Chinese New Year Events in Philadelphia

Philadelphia's Chinatown comes alive during Chinese New Year as dragons and lions are paraded through the streets and firecrackers disturb the workday ennui. Philadelphia's Chinatown is a bustling urban community in Center City, where the Chinese live, work, socialize and worship. A major cultural celebration, the Chinese New Year draws home far-away family members. Lavish meals are served, gifts of money exchanged and religious ceremonies are held. Click here for my article detailing Chinese New Year Traditions.

Chinese New Year 2010 is the Chinese Year of the Tiger, and begins on February 14th, ending 15 days later on the full moon. Celebrate Philadelphia's Chinese New Year cultural events, family oriented exhibitions and workshops, parades, sumptuous banquets and Chinatown tours.

Philadelphia 2010 Chinese New Year begins at The China Gate: Begin your Chinese New Year adventure by entering Chinatown at Philadelphia's magnificent "Paifang," the archway known as the China Gate, at 10th Street between Market and Arch Streets. Designed by Sabrina Soong in the Qing Dynasty style, it was constructed in 1984 by a team of Chinese engineers and artisans with tiles from Tianjin, Philadelphia's Chinese sister city. The characters on the Gate translate into "Philadelphia Chinatown."

Philadelphia 2010 Chinese New Year Lion Dance and Parade. Philadelphia kicks off its 2010 Chinese New Year celebration with a New Year's Eve Lion Dance parade and fireworks on Saturday evening, February 13, 2010 at 11:00 p.m. at the China Gate. Call the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation at 215-772-0739 for more information.

Philadelphia 2010 Chinese New Year World Culture Family Day: On Saturday, January 23, 2010, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., the University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology ushers in the Chinese New Year with music and dance performances, martial arts demonstrations, storytelling, healing arts workshops and arts and crafts. The day culminates with the traditional Chinese Lion Dance parade. Visit the University's website for more information.

Philadelphia 2010 Chinese Lunar New Year Celebration at the Independence Seaport Museum: On Saturday, February 6, 2010, the Independence Seaport Museum at 211 South Columbus Boulevard will present an afternoon of Asian cultural activities, demonstrations and crafts, and a performance of the dragon dance. Free with Membership or Museum admission. Call 215-413-8655 for more information.

Chef Joseph Poon's "Wok 'n' Walk" Tour of Chinatown: Beginning in January and running on selected dates through February 28th, Chef Joseph Poon's unique tour offers an enthusiastic insider's background on the history, culture and food of Chinatown. A full lunch or dinner is included in the walking tour, which includes stops at a fortune cookie factory, an herbal medicine shop, a Chinese temple, bakery, fish market and grocery, as well as a Tai Chi demonstration and a lesson in Chinese vegetable carving. Click here for exact dates and times and menu. The Tours meet at Chef Kitchen, 1010 Cherry Street, 2nd floor. Tickets are $60 per adult. Children under 5 free, ages 6-10, half price. Group rates available. Call 215-928-9333 for reservations and information, or visit this site to make online reservations.

Chef Joseph Poon's 2010 Chinese New Year Banquet: Chef Joseph Poon presents his Chinese New Year Banquet, an 11-course meal served family-style or individually for groups of six or more. This 11-course meal is only $36.50 per person plus beverages, tax and gratuity. BYOB. Visit this site for menu information or reservations. The banquets are held daily at 5:30 pm and 7:30 p.m., through March 31st at the Joseph Poon Chef Kitchen, 1010 Cherry Street, Philadelphia. Call 215-928-9333 for more information or to make reservations. Cash or check, BYOB.

Philadelphia 2010 Chinese New Year Festival of Lanterns: The Festival of Lanterns marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations. Throughout Chinatown, myriad examples of paper lanterns are paraded through the streets, including lanterns in the shapes of a rabbit, which represents the goddess "Chang E." The Chinese believe if your heart is pure, you can see the goddess Chang E and her rabbit on the moon on the Festival of Lanterns. Call the Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation at 215-772-0739 for more information.

Please see my updated addendum to this article at this link: http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2672703/chinese_new_year_parade_in_philadelphia.html?cat=8. The Seaport Museum has postponed it's event until February 13th, and I have newly-confirmed information on the Chinese New Year Parade dates.

More resources: Chinese New Year Traditions; PhillyFunGuide: More Chinese New Year Events: Sources: Seaport Museum Website; Joseph Poon.com; University of Pennsylvania Museum website; History.com; Chinatown Connection.com