You know how the United States goes bonkers at Christmas time? It’s a time of joy, presents, and family/loved ones. People go crazy to get the house decorated and in order, and shopping is done to ensure everyone is looking their finest. Everyone secretly wishes their trousers had an elastic waistband to allow for a LOT of social eating. Well, that’s how it is traditionally for people of Vietnamese and Chinese heritage when the Lunar New Year rolls around every January/February. The Lunar New Year is the joy and anticipation of Christmas joined with the gluttony of Thanksgiving and the fireworks of July 4th.
This year, the Lunar New Year starts on February 8th {celebrated for 3 days}. Given that Houston has the third largest Vietnamese population in the United States and a sizeable Chinese population too, celebrations abound around town. It’s time to go bananas to ring in the Year of the Monkey.
Not familiar with Vietnamese and Chinese customs for the Lunar New Year? Fear not. Get a crash course on traditions and general information. Long story short :: eat, drink, and be happy to set the tone for the new year for yourself, as well as the ones you love. Go local and tackle the list of events here in Houston!
Lunar New Year Bash
When :: January 30, 2016 // 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Where :: Children’s Museum of Houston //
Chinese New Year :: The Woodlands Children’s Museum
When :: January 30, 2016 // 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Free with admission {$5; free under 2}.
CCC Lunar New Year Festival
When :: February 6, 2016 // 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Where :: Chinese Community Center // 9800 Town Park Dr., Houston, Texas 77036
Free admission.
Lunar New Year Festival
When :: February 7, 2016 // 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Where :: Discovery Green // 1500 McKinney, Houston, Texas 77010
Free admission.
Lunar New Year Houston
When :: February 13 & 14, 2016 // 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Where :: Viet Hoa Center @ Beltway 8 Plaza // 8388 W. Sam Houston Parkway South Houston, Texas 77072
Free admission.
Texas Lunar Festival
When :: February 13, 2016 // 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Where :: Hermann Square – Houston City Hall // 901 Bagby St. Houston, Texas 77002
Free admission.
Know any other celebrations or festivities? Chime in below!