Boston City Hall helped kick off Lunar New Year celebrations Sunday with dragon and lion dances, music and more, a celebration the city will continue with a number of events and activities to ring in the Year of the Horse over the coming weeks.

Lunar New Year’s celebration season begins on Feb. 17 and lasts through early March. This year’s holiday marks the beginning of the Year of the Horse, one of twelve animals in the zodiac.

The lively City Hall gala was Boston’s third official celebration since the city formally recognized the day as a holiday in 2023, and attendees marked the occasion with a range of artistic showcases and performances.

The celebration featured Chinese opera, traditional dances and much more “highlighting the diversity of our community,” organizers said.

Events continue Monday with the final day of the Chinatown Main Street’s annual New Year Flower Popup Market. The market will last from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the China Trade Center, offering fresh flowers along with decorations, red envelopes, gifts and more.

On Thursday, Feb. 19, the Museum of Fine Arts will host an evening lineup of activities to celebrate the holiday, with pay-what-you-wish $5 minimum pricing. The museum encourages visitors to explore Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese art in the collection and offers events from 5 p.m. on, including art workshops and demonstrations, talks and performances.

On Feb. 21, Copley Place will host a Lunar New Year celebration at 2 p.m. featuring a traditional lion dance performance by Wah Lum Kung Fu and Tai Chi Academy.

And on March 1, the Lunar New Year Lion Dance Parade will kick off at Phillips Square at 10 a.m., followed by the Chinese New Year Cultural Village in the China Trade Center from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Chinatown Main Street invites attendees to “open a prosperous year filled with lion dancing, performances, music, arts and crafts, gifts, calligraphy, and more” during the celebrations.

The Pao Arts Center will also host their annual celebration nearby from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 1, featuring art and interactive workshops for all ages.