Every year, Chicago honors the Lunar New Year with parades and festivities. February 10, 2024, marks the Lunar New Year of the Horse 4724. Celebrate the excitement and colors of the Lunar New Year at the Chicago Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade on March 1, 2026.
Photo courtesy of Chinatown Chamber of Commerce
Get ready for dragon dances, acrobats, music and lion dances to usher in the lunar year of the horse. In Chinese culture, the horse symbolizes high energy, quick changes and independence. The astrological element is fire so speedy movements and passion are also characteristics for the year.
The parade kicks off at 1 pm at the intersection of 24th and Wentworth Ave. The parade travels north down Wentworth to the viewing stand at Cermak and Wentworth.
Arrive early, around 10 am, for the best viewing spots and plan to stay after the parade and visit Chinatown restaurants to dine on traditional Lunar New Year foods like dumplings, noodles and sesame balls to bring luck.
Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade
24th and Wentworth
March 1, 2026, 1 pm
Free
