Best Lunar New Year's Celebrations Are In Flushing

There’s some confusion as to whether it’s the Year of the Goat, Sheep or Ram, but it’s perfectly clear that Flushing is “The Place” to celebrate Lunar New Year this weekend. The neighborhood will be radiant in the colors red and gold, and red-clothed individuals will be in the street, handing out money wrapped in red envelopes and oranges. The 19th annual parade will kick off in the vicinity of Union Street and 37th Avenue on February 21st at 11 am with an estimated 5,000 spectators, lanterns, fireworks, dancing lions, and large dragons. It will end near Main Street and 39th Avenue about an hour later. However, this is the prize at the end of the stretch; two unique, inspiring Lunar New Year events are set for this weekend.

On February 14th, Flushing Town Hall will host a celebratory bazaar as a quasi replica of traditional Lunar New Year fairs that take place in temples throughout China. The fun will begin with a typical lion dance at about 11 am, and it will include music, dance, magic, martial arts, and crafts workshops where attendees can make Chinese art to bring home.

The next day, Queens Museum gets into the action with — what else? — a lion dance, plus costumed folk dances and traditional arts & crafts. This event will feature a program and a demonstration with professional artists and students from the New York Chinese Cultural Center‘s School of the Arts.

Saturday details: Lunar New Year Bazaar, Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Boulevard, Flushing, February 14th, 11 am to 3:30 pm, free.

Sunday details: Lunar New Year Bash with the New York Chinese Cultural Center, Queens Museum, NYC Building, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, February 15th, 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm, free with suggested donation. 

Photos: Queens Museum