Wellington Lunar New Year Festival prances into 2026 with a world premiere and powerful partnerships
The Wellington Lunar New Year Festival is set to prance into the Year of the Horse with renewed energy, a strengthened programme, and new partnerships. The 2026 festival will bring Wellingtonians together for a vibrant celebration culminating in Festival Day on Sunday 22 February along the city’s much-loved waterfront.
Asian Events Trust (AET) Chair Linda Lim says the festival team is excited to deliver another unforgettable experience for the capital.
“The Lunar New Year Festival has always been about connection, culture, and community, and we’re thrilled to bring Wellington a spectacular celebration to welcome in the Year of the Horse.
“We’re sticking with the festival experience Wellingtonians love—food, craft, performance, participation, and celebration on the waterfront—a dynamic and quality programme built on old and new partnerships.
AET welcomes Golden Sun as the festival’s new principal sponsor for 2026—a partnership that adds fresh momentum as the festival rides into its 25th year.
William Thomas, owner of Acton International Marketing Ltd and Golden Sun, says:
“We are proud to support an event that celebrates cultural traditions and brings the people of Wellington together.”
To mark the Year of the Horse, AET will partner with Te Papa to deliver a special programme of events—including hosting the world premiere of HORSES, a new dance film by Arts Laureate and internationally acclaimed choreographer and filmmaker Daniel Belton.
Inspired by the spirited strength and dynamic movement of the horse, HORSES will screen as part of a trilogy alongside Belton’s highly regarded works TIGER (Silver Lotus) and DRAGON, both previously presented at Wellington Lunar New Year Festivals.
“Having Te Papa on board this year is incredibly special—our national museum is a place where stories, heritage, and people come together, making it the perfect partner for our festival,” says Linda.
In a first for the festival, Te Papa will extend its opening hours to 9pm on Saturday 21 February, allowing visitors to enjoy the museum’s offerings before stepping outside to take in the festival’s iconic Fireworks Display.
Courtney Johnston, Te Papa Tumu Whakarae, Chief Executive, says:
“We are thrilled to partner with AET to celebrate the Year of the Horse and to host the world premiere of HORSES. Te Papa is a place of culture, creativity and connection—values that perfectly align with the Lunar New Year Festival.
“Extending our hours gives visitors the chance to enjoy everything the museum has to offer before witnessing the spectacular fireworks over the harbour.”
Prancing dragon dancers and the galloping thunder of taiko drummers in Courtenay Park, Te Papa, and Upper Frank Kitts Park provide horse-powered momentum to bring the city alive before the fireworks ignite the night sky on Saturday 21 February.
Linda adds that the longevity and strength of the festival has been built on enduring partnerships.
“AET will to continue support events organised by other organisations, ensuring a city-wide celebration that reflects the depth and diversity of Lunar New Year traditions. This year we are proud to work with Wellington Museum, The Performance Arcade and the Wellington Chinese Sports and Cultural Centre.
“The 2026 festival programme reflects continuity and fresh energy. We are looking forward to working with the community to deliver another Lunar New Year Festival for the capital – one that captures the strength and spirit of the horse,” says Linda.
For full festival programme go to - https://lunarnewyearfestival.co.nz/all-festival-events
