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DC Chinese Lunar New Year Parade

FEBRUARY 2026 - DATE TBD

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.

February 2026 – Date TBD

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. 

The Horse is the seventh animal in the Chinese zodiac cycle that repeats every 12 years. People born in the year of the horse include: 1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002.

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

US Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps

Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association, Mayor Muriel Bowser & VIPs

Mayor’s Office on Asian Pacific Islander Affairs

Chinese Seniors Citizens Association

Dept. of Aging and Community Living

DC Police Academy

Councilmember Anita Bonds’ Team

Office of Attorney General Brian Schwalb

CYC Lion Dance Troupe

Chinese Princesses & Horse Carriage

MGM

12  Zodiac Animals

The Three Princes

TECRO in the United States

TECRO Chinese Language School (Drumline team)

TECRO Military Delegation

Formosa Association of Student Cultural Ambassadors in DC

Confucius Group

Taiwan Benevolent Association

Hwang Pu Alumni Association

Wong’s People Lion Dance Troupe

KMT Washington Chapter

Global Federation of Chinese Businesswomen in Baltimore

Chinese NESTA

Washington Metropolitan Association of Chinese Schools

Northern Virginia Experimental Chinese School

Choy Wun Lion Dance Troupe

Chinese Freemason

Eng Family Association

On Leong Merchant Association

Yee Fung Toy Association

Hip Sing Association

Downtown BID

MGM

Excel Academy All Girls Charter School Drumline

Moy Family Association

American Legion

US Chinese American Military Veterans

US Chinese American Naval Academy Midshipmen

Jow Ga Shaolin Lion and Dragon Dance Troupe

Tzu Chi Academy

DC Public Library

DC Dragon Boat Club

Smithsonian Institution

Seed Public Charter School & Statesman School for Boys Drumline

OCA-DC

1882 Foundation, Inc.

Friends of the National Asian-Pacific American Museum

CCACC Dragon Troupe

Yu Ying Public Charter School

The National Girls Scouts of America

US Military Academy West Point Cadets

US Air Force Academy

MGM

Hung Ci Lion Dance Troupe

Wei Hua Chinese School

Buddha’s Light International Association

Shaolin Temple Kung Fu School

Tinkus Bolivian Dance Team

Jow Ga Kung Fu Athletic Association Lion Dance Troupe

Almas Shriners Clowns & Motorcade

DC Fire Engine and EMS Department

   

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 Snake.

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.