6 of the best Lunar New Year celebrations in America
Ring in the Year of the Snake with lively parades, foodie treats, performances and more—all right here in the United States, from California to New York and Hawaii
If you’ve wondered where to celebrate Lunar New Year in America, we’ve got you covered. After all, no one wants to miss out on the crackling pop-pop of firecrackers; the illuminated red lanterns strung for good luck; or the colorful, oversized dragons batting their thick lashes as they jauntily dance past.
The celebrations, which take place in late January or early February and are often referred to as Chinese New Year in the States, last about 15 days and welcome the first new moon of the lunar calendar, ushering in the spring season. The Lunar New Year also follows the Chinese Zodiac, making 2025 the Year of the Snake, which symbolizes intelligence, intuition and goodwill. Several U.S. cities host their own spirited celebrations, complete with dragon parades, floats, drummers and dancers. Scroll down for our pick of the best.
Not one, but two parties in Chicago, IL
February 8–9, 2025
Did you know that Chicago has two Chinatowns? That, of course, means double the fun—two colorful parades, plenty of live performances, and traditional music filling the streets. On the city’s North Side, Uptown’s Argyle Street is home to a mix of Chinese, Vietnamese and other Southeast Asian residents who kick off the season with the Argyle Lunar New Year Celebration and Parade on February 8. The following day, Chicago’s South Side Chinese population takes the spotlight, as a stunning display of Year of the Snake-themed floats, dancers, marching bands, and dragon and lion dancers takes over Wentworth Avenue in Chinatown. Stay in the heart of the South Side action at Marriott’s Spring Hill Suites.
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Parades and pyrotechnics in New York City, NY
January 29–February 16, 2025
One of the largest and most well-known Chinatowns in the country, New York City’s Lunar New Year celebrations are always huge, memorable affairs. For the Year of the Snake, Chinatown will host its annual Lunar New Year Parade and Festival on Chinese New Year’s Day (January 29), so visitors can expect a stunning and colorful display of floats accompanied by cultural dances, live marching bands and more. Two weeks later, community celebrations continue with an awesome display of pyrotechnics choreographed to the cymbals and drumbeats of lion, unicorn and dragon dancers during the New Year Firecracker Ceremony and Cultural Festival on February 16. Tip: Cut out of the parade early to beat the crowds to Nom Wah Tea Parlor, an iconic 1920 dim-sum spot. For a great stay, the very affordable Hotel 50 Bowery lets you walk out your door and right into the celebration.
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Light festivals around the world
Storied celebrations in San Francisco, CA
January 25–March 2, 2025
America’s oldest Chinatown is also home to the country’s oldest Lunar New Year parade: San Francisco’s legendary Chinese New Year Parade dates all the way back to 1851. Now televised, the event attracts nearly a million spectators annually with an evening of magnificent floats, marching bands, martial arts, lion dancers, and Miss Chinatown winners waving elegantly from their ornate float—about 100 acts in total. And while the parade is certainly a highlight, San Francisco’s celebration includes a month’s worth of events such as public art shows, a flower market, New Year’s Day Choy Sun Doe fest (which honors Choy Sun, the God of Wealth), Basketball Jamboree, weekend street fair, and the Chinatown YMCA run. Rest up for the celebration at the nearby Orchard Garden Hotel.
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Food and festivities in Boston, MA
January 25 through mid-February
Want to experience Lunar New Year from a Vietnamese and a Chinese perspective? The weekend before Lunar New Year, Boston’s Vietnamese community hosts its annual Tết in Boston festival (Tết is the Vietnamese Lunar New Year). Down at the seaport, you’ll be treated to a two-day affair filled with martial arts, lion dances, and traditional dishes such as sweet chè pudding, sticky rice and spring rolls. A few days later, Boston’s annual Lunar New Year parade fills downtown with fireworks, beautiful floats, cultural dances and traditional foods. The festivities also include a Lunar New Year Cultural Village at the China Trade Center, as well as art-filled events at the Pao Arts Center. Not far from Chinatown, Moxy Boston Downtown offers a central stay for attending both celebrations—and at a great price.
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A pride of lions on parade in Honolulu, HI
January 24–25, 2025
With more than 40% of Oahu residents identifying as Asian, it’s no wonder Honolulu’s Lunar New Year party is a grand tradition that’s been going strong for 75 years. Celebrations start with an evening Choy Cheng performance, where more than 25 lions from nine different dance troupes pounce around “eating” heads of lettuce (symbolizing good fortune) and then spreading the wealth to the audience. Festivities continue the following day at the city’s Chinatown Cultural Plaza, with live entertainment on three stages, keiki (children’s) activities, and more than 50 vendors. It all culminates with the Lunar New Year Parade: The event is the biggest on the Hawaiian Islands, offering a fantastic display of floats showcasing local beauty queens and political figures, along with performances by the Royal Hawaiian band, lion and dragon dances, and more. Stay close to Chinatown at the AC by Marriott Hotel Honolulu.
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A cultural guide to Honolulu, Oahu
Vietnamese celebrations in Westminster, CA
January 29–February 2, 2025
Sure, you could visit Los Angeles’ wonderful Golden Dragon Parade, but head south to Orange County and you’ll find yourself in the heart of Little Saigon, a multi-city district home to the largest diasporic Vietnamese population in the US. Here, celebrations take place over the first weekend of the Lunar New Year with the city of Westminster’s Tết Parade on Bolsa Avenue, Little Saigon’s main thoroughfare. At the Asian Garden Mall, the annual Flower Festival will be popping up from January 9–27. Plus, returning to Garden Grove Park for 2025, the UVSA (Union of Vietnamese Student Associations) hosts its annual UVSA Tết Festival, with this year’s theme of “Thành Phố Hoa,” or “The City of Flowers.” Highlights include performances by Vietnamese celebrity singers, a Miss Vietnam of Southern California pageant, authentic food stalls, and a firecracker show. Post up at the family-friendly Home2 Suites by Hilton Garden Grove, which has a pool, plus kitchenettes in each room.
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Mai Pham is a food, wine and travel writer based in Houston, Texas. Her work has appeared in Condé Nast Traveler, Forbes Travel Guide, U.S. News and World Report, and the Houston Chronicle. She can say “I love you” in more than 30 languages, and will travel for food.
