CelebrASIA NYC is a collaboration among leading cultural institutions in New York City designed to introduce children to Asian festivals and themes. Children are invited to ring in many Asian New Years from January to March by participating in hands‐on workshops and programs.
Japan Society
New Year’s Celebration: Oshogatsu
Sunday, January 26, 1–4 PMCelebrate the New Year Japanese-style with our Oshogatsu event filled with the traditional activities of rice pounding, calligraphy, lion dancing and more! After trying your hand at different crafts and activities, watch a taiko drumming performance at 1:30 or 2:30 pm, then join a taiko mini workshop. With activities for the whole family, you are sure to ring in the New Year with great joy!
$18/$10 INDIVIDUAL & CORPORATE MEMBERS; AGES 2 & UNDER FREE. FREE FOR COOL CULTURE MEMBERS. PRICE INCLUDES FESTIVAL AND ONE TAIKO DRUMMING SESSION.
Flushing Town Hall
Lunar New Year Tradition: Puppet Making & Dragon Walk
Saturday, January 18, 2 PMPuppetry in Practice (PiP) artist and acclaimed author/ illustrator Angelo DeCesare will celebrate The Year of the Rat, using live drawing as he adapts "The Cat and the Rat" from the famous legend of the Chinese zodiac story. Make your own "tricky rat" puppets. Then go on a Dragon Walk with exciting PiP puppeteer and storyteller Luciano Cohen. Bring your rat puppets back to our parade. (See February 1st for details).
$10/$5 MEMBERS, STUDENTS & CHILDREN; FREE FOR TEENS.
Lunar New Year Chinese Temple Bazaar
Saturday, February 1, 11 AM‐1 PM & 2 PM‐ 4 PMFor centuries, people in China have celebrated the Lunar New Year in temple fairs. Bring your family to enjoy live performances, hands-on activities, and food to celebrate the Year of the Mouse! The Temple Bazaar is offered in two sessions. Your ticket admits you to the timed session of your choice. Get your tickets before it's too late! Join the dragon parade at Flushing Library at 10 AM.
$5/$3 MEMBERS; FREE FOR TEENS.
Tiger & Magpie: Good Luck Painting from Korea
Sunday, February 9, 2 PMTiger and magpie painting has been a prominent motif in Korean Folk Art (Minhwa). It's known to keep away evil influences and bring good news. It's a tradition to hang the painting on your front door at the beginning of the year. Taught by contemporary Minhwa artist Stephanie Lee, participants will paint 19th century Korean tigers and magpies to take home for New Year's luck! Adults accompanying children must also pay for a ticket.
$10/$5 MEMBERS & CHILDREN; FREE FOR TEENS.
China Institute
Chinese New Year Family Festival
Sunday, February 2, 12 PM–4 PMKick off the Year of the Rat with China Institute's signature Lunar New Year Celebration for families. The festival opens with a lion dance followed by New Year-themed workshops and activities including dumpling making, lantern-making, interactive storytelling, paper cutting, New Year treats, crafts, and a special Year of the Rat puppet show by Chinese Theatre Works.
GENERAL ADMISSION: FREE
TICKETED WORKSHOPS: MEMBERS: ADULT $15; NON-MEMBERS: ADULT $20; ALL CHILDREN $5
Museum of Chinese in America
Lunar New Year Family Festival
Saturday, February 1, 10 AM–1 PM (morning session) & 2 PM–5 PMWelcome the Year of the Rat at MOCA's Lunar New Year Family Festival! Enjoy zodiac arts & crafts, lively dance performances, festive snacks, and timeless tales inspired by Chinese and Chinese American New Year's traditions. Buy your tickets for the Morning Session (10am‐1pm) or the Afternoon Session (2‐5pm) ‐ both sessions will have the same awesome lineup of special guests and fun activities.
$12/PERSON; $8 FOR ALL MOCA INDIVIDUAL LEVEL MEMBERS; FREE FOR MOCA FAMILY LEVEL MEMBERS AND ABOVE, CHILDREN UNDER 2, AND COOL CULTURE FAMILIES.
MOCACREATE: Lunar New Year Museum Makeover
Saturday, January 18, 2 PM–5 PMPut a spin on a MOCA tradition! Help welcome the New Year by making handmade decorations to liven up the Museum. Transform our space with colorful creations, which will be on display through our annual Lunar New Year Family Festival!
FREE WITH MUSEUM ADMISSION; FREE FOR MOCA MEMBERS, COOL CULTURE FAMILIES, AND NYC CULTURE PASS HOLDERS; PAY-AS-YOU-WISH FOR CHINATOWN AND TWO BRIDGES RESIDENTS.
Lunar New Year MOCAKIDS Author Meet & Greet: Michele Wong McSween
Saturday, January 18, 3–4 PMJoin author Michele Wong McSween for a meet & greet at MOCA! Michele will teach English and Mandarin words from her new bilingual book, Gordon & Li Li Celebrate Chinese New Year, where Gordon & Li Li learn about New Year's preparations, good luck foods, and special greetings for a happy and prosperous New Year! A special Year of the Rat bookmark craft and book signing will follow the reading! Best for children ages 3-5. Older and younger siblings welcome!
FREE WITH MUSEUM ADMISSION; FREE FOR MOCA MEMBERS, COOL CULTURE FAMILIES, AND NYC CULTURE PASS HOLDERS; PAY-AS-YOU-WISH FOR CHINATOWN AND TWO BRIDGES RESIDENTS.
Rubin Museum of Art
Losar Family Day
Sunday, February 16, 12–4 PMKick off the year of the Metal Mouse with your family and friends! Celebrate Losar, the Himalayan New Year, with an afternoon of art. Learn about traditional Losar celebrations and this year’s zodiac animal, the creative and adaptable Metal Mouse. Then explore the galleries, get lost in a maze of auspicious symbols, make your own Metal Mouse, construct torma butter sculptures, and let your creativity go wild!
FREE FOR CHILDREN AND ACCOMPANYING ADULTS.