TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Marking a season of fresh beginnings, Chinese New Year celebrations in NYC fill the streets with vibrant color, traditional sound, and festive energy. Centered around Chinatown’s iconic parade, the festivities extend to museums, public spaces, and diverse neighborhoods, spanning boroughs and communities alike.
Drawing insights from Time Out, DocumentedNY, and other sources, here is the handy guide to welcoming the Year of the Horse.
Free Chinese New Year Celebrations to Attend in NYC
1. Lunar New Year Parade – March 1, 2026
Returning for its 28th year, the Lunar New Year Parade in NYC takes place on Sunday, March 1, 2026. For those planning to catch the festivities, the parade winds through Chinatown from Mott and Canal Streets, passing Chatham Square and East Broadway before concluding near Sara D. Roosevelt Park. Kicking off at 1 p.m., the event features lively lion dances, cultural performances, colorful dance troupes, and culinary excellence throughout the route.
2. The Met Lunar New Year Festival – February 7, 2026
As part of New York City’s Chinese New Year celebrations, The Metropolitan Museum of Art will host a full-day Lunar New Year Festival on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from noon to 5 p.m. For this spectacular tradition, the Met reinvents cultural festivity through lion and dragon dances, live performances, family art-making, gallery talks, and community programs spread across the museum. While designed for all ages, visitors are encouraged to arrive early and, if possible, attend without strollers.
3. Year of the Horse Lunar New Year Firecracker Ceremony and Cultural Festival – February 17, 2026
The Lunar New Year falls on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, with the Firecracker Ceremony in Sara D. Roosevelt Park marking the official start of the season in NYC. Stepping into the new year on the right foot, the event promises a range of thunderous fireworks, colorful costumes, and symbolic performances meant to drive away bad luck. From lion and dragon dances to martial arts demonstrations, this free daytime event brings generations together.
4. Lincoln Center Lunar New Year Celebration – February 22, 2026
Free Chinese New Year celebrations in NYC continue on Sunday, February 22, 2026, with an all-day festival at Lincoln Center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This first-come, first-served event features lion dances by the Tai Look Lion Dance Company, traditional Korean music, and family-friendly storytime. Visitors can also take part in hands-on arts and crafts presented in collaboration with the Shanghai Museum and enjoy festive food throughout the day.
5. Super Saturday Lion-dancing Celebration – February 28, 2026
Super Saturday is a unique tradition in New York City’s Chinatown, dating back to the 1960s. Typically held on the second Saturday of the holiday, the event marks the festive closing of Chinese New Year celebrations as more than 20 lion and dragon dance troupes parade through the neighborhood. With thunderous drums, clashing cymbals, and vibrant costumes, the dancers stop to bless local businesses with wishes of luck and prosperity.
6. City Point Lunar New Year 2026 Celebration – February 21, 2026
Downtown Brooklyn joins the Lunar New Year festivities at Albee Square and City Point BKLYN with a lively Year of the Horse celebration. Traditional lion dances by Choy Lay Fut bring wishes of good fortune to the plaza, while DJ Boogie sets the soundtrack with upbeat music throughout the event.
Best Chinese Restaurants in Chinatown NYC
1. Lei
Tucked along Doyers Street, this intimate wine bar puts the spotlight on an expansive, thoughtfully curated wine list, complemented by a menu of standout small plates. Polished yet unfussy, it is a refreshing alternative to Chinatown’s BYOB scene, where expert guidance makes the wine just as memorable as the food.
2. Maxi’s Noodle 3
Known for oversized wontons and Hong Kong–style noodle bowls, the kitchen simmers rich broths for hours before finishing each bowl with generously portioned dumplings, fish balls, or tender beef stew. Fast, affordable, and unapologetically bustling, it is a must-stop for anyone eating their way through Chinatown amidst the Chinese New Year celebrations.
3. Kopitiam
Consistently earning five-star reviews from visitors, this walk-in-only Malaysian café is a Chinatown favorite for its lively atmosphere and deeply satisfying comfort food. Diners rave about dishes like nasi lemak with coconut rice and sambal, anchovy-topped hand-pulled noodles, and the crowd-pleasing “I Don’t Know” set menus that take the guesswork out of ordering. With an all-day breakfast menu and generous value, it is the kind of spot guests return to.
4. Famous Sichuan
Among must-visit dumpling eateries in Chinatown NYC, this late-night Sichuan favorite on Pell Street draws devoted fans well past midnight. While best known for its silky, tongue-tingling mapo tofu and fiery hot pot, visitors also flock here for bold, satisfying plates that pair perfectly with handmade dumplings after a long night out.
5. Uncle Lou
This newer Cantonese restaurant in Chinatown is designed for family-style dining with lazy Susan tables made for sharing and lingering. Favorites like HK-style char siu lo mein and half chenpi duck balance comforting flavors with a slightly modern touch. Relaxed and welcoming, it is an easy choice for groups looking to settle in over classic Cantonese dishes.
From Chinatown streets to cultural institutions citywide, Chinese New Year celebrations highlight how New Yorkers mark the season. Before you go, be sure to check out our guide about dos and don’ts in New York City to make the most of your time and celebrate respectfully.
Read: Sa Cap Meh, the Last Night Before Chinese New Year
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