Lunar New Year, also sometimes known as Chinese New Year, will be celebrated in many countries throughout Asia, and many areas in the U.S. as well, on Feb. 10, 2024. Chicago’s Chinatown is home to one of the largest Lunar New Year celebrations 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 Dragon. You can also find more Lunar New Year events listed in our calendar.
Lunar New Year Stories and Craft at South Shore Branch
Feb. 6, 2024
- Address: 2505 E. 73rd St., Chicago Â
- Cost: Free
Ages 5-12 can join the library to celebrate the Year of the Dragon with stories and a craft for Lunar New Year.
Chinese New Year Craft at Vodak-East Side Branch
Feb. 7, 2024
- Address: 3710 E. 106th St., ChicagoÂ
- Cost: Free
Children of all ages can celebrate the Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year by creating crafts at Vodak-East Side Branch. Registration required.
Chinese New Year Craft for Kids at South Chicago Branch
Feb. 7, 2024
- Address: 9055 S. Houston Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Ages 6-13 can join the South Chicago Branch to create a craft for the Chinese New Year.
Chinese New Year Celebration at Woodson Regional Branch
Feb. 8, 2024
- Address: 9525 S. Halsted St., ChicagoÂ
- Cost: Free
Ages 3-13 can enjoy a Chinese New Year Celebration with stories, crafts and games as they are celebrated in China.
Lunar New Year Bilingual Story Time at Chinatown Branch
Feb. 8, 2024
- Address: 2100 S. Wentworth Ave., ChicagoÂ
- Cost: Free
Ages 0-3 can join Chinatown Branch for a bilingual story time to celebrate Lunar New Year. Attendees can also enjoy arts and crafts, and songs. Registration required.
Lunar New Year Celebration at Chinatown Branch
Feb. 8, 2024
- Address: 2100 S. Wentworth Ave., Chicago Â
- Cost: Free
Ages 5-13 can join Chinatown Branch to celebrate Lunar New Year and The Year of the Dragon by making dragon crafts.
Dragon Story Time at Garfield Ridge Branch
Feb. 9, 2024
- Address: 6348 S. Archer Ave., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Ages 3-5 can join the Garfield Ridge Branch for a dragon-themed story time to learn about and celebrate Lunar New Year. Registration required.
Exhibition Preview for YEAR OF THE DRAGON. Early China to LEGO at Heritage Museum of Asian Art
Feb. 9, 2024
- Address: 3500 S. Morgan St., Chicago
- Cost: $25/non-members, free/members
See an original performance choreographed by the dancer and multidisciplinary Irene Hsiao along with wine (for ages 21-plus) and appetizers. Advanced registration required.Â
Drop-In Chinese Lunar New Year Craft at McKinley Park Branch
Feb. 10, 2024
- Address: 1915 W. 35th St., ChicagoÂ
- Cost: Free
Ages 3 and older can drop by the library and make a dragon or a lantern to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year, in collaboration with the Chinese American Service League.
Lunar New Year Celebration at Back of the Yards Branch
Feb. 10, 2024
- Address: 2111 W. 47th St., Chicago
- Cost: Free
Ages 5 and older can celebrate the Lunar New Year with dragon crafts, noise makers, learning how to make Chinese noodles and more. Wear something red. Registration required.Â
Lunar New Year Celebration at Fashion Outlets of Chicago
Feb. 10, 2024
- Address: 5220 Fashion Outlets Way, Rosemont
- Cost: Free
At this kick-off event, guests can enjoy games, performances and activities. Performances will include Kung Fu, Chinese dance, Chinese yo-yo and a children’s choir.
New Moon Market at Little Village Branch
Feb. 10, 2024
- Address: 2311 S. Kedzie Ave., Chicago Â
- Cost: Free
Teens and tweens can come by Little Village Branch to support vendors and other celestial merchants to celebrate the Lunar New Year.
Opening Ceremony for Dragon Exhibition – Ribbon Cutting at Heritage Museum of Asian Art
Feb. 10, 2024
- Address: 3500 S. Morgan St., Chicago
- Cost: $8/non-member adult, $5/student or senior non-member, free/member
Celebrate Lunar New Year with the opening ceremony and ribbon cutting to the Dragon exhibit at the Heritage Museum of Asian Art.Â
2024 Argyle Lunar New Year Celebration
Feb. 17, 2024
- Address: Argyle Street and Winthrop Avenue, Chicago
- Cost: Free
The parade will kick-off at 1 p.m. at Argyle Street and Winthrop Avenue. A number of local organizations are planning pop-ups with family-friendly activities.
Chinese New Year Dumpling Making Dinner at Hing Kee Restaurant
Feb. 17-18, 2024
- Address: 2140 S. Archer Ave., Chicago
- Cost: $38-$50
Celebrate the Chinese New Year with a family-style dining experience on the second floor of Hing Kee Restaurant. Also enjoy lion-dancing, dumpling making, storytelling and more.
CMAA’s Lunar New Year Celebration at Truman College
Feb. 17, 2024
- Address: 1145 W. Wilson Ave., Chicago Â
- Cost: Free
Stop at Truman College prior to the Argyle Lunar New Year Parade for their Lunar New Year celebration. There will be live cultural performances by CMAA youth, complimentary food and raffle prizes. RSVP required.
Lunar New Year Stories and Crafts at Bezazian Branch
Feb. 17, 2024
- Address: 1226 W. Ainslie St., Chicago Â
- Cost: Free
Ages 2-6 can join the library to celebrate the Year of the Dragon with Lunar New Year-themed stories, songs and a craft.
Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade
Feb. 18, 2024
- Address: 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.
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