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The Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year, will begin on January 29, 2025, this year and will be celebrated for the next 15 days. This is the Year of the Wood Snake, the sixth sign in the Chinese zodiac.
Chicago is a great place to celebrate Lunar New Year. Chicago’s Chinatown is the second largest Chinatown in America with an estimated 70,000 Chinese American residents.
Argyle Lunar New Year Parade
The Argyle Lunar New Year celebration kicks off on February 8, 2025, from 10 am to 4 pm. The Argyle Lunar New Year Parade begins at 1 pm at the corner of Argyle and Winthrop. The parade will feature local community groups, cultural groups, dancers, performers, floats, bands and much more. There will be an outdoor stage at Argyle and Winthrop. After the parade there will be performances by CMAA dancers with lion and lotus dances and the Hoang Phoc Lion Dance Association.
Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade
Chinese Chinatown Community Foundation presents the Lunar New Year Chinatown Parade on Sunday, February 8, 2025, at 1 pm. The parade will begin at the intersection of 24th Street and Wentworth and go north on Wentworth toward the viewing stand at Cermak and Wentworth. It will feature traditional Dragon and Lion Dancing, colorful floats, marching bands, marching community groups and more.
DePaul University Lunar New Year Celebration
DePaul University will have its 17th annual Lunar New Year celebration to ring in the New Year of the Snake. This is happening on January 29. 2025, from 6 pm to 8 pm. It will be held at the Campus Student Center. The dress code is festive red clothing. You can find some great Lunar New Year shirts by clicking here.
Enjoy authentic Lunar New Year buffet dinner and exciting cultural performances. All DePaul students, alumni, faculty, staff, as well as family and friends are welcome to attend. It is free.
Hawthorne Mall Lunar New Year Celebration
Hawthorne Mall is having a Lunar New Year Celebration on Saturday, February 10, 2024, from 12 pm to 2 pm.
Kids can enjoy crafts, face painting, balloon twisting and tying red ribbons on a Wish Tree. There will be a Red Envelope Raffle with a few lucky winners. There will also be dragon and lion dances, martial arts tribute to Bruce Lee who was born in the Year of the Dragon and Asian food sampling from restaurants.
Hing Kee Restaurant Chinese New Year Celebration
Hing Kee Restaurant will be celebrating Chinese New Year family style on January 25, 2025, from 5 pm to 5:30 pm. This will also be happening on January 26, February 1 and February 2, 2025. Enjoy story telling, Lion Dancing, dumpling making and a sumptuous dinner.
Chicago Bulls Lunar New Year Game
On Tuesday, February 4, 2025, the Chicago Bulls will be playing the Miami Heat. That’s the night they’ll host their annual Chinese New Year Game with special entertainment throughout the game.
Book your ticket here to get the best available price.
Hotel Deals
If you’d like to visit Chicago during the Lunar New Year celebrations, you can save money by booking one of these hotels.
Having Fun in Chicago
Planning on doing more during your time in Chicago? Find out how to save money during your Chicago visit here.