Photo courtesy of Chicago Chinatown Community Foundation From Chinatown to Asia on Argyle, Borderless compiled a list of celebrations and events for the widely celebrated holiday.
Lunar New Year is widely celebrated in East and Southeast Asia, including in countries like China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore and South Korea.
This year, the holiday kicks off Wednesday, Jan. 29. The celebration is based on the lunar calendar, taking place when the second new moon appears after the winter solstice. The starting date varies every year, and the celebrations typically run for about two weeks.
Lunar New Year signals the start of spring, and many holiday traditions vary by culture. During the holidays, family and friends enjoy a variety of traditions and meals, such as Chinese jiaozi (dumplings) and Korean Tteokguk (rice cake soup), to represent good fortune in the new year.
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The holiday is associated with the Chinese zodiac, which has shaped the zodiacs of other Asian countries like Korea, Japan and Vietnam. Each year of the zodiac is associated with an animal and its characteristics, with this year marking the year of the snake.
Borderless Magazine compiled a list of places to celebrate across the Chicago area.
Where: Fashion Outlets of Chicago food court, 5220 Fashion Outlets Way
When: Sat., Jan. 25; 1- 3:30 p.m. (from Jan. 24 to Feb. 16)
Contact: 847-957-4600
Fees: Free
The celebration features cultural games and a performance from Naperville’s Huaxing Arts Group.
Where: Indian Prairie Public Library, 401 Plainfield Road
When: Thurs., Jan. 30; 3:30 p.m.- 5 p.m.
Fees: Free
The family-friendly event for kids 12 and under includes crafts and activities.
Global Connections: Lunar New Year
Where: Aon Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier, 840 E. Grand Ave.
When: Sat., Feb. 1; 1 p.m.- 5 p.m.
Fees: Free
Ring in the Year of the Snake with a festive and interactive installment inside the Aon Grand Ballroom.
Where: Chinese American Museum of Chicago, 238 W. 23rd St.
When: Sat., Feb. 1; 2 p.m.- 4 p.m.
Contact: 312-949-1000
Fees: General tickets are $8.88 but are free for museum members.
Join the Chinese American Museum of Chicago for a festive afternoon featuring lunch, games, and traditional activities like calligraphy.
Where: Korean Cultural Center of Chicago, BISCO Hall, 9600 Capital Dr.
When: Sat., Feb. 1; 2 p.m.- 4 p.m.
Contact: event@kccoc.org
Fees: General admission starts at $20
This Seol celebration includes traditional Korean snacks, games and performances.
A Loooooooong Celebration: Lunar New Year Show
Where: Heritage Museum of Asian Art, 3500 S. Morgan St.
When: Sat., Feb. 1; 6 p.m.- 9 p.m.
Contact:
Fees: Ticket prices vary
Say goodbye to the Year of the Dragon with performances from Beyond This Point, Hun Hazy and Friends of the Gamelan.
Where: Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St, 2nd Floor North
When: Sun., Feb. 2; 2- 4:30 p.m.
Fees: Free; RSVP here.
A free screening of the 2024 Chinese film Successor, a “dark satirical comedy about helicopter parents who turn their son’s life into ‘The Truman Show.’”
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Argyle Lunar New Year Celebration
Where: Intersection of Argyle and Sheridan in Uptown
When: Sat., Feb. 8; 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Fees: Free
The celebration, organized by local cultural and non-profits, includes pop-ups and a parade starting at 1 p.m.
Chinatown’s Lunar New Year Parade
Where: Begins at the intersection of 24th Street and Wentworth Ave.
When: Sun., Feb. 9; 1- 3 p.m.
Fees: Free
Chicago Chinatown’s annual parade features colorful floats and signature dragon and lion dancers.
Vietnamese Association of Illinois Lunar New Year Celebration
Where: Furama Restaurant, 4936 N. Broadway Ave.
When: Sat., Feb.15; 6 p.m.- 9 p.m.
The event includes dinner, performances and a live DJ.
Where: Clarendon Hills Public Library, 7 N. Prospect Clarendon Hills
When: Friday, Feb. 28; 10 a.m.- 10:30 a.m.
Fees: Free
The storytime includes Mandarin-language storytime followed by craft activities.
Miguel Hincheung Tsang is a Medill reporting intern.
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