DC Chinese Lunar New Year Parade
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2026 - 2:00 PM
DC CHINATOWN CELEBRATES THE YEAR OF THE HORSE!
The 2026 Annual Chinese Lunar New Year Parade is hosted and organized by the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association of Washington, DC (CCBA) in partnership with the DC Mayor’s Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs (MOAPIA). In the lunar calendar, it will be the year 4724! The streets of DC’s Chinatown will be filled with revelers and spectators as we celebrate the Year of the Horse.
Join us for a vibrant community-based parade featuring various cultural and community performers. The grand finale will include a spectacular firecracker show in the middle of H Street. Come early to enjoy a meal at one of the many local eateries and restaurants, and then find the perfect curbside spot to witness the colorful festivities!
We advise taking the Metro to Gallery Place, as it is the best way to avoid transportation hassle.
Sunday, February 22, 2026 – 2:00 PM
The Year of the Horse
In the Chinese zodiac, people born in the Year of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac are often described as being independent, enthusiastic, cheerful, and popular. They are known for their outgoing and dynamic personalities, making them good leaders and natural entrepreneurs. However, they can also be impulsive and sometimes resistant to authority.
CCBA has been hosting the annual parade for over 65 years.
Here is a short documentary about our history.
Past Parade Participants include the following:
DC Police Cruisers and Motorcycles
DC Police Honor Guard
Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, Mayor Muriel Bowser & VIPs
Chinese Senior Citizens Association
Mayor’s Office on Asian Pacific Islander Affairs
DC Police Academy
Downtown BID
Councilmember Anita Bonds’ Team
CYC Lion Dance Troupe
MGM #1
Chinese Princesses & Horse Carriage
12 Zodiac Animals
The Three Princes
TECRO Chinese Language School (Drumline team)
TECRO Military Delegation
Confucius Group
Taiwan Benevolent Association
KMT Washington Chapter
Wong’s People Lion Dance Troupe
Hip Sing Association
Yee Fung Toy Association
On Leong Association
Eng Family Association
Global Federation of Chinese Businesswomen in Baltimore
Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce of North America (TCCNA)
Chinese NESTA
Chinese Freemason
Jow Ga Kung Fu Athletic Association Lion Dance Troupe
Shaolin Temple Kung Fu School
Buddha’s Light International Association (BLIADC)
Washington Metropolitan Association of Chinese Schools
MGM #2
US Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps
US Naval Sea Cadets
Young Marines
Moy Family Association
American Legion
US Chinese American Military Veterans
Eastern High School Marching Band
Smithsonian Institution
Northern Virginia Experimental Chinese School
Tzu Chi Academy Chinese School
CCACC Dragon Dance Troupe
Yu Ying Public Charter School
Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital
Excel Academy All Girls Charter School Drumline
1882 Foundation, Inc.
Friends of the National Asian-Pacific American Museum
OCA of Washington, DC
Hung Ci Lion Dance Troupe
DC Dragon Boat Club
MGM #3
Tinkus Bolivian Dance Team
Almas Shriners Clowns & Motorcade
Our Event Sponsors
CCBA want to acknowledge and thank the following organizations for their support of the Annual Chinese New Year Parade in Washington, DC Chinatown. With the tremendous support of the greater Chinatown community, including these major sponsors, this parade highlights our vibrant Chinese American culture.
Parade Day Details
What To Wear
Join in on the celebration! Wear the color red to ward off evil spirits and bring in good fortune to celebrate the Year of the Horse.
How To Get There
Skip the hassle! Take METRO to Gallery Place/Chinatown.
Options:
– If you are coming in on the Red Line from Silver Spring/Wheaton…exit at Judiciary Square and walk the two extra blocks.
– If you are coming in on the Red Line from Shady Grove/Bethesda…take the Bus Shuttle from DuPont Circle to Gallery Place
– Green and Yellow Lines will still stop at Gallery Place/Chinatown.
See the parade route to find the perfect spot for the parade.
Where To Eat
Enjoy the food! Chinatown has an abundance of restaurants—Chinese and other cuisines.
Get here early for lunch or stay after the parade for dinner.
Photo Gallery
Images from the Chinese New Year Parade
