2026 YHALE Lunar New Year

Cultural engagement is a key part of the YHALE curriculum. Our annual Lunar New Year celebration provides students and the community with an opportunity to learn about one of the most important holidays across East and Southeast Asia, including China, Vietnam, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Indonesia.

The holiday, also called the Spring Festival or Chūnjié (春节) in Mandarin, Seollal (설날) in Korea, and Tết in Vietnam, marks the beginning of a new year on the traditional lunisolar calendar. Originally, it was observed to honor household and heavenly deities, as well as ancestors. Lunar New Year typically begins with the first new moon between late January and mid-February, spanning the first 15 days of the lunar calendar, until the full moon arrives.

Each year is represented by one of the 12 zodiac animals. In 2026, it is the Year of the Red Horse in Chinese and Korean cultures, and the Horse in the Vietnamese zodiac.

During our celebration, students enjoy:

• Games, Activities

• Foods

• Arts and crafts stations

• Cultural performances

We invite you to participate in the 2026 Lunar New Year Festival. It is a family friendly event that the childeren will enjoy, and it offers a wonderful opportunity for the community to experience the culture.