Chicago Chinese New Year 2024 Guide

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The Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year, will begin on February 10, 2024, this year and will be celebrated for the next 15 days. This is the Year of the Dragon, the fifth 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 Saturday, February 17, 2024, from 12 pm 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. Local Uptown businesses and organizations will have pop ups with family friendly activities on Argyle Street. The Bezazian Library on Ainslie Street will have the Year of the Dragon Storytime, Crafts & Songs from 10 am to 12:15 pm.

Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade

Chinese Chinatown Community Foundation presents the Lunar New Year Chinatown Parade on Friday, February 9, 2024, from 6 pm to 9 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 15th annual Lunar New Year celebration to ring in the New Year of the Rabbit. This is happening on January 22, 2023, from 3 pm to 5 pm. It will be held at the Campus Student Center. The dress code is business casual or festive red clothing. You can find some great Lunar New Year shirts by clicking here.

Enjoy authentic Lunar New Year food and exciting cultural performances. All DePaul students, alumni, faculty, staff, as well as family and friends are welcome to attend. It is free and open to the public.

Chinese American Museum Chinese New Year Celebration

The Chinese American Museum of Chicago will have its annual Chinese New Year Celebration on Saturday, Saturday, February 3, 2024, from 2 pm to 4 pm. They will welcome the Year of the Dragon with traditional cultural activities.

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 Saturday, February 17, 2024, 3 pm to 5:30 pm. Enjoy story telling, Lion Dancing, dumpling making and a sumptuous dinner.

Chicago Bulls Lunar New Year Game

On  Friday, February 22, 2024, the Chicago Bulls will be playing the Boston Celtics.  That’s the night they’ll host their annual Chinese New Year Game with special entertainment throughout the game.

You buy a ticket to the game here and save $24 on each ticket.

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

While you’re in Chicago, you can learn more about the city with:

Or see a great show at Teatro Zinzanni.