As we welcome the Year of the Snake, New York City offers a vibrant array of celebrations honoring this powerful and enigmatic symbol in the Chinese zodiac. Known for wisdom, transformation, and intuition, the Snake represents a year of introspection, opportunities, and meaningful connections. Whether you’re seeking cultural performances, thrilling lion dances, or hands-on workshops, NYC has something special for everyone.
Below is a list of where to celebrate Lunar New Year in NYC! Plan your visit, explore the traditions, and embrace the festive spirit of the season.
Lunar New Year in NYC: Westfield World Trade Center
WHEN: January 28 – 30, and February 12, 2025.
WHERE: Westfield World Trade Center. 185 Greenwich Street, New York, NY
Description: Immerse yourself in the festive spirit at Westfield World Trade Center as the architecture is illuminated in gold and red lights.
27th Lunar New Year Firecracker Ceremony & Cultural Festival
WHEN: Wednesday, January 29, 2025, 11am–3pm.
WHERE: Sara D. Roosevelt Park – Chrystie & Grand Street, New York, NY
Celebrate the Year of the Snake with a dazzling firecracker display aimed at warding off evil spirits. This lively festival also features traditional lion dances, martial arts demonstrations, and booths offering delicious snacks and cultural souvenirs. This is a popular event, be sure to arrive early! FREE. More information HERE.
Lunar New Year in NYC: The Seaport District
WHEN: Saturday, February 1, 2025, 12 noon.
WHERE: South Street Seaport, Manhattan. 207 Water Street, New York, NY
Join the Seaport District for a celebration of the Lunar New Year. Highlights include traditional lion dances, calligraphy demonstrations, and craft activities where visitors make a lion chain craft. FREE. More on the festivities HERE.
Lunar New Year in NYC: Bryant Park
WHEN: Sunday, February 2, 2025, 10:30 am–12:30 pm.
WHERE: Bryant Park. 6th Avenue between 40th and 42nd Street, New York, NY
A celebration of culture and fun at Bryant Park’s Lunar New Year festivities. Enjoy a wishing tree activity, performances by kung fu masters, a traditional lion dance, and arts and crafts stations for kids and families. FREE. More on the fun HERE.
Brooklyn Children’s Museum Lunar New Year Celebration
WHEN: Saturday, February 1, 2025. 10:00am.
WHERE: Brooklyn Children’s Museum. 145 Brooklyn Avenue, Brooklyn, NY
Engage young minds with an afternoon of storytelling, hands-on crafts, and cultural workshops. Watch spectacular lion dance parades, enjoy cultural performances featuring dance and music, and create art with expert calligraphers. Plus, get hands-on at our kung fu workshops, and explore snake-themed science activities in the STEM makerspace. More on the event HERE.
Lunar New Year Celebration at Lincoln Center
WHEN: Sunday, February 9, 2025, 1:00 pm.
WHERE: Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. 10 Lincoln Center Plaza, New York, NY
Experience Lunar New Year at Lincoln Center with a lineup of performances that blend traditional Chinese art with modern interpretations. From live performances, to delicious goodies, and interactive activties – there is something for every New Yorker and family. Don’t miss this full day celebration. FREE. More on the festivities HERE.
Super Saturday in Chinatown
WHEN: Saturday, February 8, 2025. 10am.
WHERE: Chinatown, Manhattan
Over 20 lion dance groups will parade through the greater Chinatown area to bless businesses, bringing good fortune and prosperity for the coming year.
Queens Botanical Garden Lunar New Year Celebration
WHEN: Saturday, February 8, 2025, 12 pm–4 pm.
WHERE: Queens Botanical Garden. 43-50 Main Street, Flushing, NY
Explore the Queens Botanical Garden’s beautifully adorned spaces while enjoying a full schedule of festivities, including tai chi, folk dances, and storytelling. Perfect for families seeking an immersive cultural experience. More on the event HERE.
27th Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade & Festival
WHEN: Sunday, February 16, 2025, 1pm.
WHERE: Chinatown, Manhattan.
Where to celebrate Lunar New Year in NYC? The parade, of course! Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of the Lunar New Year at this iconic event featuring vibrant floats, lion and dragon dances, and performers in dazzling costumes. The festival atmosphere extends throughout Chinatown with cultural performances and food vendors showcasing authentic dishes. The Parade kicks off at Mott & Canal Streets, ending at Grand Street near the Sara D. Roosevelt Park.
Lunar New Year in NYC: The Shops at Hudson Yards
WHEN: From January 17, 2025 – February 9, 2025.
WHERE: The Shops at Hudson Yards. 20 Hudson Yards, New York, NY
Revel in the artistry of cultural performances and festive decorations while taking advantage of Lunar New Year deals from various retailers at this modern shopping destination. Guests can enjoy traditional lion dances and ribbon twirling performances from The New York Chinese Cultural Center every Saturday (1/18, 1/25, 2/1) at 1pm, 3pm and 5pm. FREE. More information HERE.
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