February 19 marks the start of the Year of the Sheep, according to the Chinese Zodiac calendar. Those born under the sheep are predicted to receive great luck and opportunity in the coming year. Whether you’re a born a sheep or not, get the family together for one of these joyous celebrations.
Lunar New Year Chinese American Storytimes
Sundays, February 1-22
11:30am
In conjunction with the New-York Historical Society’s exhibit “Chinese American: Exclusion/Inclusion,” the museum will be ringing in the Year of the Sheep with special Lunar New Year-themed story hours every Sunday through the month of February. 170 Central Park West at Richard Gilder Way (77th Street), nyhistory.org
Family Day: Moon Over Manhattan! at the Asia Society
Saturday, February 7
1-4pm
Ring in the Year of the Goat at the Asia Society with performances and traditional crafts inspired by Lunar New Year celebrations across Asia, such as a lion dance, a kung fu demonstration, musical performances, and more. $5 students, seniors, children; $7 members; $12 nonmembers; 725 Park Avenue (at East 70th Street), asiasociety.org
Lunar New Year Bazaar at Flushing Town Hall
Saturday, February 14
11am
Emulating traditional Chinese temple fairs, Flushing’s Town Hall is putting on a Lunar New Year Bazaar. Visitors will have the chance to participate in a lion dance, martial arts, folk music and dance, and a traditional crafts workshop while ringing in the year of the goat! Free, 137-35 Northern Blvd, Flushing, Queens, flushingtownhall.org
Jiaxin Tian Chinese New Year’s Eve Spectacular Concert at Carnegie Hall
Wednesday, February 18
8pm
Celebrate the eve of the Chinese New Year with this performance by pianist Jiaxin Tian. Tian, who was born in Beijing and was recently named a Steinway Artist, will perform a mix of classics and premiere a contemporary Chinese piece, “Chinese Dream.” $28-108, 57th Street and 7th Avenue, carnegiehall.org
16th Chinatown New Year Firecracker Ceremony & Cultural Festival
Thursday, February 19
11am
Start the Lunar New Year with a bang! Keeping with traditional practices of the Lunar New Year, Chinatown is hosting the 16th Annual New Year Firecraker Ceremony & Cultural Festival. Head to Sara D. Roosevelt Park to take in this fascinating street festival and witness countless firecrackers and rockets being set off. Free; Sara D. Roosevelt Park, betterchinatown.com
Moon Over Manhattan: Celebrate the Lunar New Year
Saturday, February 21
1pm
Join the Asia Society in welcoming the Year of the Sheep with performances, traditional crafts, and a kung fu demonstration inspired by the many traditional New Year celebrations that take place every year across Asia. Seniors $10, Students (with ID) $7, Members & Children under 16 Free; 725 Park Avenue, asiasociety.org
Lunar New Year Celebration at the Bronx Museum of the Arts
Saturday, February 21
2-4pm
In collaboration with the New York Chinese Cultural Center, the Bronx Museum of the Arts is celebrating the Lunar New Year with traditional musical and dance performances, as well as hands-on art activities before the performance begins at 3pm. Free with museum admission, 1040 Grand Concourse, bronxmuseum.org
16th Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade & Festival
Sunday, February 22
1pm
The 16th Annual Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade & Festival is sure to impress! With spectacular costumes, floats, music, confetti, marching bands, acrobats and more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy! Free, begins at Canal & Mott Street, ends at Sara D. Roosevelt Park, betterchinatown.com
Chinese New Year Family Celebration at the China Institute
Sunday, February 22
11am-3pm
Start the Year of the Sheep with a free lion dance and kung-fu demo in front of the China Institute, followed by activities and workshops–such as dumpling making, lantern crafting, and gallery tours. Family workshops (include gallery tour & reception) are $15 for adults and $5 for children non-members; 125 East 65th Street, chinainstitute.org
New Beginnings: Lunar New Year Festival at the Metropolitan Museum of Art
Saturday, February 28
2-5pm
Celebrate the Lunar New Year and the 100th anniversary of the Met’s Department of Asian Art with an afternoon of performances, interactive gallery activities, and artist-led workshops for children of all ages. Free with museum admission, 1000 Fifth Avenue, metmuseum.org
Lunar New Year Family Festival at the Museum of Chinese in America
Saturday, February 28
11am-4pm
Bring the whole family along for the Museum of Chinese in America’s New Year Family Festival! Partake in enchanting Chinese traditions, from a lion dance to zodiac themed arts and crafts, see a performance by Chinatown’s Red Silk Dancers, and enjoy the arts inspired by Chinatown and the 5 boroughs. $10 per person, Free for children under 2; 215 Centre Street, mocanyc.org
