Lunar New Year 2026 falls on Feb. 17, marking the start of the Year of the Horse.
Coming around every 12 years, the horse – the seventh animal in the Chinese zodiac – symbolizes confidence, endurance, independence, and freedom.
This year, the Year of the Horse is particularly meaningful as it celebrates the Fire Horse, which comes around every 60 years. Unlike Western astrology where each zodiac is categorized as one of four elements – fire, earth, air, and water – the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac align with one of five elements – wood, fire, earth, metal, and water.
Given that the Horse sign is aligned with the element of fire, the Year of the Fire Horse is seen as an extremely rare ‘Double Fire’ event, fabled to bring an intensely transformative year for those born in 1966 and 2026.
Interestingly, this year’s Lunar New Year (LNY) coincides with the internationally-visited Mardi Gras of New Orleans, the first day of Ramadan (usually Lunar New Year precedes Ramadan by about a week), and an annual solar eclipse in parts of the southern hemisphere.
LNY is traditionally celebrated for 15-16 days (marking the lunar cycle from New Moon to Full Moon) with festivities such as lion dances, fireworks, and the Lantern Festival.
If you are looking for free events to celebrate LNY in the Greater Toronto Area, Now Toronto has you covered.
Toronto Spring Festival
Where: Nathan Philips Square
When: Feb. 14 – 15, 2:30 – 9:30 p.m.
This is the second annual Toronto Spring Festival – a weekend-long event that takes place on Family Day long weekend this year. It offers live performances from lion and dragon dances to fireworks on Sunday night, as well as vendors selling food and merchandise.
While admission is completely free, visitors have an option to purchase VIP tickets, which gives them access to warm tents and exclusive performances. Tickets are available through Eventbrite.
Toronto Chinatown Lunar New Year Celebrations
Where: Downtown Chinatown
When: Feb 21 & 22 @ 12-5 p.m.
Toronto’s Downtown Chinatown BIA is welcoming everyone to join their LNY celebrations at Dragon City Mall (280 Spadina Ave.) and Chinatown Centre (222 Spadina Ave.). Admission is free, with free gifts on a first come, first served basis. There will be live performances including a lion dance and acrobatics, photo-op with Toronto Police Mounted Unit and activities like paper cutting, engraving, and making hair sticks.
LunarFest GTA
Where: Valley Art Gallery, 216 Main St Unionville, Unionville
When: Feb. 21 & 22 @ 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The theme of this LNY celebration, hosted by Unionville’s Valley Art Gallery, is ‘Brave the Wind’, inspired by the resilience of the horse that confronts strong gusts with resilience. The event offers workshops, exhibits, and performances that are suitable for all ages. The venue will display its Lunar Lanterns exhibit starting Feb. 21 until Mar. 20.
CF shopping centres celebrations
Where: CF Markville, CF Toronto, CF Fairview
When: Feb. 21 @ 2 p.m, Feb. 26 @ 4 p.m., Feb. 28 @ 2 p.m.
A procession of dragon and lion dance will travel through CF Toronto Eaton Centre to Albert’s Way on Feb. 26. The event also offers traditional LNY ceremonies the day of. CF Markville will host celebrations on Feb. 21, and CF Fairview on Feb. 28. The chain will also mark LNY through to Mar. 3, at all three of its locations in the GTA, with special offers from retailers and cultural activities which you can keep an eye out for on its website.
Scarborough Town Centre celebrations
Where: Scarborough Town Centre, 300 Borough Dr., Scarborough
When: Feb. 7 & 8 @ 2-3 p.m.
@nowtoronto Scarborough Town Centre is celebrating Lunar New Year this weekend! 🧧 #LNYatSTC ♬ original sound – Now Toronto
The STC is ringing in the LNY with high-energy lion dances, Chinese folk performances in its Centre Court. However, if you are unable to attend, the 13-foot, life-size horse sculpture will be on display until Feb. 22.
Pacific Mall’s Lunar New Year Celebration
Where: Pacific Mall, 4300 Steeles Ave. E., Markham
When: Feb. 21 @ 1-4 p.m., Feb. 22 @ 1-5 p.m., Feb. 28 @ 1-4 p.m.
The largest indoor Asian shopping mall in Canada is celebrating LNY, and welcoming the public to join them for three days. Feb. 21 and 22 will feature door-to-door lion dance performances, with stage performances on the 28th. The event will also feature giveaways and raffles, and you likely won’t have to worry about parking, given their large lot with over 1600 spots.
