The Bronx Zoo lights up at night during the 2024 holiday season. Photo by Ally Noel
Holiday Light Shows, Luna Luna, and More Things To Do in NYC this Weekend with Kids
The Tianyu Lights Festival transforms the Citi Field parking lot into a magical holiday destination with larger-than-life lanterns and kid-friendly activities. Photo courtesy of the festival
Must-Do Christmas Events and Holiday Activities in New York City for Kids
All aboard a festively decorated Polar Express train ride for some holiday magic and memories. Photo by Gwendolyn Tundermann
Polar Express Train Rides and Christmas Trains near NYC
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation is an event unto itself. See the larger-than-life balloons come to life the night before the parade. Photo by Anthony Quintano/CC BY 2.0
See the 2024 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloon Inflation with Kids
Many organizations throughout New York City are offering free turkey giveaways, plus full, hot Thanksgiving dinners this season. Photo by John McCarten for the New York City Council
Where To Find Free Turkey in NYC This Thanksgiving
See the Thanksgiving Day Parade in NYC with our insider's guide and tips!
GUIDE
Guide to Thanksgiving in NYC for Kids and Families
Celebrate Thanksgiving with Leuca. Photo courtesy of the Noho Hospitality Group
26 Restaurants Open on Thanksgiving in NYC
Experience the magic of the Tianyu Lights Festival at Citi Field this holiday season. Photo courtesy of the festival
21 Best Things To Do in NYC November 2024 with Kids
Lightscape at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden has become an enchanting holiday tradition for many families. Photo courtesy of the garden
Holiday and Christmas Events in NYC to Book Now!
GUIDE
NYC Fall Day Trips Guide: Orchards, Farms, Festivals, and Kid-Friendly Getaways 2024
Canstruction is free and open to the public at Brookfield Place through Monday, November 11. Photo by Heidi Lee
39 Free and Fun Things To Do in NYC this November with Kids
Join Jack Skellington, Sally, and Zero on a walk of wonders at NYBG's The Nightmare Before Christmas Light Trail. Photo by Ally Noel
Fall Bucket List for Kids: 35 Top Things To Do in NYC this Fall
Classics, like Tom Turkey, and newbies alike take flight in the 98th annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2024.
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade 2024: Where to Watch, What's New
The 2024-2025 NYC public school calendar is out, and students return to school on Thursday, September 5.
Here's the NYC Public School Calendar for 2024-2025
Visit the 180 Pool at the Crystal Springs Resort. Photo courtesy of the resort
14 Family-Friendly Weekend Getaways near NYC
Climb on platforms dangling from ropes at Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC's Best Playgrounds: 21 Parks Worthy of a Subway Schlep
Diving into the sprinkle pool at the Museum of Ice Cream is a great way to cure rainy day blues. Photo by Jody Mercier
47 Fun Indoor Activities in NYC for a Rainy Day
Kids' classes like art lessons can help your NYC child grow and develop
GUIDE
Guide to NYC Classes for Kids
Explore modern humanity through all-new world-wandering exhibitions at Mmuseumm.
Weird, Wacky, and Wonderful Under-the-Radar Museums in NYC that Kids Love
Hell's Kitchen is a cool coming-of-age piece loosely based on Alicia Keys' life story. Photo by Marc J. Franklin
Best New Broadway Shows This Season Plus Can't-Miss Classics for Families
The Peninsula New York rolls out the red carpet for kids—and their grown ups!
Family-Friendly Hotels in New York City with Perks for Kids
For an only-in-NYC experience, head to the Top of the Rock to enjoy the view. Photo by Jody Mercier
Best Attractions and Things To Do near NYC that are Kid-Friendly
Summer camps help kids develop social skills and have fun
GUIDE
NYC Summer Camp Guide
Tea Around Town combines a sumptuous meal with a unique view NYC landmarks! Photo by Jody Mercier
25 Best NYC Tours for Families: From Boat Rides to Free Walking Tours and More
Twinkle Playspace in Williamsburg offers action-packed fun for kids of all ages.
21 Top Indoor Play Spaces in New York City
The American Museum of Natural History's blue whale is an NYC icon, and the entire museum is one of the best children's museums in NYC. Photo by R. Mickens/courtesy of AMNH
Best Museums for Kids in NYC: Children's Museums and Family-Friendly Museums in NYC
Free activities for Kids in NYC include the Children's Museum of the Arts, which has pay-what-you-wish Thursdays from 4-6pm. Photo courtesy of the museum
GUIDE
Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids
GUIDE
Guide to Kids' Birthday Parties in NYC
Registration is now open for the reasonably priced summer camps at YMCA locations in NYC.
Free and Cheap Summer Camps in NYC for Kids
There's always a cool new piece of public art to see and interact with in NYC. Photo by Jody Mercier
101 Free Things To Do in NYC with Kids
The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk has 75 animal exhibits and is home to more than 7,000 animals. Photo courtesy of the aquarium
Best Aquariums to Visit from the NYC Metro Area with Kids
Get a Broadway-caliber serenade during a birthday dinner at Ellen's Stardust Diner.
Best Fun Restaurants for Kids' Birthdays in NYC
Photo courtesy of PLAY Greenpoint.
GUIDE
Indoor Playgrounds, Play Spaces, and Fun Zones in NYC
See the skyline from a whole new vantage point on the Roosevelt Island Tram. Photo courtesy of NYCGo
100 Things To Do in NYC With Kids Before They Grow Up
Get a birds eye view of the skyline from the Edge observation deck at Hudson Yards. Plan a visit near sundown to watch the city lights come to life. Photo by Jody Mercier
3 Days in NYC with Kids: Ultimate Itinerary by a Local Mom
Feed a crowd with extra large, classic, New York-style pizza slices without breaking the bank. Photo by Jody Mercier
NYC on a Budget: Cheap Things To Do and Money Saving Tips for Families
These boredom-busting activities turn a stuck-at-home day into a lasting memory.
75 Indoor Activities for Kids on a Rainy Day
The Met offers pay-what-you wish admission at all times to New Yorkers and kids always attend for free. Photo by Jody Mercier
Free Museums and Free Museum Days in NYC for Kids
No visit to NYC is complete without an up-close encounter with the Statue of Liberty. Photo by Jess Laird
40 Best NYC Attractions to Do with Kids Right Now
Teach 'em to tie during downtime.
65 Life Skills to Teach Kids at Every Age
Take a hike with your little one on a family day trip from NYC.
GUIDE
Family Day Trips and Weekend Getaways for NYC Kids
Creating a baking soda volcano is a classic science experiment for kids. Photo by Sara Marentette Nighswander
67 Easy Science Experiments for Kids To Do at Home
The Ausable Chasm has been described as the Grand Canyon of the Adirondacks and it's one of our top 100 things to do in New York State with kids. Photo by Anna Fader
100 Things To Do in New York State with Kids Before They Grow Up
Hester Street Playground. Photo by Jody Mercier
GUIDE
Playgrounds & Parks NYC Guide
Kids can while away hours of a day with a set of watercolors and a stack of new paper for painting. Photo by Sara Marentette
Crafts for Kids: 100 Awesome Art Projects
Suncatcher_Liz Baill @creativishmom
GUIDE
Boredom Busters for Kids

24 Best Lunar New Year Celebrations and Parades in NYC for Families

The Better Chinatown Society hosts its annual Lunar New Year Parade on Sunday, February 25. Photo by Bob Dea
The Better Chinatown Society hosts its annual Lunar New Year Parade on Sunday, February 25. Photo by Bob Dea
2/2/24 - By Drew Kristofik

Lunar New Year is one of our favorite winter celebrations in New York City. Although the holiday is often referred to as Chinese New Year, many Asian nations celebrate Lunar New Year, and city kids can mark this cultural holiday with family-friendly celebrations citywide, from Chinatown's firecracker ceremony to a Lunar New Year celebration at the Queens Botanical Garden, the FREE celebration at Downtown Brooklyn's Atlantic Terminal Mall, and the New York City Lunar New Year Parade and Festival on Sunday, February 25.

Subscribe to our newsletters to get stories like this delivered directly to your inbox.

As always, click through to our listings for all the information including addresses, times, and recommended ages.

OUR LATEST VIDEOS

The Queens Botanical Garden hosts a celebration in honor of the Year of the Dragon. Photo courtesy of QBG
The Queens Botanical Garden hosts a celebration in honor of the Year of the Dragon. Photo courtesy of QBG

Lunar New Year Celebrations in NYC for Families

Lunar New Year Celebration & Balloontopia Dragon Edition

Downtown Brooklyn – FREE
Saturday, February 3
Celebrate Chinese New Year at City Point with traditional lion dances, Balloontopia Dragon Edition, kids' Lunar New Year-inspired crafts, and family portraits.    READ MORE

Celebrate the Lunar New Year

Elmhurst, Queens – FREE
Saturday, February 3
Queens Center sets the stage for a vibrant and joyous Lunar New Year event. Immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere with an afternoon filled with cultural delights and exciting activities.  READ MORE

Lunar New Year Festival at The Met: Year of the Dragon

Upper East Side
Saturday, February 3
May art bring you good fortune! Celebrate the Year of the Dragon, one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, with performances, interactive activities, and artist-led workshops for all ages at The Met. READ MORE

The Legacy of the Dragon: Lunar New Year Celebration

Dyker Heights, Brooklyn – FREE
Saturday, February 3
Ba Ban Chinese Music Society performs nine unique pieces celebrating Lunar New Year. READ MORE

Moon Over Manhattan: A Lunar New Year Family Day

Upper East Side
Saturday, February 3
The Asia Society invites visitors to ring in the new year with performances and craft activities inspired by Lunar New Year traditions across Asia. READ MORE

La MaMa Kids: The Great Zodiac Animal Race

Lower East Side
Saturday & Sunday, February 3 & 4
This charming shadow puppet show retells the classic Lunar New Year zodiac tale with animals inspired by Asian languages and pictograms. READ MORE

Lunar New Year Celebration – SOLD OUT

Park Slope, Brooklyn
Saturday, February 10
Ring in the Year of the Blue Dragon at Brooklyn Conservatory of Music and enjoy lion dances, live music, festive snacks, candy, calligraphy, crafts, and more. READ MORE

Lunar New Year Family Celebration

Upper West Side – FREE
Saturday, February 10
Ring in 2024 as the Year of the Wood Dragon: abundance, prosperity, and rejuvenation for all! Come celebrate a diasporic Lunar New Year with a family-friendly party featuring a beloved lion dance performance.    READ MORE

Lunar New Year Family Coloring Workshop with artist Stephanie Lee

Flushing, Queens
Saturday, February 10
Celebrate the Year of the Dragon with a Meet the Green Dragon family coloring workshop! Artist Stephanie S. Lee introduces families to the enchanting realm of Korean folk art and teaches how to breathe life into a captivating dragon drawing inspired by 19th-century Minhwa, delicately crafted on Hanji paper. READ MORE

Lunar New Year Firecracker Ceremony and Cultural Festival

Lower East Side – FREE
Saturday, February 10
The Better Chinatown Society's annual New Year's celebration is hosted in Sara D. Roosevelt Park with firecrackers, cultural performances, and much more. READ MORE

Family Art Project: Fan for Lunar New Year

Riverdale, the Bronx
Saturday & Sunday, February 10 & 11
Celebrate the start of the Year of the Dragon by learning about its role in the Chinese zodiac. Then, assemble and decorate a fan inspired by "dragons” in nature: lizards, snakes, and other creatures that call the Bronx home. READ MORE

Lunar New Year at CMOM

Upper West Side
Saturday, February 10-Sunday, February 18
Closed on Monday and Wednesday
CMOM celebrates the Year of the Dragon with fun arts and crafts. READ MORE

SOLD OUT - Annual Lunar New Year Celebration: Year of the Dragon

Flushing, Queens – FREE
Sunday, February 11
Celebrate the Year of the Dragon with folk dances and traditional arts and crafts when the New York Chinese Cultural Center (NYCCC) brings its signature program to the Queens Museum.  READ MORE

Celebrate Lunar New Year

Crown Heights, Brooklyn
Sunday, February 11
Brooklyn Children’s Museum ushers in the Year of the Dragon with storytelling from authors Michele Wong McSween and Yobe Qiu; live music, dance, and kung fu workshops with the New York Chinese Cultural Center; calligraphy workshops with artist Nelson Leung, and a rooftop lion dance parade led by the Chinatown Community Young Lions.  READ MORE

The Sound of Spring: Celebrate Year of the Dragon with the Orchestra Now

Upper West Side
Sunday, February 11
Now in its fifth year, The Sound of Spring is an authentic Chinese New Year concert featuring dramatic orchestral works and world-class Chinese instrument soloists. This year’s program presents a new selection of festive Chinese music to welcome the Lunar New Year, with solo performances by erhu virtuoso Zhang Haiyue and dizi virtuoso Feng Tianshi from the Central Conservatory of Music in China.   READ MORE

Lunar New Year Celebration at Atlantic Terminal Mall

Downtown Brooklyn – FREE
Tuesday, February 13
Atlantic Terminal and the New York Chinese Cultural Center team up to celebrate the Year of the Dragon with traditional Chinese and lion dance performances. READ MORE

Snug Harbor Chinese New Year Celebration

Snug Harbor, Staten Island
Saturday, February 17
Stop by Snug Harbor's Lunar New Year celebration for treats, tales, and traditional crafts. Wear red and gold and participate in storytelling, arts and crafts, performances, and snacks. READ MORE

Lunar New Year Family Festival - SOLD OUT

Chinatown
Saturday, February 17
Welcome the Year of the Dragon with an afternoon of legendary fun for the whole family at the Museum of Chinese in America. Enjoy a wide variety of live performances, family-friendly programming, New Year's treats, and arts and crafts.  READ MORE

Lunar New Year at The Seaport

South Street Seaport – FREE
Saturday, February 17
The Seaport is partnering with the New York Chinese Cultural Center to bring an intergenerational Lunar New Year celebration to life to mark the Year of the Wood Dragon. READ MORE

Lunar New Year at the Queens Botanical Garden

Flushing, Queens – FREE
Sunday, February 18
Celebrate the Year of the Dragon at the Queens Botanical Garden with lion dance performances, a zodiac-themed craft, storytelling, and more. READ MORE

Lunar New Year Celebration

Snug Harbor, Staten Island
Tuesday, February 20
Celebrate the Year of the Dragon with artists from Chinese Theatre Works. Grab a ribbon or a percussive instrument, or just enjoy the spectacle during this event at the Staten Island Children's Museum. READ MORE

Lunar New Year at the Brooklyn Public Library

Prospect Heights, Brooklyn – FREE
Saturday, February 24
The world-renowned Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company visits the Brooklyn Public Library's Central Branch for a fantastic Lunar New Year celebration that includes the famous lion dance, the company's signature ribbon dance and fan dance, and the amazing Peking Opera acrobatics of the long spear dance.  READ MORE

26th Annual New York City Lunar New Year Parade & Festival in Chinatown

Chinatown – FREE
Sunday, February 25
In years past, a half-million spectators have lined the streets of Chinatown for this colorful pan-Asian procession, which includes Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, Taiwanese, Malaysian, and even Hispanic floats and cultural performances.  READ MORE

Red Firecrackers at Flushing Town Hall

Flushing, Queens
Sunday, February 25
The Nai Ni Chen Dance Company presents Red Firecrackers, a spectacular production of dazzling props, colorful costumes, mesmerizing music, fantastic acrobatics, and lively dance by top-notch performers telling the story of the origin of the Chinese Lunar New Year Celebration. READ MORE

Places featured in this article:

Brooklyn Conservatory of Music
Rose Theater, Jazz at Lincoln Center
Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Gardens
Brooklyn Central Library - Dweck Center