Lunar New Year Parade NYC 2025: The Do’s and Don’ts
The NYC Lunar New Year Parade is one of the most exciting times of the year in Chinatown. Taking place once a year, the parade is one of the most vibrant and culturally rich celebrations in New York City. Held in Chinatown, the parade is a visual feast of colorful costumes, dragon dances, and festive music. To make the most of Chinese New Year in NYC, here are three do’s and three dont’s to keep in mind.
when is the nyc lunar new year parade in 2025?
The 2025 NYC Lunar New Year Parade starts at 1pm on Sunday, February 16th. The parade will start on Mulberry Street and Canal Street in Little Italy and will run through Chinatown, ending on Broome Street near Sara D. Roosevelt Park. This year, the Zodiac is The Year of the Snake.
Do: Arrive Early for the Best Spot
If you want to truly enjoy the Lunar New Year Parade NYC, arriving early is essential. The parade draws massive crowds, and the best viewing spots along the route fill up quickly. Stake out your spot an hour or two before the parade starts to ensure a clear view of the floats and performances. Don’t forget to dress warmly, as January in NYC can be chilly, and bring snacks to keep you energized while you wait.
Do: Try Traditional Chinese New Year Foods
No Chinese New Year NYC celebration is complete without sampling traditional foods. Chinatown is filled with amazing restaurants and street vendors offering dumplings, longevity noodles, and sticky rice cakes—each with symbolic meanings for good fortune and health. Stop by local favorites like Dim Sum Go Go or Golden Unicorn to enjoy these delicious dishes before or after the Lunar New Year Parade NYC.
Do: Bring a Red Envelope (Hongbao) to the lunar new year parade in nyc 2025
Bringing or gifting a red envelope is a meaningful way to participate in the Lunar New Year Parade NYC celebrations. Filled with money, red envelopes symbolize good luck and prosperity for the year ahead. While it’s not mandatory, sharing this tradition with family, friends, or community members shows your respect for the holiday and its customs.
Dont’s: Ignore Cultural Etiquette
Respect is key when celebrating Chinese New Year NYC. Avoid stepping on decorations or touching the dragon and lion costumes without permission, as these are considered sacred in Chinese culture. Remember to be mindful of personal space, especially during crowded events like the Lunar New Year Parade NYC, and always approach the festivities with curiosity and respect.
Dont’s: Wear Black or White
While red is a symbol of good luck and prosperity, black and white are traditionally associated with mourning in Chinese culture. To honor the customs of Chinese New Year NYC, wear bright colors like red, gold, or yellow to bring positive energy to the celebrations. Plus, your vibrant outfit will fit right in with the parade’s festive atmosphere.
Dont’s: Miss Out on Other Chinatown Festivities
The Lunar New Year Parade NYC is the main event, but Chinatown offers plenty of other activities to explore. Don’t skip the chance to visit cultural exhibitions, live performances, or festive shops in the neighborhood. From paper lantern displays to traditional music, the area is buzzing with energy and traditions that make Chinese New Year NYC unforgettable.
Want to explore the best of Chinatown and discover more about Chinese New Year NYC? Take our Chinatown Tour for a deep dive into the food, history, and culture of this vibrant neighborhood! And if you have any questions about the parade, Chinatown, or anything else, drop us a note below.
