Watch CBS News

Best Ways To Celebrate Lunar New Year In Chicago

Chinese New Year 2014 will fall on Friday, January 31 and it will be the year of the horse. Celebrating the Lunar New Year in Chicago is a cultural experience that offers fun for the whole family. Many activities are offered throughout the city and finding ways to celebrate the Lunar New Year in Chicago is easy with all of the cultural opportunities available. Many of the events and activities are outdoors, so it is important to dress warmly as it will likely be very cold in Chicago during these celebrations.

Annual Chinese New Year Parade in Washington
(Photo by Alex Wong/Newsmakers)

Argyle Street Chinese New Year Parade
1121 W. Argyle St.
Chicago, IL 60640
www.cityofchicago.org

Date: Feb. 1, 2014 starting at 1 p.m.

Watching a parade is a great way to celebrate the Lunar New Year in Chicago for people of all ages. This annual parade includes dragon and lion dances, extravagant floats, martial arts teams and marching bands. The event is free to attend.

New York's Chinatown Holds 10th Annual Chinese New Year Parade
(Photo by Julian Ungano/Getty Images)

Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade
W. 24th St. and S. Wentworth Ave.
Chicago, IL 60616
www.cityofchicago.org

Date: Feb. 2, 2014 starting at 1 p.m.

Marching bands, festive floats, cultural dances and a mystical dragon will be featured in the Chinatown parade. This is a free event. Since this event is held in Chinatown, it may be a good opportunity to try one of the many authentic and delicious restaurants that are in the area.

Chinese New Year Lantern Celebration
Crystal Gardens at Navy Pier
700 E. Grand Ave.
Chicago, IL 60611
(312) 369-3197
www.chinesefinearts.org

Date: Feb. 16, 2014 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

This is an all-ages event for the entire family to enjoy colorful performances and shop items by local Chinese artisans. Not only is it a great opportunity to bring home a memento of the special celebration, but it is also an opportunity to support local Chinese artists.

Related2012 Best Chinese Food In Chicago

Chinese New Year Kickoff Celebration
Daley Center
50 W. Washington St.
Chicago, IL 60602
(312) 369-3197
www.chinesefinearts.org

Date: Jan. 31, 2014 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

Be sure to check out a lunchtime performance offered through Chinese Fine Arts Society at Daley Plaza. This is a free event and customary Chinese music and dance performances will be presented. Since this celebration is during lunchtime, it may be a good chance for people who work in the City of Chicago to see this festive celebration who otherwise may not be able to attend many celebrations due to their work schedules.

Chinese-American Museum of Chicago
238 W. 23rd St.
Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 949-1000
www.ccamuseum.org

This museum is located in Chicago's Chinatown neighborhood and paying a visit to the museum will be a learning experience for the whole family as the museum features artifacts from China that include statues and tapestries. A visit to the museum is an excellent educational trip that would coordinate well with any of the Lunar New Year celebrations.

Related: Best Buffets In Chicago

Michelle Guilbeau is an elementary teacher living in Chicago, Illinois. She has also experience in school administration and literacy coaching. Michelle enjoys sharing her knowledge of education and parenting issues with her readers. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.