Chinese New Year of the Rat Starts February 2, 2008

Looking for a great way to bring in the Chinese New Year? Well, no matter where you might be in North America, you'll find plenty of wonderful events and activities to celebrate the Chinese New Year below!

First, let's check in with San Francisco to see what they're doing to celebrate the Chinese New Year! Southwest Airlines Chinese New Year Parade will be happening on Saturday, February 23 at 5:30 pm. This historical event, which has been going on since Gold Rush days, will be televised - but why not check it out yourself? Over a hundred different groups will be walking the parade route including Miss Chinatown USA herself! Among the dozens of exotic floats and displays will be the fantastic Gum Lung, or Golden Dragon, weaving his way through the streets. It takes over a hundred men and women to escort this fabulous creature along the parade route, so be sure to get your seat early to witness this spectacle!

But don't just stop there! Why not take in the Chinese New Year Flower Fair as well? Held in Chinatown this free event happens over two days and is sure to dazzle your senses! Chinese tradition says that if you have a plant that blooms on New Year's Day you'll have a year of prosperity - and what better way to start the Chinese New Year than with the promise of luck? A petting zoo and other activities for children will keep the little ones busy while the adults enjoy the peach blossoms and orchids along with fruits such as oranges and tangerines. These fruits are considered to bestow good luck and happiness on the owners, so why not pick up a few?

Another fabulous parade for the Chinese New Year will be held to the North, in Vancouver Canada! This Chinese community is over a hundred years old and will be celebrating the Chinese New Year with a wonderful and colorful parade! And while you're there check out the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Chinese Garden and have a cup of Chinese tea while taking in the Friday Night musical performances. At a low cost of only $10 per adult and family rates available, why not spend the Chinese New Year exploring this serene and peaceful garden?

Hopping back across the border you can find yourself in Seattle, Washington and at the Lunar New Year Celebration! This Chinese New Year event is free to attend and includes acrobats, dance groups and exhibitions of arts and crafts. You can also purchase a souvenir of the Chinese New Year from the many vendor booths. And, again, the price is right to start off your Chinese New Year with a full wallet!

Sliding across the country and again across the border to Canada, Toronto has a large Chinese population and a wonderful way to celebrate the Chinese New Year - with a spectacular show! Held at the Sony Centre on Front Street, not too far from Lake Ontario, the Chinese New Year Spectacular highlights dancers, performers and singers from Chinese culture as they weave a magical series of ancient stories and Chinese fairy tales. At a low price of $38 to attend this may be one of the more expensive events to consider attending, but certainly one of the more exciting ways to start the Chinese New Year!

If you're looking for a quieter way to start off the Chinese New Year, check out the Chinese Cultural Center of Greater Toronto. A special concert by the renowned Chengzong Yin, performing the Yellow River Concerto and accompanied by the Toronto Chinese Philharmonic Orchestra is an event sure to start of your Chinese New Year with beauty and grace! Tickets start from $28 and go on upwards, so be sure to book early if you want to get great seats for this once-in-a-lifetime event!

Drop down a bit south to Washington, DC and you'll find another great way to celebrate the Chinese New Year! The annual parade starts at 2 pm on February 10, 2008 and will highlight local talent as colorful floats and dancers make their way through the parade route. Kung Fu demonstrations along with the traditional Chinese Dragon dance are sure to make your Chinese New Year a lucky one! And, again, all for free! Be sure to take in the fabulous cuisine at the local Chinese restaurants - many of them create special menues just for this occasion and will be happy to help you discover new dishes!

The Chinese New Year isn't just happening in China, but across the world and certainly in North America! Check out these events to see if you can't start off the Chinese New Year with a smile and some good luck!