Experience the glow of Lantern Viewing Evenings
Lights. Culture. Memories.
February 18 – March 8
Celebrate Lunar New Year 2026:
Year of the Horse
February 17 – March 8, 2026
Don’t miss the Pacific Northwest’s most iconic Lunar New Year celebration at Lan Su Chinese Garden! Enjoy days filled with family fun and evenings that light up the sky with dazzling entertainment. Come blaze into the Year of the Fire Horse with us!
See below for the full lineup of activities.
Daytime Festivities
All daytime activities are free with admission or membership unless otherwise noted.
Mini Horse Meet & Greet
Opening Day: Tuesday, Feb. 17 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Fridays, Feb. 20, 27, & March 6 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Join the zodiac icons of the Year of the Horse in friendly, miniature form. In Chinese culture, horses represent adventure, freedom, and strength. Feel their spirit come alive at Lan Su every Friday during Lunar New Year!
Opening Day on February 17 will feature a special zodiac animals ceremony with one of last year’s incredible live snakes from Creature Teachers.
Cultural Performances
Saturdays & Sundays | Feb. 21, 22, 28, & March 1, 7, 8 | 12:00 PM & 2:00 PM
Soak in the graceful movement and exciting performances of local cultural groups, including: Vancouver Jasmine Dance Troupe, International School Portland Chinese Track, Hua Yuan Art Group, Lighting Hand, Mulan Drum Team, Portland Chinese Dance Troupe, Vietnamese Community Of Clark County, YZ Dance Studio, MeiGui Wellness Choir, and Oregon Chinese Coalition.
New Year Storytime
Saturdays | Feb. 21 & 28 | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Have you ever wondered why Chinese people display red items and set off fireworks during Lunar New Year? Join a Lan Su storyteller for a fun Lunar New Year storytime for the whole family, with lively storytelling and playful puppets that spark imagination and bring the story to life! Suitable for all ages.
Family Craft Activities
Opening Day: Tuesday, Feb. 17 | 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Saturdays & Sundays | Feb. 21, 22, 28, & March 1, 7, 8 | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM (through 4:00 PM March 1 & 8)
Celebrate Lunar New Year with hands-on creativity the whole family can enjoy! Our Family Craft Activities invite kids and adults alike to explore traditional art forms and cultural symbols through fun, interactive projects. From folding simple paper lanterns to creating vibrant Nian Hua (年畫) woodblock prints, each session offers a way to bring piece of the celebration home to share and display.
Chinese Calligraphy
Opening Day: Tuesday, Feb. 17 | 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Saturdays & Sundays | Feb. 21, 22, 28, & March 1 | 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Calligraphy is a revered art form that has existed for thousands of years and is considered a high art in Chinese culture. To welcome Year of the Horse, drop in anytime during the scheduled demonstrations to learn more about this art and watch calligraphers share techniques of this ancient art.
Lion Dances
Opening Day: Tuesday, Feb. 17 | 9:45AM
Saturdays & Sundays | Feb. 21, 22, 28, & March 1, 7, 8 | 1:00 PM & 3:00 PM
Enjoy traditional lion dance performances by Portland Lee’s Association and White Lotus Foundation throughout our celebration. Don’t miss the whimsical enjoyment these playful lions bring to guests of all ages as they make their way through the garden!
Nighttime Excitement
All activities are included in the ticket price. Explore each offering below, then choose a date to get tickets.
Dragon + Light Show Nights
5:30–7:00 PM & 7:30–9:00 PM Every Wednesday–Sunday, February 18 – March 1, 2026 | Separate Tickets Required
Experience Lunar New Year at Lan Su with glowing lantern sculptures from China, a magical zodiac animals light show by Noble Robot, and a live Dragon Dance procession by Portland Lee’s Association. A vibrant celebration you won’t find anywhere else in Portland!
Music + Lantern Viewing Nights
5:30–7:30 PM | Wednesday–Sunday, March 4-8, 2026 | Separate Tickets Required
Thursday, March 5, will be Sensory-Friendly Night!
Note: Music + Lantern Nights do not include the Dragon Dance Procession or the Twelve Zodiac Animals light show. Instead, guests can enjoy a more tranquil experience—an enchanting lantern-lit evening accompanied by live Chinese music, perfect for those who love the garden’s nighttime glow at a slower, more intimate pace.
Experience the glow of Lantern Viewing Evenings
Lights. Culture. Memories.
February 18 – March 8