Lunar New Year Activities

Today was the official Lunar New Year and beginning of many celebrations (All of these events are free...except for purchasing food...yum!):

On Saturday, February 9 from 11am-1pm is the Queens Lunar New Year Parade followed by Chinese food and folk performances at the Flushing Mall from 1-5 pm. There's also a Korean Lunar New Year Festival in Queens. Read more about these events here.

The Manhattan Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade and Cultural Festival takes place on Sunday, February 10 from 1pm to 3pm. This is the type of thing that I would typically avoid because I'd be afraid it would be really crowded and unbearable, but I have been several times and found it to be quite pleasant and fun. And anything that puts me in proximity with Dim Sum is always good. The parade kind of meanders through Chinatown and strolling through the neighborhood toward your favorite eats you should cross paths with it. After the parade, from 3pm to 5pm, there's a cultural festival which is kind of fun too.

If you live uptown and don't want to head downtown, you can see the China Institutes' Lion Dance also on Sunday from 11am to 2pm. Their own website does warn that this event gets crowded and it's best to arrive early to get a good spot.

Some events next weekend include a Lunar New Year themed story time at the Scholastic Store where children will hear the story Zen Ties and participate in their own watercolor craft. Saturday, February 16th at 3pm.

And a traditional tea ceremony and zhen ceremony at Flushing Town Hall on Saturday, February 16th at 2pm.

Gong Xi Fa Cai!