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New York City’s Year of the Snake Celebrations

The Welcome Guide® Staff

New York City’s Year of the Snake Celebrations

New York City is gearing up to welcome the Year of the Snake with an array of exciting Lunar New Year celebrations in 2025! From vibrant parades and traditional performances to cultural workshops and family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Highlights include the South Street Seaport Museum’s day-long festivities, the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company’s dazzling gala, The Met’s immersive festival, Gotham Park’s Lunar New Year Fair, and Chinatown’s iconic parade and firecracker ceremony. Each event offers a unique experience that highlights the rich traditions and diverse cultures behind this beloved holiday. With free and ticketed options available, these events are perfect for all ages and interests. Get ready to immerse yourself in the joy and splendor of the Lunar New Year across New York City!

Celebrate Lunar New Year 2025 in NYC with These Spectacular Events

The South Street Seaport Museum will host a vibrant Lunar New Year celebration on Saturday, February 1, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. as part of the neighborhood’s festivities welcoming the Year of the Snake. Visitors can enjoy free admission to the museum, along with a variety of engaging cultural activities for all ages. Highlights include Chinese Calligraphy Workshops led by artists from the New York Chinese Cultural Center, teaching participants how to write traditional characters tied to themes of prosperity and the sea. Additionally, guests can participate in crafting nautical-inspired Chinese Lion Chains, blending maritime and cultural traditions. Explore these enriching experiences and more throughout the day at the Seaport Museum. For details, visit seaportmuseum.org/lunar-new-year.

The Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company, in collaboration with the Chinese Music Ensemble of New York, will host a vibrant Lunar New Year Gala on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at 5:30 p.m. at the DiMenna Center for Classical Music in New York City. This special event celebrating the Year of the Snake will feature an evening filled with cocktails, cuisine, captivating performances, and festive activities. Tickets, including sponsorship and VIP options, are available through their website. For over three decades, the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company has been a pioneering force in showcasing Chinese-American culture, blending traditional Asian dance with contemporary choreography. Gala proceeds will fund outreach programs, educational initiatives, collaborations, and accessibility projects, with a portion of ticket costs being tax-deductible.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art will host a Lunar New Year Festival on Saturday, January 25, to celebrate the Year of the Snake. The event will feature engaging programming, including performances, art-making workshops, storytelling, and talks, designed to honor diverse Lunar New Year traditions across Asia. Activities will run from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. throughout the Museum and are free with admission. Highlights include a lion dance kickoff, live performances by the Sesame Street Muppeteers and other artists, and a Community Culture Hub showcasing various organizations. Visitors can also enjoy expert demonstrations on topics like calligraphy and music, as well as related exhibitions showcasing The Met’s vast collection of Asian art. Admission is pay-as-you-wish for New Yorkers and students from Connecticut and New Jersey, with free access for Members and children under 12.

Join the vibrant celebration of the Year of the Snake at Gotham Park’s Lunar New Year Fair, running from February 7-9, 2025. This free weekend event transforms the park, located at Rose Street and Avenue of the Finest, into a hub of tradition, community, and joy. Visitors can explore offerings from 17 unique vendors, including beloved Chinatown staples and innovative new businesses while enjoying delicious food, lively activities, and festive shopping. Perfect for all ages, this celebration encapsulates the spirit of the Lunar New Year in one of Lower Manhattan’s most dynamic spaces. Event hours are Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

The 27th annual Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade & Festival promises to be a vibrant celebration of culture, community, and tradition in the heart of New York City. Scheduled for Sunday, February 16, 2025, the parade will kick off at 1:00 p.m., weaving its way through the lively streets of Chinatown. The festivities begin earlier, with festival booths set up from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. along Bayard Street, between Mulberry and Mott Streets, offering food, crafts, and cultural exhibits. Additionally, the New Year Firecracker Ceremony & Cultural Festival will take place on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, marking the first day of the Lunar New Year with an exciting display of traditional firecrackers and cultural performances. This event, running from 11:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Sara D. Roosevelt Park, will celebrate the rich heritage of the Chinese community, providing an unforgettable experience for all attendees.