How to Celebrate Lunar New Year

By Andrea Pineda-Salgado

Today marks the Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year. 2022 is the year of the Tiger, an animal that symbolizes bravery, confidence and strength. It is said that anyone who is born this year will be strong-willed, opinionated and stubborn — like a tiger. While the day is based on the Chinese lunar calendar, it’s celebrated throughout Asia and in Asian communities around the world, with lots of exciting events taking place in New York City. Here’s the rundown: 

Attend the Chinese New Year Parade in Chinatown

One of the best parts that makes celebrating the Lunar New Year in NYC so iconic is the annual parade that takes place in Chinatown. Chinatown will be hosting its 24th parade on Feb. 20, at 1 p.m. If you can’t make it to the parade there will be festival booths on Kimlau Square, Park Row, in Chinatown for visitors to enjoy, those will be open from 12 to 4 p.m. For more information on the parade route visit this website. 

Visit the Lunar New Year Exhibition “Reconcile: Begin Anew”

Are you an art-lover? Check out Flushing Town Hall’s newest exhibition “Reconcile: Begin Anew”. This exhibition will feature artwork by eight Asian-American immigrant artists who live and work in New York City. The exhibition intends to connect visitors to the artists’ cultural heritage. The exhibition is free and open to the public from Feb. 1  to Feb. 16 every day from 12 to 5 p.m. For more information on the artists visit its website. 

Brooklyn Children’s Museum Lunar New Year

Celebrate the Lunar New Year with your children at the Brooklyn Children’s museum. On Saturday, Feb. 5, the museum will be having a variety of activities including storytelling with author Michele Wong McSween, live music, Chinese calligraphy workshops and so much more. For more information on tickets and pricing visit the website. 

Watch the Chinatown Lion Dances

Chinatown will be showcasing traditional Lion Dance performances on two dates: Feb. 5 from 12 to 1:30 p.m. and Feb.11, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. The traditional Lion Dance is meant to bring good fortune and wealth. It will be a dazzling display of martial prowess and acrobatics accompanied by drums and symbols. This event is also free and open to the public. For location details check out its website. 

Ice Sculptures at Brookfield Place

Looking for an Insta-worthy photo spot? Look no further than the ice sculptures at Brookfield place. From Feb. 3 to 5 ice sculptures by the Okomoto Studio will be on Brookfield Place’s Waterfront Place. This place is free and open to the public.

New York Philharmonic: Lunar New Year Concert

Celebrate the Lunar New Year with a concert at the New York Philharmonic on Feb. 8. Tickets start at $85 and proof of vaccination will be required. Enjoy music from Asian American artists like Stella Chen, Hera Hyesang and Earl Lee. For more information on tickets and directions Click here for more information on tickets and directions. 

Lunar New Year Chinese Documentary Film Festival

From Feb. 5  to 16, Flushing Town Hall will be hosting a Lunar New Year Chinese Film Festival. The festival will feature three films that portray stories of Chinese Americans. The event is free but you must RSVP. For more information on the films and to RSVP visit its website. 

Macy and Ricky Present: NYC Lunar New Year Comedy Show

If you want to celebrate the Lunar New Year with a good laugh be sure to visit this comedy show. The comedy show will feature different Asian American comedians including Alyce Chan, Christine Kim and Jes Tom. The event will take place on Feb. 4 at St. Marks Comedy Club, tickets are only $20 and you can purchase them on eventbrite.

Lunar New Year Celebration at the Queen Botanical Garden

The Queens Botanical Garden will be hosting a Lunar New Year celebration on Feb. 5 from 12 p.m. to  3 p.m.  The event is free and open to the public, and while advance tickets are sold out online, walk-ins are welcome. The event will have a variety of activities including compost tours and a scavenger hunt. For more information visit the celebration’s eventbrite. 

Virtual MoCA Fest If you are looking for a way to celebrate the Lunar New Year virtually look no further than the Museum of Chinese in America’s virtual festival which will take place from Feb. 4  to Feb. 11. The festival will feature different activities for people to do such as dumpling making, ribbon dancing and crafts. The festival is completely free, all you have to do is register. For more information on activities and schedule visit its website.