Lunar New Year, commonly known as Chinese New Year, will be celebrated in many countries throughout Asia (and here in the U.S.) on Feb. 5, 2019. Chicago's Chinatown is one of the largest in North America. Here are some of the Lunar New Year celebrations taking place there and all around in Chicago to usher in the Year of the Pig.
Lunar New Year Celebration - North Suburbs
When: Feb. 2
Where: Fashion Outlets of Chicago 5220 Fashion Outlets Way, Rosemont
Fashion Outlets of Chicago’s shoppers can enjoy a Chinese Lunar New Year event with a variety of festive games, activities and cultural performances including Xilin Dance Company, Barrington Elementary School, Huaxing Children Choir and more.
Chinese New Year Celebration at the Art Institute of Chicago
When: Feb. 2
Where: Art Institute of Chicago, 159 E. Monroe, Chicago
Celebrate the Year of the Pig and its promise of prosperity at this multi-generational event featuring art making, storytelling, music, game, and gallery tours in English and Mandarin.
Lunar New Year Celebration
When: Feb. 3
Where: 520 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago
The Shops at North Bridge shoppers can also enjoy a special Lunar New Year kickoff event. A variety of games and activities will be offered at 10 booths throughout Level One of the shopping center, including lantern crafting, Chinese calligraphy, a photo booth and more, alongside cultural performances presented by the Huaxing Arts Troupe.
Chinese New Year Celebration
When: Feb. 3
Where: Bubbles Academy, 2184 N. Elston, Chicago
Celebrate the Chinese New Year with Bubbles Academy and Little Linguists. Enjoy traditional food, crafts, open play and a performance by Little Linguists Arts Academy instructors.
Chinese New Year Kickoff Celebration
When: Feb. 5
Where: Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St., Chicago
Celebrate the first day of the Year of the Pig with the Chinese Fine Arts Society at the Citywide Chinese New Year Kickoff! Enjoy a multi-arts performance featuring Lion dance; a rare pipa performance from Silk Road artist Yang Wei; martial arts; the award-winning Flying Fairies dance troupe; Chinese zither; and direct from Beijing: a sneak peek of the China National Peking Opera Company’s comedic and acrobatic At the Crossroads, a famous opera based on a story from the Water Margin, one of the four classic novels of Chinese literature.
Chinese New Year Celebration
When: Feb. 9
Where: Chinese-American Museum of Chicago, 238 W. 23rd St., Chicago
Join the Chinese American Museum of Chicago in welcoming and celebrating the Year of the Pig at our Annual Chinese New Year Celebration. The festive event will feature Chinese music, Chinese food, arts and crafts, and more.
Argyle Lunar New Year Parade
When: Feb. 9
Where: Argyle Parade, Argyle & Winthrop, Chicago
The parade will kick-off at Argyle & Winthrop and will head east along Argyle St., south along Sheridan Rd., west along Ainslie St., and north along Broadway to Argyle St. The Latin School will have art workshops and family-friendly fun to coincide with the parade.
Lunar New Year Parade
When: Feb. 10
Where: Chinatown, Wentworth Avenue and Cermak Road, Chicago
The parade kicks off at 24th Street and Wentworth Avenue and heads north up Wentworth to Cermak Road. The parade features marching bands, colorful floats, traditional lion dances and a special appearance by Ronald McDonald.
The Pig Freeze: Lunar New Year 2019
When: Feb. 15
Where: The Shops at Roosevelt Collection, 150 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago
In honor of the Year of the Pig, there will be an official unveiling of a larger-than-life ice sculpture; the sculpture will include a “piggy bank” element where guests can donate to support Chinatown’s own Project:VISION. Lion dancers will perform and the first 200 guests will also be eligible for free bao from Piko Street Kitchen.
Global Connections: Chinese New Year
When: Feb. 16
Where: Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago
Head to the Aon Grand Ballroom for an afternoon celebration of Chinese New Year, featuring live dance, music, and other performances, plus traditional food, crafts and more.
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