A gala is a party or event, and it's usually an fancy affair put on for a special occasion. So, the shows on Chinese TV with singing & dancing to celebrate the New Year would be called "Chinese New Year galas" in English. It's not a common word, but you'd be understood by anyone. North Americans have never heard of Spring Festival (unless their families are Chinese), and only those who live in major cities like San Francisco or Vancouver will have some idea of what Chinese New Year is (dragon dancing). There is more awareness of the Chinese zodiac (year of the monkey, etc.) from seeing it printed on placemats in Chinese restaurants.