Welcoming the Lunar New Year: Festive Experiences to Catch Around Virginia

Lunar New Year is one of the most colorful and meaningful celebrations of the year, marking fresh beginnings, good fortune, and time spent in community. This year’s festivities across Virginia bring together art, food, music, and tradition, offering plenty of ways to welcome the new year—whether you’re deeply familiar with the holiday or experiencing it for the first time.

From lively lion dances to hands-on family activities, here’s a roundup of Lunar New Year events happening around the state that capture the spirit of celebration.

Lunar New Year Events in Northern Virginia

Fairfax: Fairfax County Government Center

Date: Feb. 7 | Time: 11 a.m.–3 p.m.

A free, family-friendly event featuring performances, games, stories, and food. There are also goody bags for early arrivals (first 100 guests).

Arlington: Fashion Centre at Pentagon City

Date: Feb. 7 | Time: 1 p.m.–4 p.m.

Head to Pentagon City for an afternoon of Lunar New Year performances, including lion dances, traditional music, and dance showcases.

Tysons: Capital One Hall

Date: Feb. 15 | Time: 4 p.m.–6 p.m.

A performance-focused celebration themed around tradition and new beginnings, featuring dance and musical performances in a modern venue setting.

Falls Church: Eden Center

Date: Feb. 17 | Time: 12 p.m.–5 p.m.

Eden Center hosts its annual grand Tết celebration with lion dances, red envelopes, wishing tree activities, and plenty of food options.

Vienna: Vienna Community Center

Date: Feb. 17 | Time: 12 p.m.–2 p.m.

This community event includes samples of Asian cuisine and a Chinese dance performance by an award-winning dance school.

Fairfax: Fair Oaks Mall

Date: Feb. 21 | Time: 1 p.m.–5 p.m.

Fair Oaks Mall’s Grand Court features lion dances, martial arts demonstrations, performances by local artists, and food as part of its Lunar New Year celebration.

Lunar New Year Events in Richmond and Southwest Virginia

Richmond: Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

Date: Feb. 7 | Time: 10 a.m.–4:30 p.m.VM

FA hosts its ChinaFest program with art activities plus dance, music, and martial arts performances—designed to be free and family-friendly.

Roanoke: Taubman Museum of Art

Date: Feb. 21 | Time: 1 p.m.–2 p.m.

This free event includes dragon dances, martial arts performances, music, artwork displays, and more—hosted with Local Colors.

Lunar New Year Events in Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach: TCC/City Joint-Use Library

Date: Feb. 7 | Time: 2 p.m.–3 p.m.

A kid-friendly arts and crafts event where families can learn fun facts about Lunar New Year and create a themed craft together.

Virginia Beach: Philippine Cultural Center

Date: Feb. 15 | Time: 2 p.m.–11 p.m.

A Lunar New Year party hosted for the Vietnamese community of Hampton Roads with Vietnamese food, music and dance performances, and a traditional lion dance.

Tips Before You Go

• Double-check the host page for updates, parking details, and any RSVP requirements.

• Arrive early for events that mention limited giveaways.

• Bring friends—many of these celebrations are designed for families and groups.