Lunar New Year Events in NYC: Family-Friendly Festivities Around the City
One of the most exciting times to visit New York City is during the Lunar New Year. The vibrant energy of the celebrations brings an explosion of color and culture to the city. From lively parades and festivals to educational and cultural programs, there is plenty for families to discover about the year of the snake. Explore the top events happening across the city and start planning your Lunar New Year in NYC.
Annual Lunar New Year Parade & Festival 2025
The city's biggest Lunar New Year celebration is the annual parade and festival. It takes place on February 16th, beginning at 1 pm in Chinatown. When staying at The Wallace, you are about five miles from the celebration. Starting on Mott Street, the streets of Chinatown are taken over with vibrant colors and lively music. Stunning displays of giant dragons and traditional lion dances delight attendees as the parade goes through the heart of Chinatown. Paradegoers will delight at acrobatic performances, Chinese cuisine, and kid-friendly activities.
Firecracker Ceremony and Cultural Festival
A crucial part of celebrating the Lunar New Year is the Firecracker Ceremony. It takes place in Sara D. Roosevelt Park, about five miles from The Wallace Hotel. The celebration in the park includes dragon dances and performing dance troupes. The event's highlight is the firecrackers, which are set off to scare away evil spirits for the new year.
Lincoln Center Lunar New Year Family Celebration
The Lincoln Center hosts an annual family-friendly Lunar New Year celebration. Located about a mile from The Wallace, it is a 15-minute walk. As a beacon of culture, the Lincoln Center is the perfect place to introduce children to culture. The event is free and on a first-come, first-served basis. Families can enjoy demonstrations, delicious bites, dancing, and talks on culture.
Moon Over Manhattan: Lunar New Year Family Day 2025
The Asia Society Museum is hosting a Lunar New Year Family Day on Saturday, January 25th, from 1-4 pm. The museum is about two miles from The Wallace Hotel, making it a 15-minute cab ride. Guests to the event will enjoy lion dances and martial arts demonstrations. Families can join the fun with sing-alongs and arts and crafts. For refreshments, head to the Leo Cafe for Lunar New Year nibbles.
Lunar New Year Family Festival
The Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA) is the perfect place for families with little ones to celebrate and learn about the Lunar New Year. The festival will take place on February 17th from 2-5 pm. Tickets are $5 per person. The event schedule includes performance demonstrations with spring dances, candy making, noodle pulling, and bite-sized sweet and savory treats. An educator-led gallery hunt will have children looking for soaring dragons and other important symbols. The MOCA is about five miles from The Wallace Hotel, taking about 30 minutes by cab to travel to.
Lunar New Year Celebration
Each year, the Queens Botanical Garden hosts a Lunar New Year celebration. On Saturday, February 8th, from 12 to 4 pm, attendees can enjoy activities and cultural learning experiences. While admission is free, there is a suggested donation of $5. You may also need to register in advance to participate in some of the activities and classes. Several performances showcasing traditional dances will take place. See paper cutting, Chinese calligraphy, and craft demonstrations. Children can participate in storytime, gardening, photo stations, and seasonal tours. A retail and food vendor fair is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir or snack. The botanical garden is about 20 miles from The Wallace, making it about a 40-minute commute.
Lunar New Year Celebrations
The Children’s Museum of Manhattan is celebrating the Lunar New Year in a big way with several programs for families with small children to attend and participate in. The first is a week-long celebration that takes place January 28th through February 2nd. Attend an origami class to learn how to make several types of paper snakes. Celebrate in a traditional way by writing your wish on a wooden plaque and hanging it up in the museum. Make your own lantern with shades of red to symbolize luck and good fortune. This event is perfect for families staying at The Wallace; it is a 10-minute walk from the hotel.
Celebrate the Lunar New Year in NYC
Immerse yourself in the culture and joy of the Lunar New York with NYC’s many family-friendly celebrations. From the thrilling Firecracker Ceremony to the many educational events, there is something for all families to enjoy. Make your Lunar Year celebrations more magical by staying at The Wallace Hotel. Its luxurious accommodations are the perfect sanctuary amidst the celebrations for parents and children. Timeless elegance and cozy comfort combine to create a welcoming and comfortable stay.
Book your stay for an extraordinary Lunar New Year in NYC experience.