Leap Into Lunar New Year 2023: The Year of the Rabbit
Here comes the lucky Year of the Rabbit! Find out where to celebrate the Lunar New Year around the Main Line.


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.
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