January 22 marks the beginning of the Chinese New Year, the Year of the Rabbit–more specifically the water rabbit. With the Chinese New Year comes all the exciting events that take place across New York City to celebrate this monumental time!
Here are 18 exciting ways to celebrate the Lunar New Year in NYC this year:
1. Celebrate at the Chinese New Year Family Festival and other events at The Museum of Chinese in America
Source / Museum of Chinese in America
The Museum of Chinese in America is hosting several exciting Lunar New Year events this year. Beginning with a meet and greet with Author Katrina Moore & Illustrator Xindi Yan and a Museum Makeover with Teaching Artist Yu Rong and ending with their Lunar New Year Family Festival featuring an afternoon of festivities for the whole family!
Learn more about these events here.
Where: Museum of Chinese in America – 215 Centre St.
When: Meet and Greet – Saturday, January 14, 3p.m. – 3:45p.m. / Museum Makeover – Saturday, January 14, 2p.m. – 4p.m. / Lunar New Year Family Festival – Saturday, January 21, 2:30p.m. – 5:30p.m.
2. Month-Long LIC Lunar New Year Celebration
Instagram / @licqns
The LIC Lunar New Year Celebration is returning with a month’s worth of promotions and events from 50+ local businesses and organizations. Activities and promotions range from traditional red envelope surprise giveaways to special menus and cocktails, to family-friendly mask making and “zodiac dance movement” workshops. Learn all about it here.
When: Friday, January 20 – Sunday, February 19
Where: Multiple locations
3. Learn Chinese calligraphy and experience other Chinese traditions at The Seaport
Source / 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! Reserve your spot in one of the calligraphy workshops here.
When: Saturday, January 21, Lion dancing – 12:30p.m. – 1p.m. / Chinese calligraphy workshops – 1p.m., 2p.m., & 3p.m.
Where: Lion dancing – Tin Building – 96 South St. / Calligraphy workships – Seaport Museum – 12 Fulton St.
4. Experience stories of the AAPI community in NYC through photography
Source / Flushing Town Hall
Head over to Flushing Town Hall for a Lunar New Year Photo Exhibition. Titled This Is Home, the exhibition tells stories of the AAPI community in NYC and abroad, including how they live, work, love, and, when needed, stand up for what they believe in. Learn more here.
Please note: All individuals must show proof of vaccination against COVID-19 and matching identification to attend the event.
Where: Flushing Town Hall Theater – 137-35 Northern Blvd., Flushing
When: Saturday, January 21 – Sunday, February 26
5. Leap into the prosperous Year of the Rabbit with Think!Chinatown as they reveal their new lantern art piece
Think!Chinatown / Photo: Cindy Trinh, Lantern art: Rose Wong
Head to Chinatown for lion dancing, confetti, and lots of friendly faces as the T!C crew participates in festivities on Mott Street with the reveal of their annual Lantern Artist-in-Residency project.
Since 2019, T!C has invited an artist to interpret the iconic red lantern, which are particularly special during Lunar New Year as lanterns are lit and raised on the Fifteenth Day of Lunar New Year to mark the end of celebrations.
Learn more about it here.
Where: Mott Street
When: Sunday, January 22, 11a.m. – 1p.m.
6. Head to T!C’s community studio to check out traditional crafts
Source / Think!Chinatown
T!C’s community studio at 1 Pike will feature folk artists who will demonstrate and sell their traditional crafts, from Xun Ye’s LNY-themed dough figurines to Becky Hsu’s spring couplets to bring good fortune to your house.
Then, head to their pop-up teahouse to wish everyone a happy new year with tea and prosperity tray.
Learn more here.
Where: T!C’s Studio – 1 Pike Street
When: Saturday, January 28, 2p.m. – 5p.m.
7. Lion dancing, lucky foods, and libations at Chelsea Market
Source / Chelsea Market
Pearl River Mart’s annual Lunar New Year celebration will once again take place at Chelsea Market!
Head to the main concourse for a show-stopping performance by renowned lion dance troupe Wan Chi Ming Hung Gar Institute Dragon and Lion Dance Team. Then make your way to the lower level for happy hour and lucky food specials from Pearl River Mart Foods’ vendors, special guests, and more Lunar New Year treats.
Learn more on their website here.
Where: Chelsea Market – 15th and 16th Streets (between 9th and 10th Ave)
When: Saturday, January 28, 5p.m. – 7p.m.
8. Take part in Welcome to Chinatown’s Lunar New Year Weekend Fair
Source / Welcome to Chinatown
Local non-profit Welcome to Chinatown will host a Lunar New Year Weekend Fair this month that includes a Panda Express library, Nguyen Coffee Supply pop-up coffee shop, and small business vendors for all your shopping needs. Plus, they’ll even host a Chinatown scavenger hunt and various informational workshops. You can learn more about this event here.
Where: East Broadway Mall – 88 E Broadway
When: Saturday, January 28 & Sunday, January 29, 10a.m. – 5p.m.