Lunar New Year, also sometimes known as Chinese New Year, will be celebrated in many countries throughout Asia (and here in the U.S.) on Jan. 22, 2023. Chicago’s Chinatown is one of the largest in North America.
Here are some of the Lunar New Year celebrations taking place in Chicago and the suburbs to usher in the Year of the Rabbit. You can also find more Lunar New Year events listed in our calendar.
Lunar New Year
Jan. 14, 2023
- Address: Buffalo Grove Park District Community Arts Center, 225 McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove
- Cost: Free
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with family-friendly activities like lunar masks, lantern decorating and kit decorating. Food and drinks available for purchase. Registration required.
Chinese New Year Storytime
Jan. 15, 2023
- Address: Lake Forest Library, 360 E. Deerpath Road, Lake Forest
- Cost: Free
Ring in the Year of the Rabbit with a special storytime, paper lantern craft and more at this drop-in event.
Lunar New Year Celebration/Chinese New Year Celebration
Jan. 17, 2023
- Address: Palatine Library District – Main Library, 700 N. North Court, Palatine
- Cost: Free
Ages 4 and up can celebrate Lunar New Year with stories and a craft presented by the Northwest Suburban Chinese School. Registration required.
Lunar New Year Celebration
Jan. 18, 2023
- Address: Park District of Highland Park, 636 Ridge Road, Highland Park
- Cost: $15/resident, $20/non-resident
Participants will create a traditional snack and a Lunar New Year craft. Wear red, gold or other brightly-colored clothing. For ages 7-10.
Lunar New Year Craft
Jan. 19, 2023
- Address: Chicago Public Library, Woodson Regional Branch, 9525 S. Halsted St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Ages 6-13 can celebrate the Lunar New Year with Ms. Bing at Woodson Regional Branch. There will be a moon rabbit story and a quick video.
2023 Chinese New Year Celebration
Jan. 21, 2023
- Address: Chinese American Museum of Chicago, 238 W. 23rd St., Chicago
- Cost: $0-$15
Welcome the Year of the Rabbit at the Chinese American Museum’s annual New Year Celebration. There will be many performances including singing, folk dance, food, Chinese traditional music, QiPao fashion show, poetry, Chinese calligraphy and more.
Celebrate Lunar New Year in Calligraphy
Jan. 21, 2023
- Address: Heritage Museum of Asian Art, 3500 S. Morgan St., Chicago
- Cost: $10
Join the museum to make your own calligraphy artwork at the museum. All writing materials are provided. The ticket also includes a free Chinese calligraphy book and a brush for you to take home.
Chinese New Year Dumpling Making Dinner
Jan. 21, 2023
- Address: Hing Kee Restaurant, 2nd Floor, 2140 S. Archer Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $38-$50
Celebrate the Chinese New Year with a family-style dining experience at Hing Kee Restaurant. Also, lion-dancing, dumpling making, storytelling and more.
Lunar New Year Celebration
Jan. 21, 2023
- Address: Fashion Outlets of Chicago, 5220 Fashion Outlets Way, Rosemont
- Cost: Free
At this event, guests can enjoy games and activities such as lantern crafting, Chinese calligraphy, Chopstick Challenge and more. Performances will include Kung Fu, two-string violin, Chinese yo-yo and a children’s choir
Lunar New Year Celebration
Jan. 24, 2023
- Address: Chicago Public Library, Back of the Yards Branch, 2111 W. 47th St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Ages 13 and under can celebrate the Lunar New Year with a colorful evening of arts and crafts, stories and more.
2023 Argyle Lunar New Year Celebration
Jan. 28, 2023
- Address: Argyle Street and Winthrop Avenue, Chicago
- Cost: Free
The parade will kick-off at Argyle and Winthrop and will head east along Argyle Street, north along Broadway, east on Winona and south on Sheridan to Argyle Street. In addition, a number of local organizations are planning pop-ups with family-friendly activities.
Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade
Jan. 28, 2023
- Address: Chinatown, Wentworth Avenue and Cermak Road, Chicago
- Cost: Free
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, and traditional lion and dragon dances.
This post is updated annually.
Follow Chicago Parent on Instagram.
