Gung Hey Fat Choy!
This is the common Chinese way of saying “Happy New Year!” Like most rituals across ethnic communities, Chinese New Year is a festival for the family. However, this tradition has become a global celebration and regardless of your ethnic background, celebrating the exciting Lunar New Year is a tradition that anyone can partake in. NYC has a multitude of events that are open to the public, which will engage families as they discover the history of this remarkable Chinese holiday, and capture your imagination through vivid and lively experiences. Below we have compiled a list of family-friendly events where families can enjoy traditional Chinese New Year experiences and make memories to last the rest of the year.
Battery Park City Library: Light up the Lunar New Year with your kids at an afternoon workshop hosted by Battery Park City Library. Kids will enjoy this hands-on workshop as they learn to make their own Chinese lanterns, the origins and history of these ancient Chinese lanterns, and use their lanterns to celebrate the Lantern Festival celebrated on the fifteenth day of the first month in the lunisolar Chinese calendar! Get there early because first come, first served. January 25 from 4-7pm. Price: Free. Age: 5-12. 175 North End Avenue. nypl.org
Flushing Town Hall: Start the celebration of this tradition with the Flushing Town Hall’s 3rd annual Chinese New Year Temple Bazaar! This event introduces the century old tradition of Chinese in China celebrating the Lunar New Year in temple fairs to NYC. Bring your family to enjoy performances, martial arts, food and more to celebrate the Year of the Rooster. The Temple Bazaar is offered in two sessions (11am to 1am and 2 to 4pm), and your ticket admits you to the timed session of your choice. Get your tickets before it’s too late! Come out at 9:30 am to witness the dragon parade at Flushing Library. January 28 from 11am to 1pm or 2pm to 4pm. Price:$5/$3 members & children (per session), Free for teens ages 13-19 with ID. 137-35 Northern Blvd. flushingtownhall.org
Sara D. Roosevelt Park: What better way to ring in the first day of the Lunar New Year than with firecrackers! Bring the entire family to Sara D. Roosevelt Park on January 28 to enjoy cultural festivities representing the upcoming Chinese New Year. Make sure to get there at noon for the firecracker kick-off! Your kids will love the colorful, popping fireworks. You especially don’t miss out on all the fun activities such as special performances, vendors, and giveaways. Plus it’s free! January 28 from 11am to 3:30pm. Price: Free. Grand St. and Chrystie St. betterchinatown.com
Asia Society: The Year of the Rooster has arrived and according to the Chinese New Year, if you were born in any of these years, you’re a Rooster: 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017. Ring in the year of the Rooster with Asia Society as they present Family Day: Moon Over Manhattan! Families can join in the celebration of the Lunar New Year by engaging in performances, such as a Lion Dance, kung fu demonstration, musical peformances and traditional craft activities inspired by Lunar New Year traditions across Asia. January 28 from 1pm to 5pm. Price:$5 children/students/seniors; $7 members; $12 non-members. 725 Park Avenue. asiasociety.org
Madison Street to Madison Avenue: East Midtown partnership is hosting an explosive Lunar New Year event. Celebrations include breath-taking cultural performances that range from the New York Eastern Chamber Orchestra and traditional juggler Lina Liu to a martial arts performance from American Tai Chi and Health Qiqong Center and much more. Get your kids out of the cold and bring them to experience kid-friendly cultural activities inside heated tents including Chinese face painting, calligraphy, and more! Finally, be apart of the crowd and experience the parade of Lion Dance troupes and more as they make their way up Madison Avenue! January 29 from 11am to 3pm. Price: Free. 527 Madison Ave. eastmidtown.org
Lunar New Year Parade & Festival: Don’t miss one of the biggest Chinese New Year events. Take your family to check out Chinatown’s annual Lunar New Year celebration! It is one of the largest street parties you will ever experience featuring remarkable visuals, delicious traditional Chinese snacks, and stunning performances. This street party is the hub for all sorts of vendors, food, and festivities for all ages to welcome the Year of the Rooster. Enjoy the parade as it goes through the main streets of Little Italy and Chinatown. February 5 from 12-4:30pm, parade kick-off at 1pm. Price: Free. East Broadway or by Grand Street / Sara Roosevelt Park. eastmidtown.org
The Museum of Chinese in America: Visitors of all ages will love ringing in the Year of the Rooster at MOCA’s Lunar New Year Family Festival. Activities include folk arts with zodiac-themed arts and crafts, festive dance performances, teaching artist demonstrations, storytelling, and more! Special events include watching an expert noodle puller from Lao Bei Fang Dumpling House demonstrate the art of pulling long life noodles and learning to make your own dumplings with Auntie Tina Yao of DIY Dumplings. It is sure to be a fun-filled day to remember! February 11 from 11am-4pm. Price: $12 per person, $8 for members, free for MOCA Family Level Members and above, Children under 2 and Cool Culture families. 215 Centre Street. mocanyc.org
