Chinese New Year in Connecticut with the Kids (Fairfield County)

1/15/12 - By Katie McKnight

The Year of the Dragon is upon us!  Those born in this auspicious year will be predisposed to being innovative, brave, quick-tempered and passionate (good luck, parents of Dragons!)

Chinese New Year is a great way to celebrate Chinese culture – whether you are of Chinese heritage or not.  In China, the 2-week long New Year's celebration (this year it runs from January 23rd - February 6th) features traditional dances, feasts, and fireworks.  The emphasis is on honoring one's family, and beginning the New Year with good fortune. Here in Fairfield County, CT, there are many fun ways to usher in the Chinese New Year with your kids.

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1. Check out the Chinese Language School of CT’s 10th annual Chinese New Year’s Festival.  Tickets are $52/adult, and $32/child, and the event features a buffet, acrobats, dragon dance, traditional lion dance and arts and crafts.

Stamford Plaza Hotel 2701 Summer Street Stamford, CT 06902 866.301.4906

2. Paper lanterns are fun and easy to make with kids.  Follow these simple directions and decorate your home for the holiday.

3. Look up your Chinese sign and it’s meaning with your child.  My youngest is a Monkey…curious and mischievous.  I think I’m in for some trouble…

4. Introduce your kids to eating with chopsticks!  It’s a great way to start conversing about different cultures, and there are some fun training chopsticks available online.

5. Try your hand at making Chinese food at home.  The Oriental Food Market in Norwalk has a phenomenal selection of Chinese (and some other Asian) groceries.

Oriental Food Market 109 New Canaan Avenue, Rte 123 Norwalk, CT 06850 203.847.0070

6. In case your home-made Chinese meal doesn't turn out quite as planned, check out one of Fairfield Counties most popular Chinese restaurants.  My favorite?  Ching's Table in New Canaan - sure to be delicious.  Another great option is Kam Pei in Stamford...call ahead as both restaurants tend to be quite busy.

Ching's Table 64 Main Street, New Canaan, CT 06840 203.972.8550

Kam Pei 49 High Ridge Road, Stamford, CT 06901 203.602.0580

7. And if nothing but dim sum will do, head over to Aberdeens in White Plains for the area’s best dim sum.

Aberdeens 3 Barker Avenue, White Plains, NY, 10601 914.288.0188

Full and happy…what a great way to welcome the New Year!

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