The Lunar New Year, some also call it the Chinese New Year, is a celebration in many Asian communities that officially begins on Saturday, February 10th, 2024. It is the year of the dragon and now is the time to celebrate! A symbol of dignity, health, honor, success, luck and strength.Here is where to join the fun and celebrate the lunar new year:
Washington, DC
1. Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art: Lunar New Year Family Festival
When: Saturday, February 3, 2024, 11am-4:00pm
Where: National Museum of Asian Art, 1050 Independence Avenue SW, Washington, DC
To mark the start of the year of the dragon, enjoy a lion dance, cooking demonstration, galleries, and activities. Advance registration recommended here.
2. Smithsonian American Art Museum: Lunar New Year Family Celebration
When: Saturday, February 10, 2024, 11:30am-3pm
Where: Smithsonian American Art Museum, 8th and G Streets, NW, Washington, DC
Annual celebration of different Asian cultures with dance and music performances, art demonstrations, crafts, photo booths, face painting, family activities, and a lion dance.
3. DC Chinese Lunar New Year Parade
When: Sunday, February 11, 2024, 11am-2pm
Where: Chinatown/Gallery Place, Washington, DC
Parade, performances, and firecrackers.
4. Daughters of the American Revolution Museum: Lunar New Year Festival
When: Saturday, February 17, 2024, 10am-2pm
Where: 1776 D Street NW, Washington DC
Family-friendly celebration with games, activities and performances. Free, but pre-registration requested.
Maryland
5. Westfield Mall Lunar New Year Celebration
When: Saturday, February 10, 2024, 12:30pm-4:30pm
Where: 7101 Democracy Boulevard, Bethesda, MD
The Chineses Culture and Community Service Center in collaboration with Westfield Montgomery Mall hosts exhibits and performances, including a traditional dragon dance.
6. Rockville Lunar New Year Celebration
When: Saturday, February 17, 2024, 10am-12:30pm
Where: Rockville High School, 2100 Baltimore Road, Rockville, MD
Rockville’s Asian Pacific American Task Force hosts 10 performances, interactive displays, craft activities and snack boxes.
7. Rockville Lantern Festival
When: Saturday, February 17, 2024, 1:00pm-4:00pm
Where: F Scott Fitzgerald Theatre, 603 Edmonston Drive, Rockville, MD
Family-friendly event with cultural performances, drag dances, activities, and story telling. Free admission.
Virginia
8. Tysons Corner Center: Lunar New Year Celebration
When: Saturday, February 3, 2024, 1pm-3pm
Where: Fashion Court, Lower Level Nordstrom Wing, 1961 Chain Bridge Road, Tysons Corner, VA
Hosted by the Asian American Chamber of Commerce and Tysons Corner Center, the celebration will feature cultural dances, magic and fashion shows, and other fun activities.
9. Old Town Alexandria: Lunar New Year Celebration
When: Sunday, February 4, 2024, 12pm-4pm
Where: ALX Community-Atrium, 277 South Washington Street, Alexandria, VA
An annual celebration featuring family-friendly activities and cultural performances. Free, but preregistration required.
10. Winter Lantern Festival
When: through February 18th
Where: 8025 Galleria Drive, Tysons, VA
A dazzling wonderland of over 1,000 handmade lanterns and displays, including animals, light swings, see saws and tunnels.
For more activities, checkout 27 Family-Friendly Cultural Events in Washington, DC.
