Ring in the Lunar New Year in Chicago! With Chinese New Year officially right around the corner, there are splendid ways to celebrate in Chicago. From colorful parades and cultural celebrations to mouth-savoring dinners and crafts.
Celebrations commence on Sunday, February 10th, marking the beginning of the Lunar New Year; this year, it’s the Year of the Dragon. The Dragon is considered a symbol of strength, courage, and good fortune. Make it one to remember during this monumental 15-day holiday!
1. Ring in the year of the rabbit at Chinatown’s Lunar New Year Parade
The Chinese New Year falls on February 10, 2024, and this year, you can celebrate the ‘Year of the Dragon’ by joining in on festivities in Chinatown’s annual Lunar New Year parade. On Sunday, February 18, 2024, the neighborhood is set to celebrate the official Lunar New Year with a massive parade featuring vibrant floats, decorations, and plenty of revelry.
Grab a good spot in the crowd and see lively marching band performances, decked-out parade floats, and the traditional lion dancers group performance.
2. Celebrate at Sunda with a Chinese New Year Menu
One of our favorite Southeast Asian restaurants is celebrating the Lunar New Year by adding delicious menu items. While the restaurant is known for creative Asian fusion fare, sushi, and more, patrons are in for a treat. From February 1st to February 29th, order the Cumin Lamb Dumplings, the Seafood Lo Mein, a Pan Seared Rainbow Trout, and the Luck and Wealth cookie assortment.
Address: 110 W Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60654
4. Make a dragon or lantern with your kids
Head to McKinley Park, drop in, and make a dragon or a lantern to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year in Chicago!
Address: 1915 W. 35th Street, Chicago, IL 60609
5. Attend a parade in Uptown at the Argyle Lunar New Year Celebration
This annual tradition goes back 40+ years and is one of the quintessential ways to celebrate the Chinese New Year in Chicago. Join Uptown United and Argyle Street’s local businesses, nonprofits, and cultural organizations for the 2024 Lunar New Year.
They’ll host the Lunar New Parade on Saturday, February 17th, to welcome the Year of the Dragon. Kick-off begins at 1:00 pm sharp and will feature 20+ local community groups, cultural institutions, dancers, and performers. In addition, some local organizations are planning pop-ups with family-friendly activities between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm.
Address: W Argyle St and N Winthrop Ave, Chicago, IL, 60640