Lunar New Year (aka Chinese New Year) begins on January 22, 2023 and is one of the biggest celebrations of the year in many Asian cultures. Commencing on the second new moon after the winter solstice, the Lunar New Year holiday continues until the arrival of the new moon. Each year is traditionally represented by one of 12 zodiac animals that are assigned in a sequence. This year’s designated animal is the rabbit, which is symbolizes luck, as well as longevity, peace, and prosperity. In Asian cultures, this festive holiday is celebrated with fireworks, parades, dragon and lion dance performances, lanterns, and traditional foods, such as Chinese dumplings and noodles.

Take part in the festivities at one of these Lunar New Year events around the Main Line and in Philadelphia.

Year of the Rabbit with Main Line Chinese Cultural Center

January 18, 2023, 5 pm – 6 pm
Penn Wynne Library, 130 Overbrook Parkway, Wynnewood

Join the Main Line Chinese Cultural Center at Penn Wynne Library to learn about Chinese New Year. This event is generally geared for children in grades 2–4 and registration is required.

Year of the Rabbit Lantern Craft

January 19, 2023, 4:30 pm – 5:30 pm
Gladwyne Library, 362 Righters Mill Road, Gladwyne

Children ages 3–6 can celebrate the Year of the Rabbit and make a cute lantern to light up this Lunar New Year. Please note that registration is required. 

Lunar New Year Craft

January 21, 2023, 10 am – 4pm
Ludington Library, 5 S. Bryn Mawr Avenue, Bryn Mawr

Come to the Junior Room at Ludington Library anytime between 10 am and 4 pm, and create a fun, Lunar New Year craft on your own. All ages welcome.

CultureFest! Lunar New Year

January 21, 2023, 10 am – 4 pm
Penn Museum, 3260 South Street, Philadelphia

The Penn Museum is presenting its annual Lunar New Year celebration, in partnership with the American Chinese Museum. Visitors can celebrate the Year of the Rabbit by enjoying the traditional Lion Dance, performed by Penn Lions, the University of Pennsylvania’s premier Chinese Lion Dance troupe, as well as other traditional and contemporary music and dance performances. This celebration is perfect for all ages, with storytelling and make-and-take activities throughout the day. See the Penn Museum webpage for the day’s schedule of events. CultureFest! activities are included with museum admission.

Main Line Art Center Lunar New Year Celebration

January 21, 2023, 11 am – 1 pm
Main Line Art Center, 746 Panmure Road, Haverford

Join Main Line Arts Center for this free celebration of the Lunar New Year and usher in the Year of the Rabbit! Enjoy hands-on art activities for all ages and an iconic Lion Dance performed by the Philadelphia Suns. This event is free, but registration is required.

A Children’s Lunar New Year Book Launch With Author & Illustrator

January 21, 2023 at 1 pm
Children’s Book World, 17 Haverford Station Road, Haverford

Celebrate the Lunar New Year and the launch of “Grumpy New Year,” with author Katrina Moore and illustrator, Xindi Yan at Children’s Book World in Haverford. Attendees can meet the author and illustrator as they share their new children’s picture book. This book is ideal for elementary school-age students and also fun to share with grandparents, as main character Daisy travels to China to spend the Lunar New Year with her grandfather Yeh-Yeh. During the event, illustrator Xindi Yan will lead children in a drawing lesson and author Katrina Moore will read from the book, which is inspired by her Chinese-American heritage. The event is free and the book will be available for signing and purchase.

Lunar New Year at Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink in Dilworth Park

January 21, 2023, 5 pm – 7 pm
Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin & Ice Rink, Dilworth Park
1 S. 15th Street (West Side of City Hall), Philadelphia

On January 21, Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink visitors are invited to celebrate Lunar New Year with a prancing lion, traditional Chinese dancers, and a delicious menu in the Rothman Orthopaedics Cabin. Additionally, the first 100 guests will receive a lucky red envelope containing secret prizes and ice skating sessions will be available throughout the evening.

Philadelphia Suns Chinese New Year Parades in Chinatown

January 21, at 10 pm and January 22, at 11 am
10th and Spring Street, Philadelphia

Make your way to Chinatown and catch the Philadelphia Suns as they celebrate the holiday with Midnight Eve and Lunar New Year Day parades. Especially renowned for their Lion Dance performances, the Philadelphia Suns will parade throughout Chinatown, dancing and lighting firecrackers to bring good fortune to the local businesses in the community. What’s more, there will be drumming and music that add to the atmosphere of a traditional Chinese New Year celebration.

Lunar New Year Celebration at Please Touch Museum

January 28, 2023, 9 am – 4:30 pm
Please Touch Museum, 4231 Avenue of the Republic, Philadelphia

Celebrate Lunar New Year together with the Philadelphia Suns at Please Touch Museum for two performances exploring the traditional lion dance with costumes, movements, and music. What’s more, the performances are included with museum admission.

Lead photograph courtesy of the Philadelphia Suns.