Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival in China, will be celebrated in Asian countries and here in the U.S. on Feb. 12, 2021. Due to the pandemic, many community events have gone virtual this year to help usher in the Year of the Ox at home.
Chinese New Year Preparation
Feb. 4 and 10
Hosted by: Chinese American Museum of Chicago and Jewel Osco
Kids who love to cook and their parents are invited to ring in the Year of the Ox with cooking demonstrations, cultural activities, giveaways and more. The Chinese American Museum has partnered with Jewel Osco to help families prep for Lunar New Year celebrations.
Chinese New Year Celebration
When: Feb. 11
Hosted by: Woodson Regional Library, Chicago Public Library
Celebrate Chinese New Year virtually with stories, crafts and a dragon dance. Grab and go craft kits are available while supplies last.
Lunar New Year Virtual Storytime with the Warrior Princess
When: Feb. 13
Hosted by: Hawthorn Mall
To ring in the year of the Ox, grab a sidekick and enjoy a story time, sing-a-long and Q&A with the Warrior Princess. The event will be shown on Facebook Live.
Lunar New Year Storytime (Virtual)
When: Feb. 13
Hosted by: Wilmette Public Library
Welcome the Year of the Ox and practice your Mandarin Chinese with songs and stories about the new year. The event will take place on Zoom.
Chinese New Year Celebration
When: Feb. 17
Hosted by: Chinese American Museum of Chicago
The Chinese American Museum of Chicago will host its annual event virtually on YouTube. The museum will have many performances including lion dancing, music, folk dance, calligraphy, Chinese paper cut art, and other Chinese New Year traditions.
Lunar New Year Parade
When: Feb. 21
Where: Chinatown, Wentworth Ave. and Cermak
The Lunar New Year Parade traditionally includes marching bands, colorful floats and traditional lion dances. In the event that COVID-19 restrictions prevent street closures for the parade, Chinatown will celebrate Chinese New Year by going from business to business with lion dances starting at the south end of Wentworth. At about 1 p.m. there will be a small ceremony in Chinatown Square.
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This story originally published Jan. 23, 2019 and has been updated with the most recent information.
