The Year of the Monkey begins February 8, according to the Chinese lunar calendar. The Lunar New Year is one of the biggest celebrations in China, with holiday events often lasting the entire week—and for the first time ever this year, NYC public school students will have a day off from school in celebration (Monday, February 8). We are going bananas for these traditional celebrations right here in NYC!
Saturday, February 6-Wednesday, February 10
New York City Lunar New Year 2016 Year Of the Monkey Celebration
Various times
This five-day Lunar New Year bash encompasses events at locations across the city, headlined by the “Fantastic Art China” exhibit at the Javits Center North. On February 8, there will be a special celebration for NYC students at Javits Center North, featuring an opening ceremony, live acts, and mass dance lessons. Additional events include a fireworks spectacular on February 6, an Empire State Building Light Show on February 6 and 8, lion and monkey dances at Lincoln Center’s Josie Robertson Plaza on February 9, and the New York Philharmonic’s 5th Annual Chinese New Year Concert and Gala at David Geffen Hall on February 9. Various locations, nyclunarnewyear.org
Monday, February 8
17th New Year Firecracker Ceremony and Cultural Festival in Chinatown
11am
Pop in to this traditional Lunar New Year ceremony! Stop by Sara D. Roosevelt Park to meander through this intriguing street festival and watch rockets launch and firecrackers sparkle. Free, Sara D. Roosevelt Park by Grand Street between Chrystie and Forsyth Streets, betterchinatown.com
A Taste of the Chinese New Year at the China Institute
12-5pm
Drop into The China Institute where families can learn about the Chinese New Year, and kids can take a complimentary Mandarin class. Free, 100 Washington Street, chinainstitute.org
Wednesday, February 10
Manhattan Symphonie Jiaxin Tian, Piano: Tong Ren Tang Chinese New Year Spectacular II
8pm
After returning from a 3 week Chinese tour, led by Maestro Gregory Singer, The Manhattan Symphonie is ready to ring in the Chinese New Year with guest Jiaxin Tian! Tickets from $14 – $100; student and senior discounts available at box office; 57th and 7th Ave, carnegiehall.org
Saturday, February 13
The Chinese New Year Family Festival at the China Institute
11 am-3 pm
Looking for a great family-friendly way to celebrate the Year of the Monkey? Look no further! At this festival, kids will experience Chinese New Year traditions. With a ticket purchase (adult $15, kids $5), children may participate in workshops including dumpling making and lantern making. Children also may take part in an interactive telling of the Legend of The Monkey King. Free admission; workshops $15 for adults, $5 for children; 100 Washington Street, chinainstitute.org
Sunday, February 14
Lunar New Year Dance Sampler at Flushing Town Hall
12pm
Celebrate the Chinese New Year with Asian dance performances. This year’s performances will include traditional dances originating from India, Korea, Taiwan, and China. Free; tickets will be distributed in the box office starting 2 hours prior to the event; 137-35 Northern Boulevard, Flushing, Queens, flushingtownhall.org
17th Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade and Festival
1pm
Stake out in Chinatown to catch a glimpse of this New Year parade! The parade route starts on Mott & Canal to Chatham Square to East Broadway towards the Manhattan Bridge, and concludes on Eldridge and Forsyth Streets next to Sara D. Roosevelt Park. Free, betterchinatown.com
Saturday, February 20
Chinese New Year Temple Bazaar at Flushing Town Hall
Saturday, February 20th
11 am-1pm and 2-4 pm
Head over to Flushing Town Hall to celebrate their 2nd annual New Year Temple Bazaar. Modeled after traditional Chinese Lunar New Year bazaars, this temple fair is fun for the whole family! Enjoy martial arts demonstrations, performances, crafts, and food. $5 adults, $3 per child, free for members; 137-35 Northern Boulevard, Flushing, Queens, flushingtownhall.org
Lunar New Year Family Festival at MOCA
11am – 4pm
Bring the entire family to The Museum of Chinese in America for crafts, performances, demonstrations, and stories! $10/person; $8 for all MOCA Dual and Individual Level Members; Free for MOCA Family Level Members and above, children under 2, and Cool Culture families; 215 Centre Street, mocanyc.org
Lunar New Year Celebration: Year of the Monkey at the Bronx Museum
2-4 pm
The Chinese Cultural Center is hosting an afternoon of Chinese folk dance and music at the Bronx Museum. Children may participate in a paper-cutting and calligraphy class at 2pm before the performances begin at 3om. Free, suggested donation; 1040 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY; bronxmuseum.org
