American Dream to celebrate Year of the Fire Horse with month-long event series
2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse, an animal signifying boldness, freedom, and innovation.
Those attributes could well be inscribed on American Dream’s “goals” sheet for its month-long celebration of the Chinese Zodiac’s Lunar New Year.
Here are some of the events on the New Jersey mega-mall’s calendar that will start with a U.S. Starlight Youth Talent Competition on Jan. 17 and conclude with the naming of winners of a Lunar New Year Photography on March 8.
Planned events include:
•The mall’s ninth U.S. Starlight Youth Talent Competition Piano Showcase features youthful masters of the keyboard on Jan. 17 and 24, concluding on Feb. 28.
•Continuing on the 88’s on the days following the first two days of the competition will be crossover pianist NGXB — known for his classical piano interpretations of rock and pop hits. He will perform at American Dream on Jan. 18 and 25.
•On Jan. 31, the Aland K-Pop Dance Competition will bring together some of the most dynamic K-Pop dance teams from the greater New York area in a showcase that energizes K-Pop culture through synchronized choreography.
•Couture will present the Real Women Couture Runway Show, showcasing its Resort 2026 collection on Feb. 8.
•Members of the Bravura Youth Orchestra will appear on Feb. 1 and 2 to present Asian classics and works by Beethoven and Tchaikovsky.
•On Feb. 22, The Caledon Stars World Orchestra will present a Lunar New Year Concert that blends classical orchestration with cross-cultural artistry.
•One of New Jersey’s largest Chinese cultural events — the Lunar New Year Gala — will bring dance, music, folk arts, and choral performances to American Dream on Feb. 8.
•Members of the Bravura Youth Orchestra will appear on Feb. 1 and 2 to present Asian classics and works by Beethoven and Tchaikovsky
•The Lunar New Year Spectacular will charge into the Year of the Horse on February 15th with a celebration galloping with lion dances, Kung Fu demonstrations, and other performances.
•Lunar New Year traditions from around the world will be highlighted by the Lunar New Year Photography Competition. Selected entries will be exhibited throughout The Avenue at American Dream from Feb. 15 through March 8.
"The Year of the Horse brings energy, freedom, and endless opportunities,” observed American Dream’s senior VP of leasing and Asian marketing Laura Deswart. “We are thrilled to celebrate this occasion with our local Asian community, showcasing culture through fashion, music, food, and family togetherness."
