The Best Places in NYC to Celebrate the Chinese New Year
January 24 2022
The Lunar New Year – or Chinese New Year – is one of the biggest worldwide celebrations. In NYC it is no different and you will find multiple events all over the city, celebrating the 16 day event. If you’re in Manhattan this February, here are our favorite ways to welcome the Lunar New Year and experience an important part of Chinese Culture.
Chinese New Year Parade
The biggest, and probably the best, Lunar New Year event is the Chinese New Year Parade. Taking place on Sunday the 6th of February in Chinatown, Manhattan, the festival celebrates the beginning of spring and the rebirth of Earth.
The parade will feature bands, floats and the traditional lion and dragon dancers, as well musicians, acrobats and around 6000 individuals. The parade starts at Mott Street and finishes at Broome and Forsyth. To get the best view of the parade, visit Allen Street between Canal and Grand.
Chinese Food – Dim Sum
Dim Sum plays an important role in the Chinese New Year, symbolizing good fortune, luck, and prosperity. There are plenty of places to enjoy traditional, mouthwatering Dim Sum across the city and for the best of the best, TimeOut have just released their list of the top 12 places to sample the dish.
Museum of Chinese in America
After a devastating fire in 2020, 2022 will be the first Chinese New Year at MOCA since its reopening last summer. The museum is open – and worth a visit – all year round, however the Chinese New Year is often the best time to stop by with additional exhibits.
2022 will be the Year of the Tiger and a virtual festival will be hosted by the Museum from the 4th of February until the 11th that is accessible online for all the family.
Chinese Karaoke Bar
Karaoke is a favorite pastime in China, but unlike in the USA where singers perform in front of a crowd, private groups gather in booths or rooms to perform. There are karaoke bars all over NYC, and of course in ChinaTown – and the Chinese New Year is a great time to try one of China’s favorite pastimes.
Chinese Bakery
As per Chinese culture, much of the food eaten on or around the Lunar New Year symbolizes luck, prosperity, and good health – like Dim Sum. But for those of you with a sweet tooth, it’s the New Year's desserts that are the real treat!
Visit a traditional Chinese bakery (the best ones are found in ChinaTown but there are great places to try all over the city) and sample steamed New Year Cake, Rice Dumplings, Fried Dough Twists or one of the many Lunar Year delights.
If you’re thinking of visiting New York this year - for business or pleasure - The Hotel Beacon’s apartment style suites are a great place to relax after a long day.
