Lunar New Year Events in NYC
Jan 23, 2026 - Mar 1, 2026
Description
Chinatown's annual Lunar New Year celebration features stunning visuals, tantalizing treats and impressive performances, capped off by the always fabulous lion dance. In 2026, the festivities usher in the Year of the Red Horse. The big parade—whose route in Manhattan’s Chinatown begins on Mott Street at Hester and moves down, heading east on East Broadway and then up Forsyth to Grand Street—takes place on March 1. A couple of weeks earlier, the Firecracker Ceremony and Cultural Festival is held in Sara D. Roosevelt Park (February 17). Note that similar Lunar New Year events take place in the City’s other Chinatowns, including in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, and Flushing, Queens, and that there are many more ways to take part in observing the holiday, as detailed below.
More to check out:
Flushing Town Hall Lunar New Year
Jan 23–March 1, Flushing, Queens
Head to Queens to enjoy exhibitions, concerts and arts workshops.
The Met Lunar New Year Festival
Feb 7, Upper East Side, Manhattan
Find workshops and performances at the City's largest museum.
China Institute Family Festival
Feb 21, Lower Manhattan
Come for an afternoon of cultural activities, co-organized with the Shanghai Museum.
Brooklyn Chinese-American Association Lunary New Year Parade
Feb 22, Sunset Park, Brooklyn
Head to 8th Avenue between 52nd and 61st Streets for firecrackers, performances and cultural activities.
Explore our guides and support New York City's Asian American communities:
Eat and Shop Your Way Through Flushing
Flushing, Queens, is known for its diverse Asian American communities. We've highlighted some popular Asian American–owned spots in the neighborhood for dining, shopping, sightseeing and exploring.
Manhattan's Chinatown is one of the largest in the US. With this itinerary you can take an audio-guided walking tour, weave your way through a market, sip tea and get reflexology treatment—stopping for amazing meals along the way.
Exploring Asian Culture in Sunset Park
Home to one of the largest East Asian communities in Brooklyn, Sunset Park is a lesser-known gem full of history and great food.
Exploring Asian Culture in Long Island City
Discover what the Queens community has to offer—scallion pancakes, stylish streetwear and much more.
Location
East Houston Street to Canal Street (bet. Forsyth and Chrystie Sts.) Manhattan, NY, 10002
Contact
Features
- Free
- Winter
- Parks & Gardens