The Best Things To Do for Chinese New Year in NYC
Chinese New Year (a.k.a. Lunar New Year) in NYC is a huge deal. There are loads of events going on for Chinese New Year throughout the city. Here are the things to do on Chinese New Year in New York City we can recommend!
Chances are you’ve heard of Chinese New Year. But when does Chinese New Year take place? It differs every year. In 2025, it starts on January 29th. Since it is based on the lunar calendar, Chinese New Year always has a different date every year. 2025 is considered to be the Year of the Snake.
When is Lunar New Year 2025?
The Chinese New Year falls on Wednesday, January 29, 2025. It is the Year of the Snake.
The Best Things to Do on Chinese New Year
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Join the Chinese New Year Parade on February 16, 2025!
Parade in Chinatown
Usually, locals and tourists alike will (obviously) flock to New York City’s Chinatown to celebrate the Lunar New Year. A huge Chinese New Year Parade takes place there every year. The official name of the event is called the Lunar New Year Parade and Festival.
The Chinese New York Parade will down Mott and Canal Street. It will then make its way down East Broadway and head towards Manhattan Bridge, and it will ultimately end at Sara D. Roosevelt Park. During the parade, there will also be smaller activities going on in Chinatown NYC. It will have all sorts of street vendors and festivities.
We just want to mention that there will also be other Lunar New Year events held at neighboring Chinatown’s in NYC. Manhattan isn’t the only Chinatown in New York City. There’s one in Sunset Park in Brooklyn and Flushing in Queens.
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Join the Lunar New Year Gala (February 11, 2025)
Other Art & Culture in Midtown Manhattan
Embrace a year filled with triumph, respect, and prosperity as we come together to celebrate philanthropist, business entrepreneur, and esteemed NY Phil Board Member, Misook Doolittle. Join us for a joyous occasion that pays tribute to our cultural heritage, marks new beginnings, and showcases music’s remarkable ability to bridge boundaries.
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Lunar New Year Family Festival at The Museum of Chinese in America
Museum in Chinatown
The Museum of Chinese in America is the place to go if you want to learn more about Chinese culture and Chinese history in NYC. The main and permanent exhibition With a Single Step: Stories in the Making of America is a great place to find out more about the last 160 years of Chinese history in NYC.
Kick off the Year of the Snake with an afternoon of festivities for the whole family at the museum!
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Celebrate Chinese New Year at The Met Museum (Jan. 25, 2025)
Museum in Upper East SideOur Highlight
A visit to the Metropolitan Museum in New York (The MET) is more than just an ordinary visit to an art museum. With more than 2 million artworks that span more than 5,000 years, visitors will soon realize this institution is very special. Exhibits are spread out over 2,000,000 square feet of floor space. That makes it the largest art museum in the United States. The museum is a must-visit and is perfect for families with kids. The Metropolitan Museum of Art presents the best of art history from around the world.
Chinese New Year starts a little later than ours. In 2025 we celebrate the Year of the Snake. Registration is not required and all activities are included in the museum admission.
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Celebrate Lunar New Year at Hudson Yards (January 17 to February 9, 2025)
Other Events in Hudson Yards
Celebrate the Year of the Snake in style with exclusive capsule collections and enticing offers available at Xing Fu Tang, Piaget, Bronx Brewery, Coach, and many more! Explore all the exciting deals here.
When you spend $188 or more, you’ll receive a complimentary gift. Simply present your same-day receipts at the Concierge Desk on Level 1 for validation. Experience the rich traditions of lion dances and ribbon twirling performances by The New York Chinese Cultural Center every Saturday.
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Celebrate Chinese Cuisine
Asian Restaurant in Chinatown
Chinatown in NYC is a foodie’s dream. There are restaurants everywhere and almost all of them serve some of the best food in the area. With so many choices, we obviously have our favorites. For a “no-frills” experience make sure to check out one of the most popular restaurants, Great NY Noodletown. Before you go, make sure to bring cash since the restaurant does not take cards. You definitely should try their noodles and also their barbeque items. Another great thing about this restaurant is that it is open super late.
If you want more of an upscale restaurant, make sure to check out Mission Chinese in Manhattan NYC. This restaurant first started out in San Francisco and has expanded to Chinatown in Manhattan and Brooklyn. It’s a very popular restaurant that attracts a trendy crowd. Prices are comparable to Midtown prices, but the food here is definitely worth the visit.
If you’re into dim sum, then Nom Wah Tea Parlor is the place to go. Just to give you a heads up, you’re definitely going to encounter a line so be prepared to wait. Located in the famous bloody angle, Nom Wah Tea Parlor has been in business since 1920. Not much has changed since then besides a move right next door to their original spot. The interior hasn’t changed much as well and still has a vintage feel to it. As far as their menu, it’s considered one of the best in the area. Make sure to check them out.
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Kick off Lunar New Year with Firecrackers on January 29, 2025
Other Events in Lower East SideThis year the Chinese Lunar New Year begins on February 10th. In China, firecrackers are used to banish evil and so the Year of The Snake will be ceremoniously kicked off at Sara D. Roosevelt Park with the 26th New Year Firecracker Ceremony & Cultural Festival.
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Celebrate Lunar New Year at South Street Seaport (February 1, 2025)
Museum in Financial District
Get ready for an exciting Lunar New Year celebration on Saturday, February 1, featuring live lion dance performances, engaging calligraphy, and delightful crafts. This festive event is presented in collaboration with the New York Chinese Cultural Center and the South Street Seaport Museum as we commemorate the Year of the Snake.
Join in throughout the day for a variety of activities, including three thrilling lion dance performances starting at 1:00 pm in Seaport Square. If you happen to miss the first performance, don’t worry—the lions will return for another captivating show, providing ample opportunities for action-packed photos and enjoyment.
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Watch lion dance performances at Queens Botanical Garden on February 8, 2025
Park in Flushing
For everyone who prefers to celebrate surrounded by nature: you can also celebrate the Lunar New Year at Queens Botanical Garden! Celebrate Chinese New Year with various demonstrations or buy some lucky plants. The event is free, but a voluntary donation will support the maintenance of the Botanical Garden.
Click here for more information about Lunar New Year at Queens Botanical Garden.
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A Chinese New Year Concert with The Orchestra Now on January 26
Other Events in Upper West Side
Celebrate the Year of the Snake with The Orchestra Now, led by Jindong Cai, in its fifth annual Sound of Spring concert. Experience authentic Chinese New Year music, featuring captivating orchestral pieces and renowned Chinese instrument soloists.
Don’t miss this popular concert full of enchanting sounds and celebrate Chinese New Year in a very special way.
Impressions of Chinese New Year in NYC
Video: The Lunar New Year and Festival in Chinatown NYC
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