Chinese New Year in NYC: Best Events and Things to Do
Chinese New Year (also called Spring Festival, 春节 Chūnjié) is one of the most vibrant and exciting times of the year in New York City. With colorful parades, delicious food, cultural performances, and festive decorations, NYC offers many ways to celebrate whether you are already familiar with the culture or simply curious to experience something new.
Here are some of the best events and activities to enjoy in New York for Chinese New Year.
Chinatown Lunar New Year Firecracker Ceremony & Cultural Festival
Date: February 17, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM – 3:30 PM
Location: Sara D. Roosevelt Park and surrounding Chinatown streets
This traditional celebration marks the start of Lunar New Year in Manhattan’s Chinatown with firecrackers, lion dances, and cultural performances throughout the neighborhood. The firecracker ceremony is intended to chase away bad luck and invite good fortune for the year.
Moon Over Manhattan: Lunar New Year Family Day at Asia Society
Date: February 21, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Asia Society, 725 Park Avenue, Manhattan
Asia Society hosts an interactive and educational festival with lion dances, martial arts demonstrations, arts and crafts, shadow-puppet activities, and cultural performances — ideal for families and visitors of all ages.
China Institute Centennial Lunar New Year Family Festival
Date: February 21, 2026
Time: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: China Institute of America, 100 Washington Street, Manhattan
Celebrating the Year of the Horse and China Institute’s centennial, this event features a mix of traditional performances, crafts, interactive workshops, tea tastings, and cultural demonstrations. It’s designed to engage families and learners in hands-on activities highlighting Chinese traditions.
MOCA Lunar New Year Family Festival
Date: February 21, 2026
Time:
Morning Session: 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Afternoon Session: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Museum of Chinese in America (MOCA), 215 Centre Street, Manhattan
The Museum of Chinese in America hosts a full day of Lunar New Year programming, including performances, storytelling, crafts, ribbon and fan workshops, and interactive cultural experiences.
Queens Botanical Garden Lunar New Year Celebration
Date: February 21, 2026
Time: 12:30 PM – 3:30 PM
Location: Queens Botanical Garden, Flushing, Queens
This outdoor celebration blends Lunar New Year traditions with a botanical setting, featuring lion dances, cultural performances, arts and crafts, and vendors. Free with suggested donation during the garden’s winter season.
NYC Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade & Festival
Date: March 1, 2026
Time: Festival booths and activities begin around 11:30 AM; Parade starts at 1:00 PM
Location: Chinatown, Manhattan (Bayard Street and surrounding areas)
This is New York City’s largest Lunar New Year celebration, with a vibrant parade featuring dragon and lion dances, marching groups, floats, and community performances. Festival booths with music and activities line Bayard Street before and during the parade.
Whether you join a parade, visit a museum festival, or explore Chinatown, Chinese New Year in New York is a wonderful way to experience the culture, traditions, and energy of the holiday. Make it fun, try a few Mandarin phrases, and enjoy celebrating with the city.
新年快乐 (Xīnnián kuàilè) — Happy New Year!