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Top Family-Friendly Lunar New Year Events in Charlotte, NC
Lunar New Year is a time to celebrate with family, enjoy good food, and learn about exciting traditions—and Charlotte, NC, has lots of fun events for families to enjoy. Whether you want to learn about Chinese culture, try some tasty treats, or do crafts with your kids, there’s something for everyone. Keep reading to find the best kid-friendly Lunar New Year events happening in Charlotte this year!
📖 Charlotte Chinese Story Time: Lunar New Year Celebration
Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Location: SouthPark Library – Community Room
Ages: Best for ages 3–9 (siblings welcome)
Cost: FREE (RSVP required for art workshop)
Celebrate Lunar New Year with Charlotte Chinese Story Time (CCST)! Families will enjoy Chinese stories, music, movement, and interactive activities, plus a special Year of the Horse art workshop led by local artist Ms. Wang. Children will learn Lunar New Year traditions, simple Chinese numbers, and hear the story of Nian through engaging storytelling and play.
🎊 2026 CAAC Lunar New Year Celebration – Cultural Fair
Date: Saturday, February 14, 2026
Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Location: Winthrop University Byrnes Auditorium, Rock Hill, SC
Ages: All ages
Cost: FREE & Open to the public
Discover the richness of Chinese culture through interactive exhibits, arts and crafts, and cultural displays. This free cultural fair is fun, educational, and perfect for families.
🎉 2026 CAAC Lunar New Year Gala – Year of the Horse
Date: Saturday, February 14, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Winthrop University Byrnes Auditorium, Rock Hill, SC
Ages: All ages
Cost: $20, Ticketed event
Celebrate the Year of the Horse with stunning cultural performances, lucky draws, and festive community spirit. This special gala brings Lunar New Year traditions to life through music, dance, and celebration.
🎨 Lunar New Year Snack & Craft (Ages 1–5)
Date: Monday, February 16, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: Myers Park
Ages: 1–5
Cost: Free, Drop In
Drop in anytime to create tissue paper lanterns and enjoy a Moon Pie snack! This relaxed, open-format activity is perfect for toddlers and preschoolers celebrating Lunar New Year with hands-on fun.
🎭 Drop-In Arts: Celebrations!!
Date: Monday, February 16, 2026
Time: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Location: Plaza Midwood – Community Room
Ages: All ages
Cost: Drop in, Free
Celebrate Black History Month, Mardi Gras, and Chinese New Year all in one place! Families can stop by to make masks, create red envelopes, and explore creative activities throughout the day.
🏮 Lunar New Year Snack & Craft (Ages 5–11)
Date: Monday, February 16, 2026
Time: 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Location: Myers Park Library
Ages: 5–11
Cost: Drop in, no registration required
School-aged kids can celebrate Lunar New Year by making festive lanterns, enjoying a snack, and learning about cultural traditions in this fun drop-in event.
🌙 Lunar Calendar Paint & Snack
Date: Monday, February 16, 2026
Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Myers Park Library
Ages: School-age children
Cost: Free, Registration required
With school out, kids will learn about Lunar Calendar holidays celebrated around the world, paint the moon, and enjoy a snack while exploring Lunar New Year traditions.
🧧 Lunar New Year Celebration at Resident Culture – Year of the Horse
Date: Saturday, February 21, 2026
Time: Various times throughout the day
Location: Resident Culture – Plaza Midwood & 7th Street
Ages: All ages
Cost: Free (dumpling class may require separate registration)
Join Resident Culture for a full day of Lunar New Year festivities, including dumpling making with The Dumpling Lady, traditional Lion Dance performances, Lunar New Year crafts, festive treats, and a special visit from a live horse to honor the Year of the Horse.
1–2 PM | Dumpling Class with The Dumpling Lady
Lion Dance Performances by Thundering Waves
3:30–5:30 PM | Lunar New Year Crafts
3–5:30 PM | Horse Shadow Run Farm🎨 Awfully Artful: Lunar New Year
Date: Monday, February 23, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Myers Park
Ages: Teens & adults
Cost: Free, Registration required
Celebrate Lunar New Year with a relaxed, creative night of art-making. Participants can create DIY lanterns or freestyle their own Lunar New Year–inspired projects while welcoming fresh starts.
📚 Teen Book Club: Lunar New Year Love Story
Date: Thursday, February 26, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: South County Regional Library
Ages: 12–18
Cost: Free, Registration required
Teens can celebrate Lunar New Year through literature while discussing Lunar New Year Love Story by Gene Luen Yang. Snacks, games, and great conversation included!
🎤 Culture Blocks: Chinese Recitation Coaching for Kids (Session 1)
Date: Saturday, March 7, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Location: Pineville
Ages: School-age children
Cost: Free, registration required
Children are introduced to Chinese poetry recitation, focusing on tone, rhythm, pronunciation, and confidence while practicing public speaking in a supportive environment.
🎤 Culture Blocks: Chinese Recitation Coaching for Kids (Session 2)
Date: Saturday, March 14, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM
Location: Pineville
Ages: School-age children
Cost: Free, registration required
This follow-up session builds on foundational skills, helping children improve fluency, expression, pacing, and basic stage presence while bringing poetry to life.
🀄 Cultural Exploration: Learn and Play Chinese
Date: Monday, March 30, 2026
Time: 4:30 PM – 5:15 PM
Location: Pineville Library
Ages: Elementary school-age children
Cost: Registration required
Kids will explore Mandarin Chinese through fun activities, books, games, songs, and interactive learning designed to spark curiosity and cultural appreciation.
Looking for More Family Fun in Charlotte?
Lunar New Year isn’t the only way to celebrate the season with your kids. Charlotte is full of meaningful and fun opportunities for families to connect, learn, and explore together all year long. From Black History events in Charlotte that help children learn about history, community, and service, to indoor activities for kids that are perfect for colder or rainy days, there’s always something happening.
Families looking to stay on budget will also love discovering free things to do with kids in Charlotte, including library programs, cultural celebrations, storytimes, and hands-on activities that make learning fun without spending a dime. Whether you’re planning ahead or searching for something to do today, Charlotte offers endless ways to create special memories with your kids.
Be sure to check back often so you don’t miss the latest family-friendly events happening around the Queen City!