Lunar New Year ushers in the Year of the Horse on February 17, 2026, marking the first new moon of the lunar calendar. During this time of year, Bellevue offers visitors and locals vibrant celebrations and meaningful ways to celebrate the Year of the Horse. Whether you’re looking for cultural performances, festive meals, or sweet Lunar New Year treats, here’s how to experience Lunar New Year in Bellevue.

Lunar New Year Festivals & Events in Bellevue

Lunar New Year at The Bellevue Collection

The Bellevue Collection puts on a beautiful Lunar New Year celebration at Bellevue Square between February 17 through March 1. On Saturday, February 21, the Lunar New Year Celebration will feature live performances like martial arts, dance, and more, as well as giveaways and interactive arts and crafts experiences. 

Lion Dance at Uwajimaya Bellevue

Uwajimaya Bellevue is conveniently located half a mile from the Wilburton Station on the 2 Line Light Rail. Along with a Lunar New Year seasonal sale, there will be a vibrant lion dance performance on Sunday, February 15 at 1 pm to bring good luck, happiness, and prosperity for the year ahead. 

Art N' Soul 

W Bellevue is celebrating The Year of the Horse on February 13 with Art N' Soul, "where creativity meets culture." In collaboration with Hennessy, the party has Bao "bumps," live art, and music in support of The Very Asian Foundation. Takes place in the Living Room Bar. W Bellevue is also offering a Lunar Love Hotel Package, where love meets luck this February. The package includes a bottle of Veuve Cliquot, chef's bites, and a late checkout. 

Lunar New Year of the Horse Group Exhibition

The Yuan Ru Art Center in Bellevue's BelRed Arts District is a contemporary art gallery by Taiwanese artist Julie Yuan Ru Hsieh. From February 21 through March 22, 2026, the gallery will present a Lunar New Year of the Horse Group Exhibition, featuring the works of Deng Zuolie, Sun Hui Watkins, Ren Zhexian, and Agnes Lee.

Where to Eat: Lunar New Year Menus & Restaurants

Bellevue Dumpling Week

Bellevue Dumpling Week is February 14 - 24, and is the perfect way to ring in the Year of the Horse. Visit three participating restaurants to explore their featured dishes or limited-time specials and you can earn a dumpling week plush keychain. With dumplings symbolizing wealth and good fortune, it's a good idea to add it to your Lunar New Year seasonal eats. 

Baron's Sino Kitchen & Bar

Baron's Sino Kitchen & Bar is a part of China's renowned Barony Hotels & Resorts family of hospitality brands, and offers a modern take on classical Chinese cuisine. The signature Peking Duck is the perfect celebratory dish, dry-aged for 24 hours in a special drying room, and roasted by order for 40 minutes. Baron's is located in The Bellevue Collection, which has over 80 places to eat - check out their Lunar New Year Dining Guide. 

La Mar Bellevue

La Mar Bellevue has created a special Lunar New Year menu to welcome the Year of the Horse from February 17 - 22, and it fuses Pacific Northwest flavors with Chinese inspiration and Peruvian roots. Lunar New Year is a big celebration in Peru, home to Latin America's largest Chinese community. This limited-time menu includes items such as Shrimp and pork Wantan, Salmon belly Cebiche Chifa, Duck Tiradito, Dungeness crab golden chaufa, and exclusive daily specials like wok-fried Spot Prawn Chifero and Char Siu Roast Pork Shoulder with pineapple glaze.

Peony Bellevue

Peony is celebrating Lunar New Year from February 15 - 21 with a special menu designed to welcome good fortune, happiness, and new beginnings. It features Tofu with Golden Needle Mushrooms, Sweet & Sour Fish, Garlic Stem Prawns, Scallop Fried Rice, and more. The Crispy Duck and the Tea Smoked Chicken are some of their signature dishes. 

Lao Ma Tou Hot Pot

Lao Ma Tou Hot Pot is originated in Chengdu China, serving a traditional cuisine that dates back centuries of years. The rich colors with hanging red lanterns set the perfect backdrop for reuniting over fire and broth during Lunar New Year. 

Bellevue's Asian Supermarkets

T&T Supermarket, Asian Family Market, and Uwajimaya are already stocking Lunar New Year sweets and desserts in their featured shelving areas. You can get festive candies, traditional rice cakes, biscuit and other Lunar New Year themed gift sets and supplies. Grab some goodies in the incredible hot bar while you're there.

Noodle Houses

We must not forget to eat noodles to welcome longevity into our new year. Bobae Chinese Korean Noodle House offers some top tier noodles, with sauces that will leave you wanting more. Nuodle is located in Bellevue's Crossroads District and offer Chinese hand-pulled noodles, along with some cumin lamb skewers that are irresistible. 

Lunar New Year Treats & Bakeries in Bellevue

Bellevue is known for its Asian bakeries and dessert shops, where you can find sweet treats to share with friends and family as symbols of happiness and abundance. 

Lady M

Lady M is a millet crepe shop that is offering an exquisite Year of the Horse gift box, featuring limited-edition mini crepes, a leather horse keychain, and stunning packaging to welcome good fortune. 

Regent Bakery & Cafe

Regent Bakery & Cafe has two locations in Bellevue, and is a classic Chinese-style bakery offering traditional buns and pastries, egg tarts and sponge cakes, and coconut peanut mochi. 

HoneyMe Bakery & Tea

HoneyMe Bakery & Tea is celebrating with a red velvet strawberry chiffon cake with Lunar New Year decor. There's also an amazing Egg Yolk Taro Cheese Pork Floss Lava Cake that's definitely worth trying with friends.

ROYCE Chocolates

ROYCE Chocolates is featuring a ROYCE' Collection Can "Red" gift set, featuring a themed box filled with an assortment of 66 individually-wrapped chocolates. 

Extend Your Lunar New Year Experience

Lunar New Year is a wonderful time to experience Bellevue’s cultural diversity, walkable downtown, and renowned dining scene. Bellevue’s central location makes it easy to explore additional Lunar New Year celebrations throughout the greater Seattle area, including events in Seattle’s Chinatown-International District. Many visitors choose Bellevue as a comfortable home base while exploring regional festivities.

Families visiting Bellevue for Lunar New Year often pair celebrations with:

• Shopping and dining at Bellevue Square
• Exploring Downtown Bellevue Park
• Visiting nearby museums, parks, and attractions

Helpful tips for visitors

• Events are typically busiest on weekends
• Parking is widely available in Downtown Bellevue garages
• Check event organizers’ social channels for last-minute updates
• Make dining reservations in advance during peak celebration periods

Celebrate the Year of the Horse in Bellevue

From cultural performances to festive meals and sweet treats, Bellevue offers a warm, accessible way to celebrate Lunar New Year 2026. Whether you’re visiting for the day or planning a weekend getaway, the Bellevue is a welcoming place to ring in the Year of the Horse.

Lunar New Year in Bellevue: FAQs

When is Lunar New Year in 2026?
Lunar New Year begins in late January or February, depending on the lunar calendar. In 2026, celebrations take place in early February.

Where can I celebrate Lunar New Year in Bellevue?
Downtown Bellevue, including Bellevue Square and The Bellevue Collection, typically hosts Lunar New Year cultural performances and family-friendly activities.

Are Lunar New Year events in Bellevue free?
Many Lunar New Year celebrations in Bellevue, especially public cultural performances, are free and open to the public.

Where can I find Lunar New Year treats in Bellevue?
Bellevue is home to several Asian bakeries and dessert shops offering egg tarts, buns, cakes, and other sweets commonly enjoyed during Lunar New Year.

Is Bellevue a good place to visit during Lunar New Year?
Yes. Bellevue offers cultural events, diverse dining, shopping, and easy access to additional Lunar New Year celebrations throughout the greater Seattle area.