Happy Lunar New Year!
Happy Year of the Dog, BKLYNERs!
Today is 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 some family-friendly ways to celebrate the Year of the Dog in Brooklyn and say, “Gung Hay Fat Choy!”
Lunar New Year in Prospect Park
When: Friday, February 16, 12pm to 3pm
Where: Lefferts Historic House, 452 Flatbush Avenue
What: Along with various family-friend programs at the Prospect Park Audubon Center, the Prospect Park Alliance is hosting an event to celebrate the Lunar New Year at the Lefferts Historic House. Kids can learn to make paper lanterns as well as good luck paper crafts.
How Much: $3 suggested donation
Campfire Conversations: Lunar New Year
When: Friday, February 16, 3pm to 4pm
Where: Lefferts Historic House, 452 Flatbush Avenue
What: A story hour hosted by the Prospect Park Alliance and Brooklyn Public Library, kids will sit by a fire and listen to holiday tales and enjoy classic Lunar New Year treats.
How Much: $3 suggested donation
Lunar New Year At the Prospect Park Zoo
When: Saturday, February 17 and Sunday, February 18, 11am to 4pm
Where: Prospect Park Zoo (located in the Children’s Corner near the Willink entrance, at Flatbush Avenue & Empire Boulevard. There is also an entrance on Flatbush Avenue.)
What: The Prospect Park Zoo is hosting a celebration of the Year of the Dog starring Prospect Park’s favorite canines—the dingoes! Chinese Theatre Works will perform a shadow puppet show and calligraphy artists will teach kids how to write the Chinese character for dog.
How Much: Free with admission to zoo, Adults $8, Children ages 3-12 $5, Seniors $6
Brooklyn Lunar New Year Parade
When: Sunday, February 18, 11am
Where: 8th Avenue & 50th Street, Sunset Park
What: Hosted annually by the Brooklyn Chinese-American Association, the parade features lion and dragon dancers alongside drummers and a variety of other colorful characters. Before the parade, there will be free cultural performances and activities starting at 11am, with opening ceremonies at noon including speeches by elected officials and fireworks.
Year of the Dog Celebration at Brooklyn Borough Hall
When: Thursday, February 22, 6pm to 9pm
Where: Brooklyn Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon Street, Downtown Brooklyn
What: Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams and the Sino American New York Brooklyn Archway Association are hosting a New Year celebration featuring live cultural performances and traditional Asian cuisine.
Lunar New Year at New Utrecht Hight School
When: Sunday, March 4, 2pm to 5pm
Where: 1601 80th Street, Bensonhurst
What: Senator Marty Golden hosts this annual Lunar New Year celebration featuring a lion dance and performances by local schoolchildren.