NEWSLETTER
Credit: the_aditya_sv on Instagram
Get set to celebrate the Lunar New Year in New York State! The Lunar, or Chinese, New Year is celebrated for 16 days, from New Year's Eve on January 21 to the Lantern Festival on February 5. This year is the year of the rabbit, specifically, the water rabbit, which symbolizes longevity, peace, and prosperity. Here are just a few ways you can celebrate the Lunar New Year in New York State!
Masks are encouraged, but optional in most settings per New York State guidelines. Individual businesses or attractions may require mask wearing. Call ahead and check websites and social media to make sure attractions and amenities are open and available.
The Sound of Spring: A Chinese New Year Concert (Hudson Valley)
To celebrate the Lunar New Year, the US-China Music Institute of the Bard College Conservatory of Music will present “The Sound of Spring: A Chinese New Year Concert,” conducted by the Director of the US-China Music Institute Jindong Cai with The Orchestra Now (TŌN) performing. This special annual event, taking place on January 27 at the Fisher Center at Bard, will showcase the wonderful diversity and artistry of Chinese symphonic music. It will feature the “Butterfly Lovers Violin Concerto” along with other celebratory works to welcome in the Year of the Rabbit. In-person tickets: $25.
Lunar New Year Dishes at Goosefeather (Hudson Valley)
Credit: @youngskeletons via @goosefeatherny on Instagram
Enjoy a delicious Lunar New Year celebration at Goosefeather, on the grounds of Tarrytown House Estate. In addition to the restaurant’s regular menu, celebrated chef Dale Talde is serving up a special feast from January 21-28, drawing from modern Cantonese cuisine and using seasonal ingredients. Commemorate the holiday with “Half a Rabbit, Two Ways,” a dish served in a spicy braised Szechuan style and 5-spice citrus fried. It is priced at $38.88, and feeds 2-3 people.
Lunar New Year at the Queens Botanical Garden (New York City)
Credit: @queensbotanicalgarden on Instagram
The Queens Botanical Garden is teaming up with the globally beloved bunny, Miffy, to present a Lunar New Year celebration featuring lion dance performances, zodiac crafts, demonstrations, storytime, the annual lucky plant sale, and more! The event will be held Saturday, January 28, from noon to 4 pm. Pre-registration is recommended. Year of the Rabbit community art and guided winter walks will also be held on Saturdays throughout January.
All Heritages Celebrate - Lunar New Year Celebration Gala (Greater Niagara)
Presented by the Chinese Club of Western New York, take part in celebrations of cultural diversity and the Lunar New Year on January 22 at the Center for the Arts at the University at Buffalo’s north campus. From 12:30-3 pm, experience a showcase of events such as a children’s art exhibition and Gold Summit Institute Dragon Dance, the diverse cultures and traditions of organizations and companies in Erie County, and from 3-5 pm, the Lunar New Year Celebration Gala featuring stunning performers from diverse cultural groups.
Lunar New Year Celebration at Lincoln Center (New York City)
Treat yourself to a special Lunar New Year performance by the New York Philharmonic on January 31 at the Wu Tsai Theater, David Geffen Hall at Lincoln Center (pictured) in Manhattan! Enhance your experience by attending the Lunar New Year Gala (a fundraiser for the Philharmonic), including a pre-concert reception, prime concert seating, and a post-concert seated dinner with the artists.
Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade and Festival (New York City)
Credit: Walter Wlodarczyk for NYC & Company
On February 12, get ready for stunning visuals, tantalizing treats, and amazing performances at Chinatown's annual Lunar New Year celebration! Shop fronts are adorned in red and gold, and colorful parades and dragon dances wind through the streets (pictured). The parade, which marks its 25th anniversary this year, starts at 1 pm, making its way through the main streets of Little Italy and Chinatown in Manhattan.
Landmark On Main Street’s Lunar New Year Celebration (Long Island)
On February 12, celebrate the Year of the Rabbit with Landmark on Main Street in Port Washington. The event, which starts at 10 am, is presented in association with the Glow Culture Center in Flushing. It includes interactive crafts for all ages, traditional Lunar New Year food and snacks, and a live performance with traditional Chinese music. Admission to the event is free and open to all.
Share your New York State adventures with us on Instagram and Twitter with #iSpyNY and tag us on Facebook!