Monkey Around At These Lunar New Year Celebrations

The Year of the Monkey begins February 8, according to the Chinese lunar calendar. The Lunar New Year is one of the biggest celebrations in China, with holiday events often lasting the entire week—and for the first time ever this year, NYC public school students will have a day off from school in celebration (Monday, February 8). We are going bananas for these traditional celebrations right here in NYC!

LNY_Fan_Dance — The Museum of Chinese in America

Saturday, February 6-Wednesday, February 10

New York City Lunar New Year 2016 Year Of the Monkey Celebration
Various times
This five-day Lunar New Year bash encompasses events at locations across the city, headlined by the “Fantastic Art China” exhibit at the Javits Center North. On February 8, there will be a special celebration for NYC students at Javits Center North, featuring an opening ceremony, live acts, and mass dance lessons. Additional events include a fireworks spectacular on February 6, an Empire State Building Light Show on February 6 and 8, lion and monkey dances at Lincoln Center’s Josie Robertson Plaza on February 9, and the New York Philharmonic’s 5th Annual Chinese New Year Concert and Gala at David Geffen Hall on February 9. Various locations, nyclunarnewyear.org

Monday, February 8

17th New Year Firecracker Ceremony and Cultural Festival in Chinatown
11am
Pop in to this traditional Lunar New Year ceremony! Stop by Sara D. Roosevelt Park to meander through this intriguing street festival and watch rockets launch and firecrackers sparkle. Free, Sara D. Roosevelt Park by Grand Street between Chrystie and Forsyth Streets, betterchinatown.com

A Taste of the Chinese New Year at the China Institute
12-5pm
Drop into The China Institute where families can learn about the Chinese New Year, and kids can take a complimentary Mandarin class. Free, 100 Washington Street, chinainstitute.org

Wednesday, February 10

Manhattan Symphonie Jiaxin Tian, Piano: Tong Ren Tang Chinese New Year Spectacular II
8pm
After returning from a 3 week Chinese tour, led by Maestro Gregory Singer, The Manhattan Symphonie is ready to ring in the Chinese New Year with guest Jiaxin Tian! Tickets from $14 – $100; student and senior discounts available at box office; 57th and 7th Ave, carnegiehall.org

Saturday, February 13

The Chinese New Year Family Festival at the China Institute
11 am-3 pm
Looking for a great family-friendly way to celebrate the Year of the Monkey? Look no further! At this festival, kids will experience Chinese New Year traditions. With a ticket purchase (adult $15, kids $5), children may participate in workshops including dumpling making and lantern making. Children also may take part in an interactive telling of the Legend of The Monkey King. Free admission; workshops $15 for adults, $5 for children; 100 Washington Street, chinainstitute.org

Sunday, February 14

Lunar New Year Dance Sampler at Flushing Town Hall
12pm
Celebrate the Chinese New Year with Asian dance performances. This year’s performances will include traditional dances originating from India, Korea, Taiwan, and China. Free; tickets will be distributed in the box office starting 2 hours prior to the event; 137-35 Northern Boulevard, Flushing, Queens, flushingtownhall.org

17th Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade and Festival
1pm
Stake out in Chinatown to catch a glimpse of this New Year parade! The parade route starts on Mott & Canal to Chatham Square to East Broadway towards the Manhattan Bridge, and concludes on Eldridge and Forsyth Streets next to Sara D. Roosevelt Park. Free, betterchinatown.com

Saturday, February 20

Chinese New Year Temple Bazaar at Flushing Town Hall
Saturday, February 20th
11 am-1pm and 2-4 pm
Head over to Flushing Town Hall to celebrate their 2nd annual New Year Temple Bazaar. Modeled after traditional Chinese Lunar New Year bazaars, this temple fair is fun for the whole family! Enjoy martial arts demonstrations, performances, crafts, and food. $5 adults, $3 per child, free for members; 137-35 Northern Boulevard, Flushing, Queens, flushingtownhall.org

Lunar New Year Family Festival at MOCA
11am – 4pm
Bring the entire family to The Museum of Chinese in America for crafts, performances, demonstrations, and stories! $10/person; $8 for all MOCA Dual and Individual Level Members; Free for MOCA Family Level Members and above, children under 2, and Cool Culture families; 215 Centre Street, mocanyc.org

Lunar New Year Celebration: Year of the Monkey at the Bronx Museum
2-4 pm
The Chinese Cultural Center is hosting an afternoon of Chinese folk dance and music at the Bronx Museum. Children may participate in a paper-cutting and calligraphy class at 2pm before the performances begin at 3om. Free, suggested donation; 1040 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY; bronxmuseum.org

Play On! Studios

Play On! Studios offers theater day camps and after-school classes on the UWS that are guaranteed to give kids a summer full of acting, music, and fun they won't soon forget! Young actors will rehearse and perform in a full production, work with professional NYC actors/teaching artists, build up their skills in a nurturing, non-competitive environment and play lots of drama games! Creative Drama Camps are perfect for kids entering grades K-4. Campers will work each week to put on a brand-new show! Each session, they will receive a script, rehearse a production, make a set and costumes, and perform their play. Kids will also play drama games, play outside (weather permitting), and have tons of fun! Musical Theater Camps are aimed at kids entering grades 4-9. In Musical Theater Performance Camp, campers put on a complete musical production in a professional NYC theater! Campers will stretch their skills with drama exercises and games, vocal coaching, field trips, and building a professional set. Our incredible teaching artists and campers come together to put on a truly remarkable show! During the school year, classes are great for beginners or more experienced actors - sing, dance, and put on a play! Whether your child is just starting out, or ready for Broadway, we&rsquo;ve got the class for them. Classes are available for grades PreK-8, after school or on Saturdays! Come play with us. &nbsp;

Dance Workshop - NY

Nestled in the heart of the UES, Dance Workshop is a community-focused studio committed to dance education in a loving and safe environment. Dance Workshop offers Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Hip-Hop, Musical Theatre and Acro for ages 2+. They also offer a Pre-Professional Company track for dancers interested in taking their technique to the next level. Trial classes may be scheduled with the studio at the start of the season. Dance with Dance Workshop! MaryAnn Grasso founded Dance Workshop in 1979. Her daughter Nanci later joined her at the helm and in 2016 established Dance Workshop on the Upper East Side of NYC. MaryAnn and Nanci have devoted their lives to dance education, community and the development of children; raising dancers and sound human beings alike. Dance Workshop has seen thousands of dancers pass through the doors. They believe dance has the power to elevate and change lives!

The Wild Center

The Wild Center, nestled within the breathtaking landscape of New York's Adirondack Park, offers an unforgettable journey into the heart of nature. As visitors approach the Center, they are greeted by the Adirondack Mountains towering in the distance, setting the stage for an immersive adventure. Upon entering the 34,000-square-foot exhibit hall, guests are enveloped in a world of wonder and discovery. Interactive exhibits like Planet Adirondack and Climate Solutions invite exploration, allowing visitors to delve into the rich biodiversity of the Adirondack region. The indoor experience also includes an opportunity to soar on Birdly--a one-of-a-kind VR experience. Also, get up close with an animal ambassador during one of many live animal encounters throughout the day. In addition to its indoor exhibits and programs, the Wild Center also boasts 115-acres of extensive outdoor amenities. One of the highlights in the award-winning Wild Walk. Visitors walk up a trail of bridges to the treetops of the Adirondack forest, 40 feet off the ground. Along the way, interactive exhibits provide insights into the flora and fauna that call the Adirondacks home, from songbirds to black bears. The rest of the campus features more ways to explore. Check out Patrick Dougherty&rsquo;s Stickwork sculpture, an all natural installation of woven sticks that will spark your imagination and nostalgia. Immerse yourself in Forest Music, take a naturalist-lead canoe trip, or get your roll on with Raquette River Roll, a brand-new, oversized, all-natural ball run experience opening in June 2024.