Celebrate the 2026 Lunar New Year in Orem, Utah 🐎✨

If you’re looking for something fun, festive, and uniquely cultural to do in Utah this February, I already know where I’ll be: the 2026 Lunar New Year Celebration at University Place!

This year welcomes the Year of the Horse, and between the lion dances, fireworks, photo ops, and treats, this is one of those events that feels magical whether you’re attending with family, friends, or just soaking it all in yourself.

I’m not the organize, but I am attending, and if you’re new to Orem, Provo, or Utah County, this is such a good one to add to your calendar.

2026 Lunar New Year Celebration & Fireworks (Main Event)

Event Date & Time

• Date: Tuesday, February 17, 2026
• Time: 6:00 PM

Location

• Main Hallway & The Orchard at University Place
• Fireworks viewing in The Orchard (launched from the parking lot just north of it)

Year of the Horse Meaning (Why 2026 Is Special)

The Horse in the Lunar New Year symbolizes:

• Strength
• Freedom
• Energy
• Success

People born in the Year of the Horse are believed to be adventurous, warm-hearted, and fiercely independent—which honestly feels like the perfect energy to bring into 2026.

Lion Dance Parade & Fireworks Schedule

 Lion Dance Parade – 6:00 PM

• Parade route: RC Willey → Dillard’s → The Orchard
• Lion dances represent power, wisdom, prosperity, and good luck
• It’s considered extra lucky if a lion touches you during the dance
• You can “feed” the lion with a red envelope, which symbolizes good fortune and supports the martial arts troupe

Fireworks Finale

• Fireworks immediately following the parade
• Viewing area: The Orchard
• Trust me—this part alone is worth coming out for

Food, Photos & Festivities

• Treats from P.F. Chang’s (while supplies last)
  Located in Village Court
• Photo time with performers after the parade
• Lunar New Year Photo Op near Customer Service
   Available February 16 – February 21

Lunar New Year Balloon Photo Op (All Week Event)

Dates

• February 16 – February 21, 2026

Time

• 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM daily

 Location

• Center Court by Customer Service

If you love photos (and let’s be real—we all do), the golden horse balloon photo op will be available all week and is perfect for families, kids, and Lunar New Year keepsakes.

Why I Love Events Like This (Especially If You’re Moving to Provo or Orem)

One of my favorite things about living in Utah County is how community-focused events like this are.

Whether you’re new to the area or a longtime local, the Lunar New Year celebration at University Place is a beautiful mix of culture, tradition, and family-friendly fun—and it’s one of those nights that makes Orem feel extra special.

 Celebrating the Year of the Horse at Home (Shop My Picks)

If you love the Year of the Horse aesthetic as much as I do, I also created a few themed collections inspired by this celebration

Year of the Horse Ornaments + Utah National Parks

https://createwithkaterina.com/kZdsSb

This collection also includes iconic Utah scenery, featuring:

• Zion National Park
• Bryce Canyon National Park
• Arches National Park
• Canyonlands National Park
• Capitol Reef National Park

Perfect as keepsakes, gifts, or Lunar New Year décor that still feels very Utah.

Year of the Horse Phone Case Collection

https://thephonefoundry.com/collections/year-of-the-horse-phone-cases

Individual favorites:

• https://createwithkaterina.com/SBERK9
• https://createwithkaterina.com/sotRBE

They’re bold, elegant, and honestly such a fun way to carry the Year of the Horse energy with you all year.

Elegant Golden Horse Celebration, Lion Dances & Fireworks at University Place

If you’re planning to attend the 2026 Lunar New Year Celebration at University Place, maybe I’ll see you there—lion dance luck and fireworks included