While those of us using the Gregorian calendar are about to complete the first month of the new year, Jan. 29 will mark a fresh start for cultures around the world that celebrate the Lunar New Year.
Traditions vary across cultures, but the celebrations begin with the first new moon on the lunar calendar. This Lunar New Year will be represented by the snake, one of 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac, and the element wood.
As we slither into the new year, here’s how you can celebrate the Year of the Wood Snake in Philly.
Jan. 28
No celebration is complete without a parade. Kick the party off with Chinatown’s Lunar New Year Midnight Parade at 10th and Spring Streets. Expect dancing, drumming, and fireworks. Not able to make it out that late? There will be a daytime parade on Feb. 2 at 11 a.m.
Jan. 31
Journey To The West’s Year of the Snake celebration is about getting lit for a good cause. Wear your best to Blind Barber for a night filled with DJs, a photobooth, drag performances, and cocktails. The 21+ event will be from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
A portion of the proceeds from the event will go to the Asian Mosaic Fund, which supports programming for the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.
Feb. 1
If you’re already stopping at Reading Terminal Market for a bite to eat, don’t miss a lion dance performance from the Philadelphia Suns at 11 a.m.
Friends of the Rail Park will have a free event along the elevated former rail viaduct. Attendees can expect live dance and music performances, a flower market, and – if you’re feeling hungry – a bao bar from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Franklin Square will be transformed with festivities to celebrate the new year. Catch a live performance from the Philadelphia Suns or learn how to make dumplings with Michael Chow from the now-reopened Sang Kee Peking Duck. Need something for the kids? Asian Arts Initiative will lead a craft workshop. The free event will be in the park from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Hit the ice or warm yourself with some wonton at Rothman Orthopaedics Ice Rink in Dilworth Park. Presented by Temple University, participants can enjoy a calligraphy lesson, a red envelope giveaway, and a live opera performance from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Join the festivities at Fortune’s "serpentine dream” Lunar New Year Party at the Icebox Project Space. The event’s lineup includes a drag performance, karaoke, local vendors, and workshops on the astrological meanings behind the new year. The party will be from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Tickets range from $20-50.
Feb. 7
Celebrate Philly’s AAPI artist community with the Year of the Snake Art Exhibit. Journey To The West and Vizion Gallery are collaborating on a night filled with tunes, local vendors, and artwork. The gallery will be open between 4-8 p.m., giving folks time to come and go.
Feb. 8
Spend the afternoon with live music and dance at the Free Library! The Parkway Central Branch will ring in the Lunar New Year for families for free at 12:15 p.m.
Feb. 13
Ginger Arts Center, a youth arts and cultural center, will host a joint Lunar New Year celebration/fundraiser for the center from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Attendees will have the chance to win raffle prizes from local businesses or have a meal from nearby restaurants.
