It’s Lunar New Year, and New York City is set to ring it in with vibrant celebrations citywide.
This Lunar New Year marks the Year of the Snake, with festivities lighting up every borough through vibrant parades, cultural performances and community events.
Chinatown’s iconic Lunar New Year Parade returns on Feb. 16, while Brooklyn offers its own array of celebrations — from lively parades and performances to mahjong tournaments and family-friendly workshops. Here’s your guide to the best events across the borough!
Atlantic Terminal Mall celebration
Where: Atlantic Terminal Mall (main level), 139 Flatbush Ave. in Fort Greene
When: Jan. 31, 3 to 5 p.m.
Price: Free
Immerse yourself in Lunar New Year fun at the Atlantic Terminal Mall. The day will include traditional Chinese dances, cultural performances and a calligraphy brush painting workshop hosted by the New York Chinese Cultural Center.
SSSNAKESSS: A Lunar New Year Celebration and Mahjong Tournament
Where: Ace Hotel Brooklyn, 252 Schermerhorn St. in Boerum Hill
When: Jan. 31, 7 to 11 p.m.
Price: Free
Celebrate Year of the Snake with a night of friendly competition and fun! At SSSNAKESSS, guests can take part in a bracket-style Mahjong tournament, make your own Lunar New Year-inspired mask, and enjoy live performances from Trevor Van de Velde and DJ and saxophone duo Katty+Jin.
Lunar New Year at Brooklyn Children’s Museum
Where: Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 145 Brooklyn Ave.
When: Feb. 1, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Price: Included in General Admission, $15 ($14 for seniors, free for children under 1)
Give your kids an early education about Lunar New Year at the Brooklyn Children’s Museum. The event will include storytelling with authors Yobe Qiu and Ran Wei, live music and dance performances, lion dance parades, snake-themed activities and Kung Fu and calligraphy workshops.
Brooklyn Lunar New Year Celebration & Prosperity Street Festival
Where: 8th Avenue between 50th and 60th Streets in Sunset Park
When: Feb. 1, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Price: Free
This free event, hosted by the Better Brooklyn Association, will feature live performances, booths with food and products available for purchase, and plenty of family-friendly activities. Be sure to check out the main stage, located at 8th Avenue and 51st Street.
City Point celebration
Where: City Point BKLYN, 445 Albee Square West in Downtown Brooklyn and Albee Square
When: Feb. 1, 1 to 4 p.m.
Price: Free
City Point BKLYN is ringing in Year of the Snake with a fun-filled day, including kid-friendly crafts, a balloon hut and more. Families are encouraged to wear red for the celebration and for a chance to win a gift card to a local business. The day will also include Lion Dances by Choy Lay Fut and DJ Boogie rocking on the plaza at Albee Square.
18th Avenue Lunar New Year Parade
Where: 18th Avenue from 61st to 83rd street in Bensonhurst
When: Feb. 2, 11 a.m.
Price: Free
Adding to the parade festivities, Brooklynites can line up along 18th Avenue to celebrate Year of the Snake. The parade is organized by he Chinese American Social Services Center and Councilmember Susan Zhuang’s office.
2nd Annual Brooklyn Lantern Festival Parade
Where: Parade route: 8th Avenue and 60th Street, moving along 7th Avenue to 50th Street, turning onto 9th Avenue, and returning to 8th Avenue and 50th Street, in Sunset Park
When: Feb. 9, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Price: Free
Rounding out Lunar New Year Parades in Brooklyn is the second annual Brooklyn Lantern Festival Parade. Come by and check out lantern floats, traditional Chinese arts, and performances. Be sure to swing by the main stage, located at 8th Avenue and 60th Street.
A version of this story first appeared on Brooklyn Paper’s sister site amNewYork Metro
