The Year of the Rat begins on January 25, but the Lunar New Year celebrations begin as early as this weekend and go into February! From parades to all-day festivals, there is so much to do around town to bring in the New Year. Gong xi fa cai!

Penn Museum

January 18, 10 am— 5 pm
3260 South St.

 

Celebrate the upcoming Year of the Rat with a full schedule of family-friendly activities. The museum’s celebration includes traditional Chinese music and dance, storytelling, calligraphy workshop, crafts, martial arts demonstrations, and more. Don’t miss the Lion Dance Parade at 4 pm!

Chinese New Year Celebration at Reading Terminal Market

January 18, 10 am–1 pm

51 N. 12th St.

 

Celebrate the Year of the Rat with cooking demos, dance performances, calligraphy, crafts, and of course the lion dance by Philadelphia Suns.

Celebrate Chinese New Year at Northeast Regional Library

January 18, 2 pm

2228 Cottman Ave.

 

Celebrate and learn about Chinese New Year with stories, music, and crafts with good luck candy. This is a program for school age children and families.

Chinese New Year at Fashion District Philadelphia

January 19, noon–5 pm

Ninth and Market streets

 

Lantern making, traditional lion dance, live music, red envelope retailer gift card giveaways, and more! Plus, all month long Asian-inspired lanterns, a giant hanging dragon, a lantern tunnel, and many vibrant photo ops can be found throughout the District! Stop by the interactive wishing well to write down your wish for the new year.

Independence Seaport Museum Lunar New Year

January 25, 1–3:05 pm
Independence Seaport Museum, 211 S. Columbus Blvd.

 

Celebrate the Lunar New Year and learn about New Year’s celebrations around the world. Crafts, performance, and calligraphy will also be featured. Tickets available online.

Chinese New Year Celebration at Lucien E. Blackwell Library

January 25, 4 pm

Lucien E. Blackwell West Philadelphia Regional Library, 125 S. 52nd St.

 

Chinese New Year slime, crafts, and snack sampling from a Tray of Togetherness. Families will take home a copy of a Chinese zodiac themed picture book. For children ages 11 and under and their families.

Chinese New Year at Dilworth Park

January 25, 5–9 pm

1 S. 15th St.

 

Lion Dance Parade in Chinatown

January 26, 11 am
10^th and Spring streets, Philadelphia

 

Chinatown’s New Year parade features the Philadelphia Suns’ Lion Dance with lots of drums, firecrackers, and colorful excitement. Note: this parade might be difficult for small kids or those with sensory issues because there is a lot of smoke and loud noise from the firecrackers. 

 

 

Lunar New Year at Please Touch Museum

January 26, 12:30–3 pm

Please Touch Museum, 4231 Avenue of the Republic

 

Celebrate Lunar New Year with storytime and performances by Penn Lions. Bring the family to experience this traditional celebration to ward off bad luck!

Chinese New Year Celebration and Performances

February 1, 10 am–3:30 pm

Parkway Central Library, 1901 Vine St.

 

Experience the famed Lion Dance, martial arts, folk music, Chinese opera, and the dances of different ethnic groups throughout China. Prior to the performances, a tea ceremony and flower arrangement show will highlight the beauty and harmony of cultural exchanges and collaborations.

Chinese New Year at Independence Library

February 5, 12:30 pm

18 S. Seventh St.

 

The Holy Redeemer School students will perform the traditional Lion Dance with drummers to chase away evil spirits and usher in a year of good luck. Jennifer Chang, Chief of Central Public Services Division, will regale the audience with captivating Chinese folkloric tales.

Lunar New Year at the Rail Park

February 8, noon–3 pm

1300 Noble St.

 

Take part in a Hong Kong Lunar New Year tradition by shopping at a Philly-style flower market! Plus, enjoy food trucks, coffee from Ca Phe Roasters, brews from Triple Bottom Brewery, and family activities. The Philadelphia Suns will perform a lion dance at 2 pm.

 

 

 
Photographs by Laura Swartz.