Chinese New Year Parades and Activities in New York City

The lunar new year on the Chinese calendar, occurring during January or February on the Gregorian calendar, is a time of traditional celebrations, food and firecrackers. In New York City, thousands of people view the annual Chinese new year parade in Manhattan's Chinatown. The Chinese-American community in Queens also produces a Chinese new year parade with a localized, less touristy atmosphere. People of all nationalities in New York City take the opportunity to sample cuisines at Chinese restaurants, watch the extravagant dances and musical performances in Chinatown and set off some of their own traditional firecrackers.

Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade and Festival

Every year, the parade route winds through Mott, Canal and Bayard Streets and on East Broadway in Chinatown in downtown Manhattan. More than 5,000 people typically line the route to view dragon and lion dancers, Asian musicians and drummers, acrobats, floats, marching bands and a procession of community organizations. Plenty of vendors are on hand selling the bargain goods that characterize Chinatown shopping, while food carts dish out dim sum, street snacks and sweets.

At the conclusion of the Chinese new year parade, an outdoor cultural festival takes place on Bayard Street featuring performances by musicians, dancers and martial artists. See chinatown-online.com for details, dates and times.

Chinese Lunar New Year Parade, Flushing, Queens

Flushing's cosmopolitan Asian populations, with communities from China, Korea, Indonesia, Japan and southeast Asia, celebrate the lunar new year with a parade down Flushing Main Street. The route begins at Union Street and 37th Avenue and ends at the intersection of Main and 39th Streets. Nearly as many people come to watch the steel drummers, lion dancers and other performers in Flushing as in the more famous Chinatown parade.

After the parade, the Chinese Food and Folk Festival takes place on Flushing Mall at 133-131 39th Avenue. Local VIPs and city officials make appearances, and visitors can sample the impressive food court and shop for Asian wares. Folk performances, Chinese calligraphy workshops and fireworks are included. For specific times and dates, call 718-353-2320.

Other Chinese New Year Activities

Prior to the kickoff of new year festivities, the community gathers for a Firecracker Ceremony and Cultural Festival at Roosevelt Park in Chinatown. Firecrackers are detonated to scare away evil spirits and bring good luck for the coming year. City officials, community leaders and other VIPs are typically in attendance. Traditional and modern Asian-American artists also give performances. See chinatown-online.com for dates and times.

Every year, the China Institute (chinainstitute.org) produces an education program for adults and families. The highlight is a traditional lion dance, held outside the Institute at 125 East 65th Street in Manhattan. Admission is free, but visitors should arrive early for the best viewing.

The New York Chinese Cultural Center (chinesedance.org) presents annual performances by the Peking Opera and other performers to celebrate the lunar new year. Shows take place at different locations in Brooklyn, Manhattan and Staten Island.