12 Amazing 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 2024, it starts on February 10th and lasts until January 28th, 2025. Since it is based on the lunar calendar, Chinese New Year always has a different date every year. 2024 is considered to be the Year of the Dragon.
When is Lunar New Year 2024?
The Chinese New Year falls on Saturday, February 10, 2024. It is the Year of the Dragon.
The Best Things to Do on Chinese New Year
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01
Join the Chinese New Year Parade on February 25, 2024!
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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02
Join the Lunar New Year Gala (February 20, 2024)
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 on February 17, 2024
Museum in Chinatown
The Museum of Chinese in America is the place to go if you want to learn more about the 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. With 2+ rotating exhibitions on top of this, the MoCa is definitely worth a visit.
Kick off the Year of the Rabbit with an afternoon of festivities for the whole family at the museum!
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Celebrate Chinese New Year at The Met Museum on February 3, 2024
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 2024 we celebrate the Year of the Dragon. The dragon is one of twelve animals of the Chinese zodiac. The beginning of the Chinese New Year is celebrated properly in the Met. In addition to performances, there will be interactive offerings as well as workshops led by artists. There is something for all ages!
Registration is not required and all activities are included in the museum admission.
My tip: Here you find all the information regarding the Lunar New Year event at The Met.
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Celebrate Lunar New Year at Hudson Yards (January 22 to February 12, 2024)
Other Events in Hudson Yards
Celebrate the Year of the Dragon 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 (1/27, 2/3, 2/10) at 1 pm, 3 pm, and 5 pm.
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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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Visit the Lunar New Year Photo Exhibition at Flushing Town Hall (JAN 27 - FEB 18, 2024)
Other Art & Culture in FlushingThe Flushing Council on Culture and the Arts (FCCA) is dedicated to presenting multidisciplinary, global arts that engage the global communities of Queens, New York, and New York City. It regularly hosts exhibitions and events – including Lunar New Year.
This year’s exhibition “Remember” underscores the significance of memory within the immigrant journey. As we embark on building a life in our new homeland, it’s crucial not to lose sight of our origins, the trailblazers who paved the way for us, and the challenges faced when striving for success in a foreign land. This exhibition pays tribute to these elements and recognizes that as we endeavor to flourish as a community, these memories remain an integral part of our collective identity.
Click here for more information.
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Kick off Lunar New Year with Firecrackers on February 10, 2024
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 Dragon will be ceremoniously kicked off at Sara D. Roosevelt Park with the 25th New Year Firecracker Ceremony & Cultural Festival.
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09
Celebrate Lunar New Year at South Street Seaport (February 17, 2024)
Museum in Financial District
Get ready for an exciting Lunar New Year celebration on Saturday, February 17, 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 Wood Dragon. Join us 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 18, 2024
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 28
Other Events in Upper West Side
Celebrate the Year of the Dragon 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. This year’s program introduces a fresh selection of lively Chinese music to mark the lunar new year, with captivating solo performances by erhu virtuoso Zhang Haiyue and dizi virtuoso Feng Tianshi from the Central Conservatory of Music in China.
Don’t miss this popular concert full of enchanting sounds and celebrate Chinese New Year in a very special way.
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12
Indulge in exquisite Beijing-inspired food at Philippe Chow (FEB 10, 2024)
Asian Restaurant in Meatpacking District
At Philippe our goal is to deliver a luxurious dining experience for both lunch and dinner by providing exquisite Beijing style cuisine, quality service and an enjoyable ambiance for you and your guests.In January 2019, Philippe expanded to a second NYC location in the vibrant Meatpacking District, offering late-night dining. Philippe Downtown maintains the original modern aesthetic and focuses on delivering an exceptional dining experience with signature dishes like Chicken Satay, Salt and Pepper Lobster, and the renowned Peking Duck. To elevate your experience, the restaurant features rotating DJs.
At Philippe, they are committed to providing a luxurious dining experience for lunch and dinner. Their signature dishes, such as Salt & Pepper Eggplant, Filet Mignon with Oyster Sauce, and the tableside-carved Peking Duck with house-made pancakes, showcase the freshest ingredients, meticulous attention to detail, cultural authenticity, and thoughtful preparation in every dish.
On February 10th, both Philippe locations (Meatpacking and Upper East Side) will feature live dragon dance performances at 7:30 pm and 9:00 pm, respectively. Guests can savor Beijing-inspired cuisine with a family-style tasting menu for $95 per person, including appetizers, entrees, a whole Peking duck (for 6 guests), sides, fruit, and sorbet.
Impressions of Chinese New Year in NYC
Video: The Lunar New Year and Festival in Chinatown NYC
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