The Chinese New Year is quickly approaching, and there are lots of celebrations in Philly with the wonderful Chinatown neighborhood adding rich culture to our city. It is year of the Horse, a year that is said to be a great one to be born in. Check out these great holiday events and festivals.
Chinatown Flower Market
Place: 10th Street Plaza (10th and Vine Street)
Date: Saturday, January 25th & Sunday, January 26th, 2014
Time: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Description: This open air market will have gifts, candy, lanterns, and flowers available for sale to welcome in the New Year. Participating vendors include: China Art Company, Flower Expressions, On Lok House, the Philadelphia Suns, etc.
Midnight Lion Dance Performance
Place: 10th and Race Street
Date: Thursday, January 30, 2014
Time: 11:30 p.m.
Description: On Chinese New Year’s Eve, the Midnight Parade will be a good way to welcome in the Year of the Horse. Celebrate with firecrackers and watch the amazing lion dances featuring the Philadelphia Suns. This parade will begin at 10th and Race Streets and continue throughout Chinatown.
BANQUET #1 – Chinese Lunar New Year 4712
Place: Rising Tide Restaurant
Date: Friday, January 31st, 2014
Time: 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Description: An opportunity to experience Chinese New Year and immerse yourself in the traditions of food, family and culture. On this first day of the Lunar New Year, celebrate the Year 4712, the Year of the Horse, with a traditional 10-course banquet accompanied by cultural performances and an emcee to narrate the night.
The Philadelphia Suns Lion Dance Parade
Place: Starts at 10th and Spring Street
Date: Sunday, February 2, 2014
Time: 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Description: The festivities will continue throughout Chinatown with firecrackers, martial arts performances, the Philadelphia Suns’ lion dance, and so much more to welcome in the Chinese New Year.
Martial Arts Performance
Place: 10th and Arch Street
Date: Sunday, February 2, 2014
Time: TBA
Description: The festivities include a wonderful martial arts performance
BANQUET #2 – Chinese Lunar New Year 4712
Place: Sang Kee Peking Duck House
Date: Wednesday, February 5th, 2014
Time: 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Description: An opportunity to experience Chinese New Year and immerse yourself in the traditions of food, family and culture. On this third day of the Lunar New Year, celebrate the Year 4712, the Year of the Horse, with a traditional 10-course banquet accompanied by cultural performances and an emcee to narrate the night.
Additional Events Outside of Chinatown:
Penn Museum
Place: 3260 South Street, 19104
Event: World Culture Day: Chinese New Year Celebration
Date: Saturday, January 25, 2014
Time: 11am – 4pm
Boat People SOS – Delaware Valley
Place: South Philadelphia High School, 2101 S. Broad Street
Event: The Tet Festival 2014
Date: Sunday, February 9, 2014
Time: 11:00am – 7:00pm
Philadelphia Free Library – Independence Branch
Place: 18 S. 7th Street, 19106
Event: Chinese folk tales, dance, music & Lion Dance
Date: Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Time: 12:30 p.m.
