The official Chinese New Year is January 31, but the celebrations will kick off this weekend and beyond. Here are some of the 2014 Chinese New Year festivals in Houston:

Tet Festival Houston — Celebrate Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year) at Tet Festival Houston Saturday, January 25, 10 am – 9 pm. The free event at Discovery Green features a Houston Grand Opera premiere, Grand Lion Dances, Vietnamese cultural dance, celebrity Pho Eating Contest (2 pm), game booths, food and more. Mayor Annise Parker and Texas State Representative Hubert Vo are two of the guest speakers at the event. Located at 1500 McKinney downtown.

2014 Lunar New Year Festival — Don’t miss the annual Lunar New Year celebration Saturday, February 1, at the Chinese Community Center. The free fun celebrating the Year of the Horse features Zodiac dances, traditional Dragon and Lion dances, cultural performances exhibitions, arts and crafts, food and more. The festivities last from 10 am – 4 pm at 9800 Town Park.

Lunar New Year Houston — The fun continues the following weekend, February 8-9, at the Lunar New Year Houston. The weekend features food, fun, dance, music, martial arts, 1 million lucky red firecrackers and more. Admission is free at Lunar New Year, located at Viet Hoa Center 8388 W. Sam Houston Parkway at Beltway Plaza. Hours are 11 am to 7 pm both days.

Texas Lunar Festival — The Alief community sponsors its own Texas Lunar Festival February 8 to celebrate all cultures in Houston. This annual festival features food, entertainment, performances, demonstrations, children’s games, and more. Admission is $5 for adults and free for kids 12 and under. Hours are 10 am – 5 pm. Amity Park is located at 12509 Alief Clodine, 77082. Free parking is available.

photo credit courtesy Tet Festival