Ring in the Year of the Horse: Lunar New Year Events Near Burlington

Lunar New Year is right around the corner, and communities across Greater Boston are preparing to welcome the Year of the Horse with lanterns, lion dances, red envelopes, and reunion feasts.

Celebrated across many East and Southeast Asian cultures — including Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese traditions — the holiday marks a time of renewal, family, and good fortune.

Here are a few Lunar New Year celebrations within 15 miles of Burlington to explore — whether you’ve been celebrating all your life or are simply curious to experience the joy and symbolism of the season.

Festivals & Cultural Celebrations

Somerville Lunar New Year Cultural Festival | Somerville High School Cafeteria, Somerville | February 14, 2:30 PM
This year's theme is “Sharing Love Together for the Year of the Horse: Art, Culture, and Community.” Celebrate in community with family-friendly storytelling and activities, music, food, crafts, and more.

Lunar New Year Night Market | Bow Market, Somerville | February 19, 5:00 PM
Night market vibes come alive with mouth-watering food & drink specials, authentic handmade crafts, lion dance, and more.

Lunar New Year — Museum of Fine Arts | MFA, Boston | February 19, 5:00-10:00 PM | $5 minimum pay-what-you-wish
Explore Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese art from the MFA collection in this annual celebration.

Lunar New Year Celebration | Druker Auditorium, Newton | February 11, 5:30-7:30 PM
Co-sponsored by the Newton Education Support Network and Newton Chinese Language School, this interactive event features traditional performances and cultural programming.

Performances, Concerts & Galas

Lion Dance Performance — Gund Kwok Asian Women’s Lion & Dragon Dance Troupe | Brookline Village Library, Brookline | February 14, 10:30 AM
Celebrate the Year of the Horse with this authentic lion dance — a traditional performance believed to bring good luck and drive away negative energy.

Boston Pops Lunar New Year Concert | Symphony Hall, Boston | February 21, 7:30 PM
Premier orchestral celebration blending Eastern & Western music, for those who don't mind splurging on a special occasion.

Lunar New Year Celebration with Zishi Liu & Friends | Rialto Restaurant, Cambridge | February 28, 7:00 PM
Intimate music + cultural dining experience featuring jazz saxophonist and arranger Zishi Liu.

Family-Friendly & Interactive

Saehae Bok Mani Badeuseyo! (Korean New Year Celebration) | Discovery Museum, Acton | February 14, 1:00 PM
Bring the whole family to this celebration including hands-on crafts grounded in Korean traditions.

Seaport Smalls: Lunar New Year | Seaport, Boston | February 14, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Kids can learn about all kinds of animals including chinchillas and ferrets, followed by a traditional lion dance.

Looking Back & Forward

Lexington Lantern Festival Celebration | Cary Hall - Lexington | March 1, 1:00-6:00 PM
This annual festival, symbolizing letting to of the past, will mark the end of this year's two-week celebration period. Enjoy DIY lantern-making from 3-4 and a lantern parade at 5:30 – and don't forget to create a free wish ribbon at the library in the days leading up to the celebration. (More info here)

However you choose to celebrate — through music, food, art, or learning — Lunar New Year offers a chance to gather in community and welcome a fresh start.

Burlington Buzz wishes readers prosperity, happiness, and good fortune in the Year of the Horse. Gong Hei Fat Choy!