Year of the Rooster: 6 Family-Friendly Ways to Celebrate the Lunar New Year
Happy year of the rooster! January 28 marks the start of the Chinese Lunar New Year, a time for many joyous celebrations including large family dinners, vibrant dragon and lion dances, lantern festivals, firecrackers, and lucky red envelopes (hongbaos) filled with cash.
Here are 6 family-friendly ways to welcome the new year in Brooklyn and say, “Gung Hay Fat Choy!”
Brooklyn Lunar New Year Parade
Hosted annually by the Brooklyn Chinese-American Association, the parade features lion and dragon dancers alongside powerful drummers and a variety of other colorful characters. The event will also include free cultural performances for kids and adults.
When: Sunday, January 29 at noon
Where: Eighth Avenue and 50th Street
Lunar New Year Celebration at David A. Boody I.S. 228
Join the faculty, students, and staff at David A. Boody I.S. 228 in celebrating the Lunar New Year with a lion dance and performances by the junior high school’s Chinese Dance Troupe, Tiger Cheerleaders, and Hip Hop Team.
When: Thursday, February 2, 6pm
Where: 228 Avenue S and West 4th Street
CBA Culture & Arts Center Performance
CBA Culture & Arts Center will present a New Year’s celebration with music, dance, and singing at the Brooklyn Public Library’s Grand Army Plaza branch.
When: Saturday, February 4, 1-2pm
Where: Brooklyn Public Library, Dweck Center, 10 Grand Army Plaza
Celebrate Chinese New Year with Chinese Theater Works
Learn about traditional Chinese music by plucking on a Guzheng (a 21-string zither), listening to excerpts from Chinese operas (like “Peony Pavillion” and “Monkey King”), and practicing the Lion Dance.
When: Saturday, February 4, 1-2pm
Where: McKinley Park Library, 6802 Fort Hamilton Parkway at 68th Street
Lunar New Year at the Prospect Park Zoo
Celebrate the Year of the Rooster with actual chickens and roosters from the zoo’s flock! There will also be a Chinese zodiac-themed scavenger hunt, crafts, and puppet performances by the Chinese Theater Works. Free with admission.
When: Saturday, February 18, 11am-4pm
Where: Prospect Park Zoo, 450 Flatbush Avenue
Sunset Park Lantern Festival
An annual event featuring cultural performances, martial arts, lion dancing, art & crafts, calligraphy, and more.
When: Info on date and time to come.
Where: 8th Avenue, between 53rd Street and 55th Street
