Update (Jan. 27): The city of Rockville has cancelled the Lunar New Year celebration scheduled for Feb 1.
Original: The Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year, is a centuries-old celebration of the new calendar year. The new lunar year will last from Jan. 25, 2020 to Feb. 11, 2021. The new year celebrations, known as the Spring Festival, last for 15 days and this year ends on February 8.
Events are being held throughout Montgomery County to celebrate the 2020 Lunar New Year.
21st Annual Lunar New Year Festival at Lakeforest Mall
The Chinese Culture and Community Service Center, a Gaithersburg-based nonprofit that promotes the appreciation of Chinese heritage, is hosting its 21st annual Lunar New Year Festival in collaboration with the Lakeforest Mall. This two-week event, which starts on Jan. 25 and will run through Feb. 2, features performances, displays and workshops throughout.
Exhibits include a main attraction that teaches visitors about traditional Chinese medicine, a photo gallery, and an art display presenting an array of mediums, including oil painting, water color and calligraphy. Demonstrations and hands-on workshops are also being held, including arts and crafts, a community service fair and a calligraphy tutorial. The festival opens Saturday, Jan. 25 with a dragon and lion dance ceremony at 11:45 a.m.
A variety of performances – dance, martial arts and music, among other forms – will be held from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25 and Sunday, Jan. 26, Saturday, Feb. 1, and Sunday, Feb. 2. The festival will conclude with a dragon dance ceremony at 5 p.m. on Sunday.
Lunar New Year Festival | Lakeforest Mall
Montgomery County Public Libraries Celebrate Lunar New Year
The Montgomery County Public Libraries system is also hosting numerous Lunar New Year events at various locations. The programs include crafts, folk dancing and singing, and traditional Lion Dance performances.
Schedule of events at the libraries:
- Saturday, Jan. 25 from 11 a.m. to noon
The Chinese Youth Club of Washington, DC perform a Lion Dance.
Connie Morella Library, 7400 Arlington Road, Bethesda - Saturday, Jan. 25 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
The Li-Ming Chinese Academy perform the Lion Dance. The event will be held on the second floor of the Library/Community Recreation Center.
Wheaton Library, 11701 Georgia Ave, Silver Spring - Saturday, Jan. 25 from 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Chinese pianist Li-Ly Chang with friends will perform music from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Canton, Macau and more. All ages are welcome. A reception will follow with Asian goodies and treats.
Twinbrook Library, 202 Meadow Hall Drive, Rockville - Saturday, Jan. 25: 3 to 4 p.m.
The Chinese Youth Club of Washington DC. perform a Lion Dance.
Chevy Chase Library, 8005 Connecticut Ave. - Monday, Jan. 27: 4 to 5 p.m.
Celebrate all things dragon with three dragon crafts, music and lots of fun.
Long Branch Library, 8800 Garland Ave, Silver Spring - Saturday, Feb. 1: 2 to 3 p.m.
The Li-Ming Chinese Academy perform a dragon dance, a lion dance, a shadow puppet show and more.
Germantown Library, 19840 Century Blvd., Germantown - Saturday, Feb. 8: 1 to 2 p.m.
The Kuang Chi Chinese School present Chinese folk dance.
Rockville Memorial Library, 21 Maryland Ave. - Saturday, Feb. 29: 1 to 2 p.m.
The Kuang Chi Chinese School present a program for families including a Lion Dance, stories and crafts in observance of Chinese New Year.
Davis Library, 6400 Democracy Blvd., Bethesda
Cancelled: Rockville Celebrates Lunar New Year
Rockville will celebrate the Lunar New Year with a free event that includes performances, interactive activities and cultural displays. The event is organized with the help of Rockville’s Asian Pacific American Task Force. It is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 1 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at Rockville High School. Performances will begin at 1:30 p.m.
