Lunar New Year is coming up soon. Though the official day is Feb. 1, plenty of places in New York City have already kicked off celebrations for the Year of the Tiger.
Here are a few ways that you can celebrate Lunar New Year around the city.
LIC Lunar New Year Celebration
Through Feb. 6, Long Island City, Queens
For the first time ever, Long Island City is hosting a number of Lunar New Year events and activations. Various cultural institutions like the Museum of the Moving Image, Art Strong NYC and The Noguchi Museum are having deals for Lunar New Year, as are many restaurants in the neighborhood. Plus, many of them are hosting Lunar New Year events. Check out the Long Island City Partnership website for a full lineup.
Lunar New Year Performances at Hudson Yards
Every Saturday, Jan. 29-Feb. 13, Hudson Yards
Every Saturday, the New York Chinese Cultural Center will host Lunar New Year performances in the Great Room on the first floor from Jan. 29 through Feb. 13. Visitors can enjoy traditional lion dances and ribbon-twirling performances put on by members of the cultural center. Performances will take place at 1 p.m., 3 p.m., and 5 p.m. each day.
Lunar New Year Scavenger Hunt
Jan. 29, Socrates Sculpture Park, Queens
Great for kids and adults alike, Socrates Sculpture Park is inviting parkgoers to explore the art for a Lunar New Year-themed self-guided scavenger hunt. Those who complete the scavenger hunt will receive a Lunar New Year stamp.
Lunar New Year at Staten Island Children’s Museum
Jan. 29, 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island
The New York Chinese Cultural Center is coming to the Staten Island Children’s Museum to celebrate Lunar New Year. Artists from the center will perform Chinese folk dance pieces and there will be an interactive Kung Fu demonstration.
Firecracker Festival
Feb. 1, Sara D. Roosevelt Park, Chinatown
This annual festival is back again to celebrate the year of the tiger. The Firecracker Festival truly starts off the year with a bang, warding off evil spirits by setting off thousands of firecrackers. Festivities kick off at 12 p.m. so be sure to come by early and get a good seat.
Lunar New Year at the Garden
Through Feb. 13, Queens Botanical Garden, Flushing, Queens
The Queens Botanical Garden has three ways to celebrate Lunar New Year this year. On Feb. 5, they’ll host a special performance complete with lion dances, stories and more. From now through Feb. 13, you can shop through the garden’s Lucky Plant Sale, or between Jan. 28-30, you can take part in the Year of the Tiger Community Art Project.
Lunar New Year Pop-up at Panda Express
Jan. 29-Feb. 1, 423 Fulton St., Brooklyn
Panda Express recently launched its Good Fortune Arcade game, transforming the Fulton Street location into an 8-bit game. Customers who come by can play the game in IRL on the Good Fortune Arcade machine or on their phones, unlocking various rewards redeemable online at any Panda Express location nationwide, plus those who come on Feb. 1 can receive one of Panda’s red envelopes with coupons for $5 off a Family Meal, a free 22oz. Fountain Drink, and a collectible fortune card.
