Celebrate Lunar New Year in New York City

Lunar New Year is one of our favorite winter celebrations in New York City, and we're particularly excited for 2018's family activities. School-aged kids ought to be excited, too, as the holiday gives them an extra day off from school.

Often referred to as Chinese New Year, although many Asian nations celebrate it, the holiday takes place on Friday, February 16, 2018, and ushers in the Year of the Dog. Mark this cultural holiday with a family-friendly celebration. We've got the scoop on the best Lunar New Year parades, family dance parties, museum events, crafts, and more for NYC kids.

Canines get their time in the spotlight at the Queens Zoo. Starting at 11 a.m., visitors can join a wide array of holiday activities, from a zodiac-animal Checkout Chinatown's annual Lunar New Year celebration for stunning visuals, tantalizing treats and impressive performances. This street party features all sorts of vendors, food, and festivities for all ages to welcome the Year of the Dog. The parade winds its way through the main streets of Little Italy and Chinatown, and festivities start at 1 pm. A related celebration, the Firecracker Ceremony, and Cultural Festival take place on February 16, the first day of the Lunar New Year—things get going at 11 am, with the fireworks scheduled for noon. Also note that similarly exuberant Lunar New Year events take place in the City’s other Chinatowns: Sunset Park, Brooklyn, and Flushing, Queens. scavenger hunt and fortune cookie snack time to a furry animal meet-and-greet and presentation of fascinating coyote facts. (53-51 111th St., Flushing Meadows, 718-271-1500, queenszoo.com; 11 a.m., $5-$8)