Ring in the Year of the Horse with Missouri State University. 

This year’s Chinese New Year begins on Feb. 17 and continues for 15 days, ending with the Lantern Festival. The celebration on campus will take place Feb. 12-13 and is free and open to the public. 

Celebrated across China and many other Asian cultures, Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, is a time of joy, renewal and tradition. This vibrant festival follows the lunar calendar and marks the transition from winter to spring. 

According to Yi Wu, marketing and recruitment specialist in global education and engagement, the Chinese New Year celebration is a meaningful opportunity for students to celebrate their cultural heritage while sharing traditions of community, renewal and connection with the broader campus. 

“The celebration is more than a series of fun activities. It connects cultures and fosters understanding on campus and beyond,” she said. “Featuring tea culture, Chinese calligraphy and more, the event offers a vibrant way to experience Chinese traditions.  

“While our Chinese students are unable to return home to celebrate with their families, they can celebrate here with their Bear family.” 

Be part of the festivities  

All events will be on the fourth floor of Pummill Hall.

Feb. 12 

9 a.m.-4 p.m.
Chinese tea culture showcase

9:30 a.m.
Dragon and lion dance performance 

10 a.m.
Traditional Chinese instrument: Guzheng performance  

11 a.m.
Chorus performance  

11:30 a.m.
Hands-on dumpling workshop  

2 p.m.
Instrumental ensemble performance: “Blue and White Porcelain” 

2:30 p.m.
Tai chi demonstration 

3 p.m.
Chinese instrument Hulusi performance: “Phoenix Tail Bamboo Under the Moonlight” 

3:30 p.m.
Traditional Chinese dance: Handan Xuebu 

Feb. 13  

9 a.m.-3 p.m.
Open cultural activities throughout the day include: 

• Traditional Chinese painting exhibition 
• Traditional rhythmic storytelling: Kuaiban 
• Mahjong experience 
• Chinese tea culture showcase 

Find out more about Chinese New Year 2026