Lunar New Year is right around the corner with celebrations starting Sunday, January 22 marking the beginning of the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Rabbit, more specifically the water rabbit. The sign of the rabbit is a symbol of longevity, peace, and prosperity in Chinese culture. Anyone born in a year of the rabbit are believed to be vigilant, witty, quick-minded, and ingenious.
The Lunar New Year fills the city with exciting events taking place across Chicago. Whether you’re enjoying colorful parades, celebrations, or delicious dinners, there are so many ways to celebrate this monumental 15 day holiday!
1. Ring in the year of the rabbit at Chinatown’s Lunar New Year Parade
On January 29th, Celebrate the ‘Year of the Rabbit’ by joining in on festivities in Chinatown. The neighborhood is set to celebrate the official Lunar New Year with a massive parade featuring vibrant floats, decorations and plenty of revelry. The celebration takes place after the Chinese New Year on January 22nd. Grab a good spot in the crowd and see lively marching band performances, decked out parade floats and the traditional lion dancers group performance. Beginning at 24th Street and Wentworth Avenue and traveling north to Cermak Road, head over around 1 pm as the parade is set to start then!
2. Specialty Asian Bakery 2D restaurant is hosting events all month
The famous 2D restaurant is ringing in the holiday with a bevy of special treats, filling the bakery with pineapple cake, mochi donuts, and a Chicago Bulls x LNY party from January 21 to February 21st. Head over to the shop on January 22-23 and 26-27 for a round of Taiwanese Dice Game “Si Ba Lah”. Or stop by for a Vietnamese Bánh chưng Tasting between January 19-21st.
Address: 3155 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657
3. Enjoy dumplings at the 17-th annual Chinese New Year Dumpling Making Dinner
Next Sunday, January 28 head over to Hing Kee Restaurant, (2nd Floor 2140 South Archer Avenue Chicago, IL 60616) from 3 to 5 p.m. for the annual dumpling making dinner hosted by Z.J. Tong, the founder of Chicago Chinese Cultural Institute. The family style event includes dumpling making, along with plenty of storytelling, and lion dancing.
The event is sure to be special, as this is the first time the event is back in person since the pandemic. Tickets go for $50.https:
Address: Hing Kee Restaurant, (2nd Floor 2140 South Archer Avenue Chicago, IL 60616.
4. Enjoy a kid-friendly Chinese Lunar New Year party at the Field Museum
Filled with lion dances, lantern making, live performances, and music galore, why not celebrate the Chinese New Year at the Field Museum at the Play Lab? This year’s annual event is Sunday January 22nd from 1:30 to 2:15 p.m and will feature musical and movement performances by Ruan and Hide in the Play Lab. The next day, head to the Play Lab for Lantern Making Activities all day Sunday!
Address: The Field Museum, 1400 S Lake Shore Dr. Chicago, IL 60605
5. Attend a parade in Uptown at the Argyle Lunar New Year Celebration
Kicking off on Saturday, January 28th, head to a celebratory parade starting at 1 p.m. on Argyle & Winthrop. The free event will feature over 20+ local community groups, dancers, performances and cultural institutions along with a kid-friendly story and craft time from 12 to 12:45 at Bezazian Branch (1226 W. Ainslie Street). After the parade, stick around as local organizations have planned pop-ups from 12 to 4 p.m.