Children’s Museum Houston and Fort Bend Children’s Discovery gallop into the Lunar New Year with “fire”, folklore and family

Feb. 14 and 15 at Children’s Museum Houston

Feb. 21 at Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center

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HOUSTON, TX (Feb. 6, 2026) — Children’s Museum Houston and sister location, Fort Bend Children’s Discovery Center, are trotting out unforgettable Lunar New Year celebrations honoring the Year of the Fire Horse with high-energy performances, immersive cultural experiences and hands-on activities which invite families to leap into learning. From soaring lion dancers and spellbinding performances to an interactive storybook opera, these celebrations spotlight the beauty, traditions and diversity of Asian cultures while keeping the fun at a full gallop. Lunar New Year is Feb. 17, 2026.

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LUNAR NEW YEAR AT CHILDREN’S MUSEUM HOUSTON

Feb. 14 and 15, 2026

Funded in part by the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance

Become immersed in Houston’s vibrant Asian heritage during this two-day Lunar New Year celebration packed with performances that sparkle, crafts that create and traditions that inspire.

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Saturday, Feb. 14:

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Soaring Phoenix Lion Dance: Experience the energy, rhythm and pageantry of a traditional lion dance in a performance which truly brings the house down.

When: At 11 a.m. in Playscape and 2 p.m. in Kids’ Hall.

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J&H Dance School: Feel the grace and power of traditional and contemporary Chinese dance as talented students take the stage.

When: At noon in Brown Auditorium.

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Diabolo (Chinese Yo-Yo) Performance: Watch the diabolo spin, soar and amaze in a vibrant performance by Rice University student Mika Chang.

When: At 1:30 p.m. in Brown Auditorium.

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Horse Puppets: Celebrate the Year of the Horse by creating your own movable puppet, perfect for imaginative play.

When: All Day in Chevron Maker Annex.

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Lunar New Year Crafts: Create colorful paper lanterns, spin a Chinese Zodiac wheel to discover your animal and build a lion dance puppet to dance into the new year.

When: All Day in Kaleidoscope Room.

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Sunday, Feb. 15:

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Dance of Asian America: Be mesmerized by a traditional Chinese dance performance featuring vibrant costumes, authentic music and award-winning choreography.

When: At noon in Brown Auditorium.

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Horse Puppets: Celebrate the Year of the Horse by creating your own movable puppet, perfect for imaginative play.

When: All Day in Chevron Maker Annex.

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Lunar New Year Crafts: Create colorful paper lanterns, spin a Chinese Zodiac wheel to discover your animal and build a lion dance puppet to dance into the new year.

When: All Day in Kaleidoscope Room.

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LUNAR NEW YEAR AT FORT BEND CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY CENTER

Saturday, Feb. 21, 2026

Sponsored by Caldwell & Steinbring Dentistry for Children

Lunar New Year is one of the most significant celebrations across East and Southeast Asian cultures, often spanning several days of tradition, storytelling and community. You are invited to explore these rich customs through interactive performances and creative activities designed just for young learners.

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Ruby’s Chinese New Year: Join Ruby and her zodiac friends in Houston Grand Opera’s interactive storybook opera, where the spirit of the zodiac comes alive and every choice leads to an unforgettable adventure. When: At 11 a.m. in Kidtropolis Town Central.

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All Day Activities:

• Paper Lanterns: Create festive paper lanterns to welcome a new zodiac cycle in Junktion.
• Horse Puppets: Craft a movable puppet celebrating the Year of the Horse in Kidtropolis’ Fort Bend Christian Academy
• Full Moon Silhouettes: Mix chalk pastel, black tempera paint and imagination to design a striking silhouette against a glowing full moon in OcuSOFT Art Academy.

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_{Activities, events and times subject to change.}