This Saturday, February 10 marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Dragon–more specifically the Wood Dragon.
The sign of the dragon is a symbol of power, nobility, honor, luck, and success in Chinese culture, and those born in a year of the rabbit are believed to be natural courageous, tenacious, and intelligent, often displaying enthusiasm and confidence.
And with the Lunar New Year comes all the exciting events that take place across New York City to celebrate this monumental time! Here are exciting ways to celebrate the Lunar New Year in NYC this year:
1. Attend the annual Lunar New Year Parade
Chinatown’s 26th annual Lunar New Year Parade is back and better than ever with dragon dancing, amazing outfits, martial art performers, and more! Taking place on Sunday, February 25, the parade will kick off at 1 pm and head down Mott and Canal streets ending at Grand Street near the Sara D. Roosevelt Park.
Learn all about it here.
Where: Mott and Canal streets, Chinatown
When: February 25, 1 pm
2. Lunar New Year Celebration at Queens Botanical Garden
Head over to Queens Botanical Garden to celebrate the Year of the Dragon on Feb 18! Their celebration will consist of lion dance performance, music, crafts, and so much more! Admission is free (with a suggested $5 donation) and event parking is $15. Stay tuned for more details and schedule, which you can see here.
Where: 43-50 Main St, Queens
When: February 18, 12 – 4 pm
3. Spring Festival: Lunar New Year at Avant Gardner
Following its successful debut event in 2023, Pulse Events’ Spring Festival will return for a full venue takeover to celebrate Lunar New Year. For two nights (February 18 +February 19), you can catch two incredible performances from GRAMMY-nominated duo SLANDER and Norwegian platinum-certified artist Alan Walker. Supporting artists include boundary-pushing bass producer What So Not, guitar-slinging dubstep artist Trivecta, LA-based DJ/producer Henry Fong, and trap maestro 4B. Learn more about the shows and grab tickets here.
Where: Avant Gardner, 140 Stewart Ave, Brooklyn
When: February 18 + 19
4. Lunar New Year at Hudson Yards
In partnership with the New York Chinese Cultural Center, The Shops at Hudson Yards will showcase a series of Lunar New Year celebrations including cultural performances and traditional decorations. There will also be special offers to shop including limited edition capsule collections and specialty food offerings at Xing Fu Tang, Piaget, Bronx Brewery, Coach and more.
Learn more at their website here.
Where: 20 Hudson Yards
When: January 22 – February 12
5. Lunar New Year at Empire State Building
Stop by the famous Empire State Building on February 8 to check out a Lunar New Year lighting ceremony, traditional Chinese dancers, “Year of the Dragon” themed windows in the Fifth Avenue lobby, and a pop-up boba shop Débutea. It’s all happening from 10 am – 8 pm before the lights turn red at night to celebrate the holiday!
Where: Empire State Building
When: February 8
6. Lunar New Year Gala at the New York Philharmonic
Renowned symphony orchestra New York Philharmonic is hosting a Lunar New Year event, honoring philanthropist, business entrepreneur, and NY Phil Board Member Misook Doolittle. The cocktail, concert, and following dinner will be to celebrate cultural heritage, new beginnings, and music’s capacity to transcend borders. Learn more about the event here.
Where: Wu Tsai Theater, David Geffen Hall
When: February 20, 6 pm
7. LIC Partnership: LIC Lunar New Year Celebration 2024
The LIC Lunar New Year Celebration is returning with a month’s worth of promotions and events from 80+ local businesses and organizations. Activities and promotions range from traditional red envelope surprise giveaways to special menus and cocktails, to family-friendly activities and workshops. Learn all about it here.
Where: Long Island City
When: February 2024
8. Lunar New Year Celebration at The Seaport
In partnership with the New York Chinese Cultural Center and the South Street Seaport Museum, The Seaport is hosting a Lunar New Year celebration combining tradition, learning, and fun activities! Events include lion dancing and Chinese calligraphy workshops that all are welcome to join! Stay tuned for details here.
Where: The Seaport
When: February 17
9. Downtown Brooklyn Partnership: Lunar New Year Celebration
There will be tons of Lunar New Year festivities happening in Downtown Brooklyn this year, including a Balloontopia Pop-up of life-sized dragons, fish, fu and balloon hut, red envelope and gift giveaways at DeKalb Market Hall, family activities, live performances, and more! See the entire schedule here.
Where: Albee Square (Corner of Fulton & Bond Streets)
When: February 10
10. Indulge in special Lunar New Year-inspired menus
Many restaurants are celebrating the Lunar New Year by offering special menu items, and they’re definitely too good to miss out on! Some restaurants include:
- MáLà Project – Dragon Prawns, MáLà Peppercorn Fish & Tofu Soup, and Shredded Pork & Chives
- Milu – Special unique Lunar New Year menus for 2 and 4 people (Char Siu Chicken, Shrimp and Squid Curry + more)
- OCTO – Peking Duck, Truffle Siu Mai, and Shrimp Fried Rice
Where:
MáLà Project – Multiple Locations
Milu – 333 Park Ave South
OCTO – 1 E 33rd St
11. Think!Chinatown Lunar New Year events
Local non-profit Think!Chinatown is hosting a ton of Lunar New Year workshops and parties to celebrate the prosperous Year of the Wood Dragon. Check out some of the events below!
- Lunar New Year Lantern Reveal (2/10): Lion dancing, confetti, and the annual reveal of the annual Lantern Artist-in-Residency project
- Super Saturday Lantern Celeberation (2/17): Lantern parade, lion dances, confetti, and more
- See all events here
12. Lunar Eclipse: A Lunar New Year Celebration
Celebrate Lunar New Year with a first-of-its-kind three-week electronic dance music experience at The Brooklyn Hangar from February 2-18! Over the course of 3 weekends, Brooklyn will welcome world-renowned DJs, including Tiësto, Alesso, Rezz, Zedd, RL Grime, and ISOxo & Knock2. See all of the dates and buy tickets here!
13. Lunar New Year at the Mandarin Oriental
Head to the Mandarin Oriental this Lunar New Year for a rage of happenings that include festive decorations, lion dance performances, a 6 course Chinese dinner at MO Lounge, a ” Oriental Qi” body massage, and more. Plus, they’re offering a Lunar New Year Stay Package as well!
Where: Mandarin Oriental – 80 Columbus Circle
14. Lunar New Year Night Market by Kitsby x Lunar
A night market is coming to Brooklyn for Lunar New Year, which will feature over 35 Asian American venues and brands—including the hosts Kitsby, an Asian-inspired culinary kit company, and Lunar, the first Asian-inspired hard seltzer. The market will be on February 2 from 5 – 10 pm at Hana House (345 Adams St) in Downtown Brooklyn. There will be food and drink from local vendors plus giveaways and performances—like a traditional lion dance and showcase by EDM violinist Yut.
Where: Hana House (345 Adams St, Brooklyn)
15. Urban Hawker Lunar New Year Feast
Our favorite indoor Singaporean food hall Urban Hawker is hosting a special group menu for Lunar New Year that feeds six people ($238). If you’re looking for a group dinner idea, grab your friends and head here for dishes like Dragon Longevity Noodles, Abundant Harvest Spring Rolls, Joyful Harmony Shrimp Skewers, and much more. See the full menu and book your spot here.
When: Feb 8 – 12
Where: 135 W 50th St