The Lunar New Year—also commonly known as Chinese New Year—begins Saturday, Feb. 10 and marks the start of the Year of the Dragon. Lunar New Year is considered the most important holiday in many Asian countries. The celebration starts with the first day of the first lunar month in the calendar, and ends with the ‘Lantern Festival’ on the 15th day. The new year celebrations traditionally last for 16 days starting from New Year’s Eve to the Lantern Festival.
Celebrations vary depending on the culture and country, but typically families visit senior member of their extended family on the first day of the Lunar New Year. The Lion dance is typically performed to help usher in the New Year and expel evil spirits. Gift giving is usually part of a New Year celebration. Often red packets containing cash is given to children and teenagers by family members.
Here’s how to celebrate Lunar New Year in our area:
Saturday, Feb. 10
Westfield Montgomery Mall Lunar New Year Celebration from 12:30 to 4 p.m.
7101 Democracy Boulevard
Bethesda
The Chinese Culture and Community Service Center, a Gaithersburg-based nonprofit that promotes appreciation of Chinese culture, hosts the Lunar New Year Celebration in collaboration with Westfield Montgomery Mall. Enjoy a traditional dragon dance, exhibits and performances
Saturday, Feb. 17
Rockville Lunar New Year Celebration from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Rockville High School
2100 Baltimore Road
Rockville Lunar New Year Celebration is organized with the help of Rockville’s Asian Pacific American Task Force to celebrate Rockville’s Asian cultures with performances, interactive displays, kids’ crafts, and to-go snack boxes (while supplies last). The celebration takes place Saturday, Feb 17 from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Rockville High School. Performances begin at 10:30 a.m.
There will be 10 performances, including the traditional lion dance by the Choy Wun Dance Troupe, Indian dance by the Natanjali School of Dance, Korean drumming by the Peace Mission Korean Dance Group. Learn more about the event online at the Rockville Lunar New Year web page.
Rockville Lantern Festival from 1 to 4 p.m.
F Scott Fitzgerald Theatre
603 Edmonston Drive
Rockville
The Rockville Sister Cities Corporation organizes this family-friendly event which features the Dragon Dance, cultural performances, activities, story telling and a photo booth on Saturday, Feb. 17 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the F. Scott Fitzgerald Theatre in Rockville. Free, reserve a spot online here.
New Year Events Happening in D.C.
National Museum of Asian Art Lunar New Year Family Festival (11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3, National Museum of Asian Art in D.C., free): A traditional lion dance, cooking demonstration, special gallery tour and hands-on activities will mark the start of the Year of the Dragon. Advance registration is recommended and may be done online here.
D.C. Annual Chinese Lunar New Year parade
Sunday, Feb. 11 at 2 p.m. at Chinatown/Gallery Place in D.C.
A parade of performers and community members along parts of I, 8th, G, 7th and H streets Northwest will conclude with a firecracker show in the middle of H Street.
Smithsonian American Art Museum (SAAM) and Renwick Gallery Lunar New Year Family Zone
Ring in the Lunar New Year both in person and online with SAAM, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in the United States, and the Korean Cultural Center of Washington, DC.
Saturday, Feb. 10, joinn in person for the annual celebration featuring Chinese and Korean traditions, including performances, crafts, and food. Registration is full.
Find crafts, coloring pages, and videos of performances to enjoy at home here.
