Governor Kathy Hochul has announced that 15 landmarks across New York State will be illuminated red this evening to mark Lunar New Year 2026 and celebrate the Year of the Fire Horse. The governor also issued a proclamation in recognition of the holiday.
“As we enter this Lunar New Year, let us embrace the energy of the Fire Horse, move boldly, and build together,” Governor Hochul said. “Wishing a Happy New Year to the nearly two million people of Asian descent that call our state home. May the Year of the Fire Horse bring health, happiness, prosperity, and opportunity to you and your families.”
The landmarks set to be lit include One World Trade Center, Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge, Kosciuszko Bridge, H. Carl McCall SUNY Building, State Education Building, Alfred E. Smith State Office Building, Empire State Plaza, State Fairgrounds Main Gate & Expo Center, Niagara Falls, Franklin D. Roosevelt Mid-Hudson Bridge, Grand Central Terminal Pershing Square Viaduct, Albany International Airport Gateway, Fairport Lift Bridge over the Erie Canal, Moynihan Train Hall and Roosevelt Island Lighthouse.
Last year saw new legislation signed by Governor Hochul that called for an assessment of Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) history in social studies curricula in New York schools. The law also established an advisory committee focused on AANHPI content for schools statewide. In addition to these measures regarding curriculum development for AANHPI history and culture in schools across New York State requiring all public schools to close for Lunar New Year.