Even though New Year’s Eve passed, we can still celebrate new beginnings.
Chinese Year New, or the Lunar New Year, is one of the biggest events in Chinese and Chinese-American tradition. The cultural zodiac is represented by 12 different animals, and January 28 of this year marks the Year of the Rooster. The rooster symbolizes characteristics like loyalty and hard work. So, this really is the year to be your best ‘you’ yet.
In case you didn’t know, Chicago’s Chinese community is incredibly vibrant. The city is actually the second oldest settlement of Chinese citizens in America. If you want to celebrate the Chinese New Year, you’re in a pretty great place. Here are the best places to go.
Chicago Cultural Center
A kickoff celebration of the Chinese New Year season will take place at noon on Monday, January 30 at the Chicago Cultural Center, featuring dances, music, and martial arts performances, including a special appearance by Jackie Chan’s Long Yun Kung Fu Troupe.
Chinatown Gate
The Lunar New Year parade takes place for another year in Chinatown, obviously the best place to celebrate in Chicago. From 1pm – 3pm, witness beautiful dragon dances and gorgeous floats through the Chinatown streets as you take in this spectacular tradition on Sunday, February 5.
Restaurants of Chinatown
You can’t go to Chinatown without getting food. Hing Kee is hosting an annual Dumpling Dinner, and Furama is holding Dim Sum classes. Other tasty joints like MingHin, Joy Yee, and Phoenix are sure to have incredible dishes that are perfect to try this time of year.
Argyle Street
Are you a Northsider who doesn’t have time to make your way South to Chinatown? Worry not – Uptown hosts a party of its own. The Argyle Lunar New Year Celebration returns with jaw-droppingly colorful dances and festivities that run from 1pm – 2:30pm on Saturday, February 4, beginning underneath the Argyle Red Line station.
Chicago Symphony Orchestra
Alive with the sound of music? The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is ringing in the Chinese New Year with a Butterfly Lovers concerto, featuring the beautiful sounds of traditional and contemporary Chinese music. The concert starts at 3pm on Sunday, January 29.
The Art Institute of Chicago
The museum will host multiple activities from January 17 through February 11 in celebration of the Chinese New Year, including Guzheng performances, a Lion Dance, tours of Asian art collections, Chinese calligraphy demos, and kid-friendly programs.
Navy Pier
Part of Navy Pier’s “Neighborhoods of the World” series, a display of dances, crafts, and a lantern festival in honor of the end of the Chinese New Year season will take place at the Pier’s Crystal Gardens on Sunday, February 12 from 12pm – 4pm.
