NorthPark Center Welcomes Lunar New Year

NorthPark Center rang in the Year of the Fire Horse on Feb. 21 with a vibrant celebration that featured traditional dances, crafts, and activities.

The festivities kicked off with a Lion Dance, a Chinese performance featuring oversized, furry lions that were each controlled by two artists who caused them to jump, dance, and even blink their eyes and wiggle their ears.

The fun continued with a Park Cities Chinese Class Book Giveaway, mini ponies met and greet in the CenterPark Garden, and performance from the Dallas Asian Winds.

Young celebrants created their own colorful rainbow horses by scratching designs into black-coated paper and personalized red envelopes, which are given to loved ones as a symbol of good wishes for the Lunar New Year. 

Artists crafted their own fai chun, red decorations that are displayed to bring good luck and prosperity, and learned to write their names and favorite words in Chinese calligraphy.

About 2 billion people worldwide celebrate the Lunar New Year, which traditionally lasts for 15 days. The 2026 Lunar New Year began on Feb. 17.

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Sarah Hodges

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Sarah Hodges is editor of People Newspapers. She wrote for The Kansas City Star, served in the Peace Corps, worked as a law firm associate, and spent more than a decade caring for her children as a stay-at-home parent prior to joining Park Cities People as managing editor in 2024. In her spare time, you can find her running, either around the neighborhood or to various kid activities.