Ring in the Lunar New Year, arriving this year on Feb. 17, and celebrate the beginning of the Year of the Fire Horse (火马年) with these 10 events across Virginia. Horse zodiac signs are known to be energetic and confident free spirits who love to express themselves and won’t shy away from a challenge. Recent horse birth years include 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, and 2014 (but January and February babies should check to be sure they weren’t born before the Lunar New Year cutoff). No matter which zodiac sign you are, these vibrant Lunar New Year festivities set out to help you celebrate and learn more about this East Asian cultural tradition.
Fairfax — Fairfax County Government Center
12000 Government Center Pkwy., Fairfax
Feb. 7: Celebrate Lunar New Year for free with the whole family, and explore Asian cultural traditions through performances, games, stories, and food. Free goody bags will be given to the first 100 guests, so be sure to gallop your way over.
Event will be held from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. Eventbrite.com
Virginia Beach — TCC/City Joint-Use Library
1700 College Cres., TCC Campus, Building L, Virginia Beach
Feb. 7: Bring the kids along to this arts and craft event held at Virginia Beach’s TCC/City Joint-Use Library to learn fun facts about Lunar New Year and make a themed craft as a family.
Event will be held from 2 p.m.–3 p.m. VBPL.LibraryMarket.com
Richmond — Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
200 N Arthur Ashe Blvd., Richmond
Feb. 7: Richmond’s Virginia Museum of Fine Arts celebrates its 21st anniversary of the ChinaFest program, this year celebrating the Year of the Fire Horse. At this free family-friendly event, enjoy art activities, dance and martial arts performances, and music, all while experiencing the richness and beauty of Chinese culture.
Event will be held from 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m. VMFA.museum
Arlington — Fashion Centre at Pentagon City
1100 S Hayes St., Arlington
Feb. 7: For an unforgettable afternoon filled with culture and joy, immerse yourself in captivating lion dances, traditional music performances, and powerful dance showcases that embody the colorful, fiery spirit of the Lunar New Year in bustling Pentagon City.
Event will be held from 1 p.m.–4 p.m. AsianAmericanChamber.com
Tysons — Capital One Hall
7750 Capital One Tower Rd., Tysons
Feb. 15: Held in Tyson’s sleek Capital One Hall, the vibrant ‘Blooming Traditions’ showcase celebrates tradition and new beginnings, taking audiences of all backgrounds through a journey of culture and community connection. Marvel at these dance and musical performances that honor a past steeped in heritage and welcome a prosperous future.
Event will be held from 4 p.m.–6 p.m. CapitalOneHall.com
Virginia Beach — Philippine Cultural Center
4857 Baxter Rd., Virginia Beach
Feb. 15: Join the Vietnamese community of Hampton Roads for a Lunar New Year party, complete with delicious Vietnamese food, dance and music performances, and a traditional lion dance.
Event will be held from 2 p.m.–11 p.m. Facebook: Souper Pho & Banh Mi
Falls Church — Eden Center
6751 Wilson Blvd., Falls Church
Feb. 17: Ring in Lunar New Year at the Eden Center’s annual grand Tết celebration featuring lion dances, red envelopes, wishing tree activities, and, of course, food that will warm your soul and make your mouth water.
Event will be held from 12 p.m.–5 p.m. FallsChurchVa.gov
Vienna — Vienna Community Center
120 Cherry St. SE, Vienna
Feb. 17: Bring your friends and family to the Vienna Community Center, and enjoy samples of Asian cuisine and a beautiful Chinese dance performance by the award-winning Hong Dance School.
Event will be held from 12 p.m.–2 p.m. SCNova.org
Fairfax — Fair Oaks Mall
11750 Fair Oaks Mall, Fairfax
Feb. 21: Fair Oaks Mall’s Grand Court comes to life with lion dances, martial arts demonstrations, local artist performances, and delicious food to celebrate the Year of the Horse.
Event will be held from 1 p.m.–5 p.m. HaiHuaCC.org
Roanoke — Taubman Museum of Art
110 Salem Ave. Southeast, Roanoke
Feb. 21: Enjoy dragon dances, martial arts performances, musical performances, artwork displays, and more at this free event hosted by the Taubman Museum of Art and Local Colors.
Event will be held from 1 p.m.–2 p.m. LocalColors.org
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