Lunar New Year is a big deal in New York City. It marks the start of spring and the beginning of a fresh new year. The date varies from year to year since it follows the lunar and solar Chinese calendar. Traditionally, celebrations last fifteen days and each day has a different tradition to honor.
It’s extra festive in New York’s Chinatown neighborhood, where there are over 100,000 Chinese-speaking residents covering 40 blocks, making it the largest concentrated Chinese population in the Western Hemisphere.
Each year, New York City proudly participates in the celebrations with parades, performances, concerts, and learning opportunities. We’re sharing how you can participate in this year’s celebrations of the Lunar New Year in NYC.
1. Parade
The Lunar New Year parade in Chinatown is one of the most popular events in NYC. This year marks the 25th annual parade! Locals and tourists attend this event, where they trail a costumed dragon throughout the neighborhood, stopping at local shops and restaurants along the way. It’s a beautiful celebration and fun for every age.
Since the parade is outside, we recommend you bundle up as it can get chilly after a little while. Here are all of our tips on how to dress for a New York winter.
When: Saturday, February 12th at 1pm
Where: The parade begins at Mott and Canal Street, then heads down East Broadway toward Manhattan Bridge before it ends at Sara D. Roosevelt Park
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2. Museum of Chinese in America (MoCa)
We wholeheartedly believe museums are one of the best ways to learn about history and culture, and what better time to learn more about Chinese culture and its history in NYC?
At the Museum of Chinese in America (MoCa), visitors can view the permanent exhibit, With a Single Step: Stories in the Making of America, which covers the past 150+ years of Chinese history in New York City.
Additionally, the museum will be putting on events throughout January and February in honor of the Lunar New Year, including a lion dance performance, noodle pulling demo, stroytimes, red envelope art, a pop-up fashion exhibit, and more!
When: Saturday, January 21st at 3:30-5:30pm
Where: Museum of Chinese in America
3. Queens Botanical Garden
The world-famous bunny, Miffy, is coming to the Queens Botanical Garden for a special Lunar New Year celebration which will include lion dance performances, zodiac crafts, demonstrations, storytime, a lucky plant sale, and a guided winter walk through the 39-acre gardens. This is a great family-friendly event.
When: Saturday, January 21st at 12-4pm
Where: Queens Botanical Garden
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4. Hudson Yards
Hudson Yards is participating in the celebration and hosting free cultural performances on three Saturdays in partnership with the New York Chinese Cultural Center. While you’re there, check out the special offers at the shops!
When: Saturday January 21st, 28th, and February 4th at 1pm, 3pm and 5pm
Where: Hudson Yards Great Hall (Level 1)
5. New York Philharmonic Lunar Concert
Each year, the New York Philharmonic orchestra greets the Lunar New Year with a special concert. This tradition was organized by Conductor Long Yu, who returns each year to coordinate the event. Get your tickets to the celebration this year as they welcome the year of the rabbit with music. There’s also a cocktail reception and elegant dinner with artists at the Lincoln Center’s beautiful Leon and Norma Hess Grand Promenade.
When: Tuesday, January 31st at 7:30pm
Where: Lincoln Center
6. Chelsea Market
Chelsea Market returns with their annual Lunar New Year celebration. They will host the Wan Chi Ming Dragon and Lion Dance Team for traditional festive dance and performances. You can also expect guest vendors, including Mao’s Bao, Kimbap Lab, and Tea & Milk, for some tasty treats.
When: Saturday, January 28th at 5-7pm
Where: Chelsea Market
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7. The Met Museum
Don’t miss the Met Museum’s celebration. Welcome the Year of the Rabbit with performances, interactive activities, and artist-led workshops for all ages. And while you’re there, check out the incredible Asian art collection housing over 35,000 objects, one of the largest in the world!
When: Saturday, January 21st at 11am-5pm
Where: Metropolitan Museum of Art
We hope you’re able to participate in some of the festivities for Lunar New Year in NYC as we welcome the year of the rabbit. It’s a beautiful celebration of new beginnings and a special way to learn about and honor a different culture.