Lunar New Year Festival

Join us for a family-friendly celebration of the 2026 Lunar New Year: the Year of the Horse! We are proud to partner with the Redwood Empire Chinese Association to present the wonders and joy of the Lunar New Year at the Children’s Museum of Sonoma County.

2026 Lunar New Year: the Year of the Horse

Saturday, January 30, 2027 from 10:00am – 2:00pm

This special event will feature many exciting activities for children and families. Enjoy traditional Chinese Dancers and let your kids join the fun with Lion and Dragon Dances. Expand your knowledge of calligraphy, traditional paper cutting, and adventures in the Chinese Zodiac. This joyful experience will include so much to do, see and enjoy. Don’t miss out on this unique cultural event!

2026 Programming:

Food Vendors – Momo Man Food Truck and Fruta Ice Cream will have delicious snacks available for purchase.

New for the Year of the Horse 2026:
Lyon Ranch Therapy Animals will bring the full Chinese Zodiac to life through engaging, up-close live animal encounters. Guests of all ages can meet these gentle animal ambassadors, learn about their unique traits and cultural significance, and enjoy an unforgettable, hands-on experience that blends tradition, learning, and wonder.

Thank you Lyon Ranch Therapy Animals for your 2026 Premier Sponsorship of Lunar New Year Festival.

The Children’s Museum would like to extend our deepest gratitude to the Redwood Empire Chinese Association for their unwavering dedication, partnership, and support. Their continued commitment to uplifting our mission—to spark creativity, ignite curiosity, and enrich the lives of children and families—has played an invaluable role in shaping the Museum’s most transformative programs and cultural celebrations. We are profoundly appreciative of their ongoing collaboration and the meaningful impact it brings to our community.

All proceeds from signature events like our Lunar New Year Festival go toward supporting our mission to inspire curiosity and creativity through joyful, transformative experiences. Fundraisers at the Children’s Museum allow us to offer Museum Access Programs so we can continue to be a valuable resource for the community. 

Make sure to “like” our Facebook page for updated information!

Join Our Volunteer Team!

We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds to be part of the magic at the Children’s Museum! Whether you’re setting up bubble machines, crafting event-themed art, or bringing playful experiences to life, there’s a role for everyone to spark creativity and joy. Come share your skills and have fun while making a difference!

Please contact us with your availability:
volunteers@cmosc.org

Thank You!

2025 Lunar New Year Celebration FAQs

Do Museum Members Pay for Entry to This Event?

Yes. All Museum visitors will need to pay to attend the 2026 Lunar New Year Celebration, even Museum members. However, Museum members will receive a discount on event admission. Members only pay $12, whereas non-members pay $24. That’s 50% savings on admission!

Where Do I Park?

The Children’s Museum has a parking lot, but be mindful that it is quite small. (We’re currently fundraising to expand our Museum facility including our parking accommodations! Learn more about our UP! campaign. If our parking lot is full, there is street parking available on West Steele Lane, Hardies Lane, and McBride Lane.

Please do not park in the lots for Snoopy’s Home Ice or the Charles Schulz Museum.

If you want to avoid the hassle of parking, we highly encourage visitors to take advantage of public transit. There are many ways to commute to the Museum, including the Santa Rosa City Bus Routes 10 and 6 which stop right in front of the Children’s Museum.

Will There Be Food?

We always have healthy snacks available for purchase in our Gift Corner. And outside food and drink are always allowed at our designated picnic areas. Please do not bring glass containers or alcohol. Failure to follow these guidelines may result in removal from the premises.