Four Lunar New Year Celebrations to Add to Your Calendar 

This year’s Lunar New Year begins on January 29 and celebrations will continue in the weeks to follow. While the city’s biggest Lunar New Year parade and festival takes place in Chinatown, there are several Lower Manhattan events honoring the impending Year of the Wood Snake. Here are four Lunar New Year events happening downtown you won’t want to miss. 

Lunar New Year Celebration at China Institute in America

This family-friendly event will be nothing short of spectacular. Among other attractions, there will be a pop-up showcase from Beijing’s Prince Kung’s Palace Museum, with installations of Yin’an Hall, the Grand Theatre and palace gates. The event will also feature a colorful Lion Dance, musical performances and several interactive workshops. Adults and children can learn how to make shadow puppets, design fragrant sachets, make a Chinese opera mask, learn the art of traditional wood crafting, create lacquer fans and more. The event happens at the China Institute in America (100 Washington St.) on February 2 from 2 to 5 p.m. Tickets are $5 for children 12 and under and $15 for everyone else. The event has sold out in previous years, so grab tickets here while you can.  

Chinese New Year Dinner at China Institute in America

In addition to the kid-friendly cultural celebration on February 2, the China Institute is also hosting a Chinese New Year Dinner on February 6, where chefs Chiang and Peter Chang will cook up an elegant feast for attendees. Other elements of the celebration include a vendor market, a traditional lion dance, a fashion show with designer Grace Chen and a performance by Sunshine Dance NYC. The cocktail reception kicks off at 6 p.m., with the lion dance and dinner at 7 p.m. Individual tickets are $550 for adults or $200 for children 15 and under and can be purchased at Eventbrite here, or by contacting Melissa Kuklin at [email protected].

Chinese Calligraphy Workshops at the South Street Seaport Museum 

On February 1, artists from the New York Chinese Cultural Center will be leading Chinese calligraphy workshops at the South Street Seaport Museum (12 Fulton St.) in honor of the Lunar New Year. Participants will learn how to write simple characters and gain insight into the relationship between ancient Chinese pictographs and their modern-day ideographs. Plus, workshop attendees will learn about the importance of calligraphy as it relates to the Lunar New Year. This 45-minute workshop is primarily designed for children ages 7 to 12 but is open to all ages. The event is free and advance registration is required. More information and the link to register can be found here. 

New York City Council Lunar New Year Celebration 2025 

The New York City Council is also hosting a Lunar New Year celebration on January 27 at 5:30 p.m. (Doors open at 5 p.m.). Attendees can engage with their councilperson and enjoy cultural programming related to the holiday. The festivities will take place in Council Chambers at New York City Hall (250 Broadway). The event is free and open to the public.