families and couples to capture the start of the new year together.
Registration is available at katlunarfest2026.eventbrite.com.
Katy Chinese New Year Gala: A Structured Cultural Showcase
On Sunday, February 15 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., the Katy Chinese New Year Gala will be held at Chinese Baptist Church, located at 900 Brogden Rd., Houston, TX 77024. Admission and parking are free, though advance registration is required via Eventbrite.
The professionally curated program is organized into five themed chapters:
- Chapter I – Youthful Beginnings: Martial arts and traditional music
- Chapter II – The Beauty of the East: Hanfu showcase, classical dance and traditional instruments
- Chapter III – Dancing Across Mountains: Tibetan dance and ethnic costume presentations
- Chapter IV – Blessings & Faith: A reflective segment focused on gratitude and hope
- Chapter V – A Living Legacy: Musical theater, choir performances and cross-generational presentations
In addition to stage performances, attendees can enjoy raffle drawings, red envelope giveaways for children and adults (while supplies last), and a Hanfu Experience Corner where guests may try on traditional Chinese attire.
Overflow parking will be available at Hunters Creek City Hall and Stellar Bank if church lots are full. A livestream option will also be available via YouTube for those unable to attend in person.
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International Leadership of Texas: A Family-Focused Educational Celebration
Families looking for an educational and interactive celebration can attend Lunar New Year at ILTexas Katy-Westpark High School on Saturday, February 14 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 20055 Beechnut St, Richmond, TX 77407.
According to event materials, the celebration will include traditional performances and demonstrations, student showcases, cultural art activities, educational stations exploring the history and significance of Lunar New Year, festive decorations and photo opportunities, and a welcoming environment for families of all ages.
As a public charter school district focused on international leadership, ILTexas notes that events like this help strengthen cultural understanding and encourage respect for global traditions.
The event is free and open to the ILTexas community.
Phat Eatery: Lunar New Year Dining and Lion Dance Performances
Phat Eatery – Katy, known for its Malaysian street food, will host its annual Lunar New Year prix fixe celebration featuring up-close lion dance performances by Lee’s Golden Dragon.
Performance dates include:
- February 17 at 7 p.m.
- February 20 at 7 p.m.
- February 21–22 at 11:30 a.m.
The experience lasts approximately two hours. Pricing is $88 per adult and $28 per child. Walk-ins will not be available during the performance, and reservations are required. The restaurant notes that there are no refunds for cancellation or reduction in party size. Secure your spot at phateatery.com.
For many families, the Lunar New Year meal carries deep symbolism — from longevity noodles to dishes representing abundance and prosperity — making these dining events a meaningful part of the celebration.
A Growing Tradition in Katy
As Katy continues to grow and diversify, Lunar New Year celebrations have become an annual highlight — blending heritage, education, food and entertainment into shared experiences that welcome both longtime residents and newcomers.
Whether families are attending KAT LunarFest, exploring student showcases at ILTexas, enjoying lion dances at Phat Eatery, or watching performers at the Katy Chinese New Year Gala, the message remains consistent: the new year is a time for renewal, community and hope.
Stay connected with My Neighborhood News for more Katy events and ways to engage with your community throughout the year.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.