The Mane Events to Celebrate the Year of the Horse in Chicago!

Get ready to gallop into the new year with high energy and good fortune! 2026 marks the Year of the Horse, bringing a spirit of vitality, speed, and adventure to the Windy City. This year, you can get your hands dirty with mochi donut classes, learn the delicate art of dumpling folding, or catch a screening of high-octane Asian cinema.

There are plenty of ways to let loose and celebrate. Here are the events that will let you connect and celebrate this Lunar New Year.

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1. 2026 LNY Celebration - Say "Ni-Hao!" - Junior Chef Donut Decorating Class

Little ones can bring their creativity to this hands-on workshop! Kids will get to decorate colorful mochi donuts while picking up some basic Mandarin words for colors, shapes, numbers, and friendly greetings along the way.

February 12, 19, 26, 2026 (4PM)
2d restaurant (3155 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657)
Great for ages 4–10
Price: $19.99 per child

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2. Brush & Bite: Celebrate Lunar New Year with Dumplings & Calligraphy

Guests can look forward to a spectacular evening at 2d Restaurant. It’s a wonderful chance to master the art of dumpling making, enjoy a tasting session, and craft beautiful good luck scrolls during a traditional calligraphy lesson.

February 13, 16, 18, 26-27, 2026 & March 5-6, 2026 (6PM)
2d restaurant (3155 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657)
$60

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3. 2026 Chinese New Year Dumpling Making Dinner

Friends and families can gather for a heartwarming afternoon of family-style celebration. It’s time to welcome the Year of the Horse together with a fun and delicious dumpling-making dinner!

February 14-15 & 21-22, 2026 (3PM)
Hing Kee Restaurant, 2nd Floor (2140 South Archer Avenue Chicago, IL 60616)
$60.54

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4. CMAA's 2nd Annual LNY Small Business Showcase

Community members can pop by the CMAA’s LNY Small Business Showcase! It’s the perfect spot to catch an engaging panel, browse local vendors, and chat with new friends and neighbors.

February 18, 2026 (10AM)
6111 North River Road, Rosemont, IL 60018
FREE

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5. CFAS Lunar New Year Party 2026

Cultural enthusiasts and party-goers are invited to Constellation Chicago to ring in the new year! Guests can enjoy a beautiful program of traditional Chinese music and dance, followed by a lively community dance party. It’s also the perfect chance to support the community by browsing an artisan market featuring local vendors, restaurants, and artists.

February 18, 2026 (6:30PM)
Constellation Chicago (3111 N Western Ave, Chicago, IL 60618)
FREE

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6. Chinese New Year Tea and Buffet at The Peninsula Chicago

Guests are welcome to treat themselves to a luxurious celebration at The Peninsula Chicago. They can relax with a special Afternoon Tea featuring festive flavors and a string duo, or join the second annual Chinese New Year Brunch on Sunday. Foodies can look forward to a curated…

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Read the full article in The Editor’s Cut: Lunar New Year Issue 2! - This FREE PDF GUIDE features a roundup of LNY events happening around Chicago, ways to attract luck in the Year of the Horse, a 'Then vs. Now' look at Chicago's Chinatown, and, of course, your zodiac fortune.

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